Name: Lookout's Santa Cruz City Election Forum: Mayor and City Council
Start: 2026-05-07T17:30:00-07:00
End: 2026-05-07T20:00:00-07:00
Location: Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

Hear from the Mayoral and Santa Cruz City Council candidates as they vie for your vote this primary election season – moderated by Lookout.
About this Event

Thursday, May 7 | Lookout’s Santa Cruz City Election Forum: Mayor and City Council

Join Lookout Santa Cruz on Thursday, May 7 at Hotel Paradox from 5:30 to 8 p.m. for a lively panel discussion ahead of the primary election. Lookout’s Community Voices opinion editor, Jody K. Biehl, will moderate the forum, which will include time for audience questions.

This year’s race for mayor of Santa Cruz – a citywide, four-year seat – is open, as incumbent Fred Keeley has announced he will not seek reelection. Hear directly from mayoral candidates Ami Chen Mills, Chris Krohn, Gillian Greensite, Joy Schendledecker and Ryan Coonerty as they share their priorities and visions for the city.

Voters also will hear from candidates in two City Council races:

District 4 (Downtown): Incumbent Scott Newsome and challenger Hector Marin
District 6 (Lower Westside and part of UC Santa Cruz): Incumbent Renee Golder and challenger Gabriella Noack

The City Council is the governing body for the city of Santa Cruz. Council members, along with the mayor, are responsible for setting local policies, approving the city budget, passing ordinances, and overseeing city services such as public safety, public works and planning decisions that shape the community’s future.

Election seasons can feel noisy, confusing and polarized. Lookout Santa Cruz’s mission is to provide clear, factual and nonpartisan local reporting to help residents stay informed. As the largest newsroom dedicated exclusively to Santa Cruz County, Lookout offers free election coverage — including candidate profiles, issue reporting, forums and results — made possible by the support of its members.

Find all of Lookout’s, and readers who want to support this work can .

Know before you go

Check-in begins at 5:15 p.m. to ensure a prompt start. Light refreshments will be provided. (Parking and valet information forthcoming.) Reach out to [email protected] with any questions.

Can’t make it?

The forum will be streamed live on Facebook and available to watch afterward. Visit Lookout Santa Cruz’s Facebook page to tune in at 5:30 p.m.

About Lookout Santa Cruz

Lookout Santa Cruz is a local, independent digital news organization committed to delivering in-depth, trustworthy journalism for Santa Cruz County. From local government and education to housing, business and community life, Lookout keeps residents informed and engaged in the issues shaping their neighborhoods.

Stay connected with Lookout wherever you are — download the Lookout Santa Cruz app for easy access to the latest news on the go, or sign up for one of our free newsletters delivered straight to your inbox.