By DJ Becker/The Madera News October 31st, 2026
Longtime Chowchilla resident and City Council member Waseem Ahmed, 57, now running for Mayor, said he felt compelled to set the record straight, as he spoke from the podium to the Madera County Board of Supervisors in mid October.
“I am proud to call Chowchilla my home,” Ahmed said. “For three decades I have dedicated my time and efforts to make Chowchilla and Madera County a better place to live. Some of you know me from my family businesses and my service on the city council or the local charities and nonprofits I have been involved with.”
Ahmed said one of his main priorities was to promote honest and accountable government, and uphold high ethical standards, increase transparency, and protect taxpayer dollars. “I believe in remaining independent and accountable to the people I serve. Not political insiders, or special interests. My priority is improving Chowchilla, not participating in what is often described as the good ol boy political network or the clique. Public office should be about serving people. I am running for Mayor of Chowchilla because I believe in honest leadership …”
“But today I am here to set the record straight. False and deeply hurtful allegations have been circulated about me, my family and my heritage. Let me be absolutely clear. I have never supported or financially contributed to any terrorist organization, or received any funding from (them). These false allegations have been offensive and deeply damaging to me, my family and also to the community I have proudly served for decades.” he said.
Ahmed went on to say “I would also like to address statements reportedly made by and attributed to District #2 Madera County Supervisor David Rogers, concerning my ancestry. My family is from Pakistan, not Palestine. These are two distinct places with different histories and cultures. I expect elected officials to recognize that distinction and to treat people of every background with dignity and respect.”
Supervisor David Rogers is publicly supporting and campaigning with Kelly Smith, in the race for Mayor of Chowchilla.
Supervisor Rogers recently denied he ever spoke about Ahmed’s ancestry, race or family in a brief,18 word post on Facebook, calling Council Member Waseem Ahmed “confused.” And said “Policy is fair game!”
Ahmed said political disagreements among candidates were expected and having a political choice was everyone’s right, but false accusations, and unfounded accusations about someone’s faith, financial support, or loyalty to our country were not.
“I cannot speak to someone’s personal motivations but I firmly believe misinformation about someone’s ethnicity, religion or patriotism has no place in public service. My campaign has been funded primarily through my personal savings, as reflected in my public campaign disclosures.”
Ahmed named the many city and county committees he has volunteered to serve on in the last 30 years, further noting that city council members receive a monthly token of $300, and no health insurance. “I have served twice as mayor, on city council, as vice chair of the Madera County Transportation Commission, the Economic Development Commission, and the Board of the League of California Cities,” among others, he said. Ahmed is endorsed by Madera County DA Sally Moreno, Supervisor Robert Poythress, and former Supervisor and current Madera County Assessor, Brett Frazier, among others.
“Do you want change? Or more of the same?” Ahmed added. “We need a mayor who will represent the entire community, and I will ensure all Chowchilla area residents will have a voice at city hall.
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