Fairfax Will Elect Two Town Council Members

Residents head to the polls on November 3 to fill two open seats on the local Town Council.

Updated on Oct. 4, 2026 in City Hall

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a town hall facade, representing the civic nature of the Fairfax town council election. — Fairfax voters will head to the polls on November 3 to fill two open seats on the local Town Council. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you believe local council candidates should focus more on ending factionalism in your community?

Fairfax will hold an election for two Town Council seats on November 3. The contest comes as current Mayor Stephanie Hellman and Councilmember Lisel Blash have opted not to seek reelection.

Why it matters

The outcome of the election will determine the new council makeup, which is tasked with selecting a successor for outgoing town manager Heather Abrams.

Four candidates are running for two open seats: Susan Adams, Larry Bragman, Matt Da Cunha, and Doug Kelly. The new council will manage the transition for a town manager position following the departure of Heather Abrams to Yountville.

The players

Stephanie Hellman

Stephanie Hellman serves as the current Mayor of Fairfax and is not seeking reelection.

Lisel Blash

Lisel Blash is a sitting Town Councilmember who has decided not to run for another term.

Heather Abrams

Heather Abrams is the departing town manager who is moving to a new position in Yountville.

Larry Bragman

Larry Bragman is a council candidate who previously served on the Fairfax Town Council for 11 years.

Doug Kelly

Doug Kelly is a candidate for the council who serves on the Ross Valley Sanitary District board.

The details

Candidates include retired government attorney Susan Adams, former 11-year council member Larry Bragman, retired firefighter Matt Da Cunha, and Ross Valley Sanitary District board member Doug Kelly. The new council will also need to address potential shifts in operations, with candidate Larry Bragman proposing an increase to two meetings per month.

The election for the two available seats will occur on Nov. 3.
Susan Adams has been a resident of Fairfax since 2007.

Political Context

Critics of the proposed schedule change to two monthly meetings often cite the Brown Act, which mandates specific transparency and public notice requirements for council deliberations. This election cycle reflects a broader shift as the town manages the transition to a new executive leadership team.

The election results will directly shape local governance and the selection of a new town manager who oversees municipal operations. Residents will see changes in how the council prioritizes town business and meets to discuss local policies.

The takeaway

Voters will choose two new representatives who will immediately face the responsibility of replacing the town manager. Candidates have indicated that future council meeting frequency may change to accommodate evolving civic needs.