Coachella is holding a mayoral election for the first time since longtime Mayor Steven Hernandez resigned in March after he pleaded guilty to a felony conflict-of-interest charge stemming from misconduct during his time in the post.
Hernandez’s plea and resignation was the latest in a series of upheavals the city of Coachella has experienced in recent months.
Those issues have included recent instability in the city manager’s office and the major controversy that unfolded when the city council unanimously approved a plan to construct a massive data center complex in the city, only to reverse course amid intense community backlash.
The fallout from the data center debate has emerged as a major topic of discussion as four candidates vie to be the city’s
next mayor. Among them are two familiar faces: incumbent Frank Figueroa, who was elected to the council in 2022 and appointed in April to replace Hernandez as mayor, and Denise Delgado, also a current Coachella city councilmember. Both Figueroa and Delgado previously ran against Hernandez for mayor and lost.
The other two candidates, Frankie “Francisco” Molina and Jesus “Kino” Gonzalez (the son of former Coachella mayor Jesus R. Gonzalez), have not previously been formally involved in Coachella politics. They have criticized the city’s current leadership — particularly the council’s initial vote approving the data center complex — and said they will take things in a new direction if elected.
In Coachella's "council-manager" form of government, in which the appointed city manager acts as CEO, the mayor presides over council meetings but otherwise holds no greater power than any other council member.
The Desert Sun asked all four candidates for mayor the same questions about what they would do if elected to a two-year term. Here's what they had to say.
Why are you running and what makes you the best choice?
Frank Figueroa
I’m running to help Coachella build a stronger future through responsible finances, economic opportunity, and leadership that listens. I attended council meetings before running for office and have continued serving residents through my work on the council. Managing millions of dollars at UC Riverside has prepared me to balance priorities and keep spending within our means. I bring that financial experience, accountability to residents, and a collaborative approach to difficult decisions. Coachella needs a mayor who listens, brings people together, and follows through. That is the leadership I offer.
Denise Delgado
I am running for Mayor because I believe Coachella is ready for a new chapter of leadership — leadership that listens, brings people together, and puts residents first.
Through my service to our community, I have worked to support investments in our neighborhoods, parks and recreation, public safety, infrastructure, workforce opportunities, and services that improve the quality of life for Coachella families.
I am proud of the progress we have made, but we still have important work ahead of us. What I bring to this position is experience, a record of service, and a commitment to getting results for our residents. I understand the challenges facing our community, and I am prepared to continue working with residents, businesses, labor, and community partners to move Coachella forward.
I am running for Mayor to build on our progress while bringing a leadership style that is accessible, collaborative, and focused on the needs of working families and every neighborhood in our city.
Francisco “Frankie” Molina
I never planned to run. My wife asked if I'd heard about the data center the council approved, and I hadn't been paying attention. I looked into it, and what I found in public records did not add up. I stayed at the podium because the people paid to do that research hadn't done it. Coachella's story was written by corrupt, negligent, and incompetent leaders, never by our hard-working community. I'm a different author, with the research, the business experience, and the valor to write a new story: the Coachella Renaissance.
Jesus “Kino” Gonzalez
I am running because the city is in a difficult position. Our budget continues to get worse, our roads are some of the worst in the valley, our schools are not where they should be, and we are spending heavily on parks that are still in poor condition. I have the strongest background in policy and politics, the most experience in government, and a clear vision for Coachella’s future. The concerns residents share with me every day while I walk our neighborhoods are the result of poor leadership, and I believe our city deserves better.
What are three things you would most prioritize working with the council to achieve?
Frank Figueroa
My first priority is putting our community first: rebuilding trust by making City Hall accessible, listening to residents, explaining decisions in English and Spanish, and following up on concerns.
Second, responsible financial management: keeping spending within our means and protecting reliable services and infrastructure.
Third, economic development that builds on Coachella’s identity: supporting local entrepreneurs, helping residents navigate the process of opening a business, and attracting investment that benefits our community. I would work with the council to turn these priorities into practical plans with clear next steps and regular updates on our progress.
Denise Delgado
My top three priorities would be supporting working families and expanding economic opportunities, strengthening public safety and infrastructure, and continuing to invest in our neighborhoods and quality of life.
First, I want to create more opportunities for our residents through workforce development, apprenticeships, good-paying jobs, and support for local businesses. Our residents should have opportunities to build successful careers without having to leave their community.
