A Kings County Superior Court judge ruled that four recalled officials in Avenal, California, are unlawfully holding office. Judge Jennifer Giuliani determined the officials, including Mayor Alvaro Preciado and council members Leticia Gamez, David Reynosa, and Pablo Hernandez, do not lawfully hold their positions following the April recall. The recall, supported by 76 percent of voters, stemmed from resident frustrations regarding transparency and landfill contamination fears.

Although the officials argued the election was unauthorized, the judge upheld the will of the electorate, stating the procedural irregularity did not affect the results. The court also confirmed Mayor Preciado's eligibility to run in the November general election. With only one council member remaining, the city lacks a quorum for meetings until after the vote.

Antony V. López, the city manager, stated the city pursued legal action to resolve the municipal authority issue. Separately, the Kings County district attorney's office has launched a criminal investigation, executing raids on City Hall and the officials' homes.

Dalila Barajas, a recall organizer, expressed joy at the ruling, suggesting other small towns could follow Avenal's example in fighting for democratic rights.