Election 2026: Stanislaus County assessor is calling it a career after four decades
.jpeg "Appointed incumbent Don Gaekle is pictured in 2014, when he was running to be elected Stanislaus County assessor.")
Stanislaus County Assessor Don Gaekle has announced he won’t run for another term.
In a news release, Gaekle said he will retire when his term ends in January 2027, bringing to a close four decades of public service.
The local government veteran has served more than 12 years as county assessor, which is an elected county position.
“I am proud that we have developed a strong, experienced leadership team and staff who are well-prepared to move forward with continued excellent customer service, fair and equitable valuations and efficient administration on behalf of the residents of Stanislaus County,” Gaekle said in the news release. “It has been an honor to work with an outstanding staff and serve the residents of Stanislaus County for nearly four decades.”
Assistant Assessor Matt Reavill is running for the office in the June primary election. The county assessor uses data from sales transactions and bank records to assign a value to properties for tax purposes.
Gaekle began his career with the Assessor’s Office as an entry-level appraiser in 1986. He rose to the position of assistant assessor of valuation and was appointed county assessor in October 2013, managing a staff of 54. Gaekle was elected to the assessor position in 2014, defeating then-Turlock councilmember Amy Bublak. He was re-elected in 2018 and 2022.
According to the news release, Gaekle brought modernization and efficiency to the Assessor’s Office and fostered a culture of professionalism and collaboration.
He is a past president of the California Assessors’ Association and serves on its board of directors.
The news release said the Assessor’s Office is continuing a mission of timely and accurate property assessments and service to the community. During Gaekle’s final year in office, he will use the opportunity to mentor staff and the leadership team.
