Watsonville voters in Districts 3, 4, 5 and 7 will elect council members on Nov. 3. Only two of those races are contested.
The races
- District 3: Councilmember Maria Orozco is unopposed.
- District 4: Mayor Kristal Salcido is unopposed.
- District 5: Incumbent Casey K. Clark faces challenger Ángel Zúñiga. The winner is set to become mayor in 2027, Lookout Santa Cruz reported.
- District 7: Former Planning Commission chair Ed Acosta faces former Councilmember Nancy Bilicich.
The issues
Lookout reports the races are shaped by public safety, including shifting views on Flock Safety license-plate cameras, along with affordable housing, aging infrastructure, street repairs and the quality of parks. The city is also still dealing with the aftermath of Pajaro River flooding and the need for long-term flood protection in a year forecasters expect El Niño.
Where to read more
Candidate statements are posted on the city's elections page and on display at the City Clerk's Office, 275 Main St., Suite 400.
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.