By Robert Haugh

49ers owner Jed York’s arrest in an Ohio prostitution sting has become an issue in Santa Clara’s District 2 City Council race.

City Council candidate Yvonne Inciarte says women participating in the endorsement process for Democratic Activists for Women Now (DAWN) expressed anger that York is spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to help elect her opponent, Kimberley Williams.

“I can confirm that many women spoke up in support of my candidacy during the DAWN endorsement process,” Inciarte told Santa Clara News Online (SCNO).

“They were angry that a billionaire like Jed York, who was just arrested in a prostitution sting in Ohio, is spending money to meddle in my race.”

Inciarte said many of the women have worked closely with her during her career in public service.

“They spoke about the work we’ve done together, and they were upset to see an independent expenditure created to target me,” she said.

“Voters deserve to know who is spending to influence their city council.”

DAWN endorsed Inciarte in her race against Williams.

York was arrested August 23 in East Palestine, Ohio, following an undercover prostitution investigation.

He initially faced a charge of engaging in prostitution, which prosecutors later amended to disorderly conduct. York pleaded no contest to that charge and a misdemeanor charge of possessing criminal tools.

The NFL recently suspended York for six games and fined him $500,000 for violating its personal conduct policy. York said he accepted the NFL’s punishment.

Meanwhile, a Jed York-backed independent expenditure committee supporting Williams and opposing Inciarte has received more than $753,000 from the 49ers.

Inciarte said she is tired of York’s involvement in Santa Clara politics.

“Honestly, Jed York is a subject that’s getting old in Santa Clara. We don’t need his billions interfering in our local elections,” she said.

“Voters aren’t electing Jed York or the 49ers’ front office. They’re electing someone to represent them.”

Asked whether she would accept money or independent expenditure support from York, Inciarte said no.

“Anyone benefiting from York money, especially after his scandal, should be ashamed of themselves,” she said.

Inciarte also criticized Williams for her publicly expressed support of the 49ers.

“My opponent has openly talked about her support for the 49ers and its leadership, and voters should know that,” she said.

Inciarte said her campaign is focused on talking directly with voters and building support among local residents.

“I grew up in District 2. I’m a working-class, first-generation college graduate, and I’m running to make sure the families who built this city have a real voice at City Hall.”

“Santa Clara is not for sale, and neither am I.”