Salinas mayoral candidate Dennis Donohue inherits the political center.

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City Councilwoman Gloria De La Rosa said Donohue has her vote because of his business experience. “He brings people together,” she said. “He has a vision to make Salinas a better place, and he draws a diverse crowd.”

Pastor Frank Gomez, who runs the East Salinas Family Center, says Donohue’s message is apparent in the work he’s already done.

“I’ve watched Dennis behind the scenes in East Salinas, with things like after-school tutoring programs,” Gomez said. “He’s not just all talk. He’s recruited donors and tutors alike. He’s the reason our tutoring program has funding.”

Bob Nunez may have been the one skeptic of the night. He said it’s just too early to tell who will get his vote. The Salinas Realtor said he came to learn more about Donohue.

“I’m here to listen,” he said, swirling his red wine. “But [Donohue] seems like the one who can attract businesses to Salinas, and that’s good for people who live and work here. For now, it’s more important just to sit back and listen.”