Public safety
I support strong Hemet police, fire, 911, and emergency services.
City Council must prioritize staffing, equipment, response times, and coordinated action to reduce drug-related and property crime.
Candidate for Hemet City Council · District 5
Leadership that
listens. Service
that delivers.
I’m James Welker. I’m running to give District 5 accessible, experienced representation focused on safer neighborhoods, responsible growth, and a stronger Hemet.
GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTIONNOVEMBER 3, 2026HEMET · DISTRICT 5
26 years of public service
Community advocate
Experienced administrator
01 Where James Stands
Clear positions.
Practical action.
Residents deserve to know what I support and how I would approach the decisions facing Hemet. These are the priorities I will bring to City Hall.
Homelessness & drugs
I support combining services with enforcement and personal accountability.
Hemet should connect willing people to treatment and housing resources while addressing illegal drug activity, unsafe encampments, blight, and repeat quality-of-life problems.
Responsible spending & Measure Q
I support Measure Q with strict transparency, independent oversight, and public accountability.
Locally controlled revenue should protect essential services, with public spending disclosure, regular audits, and results residents can see.
Roads & infrastructure
I will prioritize reliable infrastructure and clean, well-maintained public areas.
Hemet must address roads, traffic signals, lighting, sidewalks, drainage, trash and blight while protecting safe, dependable drinking water.
Local businesses & jobs
I support Hemet’s existing businesses and responsible economic development that creates local jobs.
The City should listen to business owners, retain local small businesses, encourage investment, and attract employers that offer stable career opportunities.
Growth & housing
I support responsible growth with infrastructure planned alongside development.
Development should be judged on its full impact, and developers should address effects on roads, utilities, public safety, and nearby neighborhoods.
02 Meet James
A career of service.
A commitment to Hemet.
Hemet has been home to my family and me for more than 25 years.
My wife, Brandie, and I put down roots and raised our family in Hemet. Today, we live in McSweeney Farms in District 5. After more than 25 years, I still believe in Hemet and remain guided by faith, family, and public service.
As a correctional lieutenant with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, I have helped oversee operations across four correctional facilities, led multidisciplinary teams of more than 60 employees, and directed training and professional-development programs serving hundreds of employees. My experience also includes policy implementation, compliance reviews, emergency coordination, and oversight of correctional operating budgets exceeding $60 million.
I serve as vice chair of Hemet’s Mobile Home Rent Review Commission, where I review financial records, public testimony, ordinance requirements, and community concerns. I also regularly attend neighborhood and community events because I believe good representation begins by showing up, hearing residents, and staying involved.
“I won’t pretend to have every answer. I will show up, ask the right questions, review the facts, and make decisions with Hemet’s future in mind.”
03 Why I’m Running
District 5 deserves a representative who shows up and listens.
Hemet’s decisions affect our neighborhoods, public safety, roads, businesses, and quality of life. Residents deserve clear communication and a meaningful opportunity to be heard before those decisions are made.
I’m running to bring practical leadership, accountability, and an open door to City Hall. I will review the full record, ask direct questions, listen to residents, and approach each issue based on its facts and its effect on Hemet.
04 Endorsements
Trusted support
Standing with those
who serve Hemet.
James is honored to receive support from organizations whose work matters to Hemet. Each endorsement listed here has been confirmed and reflects shared priorities—not an agreement on every issue.
PUBLIC SAFETY ENDORSEMENT
Hemet Firefighters Association Local 2342
Hemet’s firefighters provide frontline fire protection, emergency medical response and disaster assistance for residents, families and businesses throughout the city.
Why this endorsement matters: Their support reflects James’s commitment to public safety, dependable emergency response and responsible investment in the people and resources that protect Hemet.
HOUSING & RESPONSIBLE GROWTH ENDORSEMENT
Southwest Riverside County Association of REALTORS®
SRCAR® serves real estate professionals across Southwest Riverside County, including Hemet, and supports professional education, ethical standards and advocacy within the housing community.
Why this endorsement matters: Their support aligns with James’s commitment to responsible growth, housing opportunity, strong neighborhoods and constructive partnerships with residents and local professionals.
LOCAL BUSINESS & ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY ENDORSEMENT
Inland Empire Business PAC
The Inland Empire Business PAC brings a regional business perspective to local elections and evaluates candidates through its board interview process.
Why this endorsement matters: Its support aligns with James’s commitment to helping local businesses succeed, encouraging responsible investment and strengthening economic opportunity for Hemet residents.
PUBLIC SAFETY ENDORSEMENT
Hemet Police Association
The Hemet Police Association represents Hemet police officers and advocates on matters affecting its members and the public-safety profession.
Why this endorsement matters: The Association’s support reflects confidence in James’s public-safety experience and his commitment to staffing, resources, emergency response, and safer Hemet neighborhoods.
