Chula Vista City Sample Ballot & Voter Guide 2026

Carolina Chavez is a Democrat who has served as Chula Vista's Deputy Mayor and Councilmember for District 1 since December 2022. She advocates for initiatives to create jobs, enhance public safety, address the housing crisis, and ensure fiscal prudence. Chavez also works to expand healthcare access and address health disparities in her role as Director of Binational Affairs and Public Relations for SIMNSA Health Plan

Priorities: Smart housing solutions for all income levels · Building safer, more connected neighborhoods and public safety investments · Empowering small businesses and creating good-paying jobs

Sergio Vargas is a local business owner, husband, and father running for Chula Vista City Council, District 1, in California. He is committed to honest leadership and aims to make Chula Vista safer, more transparent, and more affordable for families. Raised in the South Bay and now raising his own family in Chula Vista, Sergio cares deeply about his community.

Priorities: Support for local businesses and economic growth · Public safety and safer neighborhoods · Housing affordability

Jose Preciado was elected to the Chula Vista City Council, District 2, on November 8, 2022. A lifelong resident of San Diego's South Bay, he previously served for 14 years as Director of the South Bay Irrigation District/Sweetwater Authority-Division 3.

Priorities: Expanding housing options, including affordable and fair housing · Addressing public safety and crime rates

Russ Hall is a candidate for Chula Vista City Council District 2. He has a long history of civic involvement in Chula Vista, including 32 years of service on city commissions. Hall previously ran for City Council in 2008.

Priorities: Preservation of basic city services and fiscal responsibility · Maintaining city infrastructure

Angelica Martinez is running for Chula Vista City Council District 2. A mother of three, she has lived in Chula Vista for 33 years and worked as an educator for 24 years, supporting children with disabilities. She aims to put families and community first in Chula Vista.

Priorities: Improving public safety · Addressing homelessness with real solutions · Tackling the rising cost of living

Jesse Navarro ran for election to the Chula Vista City Council to represent District 2 in California in 2018. He has a background in public service, including over 14 years as the Hispanic voice of the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, and previously worked in law enforcement and private investigation.

Francisco Tamayo is an educator and community leader with over two decades of experience in public service. He is a current school board trustee for the Chula Vista Elementary School District and is also a candidate for Mayor of Chula Vista. He focuses on strengthening schools, supporting students, and building safer, more connected communities.

Priorities: Restore the Dream of Homeownership · Safer Neighborhoods & Faster Emergency Response · Good Jobs & Local Economic Growth

Yair Gersten is a Democratic candidate running for Mayor of Chula Vista in 2026. A county administrative analyst, Gersten aims to build a stronger city by lowering costs, improving city participation, and ensuring no one is left behind. He emphasizes fresh eyes and practical thinking, with a focus on economic development and housing affordability.

Priorities: Improving the ACT Chula Vista app · Roads and streets · Child care