Poway Council Election Pits De Hoff Against Walder
Two Poway City Council seats are on the November 3, 2026 ballot, with District 3 contested and District 1 unopposed.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Civic Engagement
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Voters in Poway will decide the District 3 City Council seat on November 3, 2026, when incumbent Peter De Hoff faces challenger Bob Walder. Chris Pikus is running unopposed in District 1 on the same ballot.
Why it matters
The election will determine who holds two council seats in a city of a little under 50,000 residents that has seen a recent housing boom and recent debates over land use and public policy. The outcome shapes local decisions on data centers, homelessness policy and infrastructure.
Two of Poway's five council seats are up on November 3, 2026, with District 3 contested between incumbent Peter De Hoff and challenger Bob Walder. District 1 has no opponent for Chris Pikus, and the source does not report campaign finance figures for either race.
The players
Peter De Hoff
Peter De Hoff is a scientist at UC San Diego who is seeking a second term on the Poway City Council.
Bob Walder
Bob Walder is a retired naval aviator who has lived in Poway for nearly 30 years and is challenging incumbent De Hoff.
Chris Pikus
Chris Pikus is an engineer with a 30-year career who was appointed to the Poway City Council in January 2025.
The details
Walder, a retired naval aviator who has lived in Poway for nearly 30 years, is challenging De Hoff, a UC San Diego scientist seeking a second term who serves on the Wastewater Joint Powers Authority and the Regional Solid Waste Association. Pikus was appointed to the council in January 2025 to replace Brian Pepin, who vacated the seat to focus on a political consulting business.
Timeline
January 2025: Chris Pikus is appointed to the Poway City Council to replace Brian Pepin.
September: The council votes for a ban on large third-party data centers.
November 3, 2026: Voters decide the District 1 and District 3 council seats.
Political Context
Poway's council adopted a homeless encampment ban three years ago modeled on a San Diego City Council ordinance, and in September voted for a ban on large third-party data centers. The November 2026 contest will show whether voters endorse the council's direction on those policies.
The outcome determines who represents District 3 and District 1 on the council that sets local rules on land use, data centers and homelessness. Residents in those districts will see the new representation take effect after the vote.
The takeaway
Local council races often turn on a few hundred votes, so checking your district and ballot before November 3, 2026 is a practical step for Poway residents who want a say in these decisions.
What happens next
Voters will decide the District 1 and District 3 council seats on November 3, 2026.
Further reading
Explore more Civic Engagement coverage in Poway.
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