Turlock City Council candidate and current Parks, Recreation, and Community Commissioner Steven Nascimento has been hired as district director for State Sen. Anthony Cannella (R – Ceres).

Nascimento had previously served as district director for U.S. Rep. Dennis Cardoza (D – Merced).  In October, Cardoza announced he would not seek reelection.

“I am excited to have Steven Nascimento join my staff as district director. Throughout his career, Steven has demonstrated he is committed to serving the people of the Central Valley,” Cannella said. “He has also shown the ability to work with community leaders to build effective coalitions. I know he will bring that same high level of public service to the 12th Senate District.”

Nascimento is one of two candidates currently slated to run for two Turlock City Council seats on the Nov. 8 ballot.

Sergio Alvarado, a U.S. Postal Service employee, is the only other confirmed candidate at this time. Alvarado has previously spoken at Turlock City Council meetings in support of prayer before council meetings and the “In God We Trust” artwork in City Hall, and in opposition to council’s decision to pay then-Modesto Police Chief Roy Wasden $202,000 per year to serve as Turlock city manager.

The two incumbents, Amy Bublak and Mary Jackson, have yet to formally announce their campaign plans.

Interested candidates have until Aug. 10 to apply for the race.