California State University, Stanislaus

10/21/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/21/2026 15:16

Stan State EduCast: 2026 Turlock Mayoral Candidate Conversations

Stanislaus State is continuing its commitment to thoughtful dialogue, civic engagement and informed participation with a special edition of the Stan State EduCast Community Series featuring candidates for mayor of Turlock.

Following the Turlock mayoral debate held on campus, Stan State invited all candidates for mayor of Turlock to participate in individual conversations about their priorities, perspectives and vision for the city. This special EduCast series features conversations with Kelley Coelho and Jim Reape, who participated in the interviews.

Hosted by Dr. Christopher Claüs, professor and co-chair of the Department of Communication Studies, the conversations give students, employees and community members another opportunity to hear directly from the candidates and consider the issues shaping Turlock's future.

Each candidate was invited to respond to questions about city leadership, the relationship between Turlock and Stan State, housing, workforce development and other community priorities.

We serve as the convener of conversations, creating opportunities for thoughtful dialogue, civic engagement and informed participation in the decisions that shape our collective future.

President Britt Rios-Ellis

Kelley Coelho

Turlock mayoral candidate Kelley Coelho joins Dr. Claüs to discuss her connection to Turlock, what led her to enter the mayoral race and the priorities she would bring to city leadership.

The discussion covers public safety, transparency and accountability, Turlock's relationship with Stan State, housing and economic opportunity and the role community engagement can play in the city's future.

Watch or listen to the full conversation:

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

Jim Reape

Turlock mayoral candidate Jim Reape joins Dr. Claüs to discuss his connection to the city, his decision to run for mayor and the priorities he would bring to city leadership.

The discussion includes city management, long-term planning, green spaces, housing, workforce development and opportunities to strengthen partnerships among Turlock, Stan State, local businesses and industry.

Watch or listen to the full conversation:

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

About the Stan State EduCast

The Stan State EduCast brings together University and community voices for conversations about issues, ideas and experiences that matter to the Central Valley.

Through this special community series, Stan State aims to create space for respectful civic dialogue and provide opportunities for the campus and broader community to hear directly from people seeking to serve in public leadership roles.

The University does not endorse candidates for public office. Participation in this series is intended to support civic engagement, informed participation and access to candidate perspectives.

Explore more Stan State EduCast episodes

California State University, Stanislaus published this content on October 21, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on October 21, 2026 at 21:16 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]