The southeast portion of Merced that makes up City Council District 1 will have new representation next year. Incumbent Councilmember Jesse Ornelas chose to forego re-election. Two candidates are competing to replace him: Darin DuPont, 28, a civil attorney, and Walter Smith, 68, who currently serves on the Merced Planning Commission. District 1 runs east … Continue reading Merced City Council race: See where District 1 candidates stand on key issues