Combs and Velagapudi Will Compete for District 2 Seat

The candidates will face off in the upcoming November 2026 election for the Menlo Park City Council.

Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Remote Work

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a municipal clock tower, symbolizing local government and the upcoming Menlo Park election. — Incumbent Drew Combs and challenger Vamsi Velagapudi will compete for the District 2 Menlo Park City Council seat in the November 2026 election. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Drew Combs and Vamsi Velagapudi are candidates in the Menlo Park City Council District 2 election scheduled for November 2026. The race centers on the candidates different approaches to city management and major development projects.

Why it matters

The election will determine leadership for District 2, which includes the Willows, Suburban Park, and Flood Triangle neighborhoods. Voters are weighing the incumbent's record against calls for a new approach to council decision-making.

Incumbent Drew Combs has served on the City Council since 2018 and has worked at Meta for 10 years, while challenger Vamsi Velagapudi has resided in Menlo Park for 8 years. The council previously approved a housing element in a 4-1 vote.

The players

Drew Combs

He is the incumbent candidate for the District 2 seat who has served on the City Council since 2018 and is a current employee at Meta.

Vamsi Velagapudi

He is a candidate for the District 2 seat who has previously held roles at companies including Google, Cisco, and HP.

The details

Drew Combs is seeking a third term and cites his record of representing constituent concerns as evidence for his continued service. Vamsi Velagapudi argues that the incumbent has failed to foster constructive decision-making, particularly concerning large developments like the 17,000-home Willow Village and the 39-story 80 Willow project.

Drew Combs began serving on the City Council in 2018.
The city held an annual priority-setting meeting on March 13, 2026.
The Willow Village housing project was paused in May 2026.
The District 2 election will be held in November 2026.

Market Landscape

This election follows the council's 4-1 vote to approve the 2023-2031 housing element. The debate over this policy and future housing developments positions the candidates on opposite sides of the citys approach to state-mandated growth.

Residents in the Willows, Suburban Park, and Flood Triangle neighborhoods will choose a representative who influences future housing projects and city development. The outcome could change local council voting patterns on major housing developments.

The takeaway

Voters face a choice between an experienced incumbent and a challenger promising a new strategy for city council operations. The result will influence how Menlo Park manages future development amid state housing requirements.