Emery Unified is Emeryville's small public school district. On Nov. 3, Emeryville voters will pick three of its five trustees. The race is at-large, so every voter can choose up to three of the candidates.
Why the field opened up
Incumbent trustees Susan Donaldson and Brynnda Collins did not file to run again. Under state law that pushed the filing deadline for non-incumbents to Aug. 12.
The candidates
- Regina Chagolla (incumbent) is an elementary teacher in Berkeley Unified.
- Kimberly Solis is an Emery High graduate and was a trustee from 2020 to 2024. She is listed as a student.
- Christopher Keith Allen has lived in Emeryville for 30 years and works as a diesel mechanic at Ryder.
- David Ridlehuber, 48, is a contractor and project manager at AvalonBay. He also sits on a Habitat for Humanity board.
- Brian Donahue is a general contractor who has lived in the city for more than 40 years. He told KQED, "I'm not running to win and I am announcing that publicly. I'm running to force an election at EUSD."
On the same ballot, Emeryville voters pick City Council members and decide Measure BB.
How to vote
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Polls and vote centers close at 8 p.m., and mailed ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and arrive within seven days. You can check your registration and ballot status at sos.ca.gov/elections. California lets you register and vote the same day at a vote center. For more local races and measures, see our 2026 Bay Area election hub.