Cassie Bittle Filed for Bakersfield City Council
The local business owner and planning commissioner has entered the race for the Ward 3 seat in the November election.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Local Services
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Cassie Bittle, co-owner of KC Steakhouse and a member of the Bakersfield Planning Commission, has officially filed to run for the Bakersfield City Council Ward 3 seat. She is seeking to succeed incumbent Ken Weir in the upcoming November election.
Why it matters
Bittle intends to center her campaign on tackling local crime, addressing homelessness, and improving financial management within the municipal government. She has secured endorsements from prominent local leaders including Congressman Vince Fong, State Senator Shannon Grove, and Sheriff Donny Youngblood.
The city recently mandated a significant utility hike, raising the annual sewer rate from $247.13 to $475. This marks a notable shift in municipal costs for residents.
The players
Cassie Bittle
She is a local business owner and a current member of the Bakersfield Planning Commission.
Ken Weir
He is the current incumbent serving on the Bakersfield City Council for Ward 3.
Vince Fong
He is a Congressman who has officially endorsed Bittle for the upcoming council election.
Shannon Grove
She is a State Senator who has provided an endorsement for Bittle's campaign.
Donny Youngblood
He is the Sheriff who has expressed his support for Bittle in the council race.
The details
Bittle brings a background in community service and local business advocacy to her bid, having previously volunteered with Keep Bakersfield Beautiful and the Downtown Business Association. She remains a sitting member of the Planning Commission, with her current term scheduled to continue through 2028.
Timeline
The candidates for the Ward 3 seat will participate in a live debate on KGET on October 15, 2026.
The election for the Bakersfield City Council Ward 3 seat is scheduled for November 2026.
Bittle's current term on the Bakersfield Planning Commission expires in 2028.
Culture Shift
This campaign unfolds against the backdrop of the recently approved Bakersfield sewer rate increase, which raised annual costs from $247.13 to $475. It signals a move toward addressing municipal financial stability as a central theme in local leadership contests.
Residents in Ward 3 will see their municipal financial options and service priorities debated throughout the campaign leading up to November. The outcome will directly determine future approaches to local homelessness and public safety initiatives.
The takeaway
Voters should evaluate how a candidate's business background translates into managing public utility costs and city budget mandates. The upcoming debate offers a critical opportunity to compare specific plans for addressing local crime and homelessness.
What happens next
Candidates will participate in a live debate broadcast on KGET on October 15, 2026, followed by the general election in November 2026.
Further reading
For more information on municipal elections and resources, visit Bakersfield Local Services.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KGET 17.
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Should local government candidates prioritize 'hospitality' and transparent communication to rebuild trust in city management?
