Santa Cruz Will Hold Mayoral Election on November 3
Ryan Coonerty and Ami Chen Mills face off in the upcoming general election to replace current Mayor Fred Keeley.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Civic Engagement
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Santa Cruz voters will head to the polls on November 3, 2026, to decide between mayoral candidates Ryan Coonerty and Ami Chen Mills. The runoff comes after the June primary election resulted in no candidate securing the necessary votes to win the seat outright.
Why it matters
This election will determine the citys leadership as incumbent Fred Keeley reaches his term limit. The results will shape local policy while voters also weigh 14 state propositions on the same ballot.
The ballot features 14 propositions, including state-level measures regarding tax auditing and housing finance. Voter turnout in June was significantly higher among residents aged 55 or older compared to those aged 18-34.
The players
Ryan Coonerty
He is a candidate for the Santa Cruz mayoral election.
Ami Chen Mills
She is a candidate for the Santa Cruz mayoral election.
Fred Keeley
He is the current mayor of Santa Cruz and is stepping down due to term limits.
The details
Candidates Ryan Coonerty and Ami Chen Mills advanced from the June primary to the general election. Residents must register online by October 19 to receive a ballot by mail, and official drop-off boxes for completed ballots opened on October 6.
Timeline
June 2026: The primary election was held.
October 6, 2026: Ballot drop-off boxes opened to the public.
October 19, 2026: Last day for online voter registration to receive a ballot by mail.
November 3, 2026: Election Day.
Political Context
Opponents of the current fiscal approach often cite the potential for government overreach in bond measures. Critics of the proposed ballot propositions frequently argue that complex state measures complicate the local ballot and create unnecessary administrative burdens.
Residents must ensure their voter registration is updated by October 19 to participate in the upcoming general election. Voters will also decide on 14 state propositions that could impact municipal tax policies and affordable housing funding.
The takeaway
Voters can utilize mail-in ballots or official drop-off boxes to ensure their votes are counted before the November 3 deadline. Staying informed on the 14 state propositions is essential for participating in this midterm election cycle.
What happens next
Election Day is scheduled for November 3, 2026, when polls will open across the city to finalize the mayoral contest and the 14 state propositions.
Further reading
Learn more about local voting requirements and candidate platforms in the Santa Cruz Civic Engagement section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by City on a Hill Press.
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