Quick Take
Who will be the next mayor of Santa Cruz? Here, the five candidates – Ami Chen Mills, Ryan Coonerty, Gillian Greensite, Chris Krohn and Joy Schendledecker – describe what they would do in short videos.
Five candidates are competing to become the city of Santa Cruz’s next mayor: Ami Chen Mills, Ryan Coonerty, Gillian Greensite, Chris Krohn and Joy Schendledecker. Coonerty and Krohn have held the office before, while Chen Mills, Greensite and Schendledecker are well-known activists, none of whom have ever held political office. Lookout has covered the race here.
Lookout asked each candidate five simple questions we think will give readers a sense of who they are, what they stand for, and how they could shape the future of the city. We include their responses here in alphabetical order.
ELECTION 2026: Read more local, state and national coverage here from Lookout and our content partners
The first vote happens in the June 2 primary. Santa Cruz uses California’s “top-two” system, meaning all candidates run in the same race, regardless of party. If one candidate gets more than 50% of the vote, that candidate wins outright. If not, the top two finishers move on to a run-off in November.
Whether you’re already following the race or just getting up to speed, here’s a look at each candidate – in their own words – before you cast your vote.
You can also see the candidates live at Lookout’s May 7 candidates forum at Hotel Paradox featuring these mayoral contenders, along with District 4 candidates Scott Newsome and Hector Marin, and District 6 candidates Renee Golder and Gabriella Noack. Get more information and RSVP for free here.
Ami Chen Mills
Ryan Coonerty
Gillian Greensite
Chris Krohn
Joy Schendledecker
Have something to say? Lookout welcomes letters to the editor, within our policies, from readers. Guidelines here.