Eli Gill Launches Santa Monica City Council Campaign

The first-time candidate aims to secure a seat on the council while advocating for increased housing density.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in City Hall

Eli Gill Launches Santa Monica City Council Campaign

Live Poll

Should your city increase residential density in neighborhoods to accommodate future growth?

Eli Gill, an insurance technology operations manager and Wilmont neighborhood resident, has officially entered the race for Santa Monica City Council. The first-time candidate is prioritizing housing policy reform as a central pillar of his campaign.

Why it matters

Gill contends that Santa Monica must proactively adjust its housing policies to accommodate future growth. He argues that fostering residential density is essential for the city's long-term sustainability and economic vitality.

Eli Gill has lived in Santa Monica for 22 years and is a first-time candidate for City Council. He is a father of 2 daughters.

The players

Eli Gill

He is an insurance technology professional and former art gallery owner running for a seat on the Santa Monica City Council.

The details

Gill, who previously owned an art gallery in Culver City and attended UCLA, now works in operations for an insurance technology company. His platform focuses on downtown revitalization and expanding housing options throughout the city.

Eli Gill was born in 1982 in Glendora.
Gill has been a resident of Santa Monica for 22 years, having arrived in 2004.

Political Context

Critics of pro-density platforms often point to neighborhood character and infrastructure strain as primary concerns. Opponents argue that rapid development may overwhelm existing public services and alter the historical aesthetic of established communities.

Residents can expect the campaign to focus on how residential density and downtown development will impact their immediate neighborhoods. The election results will directly influence future city zoning decisions and the availability of housing units within the community.

The takeaway

Candidates proposing shifts in urban density often trigger significant debate regarding the balance between growth and neighborhood preservation. Voters should evaluate how such housing policies might impact local property values and available community amenities.