Second, I want to continue strengthening public safety and infrastructure. That means making sure our police, fire, and emergency services have the resources they need, while investing in streets, sidewalks, lighting, and other infrastructure that residents rely on every day.
Third, I want to continue investing in our neighborhoods, parks, recreation, and community facilities. As Coachella grows, every neighborhood should benefit from that progress and every family should have access to safe, well-maintained public spaces and services.
These priorities are ultimately about making sure Coachella’s growth translates into a better quality of life and greater opportunities for the people who live here.
Francisco “Frankie” Molina
First, run the city in public: a sprint board showing every council goal and its status, a budget dashboard refreshed daily, and contracts published online by default.
Second, energy independence. Our IID contract ends in 2033, and the city should begin preparing now for a publicly owned utility serving residents at cost.
Third, a Coachella Renaissance: affordable homes paired with workforce development, support for local businesses, and a push on the literacy crisis, because reading is the biggest investment we can make in a child, and thus our future.
Jesus “Kino” Gonzalez
My three priorities are improving our streets, responsible development, and creating more jobs. Coachella residents deserve better infrastructure and resources.
One major issue we hear from residents is that they are spending much of their money in neighboring cities, helping fund those cities’ budgets, infrastructure, streets, and services instead of our own.
We need responsible development that brings more businesses, services, and opportunities to Coachella so residents can spend their money here and help build our city. We also need more local jobs so residents do not have to travel to neighboring cities for work.
Why are you seeking the mayor position specifically as opposed to a council seat?
Frank Figueroa
I’m seeking the mayor’s position to help guide Coachella’s overall direction and bring the council and community together around shared priorities. My financial experience and record of service have prepared me for that responsibility. As mayor, I want to set a collaborative tone, work closely with the council and city manager, and connect our long-term vision with decisions we can responsibly carry out today. I want to help tell Coachella’s story, strengthen partnerships, and ensure our growth creates lasting opportunities for residents.
Denise Delgado
I am seeking the position of Mayor because I believe I am ready to take on a greater leadership role for our city. My experience serving our community has given me an understanding of both the progress we have made and the challenges that still need our attention.
While the Mayor is one member of the City Council and decisions are made collectively, the Mayor also has an important responsibility to help set the tone for the city, bring people together, represent Coachella, and provide leadership on the issues that matter to our residents.
I want to bring a leadership style that is accessible, collaborative, and focused on results. I am prepared to work with every member of the council, our residents, businesses, labor, and community partners to build consensus and move Coachella forward.
For me, running for Mayor is not about a title. It is about taking greater responsibility for the future of the community I serve.
Francisco “Frankie” Molina
I applied for a planning commission seat and stepped back, and I never applied for council. I cried over that, because it felt like giving up my chance to fight for my city, but I decided I could fight better as an outsider. The mayor leads the council and speaks for the city, and I want to use that voice to bring residents into every decision before it comes to a vote, not after.
Jesus “Kino” Gonzalez
I am seeking the mayor position because when I saw who was running, I knew I needed to step up. I am running against people who have supported data centers, supported placing electrical infrastructure costs on residents for the benefit of developers, and individuals who seem more focused on holding a title than improving the city. The condition Coachella is in today reflects years of poor leadership. I am running for mayor because our city needs someone willing to lead this city forward and put residents first.
The city has been through a turbulent time, with a mayor’s criminal conviction and lack of stability in the city manager post. How would you help bring stability and restore public trust?
Frank Figueroa
I will help bring stability through clear priorities, responsible spending, and professional working relationships. I will work with the council to give the city manager clear direction and support consistent management of projects and services, while expecting honest information about what the city can deliver. Restoring trust requires clear explanations of our decisions, regular updates, and opportunities for residents to raise concerns in English or Spanish. I will listen to criticism, acknowledge when we need to improve, and follow through. Trust grows when residents see that their concerns receive a response and that we keep our commitments.
Denise Delgado
Coachella has been through a challenging period, and I believe restoring public trust begins with stable, transparent, and accountable leadership. Residents deserve confidence that decisions at City Hall are being made ethically, responsibly, and in the best interests of the community.
I am not part of a political establishment or a system of nepotism. I have worked hard for every opportunity I have earned at the City, and everything I have accomplished has come through dedication, hard work, and my commitment to serving Coachella.
