Imperial Beach Mayor · Nov 3, 2026
Matthew Leyba-Gonzalez
Candidate for Mayor
Matthew Leyba-Gonzalez is running for mayor of Imperial Beach in the Nov 3, 2026 election, against Mitch McKay and Karl Bradley.
Ballots begin going out to registered voters · Mon, Oct 5, 2026
TodayImperial Beach councilmember first elected in 2020 and a U.S. Army Reserve veteran. He is a third-generation member of the Laborers' International Union of North America.
- Occupation (from candidate statement)
- Councilmember/Union Representative
- Campaign website
- matthew4ibcitycouncil.com
Matthew Leyba-Gonzalez is a sitting councilmember for District 4 and is running for Mayor; Carol Seabury is not seeking re-election, according to Voice of San Diego. Voice of San Diego · Aug 13, 2026
Where Matthew Leyba-Gonzalez stands: positions on the record
Tenant protections3 sourced positions
Voted yes on adopting the Just Cause for Termination of a Residential Tenancy Ordinance (passed 3-2, February 2025).
Council voteCity of Imperial Beach · Feb 27, 2025
as reported by KPBS; not a direct quote
Lists strengthening local tenant protection laws among his top priorities.
Own statementKPBS · Sep 29, 2026
Says he believes strongly in rent stabilization.
“I believe strongly in rent stabilization, so families can continue to afford to call Imperial Beach home.”
Own statementMatthew Leyba-Gonzalez, candidate statement of qualifications · Aug 3, 2026
Council appointments2 sourced positions
Voted no on appointing Mitch McKay to fill the vacancy in the office of Mayor (passed 3-1, August 2025).
Council voteImperial Beach City Council draft minutes, August 6, 2025 · Aug 6, 2025
Voted no on appointing Mariko Nakawatase to fill the District 3 council vacancy (passed 3-1, October 2025).
Council voteImperial Beach City Council minutes, October 1, 2025 · Oct 1, 2025
Tijuana River sewage2 sourced positions
Voted yes on the consent calendar that included Resolution 2025-068 continuing the local emergency over cross-border Tijuana River pollution (passed 5-0, December 2025).
Council voteImperial Beach City Council minutes, December 3, 2025 · Dec 3, 2025
as reported by KPBS; not a direct quote
Lists continuing to push for regional, state and federal action among his top priorities and says he would support officials with greater power over the crisis.
Own statementKPBS · Sep 29, 2026
Homelessness1 sourced position
as reported by KPBS; not a direct quote
Says he supports the city's new partnership with Chula Vista and rides along with the city's outreach team.
Own statementKPBS · Sep 29, 2026
What Matthew Leyba-Gonzalez said vs. how Matthew Leyba-Gonzalez voted
Tenant protections
In their words
Says he believes strongly in rent stabilization.
Aug 3, 2026 ·Matthew Leyba-Gonzalez, candidate statement of qualifications · Aug 3, 2026
On the record
Voted yes on adopting the Just Cause for Termination of a Residential Tenancy Ordinance (passed 3-2, February 2025).
Feb 27, 2025 ·City of Imperial Beach · Feb 27, 2025
Tijuana River sewage
In their words
Lists continuing to push for regional, state and federal action among his top priorities and says he would support officials with greater power over the crisis.
Sep 29, 2026 ·as reported by KPBS; not a direct quote ·KPBS · Sep 29, 2026
On the record
Voted yes on the consent calendar that included Resolution 2025-068 continuing the local emergency over cross-border Tijuana River pollution (passed 5-0, December 2025).
Dec 3, 2025 ·Imperial Beach City Council minutes, December 3, 2025 · Dec 3, 2025
Also running for Mayor
- Karl Bradley
- Mitch McKay (incumbent)
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