Santa Cruz County Sample Ballot & Voter Guide 2026

Joy Schendledecker is an organizer, educator, artist, and service provider with experience on the front lines of Santa Cruz’s housing and public service systems. She is running for mayor to focus City Hall on keeping people housed, supporting good local jobs, protecting public services, and ensuring Santa Cruz remains affordable for its residents.

Priorities: Promoting affordable housing, increasing tenant protections, and identifying sites for temporary and permanent housing. · Implementing campaign finance reform, including publicly financed elections and Ranked Choice Voting, to foster transparent and accountable local government. · Strengthening public services, advocating for fair wages and labor standards, and shifting budget priorities towards prevention and care.

Chris Krohn is running for Mayor of Santa Cruz, California. He previously served two terms on the Santa Cruz City Council and as Mayor in 2002. Krohn's campaign focuses on addressing the city's affordable housing crisis, protecting the natural environment, and advocating for local workers.

Priorities: Incentivizing affordable housing over luxury development and pressuring UC Santa Cruz to house all new students. · Protecting the natural environment, lowering the city's carbon footprint, and maintaining green spaces. · Advocating for a higher minimum wage, supporting project labor agreements, and investing in apprenticeship programs.

Ryan Coonerty, born and raised in Santa Cruz, is a small business owner, teacher, and former Mayor and County Supervisor. He is currently running for Mayor of Santa Cruz in California, with the primary election scheduled for June 2, 2026. Coonerty brings extensive experience from his previous roles, including two terms as Santa Cruz Mayor and two terms as a Santa Cruz County 3rd District Supervisor.

Priorities: Beautifying public spaces · Enacting effective solutions to homelessness · Filling vacant storefronts and creating jobs

Tony Nuñez is a former journalist and editor who later transitioned to public service, working with the nonprofit Community Bridges. He currently serves as the board chair for the Pajaro Valley Health Care District, which oversees Watsonville Community Hospital. Nuñez is running for the 4th District seat on the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors.

Priorities: Strengthening healthcare access and expanding services. · Creating practical paths to more housing for working families. · Improving safe streets and reliable transportation infrastructure.

Elias Gonzales is a community advocate and nonprofit worker running for Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors - District 4. He is dedicated to uplifting community voices and brings a vision that prioritizes affordability, safety, and inclusivity for all residents.

Priorities: Improving affordability for working families, including housing and groceries · Enhancing neighborhood safety and community stability through grassroots initiatives and investment in stable housing, health support, and good jobs

Felipe Hernandez is the Santa Cruz County Supervisor for District 4, representing Watsonville and the Pajaro Valley. A lifelong Watsonville resident, he served in the U.S. Army during Desert Storm and has a history of public service, including roles on the Watsonville City Council and as Mayor. He was elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2022.

Priorities: Improving infrastructure, particularly roads · Addressing housing and homelessness · Expanding access to essential services and supporting working families

Gabriella Noack is a volunteer educator and a UC Santa Cruz student running for Santa Cruz City Council District 6. She is committed to representing the community's interests and ensuring transparency and responsiveness in local government.

Priorities: Ending mass surveillance and implementing strict oversight on surveillance technology · Creating a sustainable local economy and streamlining the permitting process for local businesses · Addressing affordable housing for young families and students, and ensuring day services for the homeless