Santee to Hold Council Elections in November

City council members face challengers as voters weigh a proposed one-cent sales tax increase.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Elections

A wide view of a sunlit civic plaza with stone architecture under a clear blue sky in a California municipality. — Santee voters will head to the polls in November 2026 to decide on city council races and Measure Y, a sales tax proposal. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Santee City Council members Rob McNelis and Ronn Hall will face electoral challenges in November 2026. Voters will also decide on Measure Y, a proposed one-cent sales tax increase aimed at addressing city infrastructure needs.

Why it matters

The outcome of the election and the vote on Measure Y will determine how the city addresses an estimated $327.7 million in unfunded projects. This decision carries long-term implications for the city's financial stability and capital improvement planning.

Incumbent Councilmember Rob McNelis has served since 2010, while Vice Mayor Ronn Hall has served since 2014. These races come as the city faces a backlog of $327.7 million in unfunded municipal projects.

The players

Rob McNelis

He is the current Councilmember for District 1 in Santee.

Ronn Hall

He serves as the Vice Mayor and Councilmember for District 2.

Matthew Rascon

He is the candidate challenging Rob McNelis for the District 1 seat.

Eddie Vandiver

He is the candidate challenging Ronn Hall for the District 2 seat.

The details

Rob McNelis is defending his District 1 seat against Matthew Rascon, while Vice Mayor Ronn Hall faces challenger Eddie Vandiver in District 2. The November 2026 ballot will also feature Measure Y, which proposes a one-cent sales tax to fund city projects.

Rob McNelis began his tenure on the City Council in 2010.
Ronn Hall began his tenure on the City Council in 2014.
The deadline for campaign finance filings was June 30, 2026.
The election for council seats and the Measure Y vote will occur in November 2026.

Political Context

Opponents of the proposed tax hike argue that the city should prioritize budget efficiency over new revenue measures. This pushback highlights a broader debate among residents regarding the funding of the city's $327.7 million in unfunded projects.

The passage of Measure Y would result in a one-cent sales tax increase for all shoppers and residents within the city. Voters should review the specific project list associated with the tax to understand how it impacts their local community infrastructure.

The takeaway

Voters should evaluate how the candidates' stances on Measure Y align with their own views on local tax policy and project prioritization. Being informed about both the council races and the tax measure is essential for understanding the future direction of city services.