Two of the four Watsonville City Council districts on this November’s ballot are competitive races, with District 5 incumbent Casey Clark facing challenger Ángel Zúñiga and in District 7, former Watsonville planning commission chair Ed Acosta running against former councilmember Nancy Bilicich. Hear from each in their own words with short videos.
Election 2026: Watsonville City Council
Lookout coverage of the races to represent Districts 3, 4, 5 and 7 on the Watsonville City Council.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
A Lookout View: Casey Clark and Nancy Bilicich for Watsonville City Council
Watsonville faces major challenges, from housing and aging infrastructure to flood protection and public safety. The Lookout Editorial Board endorses Casey Clark in District 5 for his pragmatic approach, city experience and relationships that will help him lead as mayor in 2027. In District 7, the editorial board backs former mayor Nancy Bilicich, whose government experience and work on Pajaro River flood protection are critical. Both candidates have worthy opponents, but offer the practical leadership Watsonville needs to turn good intentions into progress.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Watsonville City Council District 5: Angel Zuniga challenges Casey Clark in race that will determine 2027 mayor
Political newcomer Angel Zuniga is challenging first-term incumbent Casey Clark for Watsonville’s District 5 City Council seat, with an unusual prize awaiting the winner: becoming mayor in 2027.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Concejo Municipal de Watsonville, Distrito 5: Angel Zuniga desafía a Casey Clark en una contienda que determinará quién será alcalde en 2027
El recién llegado a la política Angel Zuniga desafía al actual concejal Casey Clark, quien cumple su primer mandato, por el escaño del Distrito 5 del Concejo Municipal de Watsonville. El ganador recibirá un premio inusual: convertirse en alcalde en 2027.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Nancy Bilicich seeks Watsonville council comeback as Ed Acosta calls for ‘something new’
Nancy Bilicich and Ed Acosta will face off for the District 7 Watsonville City Council seat. The winner will replace termed-out City Councilmember Ari Parker.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Nancy Bilicich busca regresar al Concejo Municipal de Watsonville mientras Ed Acosta pide “algo nuevo”
Nancy Bilicich y Ed Acosta se enfrentarán por el escaño del Distrito 7 del Concejo Municipal de Watsonville. El ganador reemplazará al actual concejal Ari Parker.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Watsonville City Council candidates find common ground on downtown, housing and the city’s future
Candidates for Watsonville’s District 5 and 7 city council seats discussed a variety of issues impacting the city, including Flock Safety cameras, infrastructure and economic development, during a Lookout election forum.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Who’s running for Watsonville City Council? Four district races begin to take shape
In Watsonville, there will be four seats up for grabs in the November election — including a seat that will determine next year’s mayor. Here’s a roundup of who’s running, which includes some familiar faces.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
¿Quiénes se postulan para el Concejo Municipal de Watsonville? Cuatro contiendas distritales comienzan a tomar forma
En Watsonville habrá cuatro puestos del Concejo Municipal en juego en las elecciones de noviembre, incluido uno que determinará quién será el alcalde el próximo año. Aquí presentamos un resumen de los candidatos, entre los que figuran algunos rostros conocidos.
