Costa Mesa to Elect New Mayor in November
The mayoral race and city council election will take place this November 3, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 19, 2026 in City Hall
Live Poll
Should your local government prioritize state-mandated housing development over local control in your community?
Costa Mesa voters will head to the polls on November 3, 2026, to elect a new mayor and three city council members. Current mayor John Stephens is ineligible for reelection due to term limits, leaving the office open to candidates Mike Buley and Loren Gameros.
Why it matters
The new leadership will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of a state-mandated housing plan requiring 11,760 new homes by 2029. This follows a July 2026 lawsuit by the state against the city regarding regional housing needs.
The city must facilitate the construction of 11,760 new homes by 2029 to meet state requirements. This mandate includes development guidelines for 2,300 units specifically at the Fairview Developmental Center site.
The players
Mike Buley
Mike Buley is a candidate for the mayor of Costa Mesa and was elected to the city council in 2024.
Loren Gameros
Loren Gameros is a candidate for the mayor of Costa Mesa and was elected to the city council in 2020.
John Stephens
John Stephens is the current mayor of Costa Mesa who is ineligible for reelection due to term limits.
The details
Candidates for the three vacant city council seats include eight individuals vying for the positions currently held by term-limited officials Manuel Chavez, Andrea Marr, and Arlis Reynolds. The incoming administration will inherit the oversight of these major housing developments and ongoing negotiations with the state.
Timeline
October 24, 2026: In-person vote centers open to the public.
November 3, 2026: Deadline for mailed ballots to be postmarked.
2029: Final deadline for city housing plan completion.
Political Context
The state's lawsuit regarding housing needs reflects a broader conflict between municipal planning autonomy and the Regional Housing Needs Allocation mandates. Critics argue these state requirements impose unsustainable growth pressures on local infrastructure.
Residents will directly influence local development projects by voting for representatives tasked with managing the city's growth plan. The outcome of this election will determine how the city approaches its 2029 housing construction targets and state compliance.
The takeaway
Voters should review candidate platforms specifically regarding the Fairview Developmental Center project, as its impact on local infrastructure is significant. Understanding the candidates' stance on state housing mandates is essential for participating in this election.
What happens next
In-person voting begins at designated centers on October 24, 2026, followed by the election on November 3, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on the upcoming election, visit the City Hall section for candidate profiles.
More information
Review the official voter guide for election candidates to learn more about the local council and mayoral race.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Orange County Register.
Live Poll
Should your local government prioritize state-mandated housing development over local control in your community?
