‘I have to’: Merced councilman steps down

MERCED, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Merced’s District Two Councilmember Ronnie De Anda is stepping down from his role a year before his term is set to expire.

The annnouncement was made Monday during the city’s council meeting.

“Rumor has it that tonight is my last city council meeting,” De Anda said. “It’s not a rumor, it’s true.”

De Anda said his decision to step down was not made lightly.

“This past year has been not very kind to [my wife] and myself. I injured my shoulder almost a year ago… and [my wife] fell and broke her hip a few months ago… I have to take care of her.”

When he heard the news he said he considered resigning but ultimatley decided to keep going. However, that all changed a few days ago when De Anda says he was told by his doctor that he had a possible stroke.

“Those of you who are here frequently have actually heard me start to say something and I can’t finish my thoughts,” he said. “I thought about that and I said, ‘I must do this.’ So the decision came down to, ‘No, I have to drop out. I have to drop out.'”

De Anda will resign Oct. 31 and the council will officially declare his seat vacant on Nov. 3. Before his appointment to city council he served the city as a dedicated mailman for several years.

“There is no greater picture of love for [your wife], for our community than you. And I’m going to miss having a chance to work with you on council,” Councilmember Smith said. “If courage is doing what you know you got to do despite what life is throwing at you, then my friend, you’re one of the most courageous people I’ve ever met. And I thank you for standing up for District Two for south Merced and for all of Merced and doing what you’ve done.”

De Anda was initially set to serve the district through November 2026.