Endorsements

These endorsements reflect the Party’s commitment to progressive values, including protecting working families, expanding affordable housing, investing in public education, safeguarding our environment, and ensuring that local government serves the needs of all Monterey County residents. The recommendations, brought forward by the MCDCC Endorsement Committee after candidate interviews and public hearings on August 19th and 24th, were approved by the Full Committee.

Protecting Renters and Housing Stability
A key priority of the endorsed measures is the defense of tenant protections. The Committee voted to recommend a NO vote on Measure H in Salinas, which seeks to repeal the City’s Residential Rental Registration, Rent Stabilization, Tenant Protection, and Anti-Harassment Ordinances.

We welcome you to also review the California Democratic Party endorsements here.

2026 Endorsements

Congress and Assembly

Congress, 18th District: Zoe Lofgren

Congress, 19th District: Jimmy Panetta

Assembly District 29: Robert Rivas

Assembly District 30: Dawn Addis

Mayors, City Council Members, and Local Measures

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Mayor: Hans Buder

YES Measure M & N:: Fund street maintenance, beach erosion, wildfire preparedness, and tree maintenance

Gonzales

Gonzales City Council, District 1: Maria Orozco

Greenfield

Greenfield City Council, District 3: David Godoy

YES on Measure J:Reorganize school districts, form Greenfield Unified and King City Unified

YES on Measure O: Improve public safety, youth recreation, and code enforcement.

King City

YES Measure P: Reauthorize sales tax for 911 response

YES on Measure J Reorganize school districts, form Greenfield Unified and King City Unified

Marina

Mayor: Mike Moeller

City Council D1: Brian McCarthy

City Council D4: Athena Burciaga

Neutral Measure Q Utility Tax

Monterey

City Council D1: Dr. Kim Barber

City Council D2: Alec Manas

YES on Measure S: Safe streets, sidewalks, ADA access

Pacific Grove

Mayor: Nick Smith

City Council, at large: Lori McDonell

City Council District 1: Cynthia Garfield

YES on Measure R: safe streets, crime prevention

Salinas

Mayor: Daniel Munoz

City Council District 2: Tony Barrera

City Council D3: Cary Swensen

City Council D5: Andrew Sandoval

NO Measure H: Stop repeal of renters protections

YES Measure G: Improve streets, parks, public safety, and youth/senior programs.

Seaside

Mayor: Ian Oglesby

City Council: Lacey Raak

City Council: Rita Burks

School Districts

Alisal Union School District, Area 2: Ulises Gonzalez Reyes

Salinas Union High School District, Area 3: Brenda Contreras

Salinas Union High School District, Area 7: Merissa Dacpano

Hartnell Community College District, Area 5: Felicia Perez Kausin

Hartnell Community College District, Area 6: Rosalie Sanchez

Monterey Peninsula Community College District, A1: Rosalyn Green

Monterey County Office of Education (MCOE), Area 1: Megan Whilden

Special Districts

Marina Coast Water District: Jan Shriner and Gail Morton

School Bond Measures

YES Measure I (Carmel Unified): $250M general obligation bond for critical facility upgrades including roofs, HVAC, plumbing, safety, and disability access.

YES Measure L (North Monterey County Unified): $40M bond for health/safety compliance, asbestos/lead pipe removal, and STEM/trades upgrades.

YES Measure K (Pacific Grove Unified): Parcel tax for reading/math intervention, special education, after-school care, and mental health counseling.

YES Measure G-26 (Paso Robles Joint Unified): Bond for facility needs (affects a small portion of southern Monterey County).

Other Local Measures

YES Measure E (County): Fund infrastructure, emergency services, libraries, parks, and homelessness reduction.

YES on Measure V: Improve Senior and Recreation Centers (North County Recreation and Park District)

Get Involved!
Ready to make a difference? The Monterey County Democrats encourage every registered voter to show up and support Democrats in the upcoming Primary Election. Let’s make our voices heard!

Key Dates & Information

Ballots Mailed beginning Oct. 5
Last Day to Register: Oct. 19
Conditional Registration: Oct. 20-Nov. 3
Election Day: The November 2026 Midterm Election is Tuesday, Nov. 2
Voter Information: Need to register, vote by mail, or find your polling place? Visit the Monterey County Elections Department website to get ready. Every vote counts!

Let’s keep Monterey County blue and build a brighter future together. See you at the polls!

How to Vote

Voting is easy, safe, free, and fun!

A ballot will be mailed to all registered voters about one month before the election. Use our guide on this page to complete your ballot.

There are many ways to vote...

Deliver your ballot ANY DAY by Mail:

Drop in any mailbox ASAP – no postage needed (postmarked no later than Election Day)

ANY DAY Drop Off:

Drop it in an OFFICIAL dropbox at one of these early drop-off locations near you (no in-person contact necessary).

MontereyCountyElections.us/ballot-drop-off-locations

WEEKDAY Drop off:

Drop it in an OFFICIAL dropbox at one of these locations near you (no in-person contact necessary).

MontereyCountyElections.us/ballot-drop-off-locations

EARLY Voting:

Vote in-person, return your voted ballot, or register to vote at any one of the locations below prior to Election Day. Dates and times vary.

MontereyCountyElections.us/ballot-early-voting-locations

WEEKDAY in Person:

Bring your ballot or pick up a new ballot at:

Monterey County Elections Department: 1441 Schilling Pl North Bldg, Salinas

ELECTION DAY

Anytime between 7am – 8pm

At your polling place: Find my polling place.

Early Voting Center at Embassy Suites: 1441 Canyon Del Rey Blvd. Seaside

Monterey County Elections: 1441 Schilling Place North Bldg. Salinas

THEN

Check your ballot status: WheresMyBallot.sos.ca.gov

Get friends & family to register: RegisterToVote.ca.gov

“Triple Text” to boost your impact: when you drop your ballot, text 3 friends to do the same!

NEED HELP?

Monterey County Elections Department - Voter Assistance Line: 831-796-1499
Monterey County Democratic - Party Voter Support: ‪831-288-2064‬
California Democratic Party - Voter Protection Hotline: 877-321-VOTE (8683)