Ontario Planning Commissioner Jonathan Hagman announced Monday, Aug. 3, that he is withdrawing his election bid for City Council amid a federal investigation that has been linked to his father, San Bernardino County Supervisor Curt Hagman.
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“After careful consideration, I have made the decision to withdraw from the race for City Council to focus on my family,” Hagman said in a post on his “hagmanforont” Instagram account. “My commitment to Ontario residents, however, remains unchanged. I believe in the future of our city and will continue to serve as your planning commissioner. There is a bright future ahead, and I look forward to helping build the community our residents deserve.”
Hagman, who was appointed to the Planning Commission in February, had announced his candidacy for City Council District 3 on July 15 on his “Jonathan Hagman for Ontario City Council” Facebook page.
“Public service has always been an important part of my life through my military service and professional career. I’m ready to take the next step in serving the community that has given so much to me and my family,” Hagman said in his July 15 post. He noted he had the support of Ontario police officers and firefighters, his father, San Bernardino County Supervisor Jesse Armendarez, and Ontario City Council members Alan Wapner and Daisy Macias.
On July 24, he posted on his Facebook account that he had submitted his paperwork.
On Tuesday, July 28, FBI agents fanned out across San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties, serving multiple search warrants and grand jury subpoenas at homes and offices tied to Curt Hagman, Ontario Councilmember Alan Wapner, attorney Frank Lizarraga, and West Covina media company executive James Su.
No arrests have been made, and FBI spokesperson Laura Eimiller said the warrants are under seal and she could not comment on the investigation.
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Jonathan Hagman could not be reached for comment Monday.
Ontario Mayor Paul Leon said he will ask fellow council member during Tuesday night’s meeting to temporarily remove Wapner from all city-appointed committees in the wake of the FBI raids.
In a letter addressed to City Manager Scott Ochoa and the City Council, Leon, who faces a reelection challenge from Wapner in November, wrote that the FBI investigation creates an “appearance issue” that the council has a responsibility to address. Leon also has recommended that Wapner be temporarily removed as mayor pro tem.
The controversy appears to have upended the Ontario City Council and mayoral race.
A survey went out to residents asking questions pertaining to the mayor’s race. The candidates listed on the survey were Leon and current councilmembers Wapner and Daisy Macias.
The survey had several questions asking voters thoughts about whether they would vote for Macias if she were an option in the upcoming election.
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Wapner and Macias could not be reached for comment.
Staff Writer Mercedes Cannon-Tran contributed to this report