Clovis City Councilmembers Bob Whalen and Jose Flores will be departing the body at the end of the current term. Photo illustration by Emi Yada

The Clovis City Council is undergoing a pair of shakeups — one surprise, one planned.

Mayor Jose Flores announced Tuesday he will not seek re-election in November. He was first elected in March 1999 and has been elected five times since.

Flores said he plans to complete his current term on the council and continue in his other position as chief of police for State Center Community College District.

“I believe I can better apply my skills, talents, and knowledge in law enforcement and higher education,” Flores said in a statement. “Retiring from the City Council also affords me more time with my family.”

“Rest assured, I am not giving up on politics,” he added. “I will stay engaged and pursue political endeavors by other means. I will remain vigilant to ensure the values of Clovis and the Central Valley are preserved and respected.

In addition, Bob Whalen will assume his elected position as a Fresno County Superior Court judge on Jan. 2, 2023. Whalen was first elected to the Clovis City Council in 2003.

“The loss of the two long-standing Councilmembers represents a loss of over forty years of experience on the dais here at City Hall,” stated Clovis City Manager John Holt. “The last recent similar experience that impacted our leadership was the 2016 retirement of Councilmember Harry Armstrong after over 45 years of service to the City of Clovis.”

Holt also offered a timeline for how the seats may be filled. The Nov. 8 election results are likely to be final in early December. As of today, a swearing in ceremony for the new City Council will be Dec. 5. The last meeting for both Flores and Whalen would likely be Nov. 14.