Voter guide · Nov 3, 2026
Indian Wells City Council Election 2026
2 of 5 council seats are on the ballot, with 3 candidates running. Updated Oct 20, 2026. Every claim links to its source. How we check
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How to vote · 11 days left
Election Day (Nov 3): the election office's noticeThese links go to official state and county election sites. Hours and rules differ by state; your election office has the final word.
The candidates
Listed alphabetically by last name. Every position links to its source.
City Council
Vote for up to 2- Michael HazeltonMichael Hazelton is an HOA president whose career has been in education and public administration. He holds a master's degree in educational administration and a Chief Business Official certificate from USC.5sourced
- Karlyn Neel5sourced
- Rob ZwemmerRob Zwemmer is the founder and president of Zwemmer Realty Group, a Coachella Valley real estate firm. He is CEO of the Strive & Thrive Community Foundation and a former trustee and president of Olive Crest's Coachella Valley region.5sourced
Indian Wells elects its council at large: every voter can vote for up to two of the three candidates, and the top two win.
Also on your ballot: a measure
Taken from the official analysis and ballot arguments. We take no position.
Also on your Nov 3 ballot
We research city races only. For these races, go to the state's official guide or a nonpartisan one.
- Governor
- Xavier Becerra · Democratic
- Steve Hilton · Republican
- Also statewideLieutenant Governor · Secretary of State · Controller · Treasurer · Attorney General · Insurance Commissioner · Superintendent of Public Instruction · Board of Equalization Member
- Statewide measures14 on the ballot: the state's official explanations
Districts come from 2020 Census blocks and the district maps for this election. Your address decides your districts.
Already on the council, not on the ballot
Whoever you elect will govern alongside these members.
What the next council decides
01Measure H: admissions tax exemptions3 sourced facts
Where it standsMeasure H on the November ballot would update which events are exempt from the city's admissions tax.
What's on the tableThe new council will apply whichever exemption rules voters approve.
- In 2005, Indian Wells voters approved an admissions tax of up to 10 percent on the admission charge to an event. City of Indian Wells
- Measure H would exempt events run by 501(c)(3) charities, government agencies and 527 political organizations, and events at hotels in the city. City of Indian Wells
- The City Council voted on July 2 to place the measure on the ballot. Patch (City News Service) · Aug 21, 2026
02Tennis events and short-term rentals2 sourced facts
Where it standsThe 2026 WTA Finals are scheduled at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, and the council extended its tournament rental exception to them.
What's on the tableThe council decides when restricted short-term rental permits may be used.
- Ordinance 771 lets registered owners rent for at least seven nights from a week before to three days after the WTA Finals. City of Indian Wells · Sep 3, 2026
- The same rental window already applied to the BNP Paribas Open. City of Indian Wells · Sep 3, 2026
03Zoning, golf course land and housing3 sourced facts
Where it standsIn June 2026 the council restated its golf course overlay zone rules, and in December 2025 it updated accessory dwelling unit rules for new state law.
What's on the tableThe council decides future zoning changes and how the city meets state housing laws.
- Ordinance 770 says a golf practice area does not include Topgolf-type facilities or miniature golf. City of Indian Wells · Jun 18, 2026
- The council formed an ad hoc committee to revise the golf course ordinance after an April 2026 hearing. City of Indian Wells · Jun 18, 2026
- New state accessory dwelling unit laws took effect on January 1, 2026. City of Indian Wells · Dec 4, 2025
04City budget2 sourced facts
Where it standsAll three candidates list keeping the city financially strong among their priorities.
What's on the tableThe council adopts the city budget and decides how much to hold in reserves.
- Michael Hazelton says a balanced budget and a strong reserve fund are non-negotiable. Michael Hazelton campaign website
- Rob Zwemmer lists strong reserves among his fiscal priorities. Rob Zwemmer campaign website
1 note on these statements
The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber PAC endorsed Michael Hazelton and Rob Zwemmer. Greater Coachella Valley Chamber PAC · Oct 7, 2026
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Who matches you?
Answer any of these questions. We compare your answers with each person's sourced record, and nothing is stored. Questions where no one has a sourced record yet are left out. Tap a selected answer again to skip it.
1. How strictly should the city hold to low-density zoning and architectural standards?
2. How should the city respond to state housing mandates?
3. What should the city do with its budget reserves?
4. Should the city put more effort into tourism to raise revenue?
5. Should homeowners with restricted permits be allowed short-term rentals during major tennis events?
6. Should the city update its admissions-tax exemptions as Measure H proposes?
Key dates
- Vote-by-mail ballots begin mailingRiverside County Registrar of VotersOct 5, 2026
- Last day to register to voteRiverside County Registrar of VotersOct 19, 2026
- Election DayCity of Indian WellsNov 3, 2026
The seat math
3 stay (not up this year): Brian Penna, Greg Sanders, Toper Taylor2 on this ballot
5 council seats. The council decides by a 3-vote majority.
- Indian Wells is governed by a five-member City Council elected at large. City of Indian Wells
- Council members serve staggered four-year terms, with elections every two years. City of Indian Wells
- The November 3, 2026 election fills two at-large council seats, each for a four-year term. City of Indian Wells
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