Carson Will Hold City Council Election November 3
Voters in Districts 2 and 4 will decide their representatives in the upcoming general election.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Elections
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Carson residents will head to the polls on November 3, 2026, to elect city council members for District 2 and District 4. The election features candidates vying for council seats in their respective districts as mail-in ballots reach voters.
Why it matters
The outcome of this election will shape local governance in Carson, as the new council members will oversee policies regarding commercial development and revenue strategies. Candidates are looking to boost sales tax revenue to bolster city finances.
Arleen Rojas leads in fundraising with over $45,000 in contributions versus $6,247 for John Hollaway, while Jim Dear has over $10,000 compared to $987 for Derek Haskell. Property tax revenue currently accounts for less than 7% of total city funds.
The players
Jim Dear
He is a candidate for the Carson District 2 City Council seat.
Derek Haskell
He is running as a candidate for the Carson District 2 City Council seat.
Arleen Rojas
She is a candidate for the Carson District 4 City Council seat.
John Hollaway
He is a candidate for the Carson District 4 City Council seat.
The details
District 2 candidates Jim Dear and Derek Haskell, along with District 4 candidates Arleen Rojas and John Hollaway, are competing for office. Beyond election politics, the city manages a $370 million settlement from Tesoro/Marathon Petroleum, with candidates focusing on commercial growth to drive future sales tax income.
Timeline
September 19, 2026: John Hollaway reported campaign donation totals.
October 5, 2026: A candidates forum was held for District 4 participants.
November 3, 2026: The general election day is scheduled.
Political Context
Opponents in the council race have challenged the current administration's approach to long-term fiscal planning and the utilization of funds from the Tesoro/Marathon Petroleum settlement. Critics argue that relying on increased commercial development ignores the need for more diverse economic stability.
Residents should review their mail-in ballots to ensure they have the correct information for their specific council district races. The election results will directly influence future city development projects that may affect local sales tax burdens and services.
The takeaway
Voters are encouraged to research individual candidate platforms before the November 3 election to understand how each plans to manage the city's financial assets. Participating in local elections is the primary way for residents to influence commercial development priorities.
What happens next
General election day is November 3, 2026, when voters will cast ballots for District 2 and District 4 council seats.
Further reading
Learn more about local ballot measures and candidates on the Carson Elections page.
More information
For official guidance, visit the LA County voting and polling information portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Press Telegram.
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