Gilroy Races

Results are a combination of data provided by the Associated Press (AP) and county election offices. The AP calls winners by analyzing vote tallies and other election data. Check marks are used to denote a winner only when the AP calls a race.

Top candidate wins seat.

Greg Bozzo50.4%
11,274 votes
Marie Blankley(incumbent)49.5%
11,063 votes
Updated at 7:35 PM PT on Dec 2, 2024
Santa Clara County

Top three candidates win seat.

Zach Hilton(incumbent)20.9%
10,895 votes
Terence Fugazzi19.3%
10,072 votes
Kelly Ramirez17.3%
9,012 votes

Updated at 7:35 PM PT on Dec 2, 2024
Santa Clara County

Mayor

Top candidate wins seat.

Greg Bozzo50.4%
11,274 votes
Marie Blankley(incumbent)49.5%
11,063 votes
Updated at 7:35 PM PT on Dec 2, 2024
Santa Clara County

What does a mayor do?

A mayor’s role varies from city to city. In some jurisdictions, a mayor leads council meetings, but largely has similar responsibilities as other council members: voting on city ordinances, development proposals, contracts and the budget. In San Francisco, the mayor has broader powers to sign or veto bills, oversee city departments and make appointments.

Candidate Statements

Candidate Statements are excerpted from the statements provided to election offices, where available.

Marie Blankley

  • Mayor, Gilroy/CPA
  • Fiscal Oversight: “As a 36-year Certified Public Accountant I bring fiscal oversight to City Hall.”
  • Priorities: “My priorities are financial sustainability, a thriving economy, and the city services our residents deserve.”
  • Public Safety: “I am devoted to securing Gilroy’s fourth fire station, adding public safety staffing.”
  • www.marieblankley.com

Greg Bozzo

  • Contractor/business owner
  • Collaboration: “I will foster a renewed culture at City Hall where all staff, citizens, nonprofits, and businesses are seen, heard and valued.” 
  • Experience: “I have devoted 30 years supporting Gilroy with numerous community positions while encouraging others to do the same. I’m most proud of my decades of involvement with the Garlic Festival, serving as president in 2010.”
  • Priorities: “As mayor, I will apply effective managerial skills to improve your City Hall experience and develop a prosperous economic development plan to built our tax base and to shield you from future tax increases.”
  • www.gregbozzo4mayor.com

City Council

Top three candidates win seat.

Zach Hilton(incumbent)20.9%
10,895 votes
Terence Fugazzi19.3%
10,072 votes
Kelly Ramirez17.3%
9,012 votes

Updated at 7:35 PM PT on Dec 2, 2024
Santa Clara County

What does a council member do?

City and town council members can propose new city ordinances and vote on a range of issues, including housing development, business ventures and contracts. They also help draft the city or town budget.

Candidate Statements

Candidate Statements are excerpted from the statements provided to election offices, where available.

Zach Hilton

  • Gilroy City Council Member/firefighter/paramedic
  • Experience: “Over the past four years, as your current City Council member, I’ve gained the governing experience and built the necessary coalitions within the community and region to have a seat on the Gilroy City Council.”
  • Budget: “Year-to-date my office has worked with our state and federal legislators to secure $5.2 million for project funding that directly benefits our residents.”
  • Transparency: “As I’ve done in the past, I will continue to bring you the decisions and actions of city government through social media, coverage in local press, town halls, press releases and email.”
  • www.ZachHilton.com

Stefanie Elle

  • Planning Commissioner/engineer
  • Experience: “I’ve been serving as a Gilroy planning commissioner since 2021, demonstrating a strong commitment to transparency and accountability.”
  • Transparency: “Transparency is vital, so I pledge to ask tough questions, uncover facts and engage with our community to build trust.”
  • Public Safety: “Building strong community partnerships is crucial for extending police reach and effectively addressing crime. I support competitive packages for our Police and Fire Departments.”
  • www.stefanie4council.com

Terence Fugazzi

  • Small-business owner
  • Public Safety: “Neighborhood safety is my priority. Investing in our police and fire departments is crucial.”
  • Homelessness: “We must address our homeless crisis. I’ll partner with local nonprofits promoting mental health and drug rehabilitation programs.”
  • Economic Growth: “As a small-business owner, I understand how to attract businesses to Gilroy. I will use my 30 years of experience to make Gilroy a business-friendly destination, expanding our tax base and creating new community job opportunities.”
  • www.fugazzi.com

Kelly Ramirez

  • Planning Commissioner
  • Education: “I taught English to nonnative speakers and sought to ensure that the less fortunate had equal access to programs and services.”
  • Experience: “I currently serve as a Gilroy planning commissioner, treasurer of the Gilroy Garlic Festival Board, and president of the Rotary Club of Gilroy.”
  • Priorities: “My vision for Gilroy focuses on public safety, economic opportunity and local control.”

Rebeca Armendariz

  • Gilroy City Council Member
  • Accomplishments: “During my tenure I’ve dedicated myself to protecting working families and vulnerable members of our community by advocating for tenant protection policies, accessible low-income housing, affordable youth recreation and senior services, and safeguarding local educational opportunities for special needs students.”
  • Emergency Preparedness: “I also advocated to ensure that the city provides shelter during extreme hot and cold weather, and provides resources to flood victims and for a plan to achieve safe and adequate Fire Department response times across our community.”
  • Homelessness: “Forge effective partnerships with the county and other agencies to tackle the homelessness crisis and address the needs of mental health and addiction treatment in Gilroy.”

Fred Tovar

  • Gilroy City Council Member
  • Accomplishments: “As your Council member, I have championed many initiatives, including establishing Cesar Chavez Day as a city holiday, the raising of the pride flag, and the development of our downtown pop-up park.”
  • Public Safety: “I will continue advocating for funding for police officers, SROs, and firefighters to improve public safety.”
  • Housing: “Addressing the unhoused and housing crisis is a top priority, so I will continue fighting for more resources and quality affordable housing.”

More Results

See results for all elections on the Santa Clara County ballot.

Have a correction? Contact voterguide@kqed.org.