Palm Desert to Hold City Council Vote November 3
Four candidates are running to fill two new council seats as Palm Desert transitions to a five-district system.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in City Hall
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Palm Desert will conduct a city council election on November 3, 2026, to fill two newly established seats. Voters will decide between candidates vying to represent District 4 and District 5 as the city moves toward a five-district council structure.
Why it matters
The outcome of this election will finalize the city’s transition to a district-based council system by providing the first-ever representatives for Districts 4 and 5.
Four candidates are running for two council seats on November 3, 2026. This election officially populates Districts 4 and 5, which are part of the city's new five-district council system.
The players
Evan Trubee
Evan Trubee is the current mayor of Palm Desert who is running for the District 4 city council seat.
John Greenwood
John Greenwood is a member of the Palm Desert Planning Commission seeking the District 5 seat.
Ralph Perry
Ralph Perry serves on the Palm Desert parks and recreation committee and is a candidate for District 5.
Jonathon Polly
Jonathon Polly is a candidate running for the District 4 seat on the city council.
The details
Candidates Jonathon Polly and current mayor Evan Trubee are competing for the District 4 seat, while John Greenwood and Ralph Perry are running for the District 5 seat. This election follows a period of local debate concerning city policy, including a proposal from December 2025 to stop the display of LGBTQ Pride banners.
Timeline
2020: Evan Trubee ran for council and lost.
2021: Ralph Perry joined the library advisory committee.
December 2025: The city council proposed ending LGBTQ Pride banner displays.
November 3, 2026: The city council election occurs.
Political Context
The city's transition to district-based representation follows a pattern often seen in municipalities responding to legal requirements under the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to ensure equitable representation. Critics often argue that such transitions can dilute the influence of at-large seats or alter the ideological balance of local governance.
Residents in Districts 4 and 5 will gain their first dedicated representatives, which may shift how local issues like infrastructure and public policies are prioritized. This election determines who will hold power as the city finishes its move to a district-based council.
The takeaway
Voters should review the specific district boundaries to understand which candidate represents their neighborhood. Preparing for the election ensures that residents participate in selecting the council members who will directly oversee future district-specific projects.
Further reading
For more information on upcoming municipal votes, visit the City Hall section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Desert Sun.
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