What political party is Troy "TJ" Welch Jr?

Nonpartisan race. Under the California Constitution (Art. II, Sec. 6), all city offices are nonpartisan, and a candidate's party preference is not printed on the ballot.

Capitola City Council · Nov 3, 2026

Troy "TJ" Welch
Jr

Troy "TJ" Welch Jr is running for Capitola City Council in the Nov 3, 2026 election; 5 candidates are running for 3 seats.

Not sure who to vote for? Answer a few questions and see which Capitola candidates agree with you, and why.

Take the 2-minute quizDoes this candidate match you? 2-minute quiz

No sign-in. Your answers stay on your device. We never endorse anyone. Report an error

Nov 3Election Day

The race · City Council

All 5 Capitola candidates →

Background

About: Retired Alameda County Fire battalion chief and Capitola planning commissioner.
Occupation (from candidate statement): Public Safety Specialist
Party: Nonpartisan race. California Constitution, Article II, Section 6

TPG Online Daily said its efforts to reach Troy "TJ" Welch Jr for its candidate Q&A failed. TPG Online Daily · Oct 3, 2026

On the record: Troy "TJ" Welch Jr

6 sourced

01Capitola Mall1 sourced position

as reported by Santa Cruz Local; not a direct quote
Favors a Capitola Mall redevelopment made up mostly of retail space.
Forum answerSanta Cruz Local Link

02Housing1 sourced position

Said the state is doing to Capitola what it accuses the federal government of doing, and that housing mandates will change the city's character.
It’s going to change the character of our city.”
Own statementSanta Cruz Local Link

03Rail trail1 sourced position

as reported by Santa Cruz Local; not a direct quote
Expressed excitement about the potential bicycle trail and said the council should abide by voters' Measure L decision.
Forum answerSanta Cruz Local Link

04Cliff Drive1 sourced position

Has advocated for a local coastal plan covering all of Capitola and hopes to save the bluffs.
I’m hopeful that we can work through the coastal commission to save all of the bluffs.”
Own statementSanta Cruz Local Link

05Affordable housing1 sourced position

Voted yes on a consent calendar approving a two-year permit extension for a 52-unit, 100 percent affordable housing project at 1098 38th Avenue (4-0, one abstention, May 2026).
Commission voteCapitola Planning Commission minutes, May 7, 2026 · May 7, 2026 Link

06Accountability1 sourced position

Pledges accountability, transparency and integrity in local government.
I will bring accountability, transparency, and integrity to our local government.”
Own statementCandidate statement Link

Every claim links to its source and was checked against it before publishing. How this guide works

Match quiz · 2 minutes · no sign-in

See which Capitola candidates match you

Start the quiz

Next in City CouncilPeter Wilk

Also on your Capitola ballot

My ballot plan

See something wrong? Report an error

Something wrong or missing? Tell us what and where, with a link to a source if you have one. Reports feed the next verification run.