Salinas District 3 Race to Vote November 3
Three candidates are seeking the District 3 seat on the Salinas City Council in the November 3 election.
Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in City Hall
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Margaret D'Arrigo, the current District 3 councilmember, is seeking a second two-year term against challengers Brenton Bagley and Cary Swensen. Residents will decide who represents the district on the city council on November 3.
Why it matters
The District 3 seat will determine who steers Salinas' decisions on infrastructure and housing for the next two years. Candidates are campaigning on infrastructure investment and affordable housing.
The District 3 seat carries a two-year term, and the incumbent is seeking reelection against two challengers in a contest with three candidates. The November 3 result will determine the seat's occupant, and how the winner will act on pavement and traffic projects is not yet known.
The players
Margaret D'Arrigo
D'Arrigo is the current District 3 councilmember seeking a second two-year term, focused on affordable housing and reducing homelessness in Salinas.
Brenton Bagley
Bagley is a construction project coordinator and operations consultant challenging D'Arrigo, with plans to address the lack of affordable housing in Salinas.
Cary Swensen
Swensen is a small-business owner and part-time history instructor running for the seat, who has said he would explore alternative city funding sources rather than rely on new taxes.
The details
Incumbent Margaret D'Arrigo is seeking a second two-year term, while Brenton Bagley, a construction project coordinator and operations consultant, and Cary Swensen, a small-business owner and part-time history instructor, are challenging her. A significant investment in pavement improvements and traffic calming solutions has already been approved for District 3, which covers South Salinas.
Timeline
Nov. 3: District 3 residents vote for city council representative.
This next year: Pavement improvements and traffic calming solutions are slated for implementation in District 3.
Political Context
Salinas elects its council by district, so each seat answers to a defined neighborhood rather than the city at large. The District 3 contest tests whether voters favor continuity under D'Arrigo or the new priorities of her challengers.
District 3 voters will choose who represents them on the Salinas City Council, which shapes local pavement, traffic, and housing decisions. Residents should confirm their polling place before November 3.
The takeaway
The District 3 result will shape how Salinas tackles affordable housing and street investment over the next two years. Voters can compare each candidate's priorities before casting a ballot.
What happens next
Residents of District 3 vote on November 3 to choose their city council representative.
Further reading
Explore more on City Hall coverage of local council races and district decisions.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Voicesofmontereybay.
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Do you trust Salinas city government to fix housing and infrastructure problems?
