Salinas Mayor · Nov 3, 2026

Peter Szalai

Candidate for Mayor

11 candidates · 4 seats5 sourced positions

Peter Szalai is running for mayor of Salinas in the Nov 3, 2026 election, against Dennis Donohue, Daniel Muñoz and Hezekiah Gonzalez.

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Ballots mailed; ballot return locations open · Mon, Oct 5, 2026

Today

Retired educator who spent nearly 40 years in public education as a teacher, teachers' union president and curriculum director; served on the city's Measure E and G oversight committees.

Occupation (from candidate statement): Retired Educator
Campaign website: petersalinasmayor.com

Where Peter Szalai stands: positions on the record

Rent stabilization1 sourced position

Urges a no vote on Measure H to keep the four rent ordinances for now, then basing rent policy on data and adjusting the ordinances.
“Then, moving forward, let's base rent policy on data, not politics.”
Own statementPeter Szalai campaign site

Measure G2 sourced positions

As reported by Monterey County Weekly; not a direct quote
Supports Measure G, the renewal of the 1-cent sales tax, but says it will likely fail.
Forum answerMonterey County Weekly · Sep 14, 2026
Wants Measure G revenue spent on the services voters were promised, with a searchable public record of the spending.
“Spend Measure G revenue on the services voters were promised”
Own statementPeter Szalai campaign site

Streets1 sourced position

Proposes a public, prioritized paving and sidewalk-repair schedule and a tracked pothole and streetlight repair system.
“Publish a public, prioritized paving and sidewalk-repair schedule, so residents can see when their street will be fixed.”
Own statementPeter Szalai campaign site

Priorities1 sourced position

Summarizes his platform in three goals: streets, spending and trust.
“Fix Our Streets. Spend Responsibly. Earn Back Trust.”
Own statementCandidate statement filed for the Nov. 3, 2026 election (Monterey County Elections) · Jul 15, 2026

Also running for Mayor

All 11 Salinas candidates →

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