California Local Elections
California Voters Prepare for Consequential November 2026 Local Elections Across Key Cities
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Key Points
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San Ramon Valley Unified projected it would receive about $7.75 million in 2026–27 based on enrollment of foster youth, English learners and low-income students. The district’s foundation said it ranked sixth-lowest in funding among unified districts in 2021, and lowest among those with more than 6,500 students.
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East Palo Alto recently allowed small housing developers to bypass the city’s affordable-housing requirement or its in-lieu fee. Incumbent Ruben Abrica and Councilmember Carlos Ramos were the only council members to vote against the change.
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In San Diego’s District 2 race, Richard Bailey has proposed outsourcing city services, rebuilding the Ocean Beach Pier through a public-private partnership and reducing the city workforce while hiring more police officers. The article also notes he was an active Republican and Trump supporter before leaving the party a few months ago.
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San Jose’s District 9 race is for an open seat, with Genny Altwer and Gordon Chester advancing from the primary; in District 7, incumbent Bien Doan faces Van Le, and in District 5, incumbent Peter Ortiz faces former councilmember and Assemblymember Nora Campos. Opponents of proposed density increases say they could quadruple allowable housing density and damage neighborhood character.
California voters will decide dozens of local races this November 2026, from city councils reshaping housing policy to school boards grappling with enrollment and funding crises. In San Jose, three pivotal council contests will determine how the city accommodates 62,000 new homes amid fierce disputes over neighborhood density Mercury News. Meanwhile, San Ramon school board voters face a choice between two candidates with sharply different visions for a district struggling with some of the lowest funding levels in the state Mercury News.
East Palo Alto voters will elect two council members as the city grapples with housing rules and displacement fears Mercury News, while San Diego's District 2 race pits a Republican-turned-independent against an incumbent Democrat in a contest framed around partisan identity and city management Voice of San Diego. From Mission Viejo's complete council reset to Marin County's tax and services battles, these elections will shape how California's diverse communities plan growth, fund schools and deliver basic services.
San Jose Voters Decide Housing Density and Neighborhood Character
Three San Jose council races will shape the city's decade-long push to build 62,000 new homes Mercury News. In District 9, an open seat, candidates Genny Altwer and Gordon Chester are advancing from the primary Mercury News. District 7 pits incumbent Bien Doan against Van Le, while District 5 pairs incumbent Peter Ortiz against former Councilmember and Assemblymember Nora Campos Mercury News.
The central fault line divides candidates over proposed density increases that opponents warn could quadruple allowable housing density and damage neighborhood character Mercury News. Supporters argue the housing is essential to ease the regional shortage and affordability crisis. These races will signal whether San Jose voters prioritize growth or neighborhood preservation as the city tries to meet state housing mandates.
San Ramon School Board Grapples With Lowest Funding Levels
San Ramon Valley Unified School District voters will choose between school board member Rachel Hurd and challenger Joel Woods for the Area 5 seat Mercury News. The district is projected to receive about $7.75 million in 2026–27 based on enrollment of foster youth, English learners and low-income students Mercury News. Despite serving students across a wealthy region, the district ranked sixth-lowest in funding among unified districts statewide in 2021 and lowest among those with more than 6,500 students Mercury News.
The race unfolds against declines in enrollment and fiscal management disputes that have strained school operations Mercury News. The candidates differ on how to address funding gaps and manage district resources as California schools face persistent budget pressures and shifting student populations.
East Palo Alto Debates Housing Rules and Displacement Risks
East Palo Alto voters will elect two council members as the city confronts its affordable housing crisis Mercury News. Incumbent Vice Mayor Ruben Abrica is seeking reelection alongside new candidates. The council recently approved a controversial change allowing small housing developers to bypass the city's affordable-housing requirement or its in-lieu fee Mercury News. Abrica and Councilmember Carlos Ramos were the only council members to vote against the change Mercury News.
The housing debate sits at the heart of this election, with candidates disagreeing sharply over displacement risks and how to preserve community character while adding new homes Mercury News. Voters will also weigh candidates' plans for youth and senior services as the city tries to balance growth with existing residents' needs.
San Diego District 2 Race Tests Republican Gains in Democratic City
Former Coronado Mayor Richard Bailey is challenging Democrat Nicole Crosby for San Diego's District 2 City Council seat Voice of San Diego. Bailey recently left the Republican Party and was an active Trump supporter before his party switch Voice of San Diego. The district represents Ocean Beach, Point Loma, Mission Bay and nearby neighborhoods.
Bailey has proposed outsourcing city services, rebuilding the Ocean Beach Pier through a public-private partnership and reducing the city workforce while hiring more police officers Voice of San Diego. The race is framed around partisan identity and city management philosophy, testing whether San Diego voters — who have backed Democrats for years — will shift rightward on local governance and fiscal issues Voice of San Diego.
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