Micael and Hill Will Compete for Berkeley District 7 Seat

Candidates Syrak Micael and Aidan Hill vie to fill the seat vacated by Cecilia Lunaparra in the upcoming November election.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Civic Engagement

Micael and Hill Will Compete for Berkeley District 7 Seat

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Syrak Micael and Aidan Hill are running to represent Berkeley's District 7 on the City Council this November. The race follows the resignation of council member Cecilia Lunaparra.

Why it matters

The election will decide who represents the Southside neighborhood, a district that historically records the lowest voter turnout in city council contests. The outcome will influence local policy on housing and student infrastructure projects.

Syrak Micael has raised approximately $11,000 this year, a 5-to-1 advantage over Aidan Hill, who has raised less than $2,000. Both candidates are utilizing the city's public financing program for small-dollar contributions of $60 or less.

The players

Syrak Micael

He is a candidate for the District 7 seat and serves on the Berkeley housing advisory commission.

Aidan Hill

He is a candidate for the District 7 seat and currently works as a medical case manager.

Cecilia Lunaparra

She previously held the District 7 council seat before vacating the position.

Adena Ishii

She is the Mayor of Berkeley and has officially endorsed Syrak Micael in this race.

The details

Micael serves on the city housing advisory commission, while Hill is a medical case manager who previously campaigned for mayor and city council. The candidates are addressing major local issues, including the proposed housing developments at People's Park and student housing capacity projects near Bowditch Street.

Aidan Hill ran for city council in 2018.
Aidan Hill ran for mayor in 2020.
A regular city council election took place in 2022.
Candidates attended a forum in early September 2026.
The target date for a $30 minimum wage is 2030.

Political Context

Opponents of current council policy may point to the recent dissolution of the Mobile Crisis Team as a sign of shifting priorities that the next representative will need to address. This election marks a departure from the previous incumbent's tenure and tests the impact of public campaign financing.

Residents in District 7 will see their representation change following the November election, impacting how local housing and pedestrian projects are prioritized. The new council member will help decide the path for infrastructure initiatives, including the proposed Telegraph Avenue study and housing goals.

The takeaway

Voters should review the candidates' specific stances on local housing and transit development to understand the future of the Southside area. High turnout in this traditionally low-engagement district could significantly alter the council's policy trajectory.