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Charged with fraud, Powell files to run for SLO County office

December 10, 2025

Gaea Powell

By KAREN VELIE

While battling charges of election fraud, Gaea Powell filed a lawsuit against San Luis Obispo County Clerk-Recorder Elaina Cano and then announced plans to run against Cano in the 2026 election.

The San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office charged former Arroyo Grande mayoral candidate Powell with voter registration fraud, filing a false declaration of candidacy, fraudulent voting, failure to file campaign finance reports, and for perjury by declaration. She pleaded not guilty in July and later announced plans to represent herself.

Powell argues the charges against her are politically motivated and unfounded. She is scheduled for a pre preliminary hearing on Feb. 23.

On Oct. 21, Powell filed a federal lawsuit against Cano and San Luis Obispo County alleging violations of constitutional rights “under color of law.”

Powell’s lawsuit accuses Cano of acting under color of law in her official capacity by intentionally confirming the existence of a preliminary criminal investigation to the media, less than thirty days before the 2024 election. Powell’s suit alleges Cano misused her influence as an elected official, and her authority over public records and election filings.

On Dec. 6, Powell launched her campaign for SLO County Clerk-Recorder.

“My mission is to restore common sense, transparency, and trust to San Luis Obispo County’s election process,” according to Powell’s mission statement. “I will speak out whenever state directives threaten the constitutional rights of the people of our county or attempt to silence or discredit citizens who raise legitimate election concerns.”

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The South County’s answer to Darcia Stebbins. BTW, the residency charges against her are B.S. She can declare the residence of her choosing as long as she holds tenants’ rights for 29 days prior to filing and maintains official residence, self-declared, and even if she owns a house with her husband. Maybe he snores. Same as the kid in Paso who shares an apartment in Paso where he is on the rental agreement but also stays at his parents’ after a long day. Allen Settle was mayor of SLO for years while living in rural Arroyo Grande. His official residence was a student rental he owned in Laguna Lake with all rooms fully occupied by tenants. He came by to pick up his mail.


-1

So what is the REAL story here? Battle of the Recorders? Accusing each other and suing each other? WE shall see who wins!


-2

Gaea Powell is innocent, just like all the other people last year that were accused of election fraud pay attention people. This woman is trying to expose the corruption in our county do not be so naïve, Gaea Powell should be applauded for her courage. It took a lot for her to do this without legal representation because legal representation will do exactly what the DA requires to keep corruption in power. In regards to the mayor of Arroyo Grande , what was said is the truth I know I worked on that campaign just because they’re polished doesn’t make them good.


-10

Remember that she is innocent until proven guilty. If she’s got the money and time, she can afford to exercise her rights and who knows, she many perform a slam dunk?

Certainly, nobody at the table has clean hands.


-3

Electing a convicted criminal to public office? That seems to be OK with about 70 million people in this country. I’m not sure about the outcry here, but could it be basic misogyny?


-29

I was going to comment, but that’s 30 seconds of my life I’ll never get back.


14

A woman charged with election fraud wants to be in charge of our elections? What could go wrong?


39

cuckoo cuckoo


7

interesting note: a few years ago there was a woman who merely expressed interest in running for AG mayor…. she was contacted and threatened viciously with such terrible attacks to ruin the family reputation and destroy the woman’s reputation. It was caren herself communicating this promise/threat. the woman decided it was not worth it and backed away.


3

Please rewrite with a coherent last sentence. Ty


-11

Who is “caren”, and what does she/it have to do with this article?


6

Caren Russom is the mayor of AG. She has often been portrayed as a villain, not unlike other very smart women who have risen to important posts. For some reason the right has taken a disliking to her, though I think her positions are generally very moderate.


1

Checked her record. AG Police endorse her, as does Jordan Cunningham (but so does Ortiz-Legg…hmmmm). I didn’t find anything that was wildly left about her, indeed, she seems pro-business and liked by the community.


I conclude she leans to the political right, which would account for any nasty comments. If by “villain”, you mean had a dust up over the city budget, which she balanced. And we all now who, politically, fervently dislikes fiscal responsibility…


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