More importantly, I have turned those values into action by authoring policies designed to strengthen transparency and public trust, including a Nepotism Policy, a Code of Conduct for Elected Officials, improvements to the procurement process, and requirements for bilingual public notices regarding development. I am also working on a policy to establish greater accountability and transparency for grants and sponsorships. In addition, I have called for a new City of Coachella website that makes important documents readily available and easier for residents to access. Transparency means residents should not have to struggle to find information about their own city government.
And this is just the beginning. I am a policymaker who believes leadership means identifying problems and putting solutions into policy. Under my leadership as Mayor, residents can expect policies that strengthen accountability, improve transparency, protect the public interest, and ensure City Hall works for the people of Coachella.
As Mayor, I would work collaboratively with the City Council to provide consistency and stability in our leadership while respecting the professional role of the City Manager and city staff. I believe in setting clear expectations, maintaining accountability, and creating an environment where qualified professionals can do their jobs effectively.
I would also prioritize open communication with residents. That means being accessible, listening to concerns, explaining important decisions, and making sure the public has opportunities to participate in the direction of our city.
Public trust is not restored through words alone. It is earned through transparency, accountability, consistency, and results. That is the standard of leadership I would bring as Mayor.
Francisco “Frankie” Molina
Trust returns when residents can see how decisions are made. I would put conflict-of-interest checks in front of the council before votes, hold the council to the anti-nepotism policy the city has adopted, and push to take it and the data center ban to voters, so it takes the people to undo them. I would add legal vetting for businesses seeking contracts, require city-owned devices for council business, and set term limits. I've met City Manager Gustavo Romo several times and look forward to working with him.
Jesus “Kino” Gonzalez
I would restore public trust by delivering projects and programs that provide real benefits to residents and by developing the city so people have the services and resources they need here in Coachella. This City Council has gone through four city managers, which shows the instability and leadership problems that have existed at City Hall. That instability has cost the city time and money. As mayor, I would focus on creating stability at City Hall, making responsible financial decisions, and proving through results that city government is working for residents.
Is there anything else you want voters to know about you?
Frank Figueroa
I grew up in a trailer on an agricultural farm. My mother, a fieldworker, taught me to make life better for the people who come after us. That lesson guides my public service and my commitment to giving our children and grandchildren more opportunities. I don’t always have an immediate answer, but I will listen and help residents find the right resources. You don’t have to support my campaign to deserve my attention and help. Reach me at ffigueroa@coachella.org.
Denise Delgado
I want voters to know that I care deeply about Coachella and the people who call it home. My commitment to this community is reflected in my service and in the work I have done to improve the quality of life for our residents.
I believe leadership means being accessible, listening even when people disagree with you, bringing people together, and always remembering who you are there to serve. I will continue to be a strong advocate for working families, our neighborhoods, local businesses, and opportunities for the next generation.
This election is about the future of Coachella and the kind of leadership we want moving forward. I am ready to bring experience, stability, and a renewed sense of trust to City Hall while continuing the progress our community has worked hard to achieve.
After 80 years, it’s time for Coachella to elect its first female mayor. The City of Coachella was incorporated in 1946, and in its history since then, we have never had a woman elected mayor. This is a historic opportunity to bring new perspectives, stronger representation and a brighter future for all Coachella residents.
Francisco “Frankie” Molina
I fight because I care what happens to people who have no one else fighting for them. I'm a son, a brother, a husband, an electrician, an entrepreneur, an artist, and I'm high-functioning autistic, which is why I follow a paper trail until it ends. I'm an MBA candidate focused on entrepreneurship, enrolled in the District Attorney's El Buen Vecino Program, and co-authoring a thesis on hyper-scale affordable homes. I would rather be judged on documents and results than promises, and I invite every resident to check my record themselves.
Jesus “Kino” Gonzalez
I am a proud graduate of Coachella Valley High School. I went on to college, then to the State Capitol, where I worked in both the California Senate and Assembly. I recently completed my master’s degree at USC. I want residents to know that I have worked hard to prepare myself to serve this community and bring that experience back home. A change is coming to this city, and we are excited for Election Day. Coachella deserves stronger leadership, better results, and a mayor who will work every day to move our city forward.
Paul Albani-Burgio covers growth, development and business in the Coachella Valley. Email him at paul.albani-burgio@desertsun.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Coachella to elect mayor at a turbulent time. Meet the candidates
