Tonia Silva was named Rio Linda’s 2025 Honorary Mayor after raising more than $13,000 for the Rio Linda Bible Quizzers. The 2026 race is now underway and will continue through noon Sept. 30. Photo courtesy of Venus Pressnell/Heavenly Lens Photography

RIO LINDA/ELVERTA, CA (MPG) - The 2026 Rio Linda-Elverta Honorary Mayors Race officially began at noon Wednesday July 1 and will continue through noon Sept. 30, giving residents the opportunity to support local nonprofit organizations while casting votes for their favorite candidates.

The annual community fundraising campaign allows supporters to purchase voting tickets at $1 per ticket, with each dollar counting as one vote for a candidate. At least 75% of every ticket purchased goes directly to the nonprofit organization represented by that candidate.

This year's candidates are Jessica Thornhill, representing Sacramento Barnyard Bidders; Amanda Ridgeway, representing Rio Linda Bible Quizzers; Kris McFunstigate, representing RLE Community Theatre; Tim Tate, representing Rio Linda Jr. Knights; Zafahnah Hussein, representing Friends of the Feline Rescue; and Leo Carothers, the race's only junior mayor candidate, representing Rio Linda Bible Quizzers.

Organizers say the campaign is designed to raise awareness and financial support for nonprofit organizations that serve the Rio Linda-Elverta community while encouraging friendly competition among candidates.

Supporters may purchase any number of voting tickets for one or multiple candidates. Each $1 donated equals one vote credited to the selected candidate's campaign. For example, a $100 donation provides 100 votes for the chosen candidate.

Community members are encouraged to participate throughout the three-month campaign by purchasing tickets to help their preferred candidates and the local nonprofits they represent.