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
Coverage of local, statewide and national elections in 2026.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Gubernatorial candidates due in Monterey for March debate
Xavier Becerra, Ian Calderon, Matt Mahan, Tom Steyer, Antonio Villaraigosa and Betty Yee are slated to be on hand March 12 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Monterey for the only gubernatorial debate scheduled for the Central Coast.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Santa Cruz County votes early and often — our tradition could be in jeopardy this November
Michael Polhamus argues that Santa Cruz County’s strong tradition of high voter turnout — largely driven by vote-by-mail and same-day registration — is at risk due to proposed federal Republican legislation that would require proof of citizenship and photo ID to register and vote. He contends these measures, framed as election security, would disproportionately disenfranchise groups common in Santa Cruz County, including young voters, students, low-income residents and people without easy access to legal documents. He urges residents to prepare now by registering early and securing documents such as birth certificates, passports and state-issued photo ID to ensure their votes can still be counted in November.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Bernie Sanders warns of ‘billionaire class’ as California wealth tax fight intensifies
“They believe they have the divine right to rule,” U.S. Sen Bernie Sanders told a crowd in Los Angeles Wednesday night. A proposed ballot measure would tax billionaires’ net worth by 5% for health care and schools, but top Democrats say it will drive them away.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Bernie Sanders and Gavin Newsom become adversaries over push to tax California billionaires
Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders will be in Los Angeles on Wednesday to campaign for a proposed tax on billionaires, putting him at odds with California Gov. Gavin Newsom.
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
Ryan Coonerty announces run for Santa Cruz mayor, reentering electoral politics
About three years after he wrapped up his second term as District 3 county supervisor, longtime Santa Cruz politico Ryan Coonerty returns to electoral politics with a run for Santa Cruz mayor in 2026. He previously held the mayor position in 2008 and 2011, when it was a ministerial, rotating term among city councilmembers.
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.