The only Martinez city race on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot is City Council District 1, where incumbent Jay Howard faces challenger Nakenya Allen. Mayor Brianne Zorn and District 4 Councilmember Debbie McKillop were unopposed and were appointed to new terms.
Why it matters: Most Martinez voters will see no city races at all. The city estimated that appointing the two unopposed candidates instead of holding elections would save $55,000 to $80,000.
Why the mayor isn't on the ballot
When nominations closed in August, only Zorn qualified for mayor and only McKillop for District 4, the city said in a notice published by the Contra Costa Herald. Under California Elections Code Section 10229, the council could appoint them or hold the elections anyway. It appointed both on Aug. 19, according to city records cited by PlayPOTUS.
Jay Howard (incumbent)
- Elected in November 2022; third generation of his family born and raised in the Alhambra Valley, according to his city bio.
- Superintendent for G Swanson Construction since 2014.
- Board member for the Nor Cal Carpenters Regional Council, Union Local 152, Loaves and Fishes and the Historical Society.
Nakenya Allen (challenger)
- Longtime Martinez resident and community organizer who describes herself as "a dedicated advocate for a safer, more inclusive city."
- Holds a degree in veterinary technology; focuses on caring for her son, who has severe special needs.
- Vice president and District 5 ambassador for the Contra Costa County Commission for Women and Girls, and a member of the National Council of Negro Women of Contra Costa County.
What the next council faces
Issues include the marina and waterfront, where the city says it has spent almost $2 million from its general fund on urgent needs over five years, and the Hidden Valley Sport Courts hours. Results are expected to be published Nov. 9, with the council reorganizing Dec. 9. For more Contra Costa races see our Concord council guide and the full Election 2026 guide.