Candidate Information

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. Additional information regarding the election will be posted in the spring of 2026.

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.

Running for Office

Each city elected office has eligibility requirements for candidates.  Every election, the City Clerk Department posts an updated Candidate Handbook and Resource Guide. The 2024 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.

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.