Santa Monica's upcoming election brings a crowded field across city council, rent control, school board, and state senate contests, with candidates' records and endorsements under close examination. The Rent Control Board race features Heather Thomason and Robbie Staenberg, both recognized for their ability to engage with a wide range of residents and secure support from diverse organizations. Sue Himmelrich and incumbent Kurt Gonska are also in the running, each with a strong focus on affordable housing and deep subject knowledge. The Rent Control Board election stands out this cycle, as Santa Monica's rent-control system—covering units with certificates of occupancy issued before April 10, 1979—sets the allowable rent increase for covered units at 2.6% (or $70 per month for units with maximum allowable rent of at least $2,674) for the period from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2027. This adjustment follows the passage of Measure RC in November 2022, which reduced the general-adjustment ceiling from 6% or $140 to 3% or $70. Additionally, Measure GG is scheduled for a November 3, 2026 vote and would establish a $288 starting ceiling for the annual registration fee, indexed to the Consumer Price Index beginning in 2028, according to the Los Angeles Apartment Association.
In the school board contest, criticism has centered on the incumbents, who are seen as responsible for ongoing organizational issues. Luis Barrera Castanon, a newer board member, stands apart due to his brief tenure, but challengers have not pressed for accountability from the current leadership. The ballot will also include four Santa Monica–Malibu Unified School District Board positions and four Santa Monica College Board positions, reflecting the broad scope of the November 3, 2026 general election.
State and Local Races Draw Contrasts
The state senate seat, open due to Ben Allen's term limit, has prompted a surge of campaign activity. The 24th State Senate District, which stretches from the Santa Monica Mountains and Malibu through Los Angeles’ Westside and Hollywood to South Bay communities such as Redondo Beach, Torrance, and Rancho Palos Verdes, is considered one of the most expensive legislative races of the cycle. The contest pits West Hollywood Councilmember John Erickson against media consultant Brian Goldsmith. The California Democratic Party did not endorse either candidate after its endorsement caucus failed to reach consensus, as reported by the Los Angeles Daily News. Goldsmith entered the race with limited name recognition but a notable list of endorsements, including Nancy Pelosi, Pete Buttigieg, Traci Park, and Eric Garcetti. Goldsmith has shown a willingness to listen and consider opposing views, referencing advice from his mother about listening more than speaking. His opponent, John Erickson, serves on the West Hollywood council and is known for his quick wit and progressive stance. Erickson is also chief of staff at Alliance for a Better Community and a former vice president of Planned Parenthood Los Angeles. In public interviews, Erickson has cited insurance and utility costs as major concerns for the district, especially following the Pacific Palisades fire, and has positioned himself as a "fighter" against the Trump administration, arguing that special interests and corporations hold too much power in Sacramento.
Meanwhile, the city council race has highlighted concerns about insularity and responsiveness. Ashley Oelsen, a conservation biologist and sustainability commissioner, is among the few candidates voicing concern over the city's reduced focus on environmental issues and public health. Brett Morrow, a communications director for the county, has been endorsed by Santa Monicans for Renters Rights (SMRR) despite the group's members not voting to endorse him, a move permitted by SMRR bylaws but questioned by some observers. The November 3, 2026 ballot will include three City Council positions, three Rent Control Board positions, four Santa Monica–Malibu Unified School District Board positions, and four Santa Monica College Board positions, making it a citywide general election with multiple candidate slates and endorsement guides circulating.
Accountability and Judicial Choices
Daniel Ivanov, chair of the Rent Control Board, has come under scrutiny after the council had to rescind a rent control ballot measure that violated state law, an incident that has raised questions about his readiness for higher office. Incumbent councilmembers Caroline Torosis and Lana Negrete remain among the most qualified candidates, with Torosis noted for policy expertise and Negrete for authenticity and empathy. However, concerns persist about the effects of a 6-1 council majority and recent procedural missteps.
Judicial races are also on the ballot. In Office 64, Rhonda A. Haymon has faced criticism for courtroom temperament, while Maria Ghobadi received the highest rating from the American Bar Association. For Office 131, David Ross is favored by some for his background as a public defender and former news reporter.
Santa Monica voters will also decide on Measure RR, which would strengthen eviction protections for nonpayment of rent. If approved, the measure would prohibit eviction for nonpayment unless the unpaid amount exceeds the applicable HUD Small Area Fair Market Rent for a comparable unit in the relevant Santa Monica ZIP code. Termination notices would be required to state the unit’s bedroom count and the applicable fair-market-rent threshold. The measure was placed on the ballot by the Santa Monica City Council, and official voter materials reportedly contained no submitted argument against it. The city’s ballot text and City Attorney’s impartial analysis serve as the controlling documents for this measure.
For more on the candidates and measures, see previous coverage.
