Longtime political observers see a shift in Watsonville’s political landscape as the 2026 election cycle gets underway. Lookout spoke with current and former elected officials and community leaders about where South County politics is heading.
Election 2026: District 4 Santa Cruz County supervisor
Lookout news and Community Voices opinion coverage of the contest to represent District 4, covering much of the city of Watsonville and the Pajaro Valley, on the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Longtime community leader, former journalist Tony Nuñez announces bid for District 4 supervisor seat
Tony Nuñez, a longtime community leader and former journalist, is running for the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors 4th District seat. Nuñez is the current board chair of the Pajaro Valley Health Care District, which operates Watsonville Community Hospital, and works for nonprofit Community Bridges.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Longtime community advocate Elias Gonzales announces bid for District 4 supervisor seat
Elias Gonzales, a Watsonville native and nonprofit leader, is running for the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors’ 4th District seat. He will face incumbent Supervisor Felipe Hernandez, who is finishing out his first term on the board.