Berkeley District 1 Voters Will Elect New Representative

Five candidates are competing for the open Berkeley City Council seat on November 3, 2026.

Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Elections

Berkeley District 1 Voters Will Elect New Representative

Live Poll

Do you plan to vote in your upcoming local city council election?

Berkeley residents in District 1 will head to the polls on November 3, 2026, to elect a new City Council representative. The upcoming vote follows the departure of incumbent Rashi Kesarwani.

Why it matters

The election will determine the future leadership of District 1 as the city transitions to a new council representative after an eight-year tenure by the incumbent.

Five candidates are vying for the District 1 seat, which is being vacated by the outgoing representative. The outcome will finalize the council composition following the end of the term that began in 2018.

The players

Rashi Kesarwani

She has served as the Berkeley District 1 Councilmember since 2018.

Laura Babitt

She is one of the five candidates running for the vacant District 1 City Council seat.

Ross Bernet

He is a candidate seeking election to the Berkeley City Council for District 1.

Moni Gangopadhyay

He is running as a candidate for the District 1 City Council position.

Steve Kromer

He is competing among the five candidates for the District 1 seat.

The details

Voters in District 1 will choose between Laura Babitt, Ross Bernet, Moni Gangopadhyay, Steve Kromer, and Daria Wrubel. The election serves to replace outgoing Councilmember Rashi Kesarwani, who has held the post for the last eight years.

Rashi Kesarwani began serving on the City Council in 2018.
The election for the District 1 seat takes place on November 3, 2026.

Political Context

Opponents of the current council direction often use these local transitions to push for shifts in municipal spending and development priorities. The departure of an eight-year incumbent invites substantive debate over the district's trajectory and the efficacy of existing policies.

Residents of District 1 will see their representation change, which could influence local regulatory decisions and city budget allocations. Voters must prepare for the November 3, 2026 election to ensure their interests are reflected in the upcoming council term.

The takeaway

Voters should review the platforms of the five candidates to understand how each person plans to address the needs of District 1. Participating in local elections is the most effective way for residents to shape the future of their neighborhood.