Candidate Information
Find information related to becoming a candidate for Berkeley elective office and see who has filed for the ballot.
general election november 3, 2026
The next City of Berkeley General Municipal Election will be held on November 3, 2026. Read our Election Calendar for a detailed timeline of the November 2026 (General) election processes.
Each city elected office has eligibility requirements for candidates. The 2026 version of the Candidate Handbook and Resource Guide is available for review by potential candidates for city office. You may also contact the City Clerk Department at elections@berkeleyca.gov if you have questions about the qualification process for Berkeley candidates.
The Roster of Candidate Activity is updated whenever new candidate filings have occurred.
Where to view campaign disclosure reports
Anyone can view campaign reports online on NetFile. Click the public access portal to get started. The total amount raised by a candidate can be found on the Form 460 filings in NetFile. Matching funds received from the City are listed on the Form 460 under Schedule I - Miscellaneous Increases to Cash.
Election timing
Elections happen every two years in November. The below offices are elected at the same time as the presidential election (November 2024):
- Mayor
- City Council Districts 2, 3, 5, and 6
- Rent Board Commissioners
- School Board Directors
The following offices are elected at the same time as the California governor election (November 2026):
- City Auditor
- City Council Districts 1, 4, 7 and 8
- Rent Board Commissioners
- School Board Directors
Each elected office serves a four-year term. Election to the office of Mayor, Auditor, and City Council requires a 50% + 1 majority vote threshold. Rent Board and School Board winners are determined by plurality vote.
The election calendar for the November 3, 2026 General Municipal Elections provides important dates for candidates and ballot measures in the upcoming election.
Past elections
You can find information about past candidates through Records Online. Read elections results documents in Records Online to learn which candidates were elected and which ballot measures voters passed. Read voter information pamphlets for more detail about each candidate and ballot measure.
