Voter guide · Nov 3, 2026

Poway Mayor & City Council Election 2026

3 of 5

council seats up

3 contests

6 candidates

Updated Oct 5, 2026. Every claim links to its source. How we check →

The candidates

Listed alphabetically by last name. Every position links to its source.

Mayor · 1 seat

Jenny Maeda6sourced
Dellena OlpsVolunteer at the Poway Historical Society and Garden Road Elementary, and a former California state employee.3sourced
Steve VausIncumbentPoway's mayor for 12 years, after two years on the City Council, and a music production company operator. Serves on the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority board and previously chaired SANDAG.4sourced

City Council District 1 · Unopposed

Chris PikusIncumbentRetired electrical engineer who has served on the Poway City Council for nearly two years. Before that he served three years on the city's Budget Review Committee.2sourced

City Council District 3 · 1 seat

The mayor is elected by all Poway voters; District 1 and District 3 councilmembers are elected only by voters in their districts. All three seats are for four-year terms.

3 notes on these statements

Chris Pikus is unopposed in District 1; he attended the September 28 forum but did not take part in the issue discussion. San Diego Union-Tribune · Sep 30, 2026

Jenny Maeda is the current District 4 councilmember and is running for Mayor. Voice of San Diego · Sep 9, 2026

The Poway Chamber of Commerce hosted a candidate forum on September 28 at Templars Hall in Old Poway Park. San Diego Union-Tribune · Sep 30, 2026

Already on the council, not on the ballot

Whoever you elect will govern alongside these members.

Anita EdmondsonCouncilmember, District 2; seat next up for election in November 20282sourced

Start here

Match quiz5 questions · answers stay on your phone Seat the CouncilPick winners, see the council What council decidesDevelopment on Poway Road, AI data center ban, Permitting process Key datesDeadlines and vote centers

Next date

Election day: General Municipal Election

Tue, Nov 3, 2026

All key dates

What the next council decides

Development on Poway Road

Where it standsThe council approved a 47-townhome project on Poway Road on a 4-1 vote in July 2026, and candidates disagree on how closely to hold projects to the corridor plan.

What's on the tableWhether and how to hold new projects to the Poway Road Corridor Specific Plan while state housing laws limit local control.

The council approved the Intracorp Homes project of 47 townhomes and four commercial spaces on July 21, 2026, with Councilmember Jenny Maeda opposed. San Diego Union-Tribune · Jul 26, 2026
A city spokesperson said the Intracorp project is consistent with the Poway Road Specific Plan. San Diego Union-Tribune · Jul 26, 2026
The city manager's open letter cites the Density Bonus Law, Senate Bill 330 and the Housing Accountability Act as limits on local control of housing. San Diego Union-Tribune · Sep 30, 2026

AI data center ban

Where it standsThe council unanimously passed an ordinance banning large third-party AI data centers, with formal adoption set for October 6.

What's on the tableWhether to keep the ban as adopted or change it, and how to use remaining business park land.

The ordinance amends the Poway Municipal Code and the South Poway Specific Plan. City of Poway · Sep 17, 2026
It is to be formally adopted at the October 6 council meeting and take effect 30 days after. City of Poway · Sep 17, 2026

Permitting process

Where it standsAll three mayoral candidates agreed the process for developer permits could be improved, but proposed different fixes.

What's on the tableHow the city staffs and structures permit review for businesses, contractors and residents.

Vaus advocated a self-certification program for pre-qualified professionals, while Maeda advocated adding more city staff. San Diego Union-Tribune · Sep 30, 2026
De Hoff suggested simultaneous permit review, and Walder suggested a single point of contact. San Diego Union-Tribune · Sep 30, 2026

City budget

Where it standsThe council unanimously approved a $72 million budget for 2026-27 in June 2026.

What's on the tableHow the city spends within its budget, including new staff positions and capital projects.

The 2026-27 budget shows expenditures of $72.12 million against revenues of $72.99 million. San Diego Union-Tribune · Jun 24, 2026
The budget adds six full-time equivalent positions. San Diego Union-Tribune · Jun 24, 2026

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 should Poway handle a project that meets state law but neighbors oppose?
2. Should Poway ban large third-party AI data centers?
3. How should Poway speed up permits?
4. Should Poway acquire more open space to protect hillsides?
5. Should Poway adopt term limits for its council and mayor?

Seat the Council →

Pick a winner for each open seat and see where the resulting council stands on each issue.

Key dates

Election day: General Municipal ElectionCity of PowayNov 3, 2026

The seat math

1 stay (not up this year): Anita Edmondson3 on this ballot

5 council seats. The council decides by a 3-vote majority.

Poway is a General Law city governed by a 5-member City Council; a Mayor and four councilmembers are elected to 4-year terms. City of Poway
Since 2020 the four council seats are elected by district, while the Mayor continues to be elected citywide. City of Poway
Council districts 1 and 3 are up every four years from 2018, and districts 2 and 4 every four years from 2020. City of Poway

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