Ami Chen Mills and Ryan Coonerty are running to succeed Fred Keeley as Santa Cruz mayor. Hear from each in their own words with short videos.
Election 2026
Coverage of local, statewide and national elections in 2026.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
A Lookout View: Karen Cogswell for Cabrillo College trustee
With Cabrillo College at an important crossroads with finances, attracting and retaining students, expanding its offerings and rebuilding trust with parts of the community after the debate over changing the school’s name, the Lookout Editorial Board endorses Karen Cogswell for the Area 6 seat on Cabrillo’s governing board, citing the most relevant experience, the clearest ideas and the strongest grasp of the college’s challenges among the three candidates.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
There’s a $11.25 billion housing bond on the ballot this November. Here’s what you should know
Supporters say California desperately needs money to fund housing construction and make a dent in its homelessness and affordability crisis. Critics say bond financing isn’t the way to do it.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Should California taxpayers chip in to fund political campaigns? Prop 4 lets you decide
Proposition 4 would lift a ban that prohibits state and most local candidates from using public funding for their political campaigns. Proponents argue the mechanism helps more candidates run for office, but opponents are skeptical.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Letter to the editor: Vote yes on D to keep control over drilling in local hands
In a letter to the editor, a Santa Cruz resident urges a yes vote on countywide Measure D to oppose oil, gas and mineral drilling off the Central Coast.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Trump administration sues California to block state from counting alleged noncitizen mail-in ballots
The Trump administration sued California election officials Thursday, asking a judge to bar the state from counting mail-in ballots for next month’s midterm elections from people the federal government has identified as “likely” noncitizens until their status can be confirmed.
Posted inEducation
Incumbent Gail Levine and newcomer Ashleigh Hopkins face off for San Lorenzo Valley Unified school board seat
Incumbent Gail Levine, a longtime public school educator, faces newcomer Ashleigh Hopkins for the Trustee Area 4 seat on the San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District governing board. Like many districts across the county and state, SLVUSD is navigating declining enrollment impacts while trying to retain qualified teachers.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
A Lookout View: Ryan Coonerty for Santa Cruz mayor
Santa Cruz is at a pivotal moment of change, and its next mayor will need experience, political savvy and a clear vision for the city’s future. The Lookout Editorial Board endorses Ryan Coonerty over Ami Chen Mills, recognizing her advocacy and the concerns she raises about homelessness, affordability and city design. But Coonerty’s government experience, regional relationships and policy initiatives make him better equipped to tackle the city’s most pressing challenges. His proposals for public art, downtown revitalization and greater transparency offer a promising path forward.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Letter to the editor: PVUSD board needs a different approach – that is why I am running
In a letter to the editor, Pajaro Valley Unified School District governing board candidate Mads Realmuto rebuts a previous letter about his candidacy.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
A Lookout View: How we choose our 2026 election endorsements
What the Lookout Editorial Board looks for in candidates, how we evaluate them and why we believe endorsements matter.