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP ENDORSEMENT
Linda Krupa, Mayor of Hemet
Mayor Linda Krupa has served Hemet through elected office and longstanding community involvement.
Why this endorsement matters: Her support reflects confidence in James’s experience, judgment, and commitment to responsible and accountable city leadership.
05 Measure Q
My position
Needed resources.
Strict accountability.
I support Measure Q because Hemet needs reliable funding for essential services. I also believe residents must be able to see where the money goes and what results it produces.
ON THE NOVEMBER 3, 2026 BALLOT
Measure Q
James Welker’s position
Where I stand
I support Measure Q. Hemet needs reliable funding for police and fire services, road repairs, homelessness response, and other essential city services.
If elected, I will insist on transparent public reporting, independent oversight, regular audits, and clear results residents can see. Supporting Measure Q does not mean giving the City a blank check—it means providing needed resources while holding City Hall accountable for how every dollar is spent.
Key facts
- Measure Q is a one-cent sales tax on taxable purchases.
- Groceries, prescription medicine, diapers, and feminine-hygiene products remain exempt from sales tax.
- It requires public spending disclosure, independent citizens’ oversight, and audits.
- The City estimates it would generate approximately $16 million annually.
06 In the Community
Representation starts
with showing up.
I’m meeting residents, attending community events, and listening to the people who know their neighborhoods best.
Listening to residents
My conversations with residents help me identify concerns, understand different perspectives, and stay connected to District 5.
Commission experience
Serving on Hemet’s Mobile Home Rent Review Commission gives me direct experience reviewing public records, hearing testimony, and participating in fair public proceedings.
Campaign news
I’ll continue sharing event announcements and campaign updates here as they are confirmed.
1 / 28Visiting Mr. Joe’s Butchery in Hemet.
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#SelfiesWithJames
See James around Hemet? Come say hello—and let’s take a selfie!
James enjoys meeting residents and hearing what matters to them. If you see him at a community event, local business, or around town, don’t hesitate to introduce yourself and ask for a photo.
Community photos are shared with permission.07 Upcoming Events
In the community
Where James
will be.
Stop by, say hello, and share what matters to you.
OCT152026
PUBLIC CITY INFORMATION SESSION
Final Measure Q Open House
Thursday, October 15: 6:00–8:00 PM
Hemet Public Library · 300 E. Latham Avenue, Hemet, CA 92543
James will attend the City’s final public open house about Measure Q before Election Day.
OCT242026
PUBLIC FAMILY EVENT
Hemet Little League Annual Trunk-or-Treat Carnival
Saturday, October 24: 5:30–9:00 PM
Hemet Little League Fields at Brubaker Park · Hemet, CA
James and Brandie were invited to attend Hemet Little League’s annual family Halloween carnival.
08 Voting Information
5
HEMET CITY COUNCIL
DISTRICT FIVEYour voice belongs
at City Hall.
The District 5 council seat will be decided by eligible voters who live within District 5. Use the City of Hemet’s official interactive map to confirm your district and the county elections website for current registration and voting information.
KEY VOTING INFORMATION
Vote-by-mail ballots: Ballots were mailed beginning the week of October 5.
October 5–November 2: The City Hall ballot drop box is open during regular business hours, 7:30 AM–5:30 PM, at 445 E. Florida Avenue.
November 3: Election Day. The City Hall ballot drop box will be open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
09 Questions & Answers
Campaign basics
What office is James running for?
James Welker is a candidate for Hemet City Council, District 5.
When is the election?
The General Municipal Election is November 3, 2026.
Who votes in the District 5 election?
Eligible registered voters who reside within Hemet City Council District 5 vote for the District 5 council seat. Use the official City of Hemet information linked above to confirm your district.
How can I contact or volunteer with the campaign?
Use the Contact James or Volunteer button below to open a prepared Gmail message, or copy the campaign address shown below into your preferred email service.
How can I contribute?
The campaign accepts contributions by check. Use the Request check instructions button in the Support section to email the campaign for the current payment and delivery instructions.
Can an organization invite James to an event?
Yes. Email the campaign with the event name, date, time, location, sponsoring organization, and the best person to contact.
10 Support the Campaign
Contributions by check
Help us reach more
Hemet voters.
Your support will help my campaign connect with residents, attend community events, share factual updates, and reach voters across District 5.
No payment information is collected on this website. Campaign contributions are not tax-deductible. Contribution limits and reporting requirements apply.
Be part of the conversation
Let’s build a stronger
Hemet—together.
Have a neighborhood concern, an idea for Hemet, or want to help the campaign? I want to hear from you.
jameswelkerdistrict5@gmail.comThe buttons open Gmail. You can also copy this address into any email service.Privacy
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