Former Antioch Mayor Don Freitas announced he will be running for Antioch City Council in District 3 this November.
Although its long been rumored Freitas would run, he confirmed it publicly in a social media post after the release of a Contra Costa County Grand Jury report on the state of Antioch – including council behaviors. – read the report.
Here is his statement:
Let me state that I am a candidate for the Antioch City Council, District 3 seat on November 5th, 2024. As a life long resident of Antioch I have had the privilege of of representing our community in a number of elected and appointed positions such as Mayor from 2000 to 2008.
The direction of our City by the current Mayor Lamar Thorpe and some members of the present Council for the last several years has been an unmitigated disaster. And today, the Contra Costa County Civil Grand Jury has factually documented many of the issues facing us in a report entitled “Challenges Facing the City of Antioch”. It is a must read !!! I am asking all registered voters in Antioch to “vote for change” in this election.
We need new leadership that is concerned about the betterment of our residents instead of the political ambitions of a few elected officials that have effectively damaged our community. Get the report by logging in to Contra Costa News. And on November 5th support much needed positive change in Antioch.
In the 2012 election, Freitas was seeking election as Mayor, however, he took third place with 20.49% of the vote behind Wade Harper (40.77%) and Gary Agopian (32.79%). In 2008 election, Mayor Freitas lost re-election to Jim Davis in a tight race which was separated by just 475 votes.
Redistricting Took Ogorchock Out of District 3
The District 3 Council Seat will be vacant because there is no incumbent—as the Grand Jury Report stated, they believe a Brown Act Violation occurred on redistricting with Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe, Tamisha Torres-Walker and Monica Wilson meeting to tweak the lines to force Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock out of her District and placed her in District 4 with Wilson–it was approved in a 3-2 vote. Wilson (36.60%) defeated Ogorchock (27.88%) in the 2022 election.
During the March 2022 meeting, seven members of the public spoke and accused the council of blatant gerrymandering. To watch the 47:42 minute meeting, click here.
Antwon Webster Also Running for District 3.
Previously announced, Webster is also running for District 3. Webster was in the Air Force and currently serves as an active member on the City of Antioch’s Board of Administrative Appeals and community activist. His future priorities include public safety, development and financial accountability.
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