As San Bernardino voters prepare for the November 3, 2026, election, the Fourth Ward City Council contest between longtime incumbent Fred Shorett and challenger Joe Salas presents a choice between established experience in city government and a candidate proposing a different approach to development, community involvement and long-term planning.
Shorett has served on the City Council since 2009, with San Bernardino's financial challenges, redevelopment efforts and changing political leadership. Salas brings a background in education, public commissions and community planning.
In the June 2026 primary, Salas received 2,058 votes, or approximately 38.4%, while Shorett received 1,840 votes, or approximately 34.3%. Neither secured a majority in the five-candidate contest, sending both to the November election.
The race raises an important question for Fourth Ward residents: Should the city continue with an experienced representative familiar with its operations, or would a different perspective produce better results?
Shorett's years on the council have included some of the most difficult periods in San Bernardino's modern history, including the city's bankruptcy and subsequent financial recovery.
His experience with municipal budgets, city departments, public safety concerns and the complex process of approving development projects. Supporters of experienced leadership may consider that institutional knowledge particularly valuable when decisions involve millions of taxpayer dollars.
However, longevity also brings questions about accountability. After 17 years in office, voters may reasonably examine whether progress in economic development, neighborhood improvements and downtown revitalization has met their expectations.
Salas, meanwhile, points to his background in education and public service. He previously served on the Los Angeles County Emergency Medical Services Commission and the Claremont Traffic and Transportation Commission. He also ran unsuccessfully for the Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees in 2020.
In an October 6 interview with City News Group, Salas acknowledged that he could not recall specific projects he personally championed during his earlier Claremont commission service. Regarding his EMS commission experience, he described his primary contribution as learning from specialists and communicating information to the county supervisor's office.
One of Salas's central campaign themes is the revitalization of downtown San Bernardino, particularly through arts, culture and historic preservation.
When asked what residents should expect after his first four years in office, Salas described a visible sign of progress.
"They will at least see cranes in the air," Salas said.
He envisioned children looking through construction barriers to see improvements taking shape in their neighborhoods.
But he also acknowledged the limitations of a single council term.
"Can I transform downtown San Bernardino in one term? I don't know if anyone can do that," he said.
"Because to do it right, I want a lot of citizen buy-in."
Salas believes that San Bernardino should give greater attention to preserving its remaining historic buildings and developing cultural attractions. He has discussed opportunities involving the Fox Theater, California Theatre and Roosevelt Theater, along with the possibility of bringing additional entertainment and activity downtown.
He pointed to the revitalization of historic commercial buildings in Redlands as an example of how older properties can become destinations for families, restaurants and visitors.
"To me, if we can't preserve our architectural history, I hope my constituents don't re-elect me," Salas said, emphasizing that historic preservation would be one of his priorities.
His proposals present an ambitious direction, although their success would depend on funding, property ownership, private investment, development approvals and cooperation among city officials.
Shorett's record deserves examination. As an incumbent, he can be evaluated on development projects approved during his tenure, economic activity attracted to the city and improvements completed or still awaiting action.
Salas has repeatedly emphasized the importance of involving residents before major decisions are made.
Drawing on his experience in Claremont, he described community planning as a long-term undertaking that requires listening to residents, business owners and neighborhood stakeholders.
"But I'm telling you, if you want to be a part of my team, you're going to help me govern like I campaigned," Salas said when discussing potential commission appointments.
He explained that he would expect commissioners and advisers to visit neighborhoods, speak with residents and ask businesses how proposed changes could affect their operations.
"Because if you don't have public buy-in on something that you want to do, it's going to be so much more difficult," he said.
The approach places considerable emphasis on community participation. The practical question is how such outreach would be organized, how much time it would require and whether the resulting input would translate into decisions.
Both candidates can be evaluated on their willingness to listen, explain decisions and remain accessible after the election.
Homelessness is another significant issue confronting San Bernardino.
During his interview, Salas was asked what the city should do when individuals refuse available shelter or services and continue living in parks or on sidewalks.
Rather than proposing an immediate enforcement policy, he focused primarily on preventing additional people from becoming homeless.
"My approach to homelessness is going to focus, in part, on future people who may become unhoused. For people who are unhoused right now, this may not necessarily help them," Salas acknowledged.
He identified family instability and addiction as concerns that he believes deserve greater attention, drawing on his experience working at a homeless shelter in Claremont.
Salas also suggested that the city work with established nonprofit organizations, including Lutheran Services and the Salvation Army, to help people struggling with addiction.
His approach emphasizes prevention and recovery. However, it leaves some questions unanswered about public spaces, individuals who decline assistance and the city's responsibility to residents and businesses affected by homelessness.
The Fourth Ward election is not simply a contest between experience and change. It is a decision about how the city should set priorities, manage public resources and measure progress.
Shorett offers a record in elected city government. That experience may provide continuity and knowledge of the city's operations, but it also gives voters a lengthy record to examine.
Salas offers a vision centered on long-term development, historic preservation, community participation and prevention-oriented approaches to homelessness. His proposals may appeal to residents seeking a different direction, but voters must also consider how those ideas would be implemented and financed.
Salas has suggested that his goals for San Bernardino would require at least eight years, contingent on winning election and subsequently earning another term.
That timeline recognizes that substantial change takes time. It also raises the importance of establishing measurable goals so residents can evaluate progress before another election.
Ultimately, the question is not which candidate offers the more compelling description of San Bernardino's future, but which can demonstrate the judgment, cooperation, accountability and ability to turn priorities into results.