Four officials in Avenal, California, faced a legal setback as they were ordered to vacate their positions after a successful recall by residents. The group includes the mayor and three council members who had remained in office despite the certified vote to remove them. The Kings County Superior Court in Hanford, California, confirmed this ruling on Monday.

The controversy started after an April recall election. The recalled officials argued that the election process was unauthorized. This case has drawn attention as one of the more tumultuous recall battles in California’s recent history, also marked by unusual claims of election denial.

Judge Jennifer Giuliani ruled that the four City Council members have not held their positions legally since the results were certified on May 28. She declared these positions vacant, stating, “The ultimate issue is not close. The court must uphold the will of the electorate, and Avenal voters have spoken decisively.”

Despite citing a procedural irregularity, Judge Giuliani emphasized that it did not impact the results or undermine the election’s validity. “To hold otherwise,” she noted, would “thwart the democratic will.”

Additionally, the court clarified that the recalled mayor, Alvaro Preciado, could still run in the upcoming general election on November 3. In response, city manager Antony V. López stated, “We respect the court’s decision. We also believe today confirms that the city was right to bring these questions before a court rather than simply surrender its municipal authority.”