Four Avenal, California, officials who remained in power after voters recalled them in April are “not lawfully” holding office, a judge ruled Monday, bringing a legal rebuke to one of the state’s most unusual local election controversies.

Kings County Judge Jennifer Giuliani said recalled Mayor Alvaro Preciado and city council members Leticia Gamez, Pablo Hernandez, and David Reynosa had occupied offices that had been vacant since Kings County certified the recall results on May 28. The ruling follows months in which the officials challenged the election’s legality and continued participating in city government despite recall votes.

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