Escondido Mayor · Nov 3, 2026
Elias Velazquez
Candidate for Mayor
Elias Velazquez is running for mayor of Escondido in the Nov 3, 2026 election, against Dane White.
Ballots start going out · Mon, Oct 5, 2026
TodayInformation director at Brother Benno's, a nonprofit that serves homeless people in Oceanside. Born and raised in Escondido, he previously served as an aide to former Mayor Paul McNamara.
- Occupation (from candidate statement)
- Nonprofit Executive
- Endorsed by
- The San Diego Democratic Party, the Escondido Democratic Club, the San Diego Labor Council, the San Diego Building & Construction Trades, IBEW Local 569 and former Escondido Mayors Paul McNamara and Jerry Harmon, as listed on his site. Elias Velazquez campaign site
- Campaign website
- eli4mayor.com
The San Diego County Democratic Party endorsed Elias Velazquez, Vanessa Valenzuela and Anthony DiMartino. KPBS · Sep 30, 2026
Dane White and Elias Velazquez debated homelessness at a Sept. 1, 2026 forum hosted by the San Diego Rescue Mission. The Coast News · Sep 9, 2026
Where Elias Velazquez stands: positions on the record
ICE firing range1 sourced position
Supports canceling the city's contract allowing ICE to train at city-owned facilities.
“Cancel the city’s contract allowing ICE to use city-owned facilities for training.”
Own statementElias Velazquez campaign site
Homelessness1 sourced position
Wants the city to adopt a Housing First policy to regain access to state and federal homelessness funding.
“Restore access to state and federal funding to reduce homelessness and ease the burden on local taxpayers.”
Own statementElias Velazquez campaign site
Encampments1 sourced position
As reported by the San Diego Union-Tribune
Supported the city's 2024 camping ban but says enforcement alone does not solve homelessness and the city needs a wrap-around approach.
“The issue doesn’t go away just when you shift somebody”
Forum answerSan Diego Union-Tribune · Sep 2, 2026
Kit Carson Park ice rink1 sourced position
Opposes an ice rink plan that would displace softball and soccer fields and wants a different location.
“Oppose an ice rink plan that would displace softball and soccer fields at Kit Carson and Ryan parks.”
Own statementElias Velazquez campaign site
Affordable housing1 sourced position
Wants more homes for teachers, first responders and middle-class families and to protect mobile home parks.
“Create more homes for teachers, first responders, and middle-class families.”
Own statementElias Velazquez campaign site
Public safety1 sourced position
As reported by the Escondido Times-Advocate; not a direct quote
Says police staffing has not grown since the 2008 recession and that traffic safety should be a priority.
Own statementEscondido Times-Advocate · Sep 30, 2026
Economic development1 sourced position
Proposes limited licenses for cannabis and hemp businesses, with revenue for youth programs and education.
“Introduce and regulate cannabis and hemp businesses through limited licenses, with revenue supporting youth programs and education.”
Own statementElias Velazquez campaign site
Also running for Mayor
- Dane White (incumbent)
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