Santa Cruz Mayor · Nov 3, 2026
Ryan Coonerty
Candidate for Mayor
Ryan Coonerty is running for mayor of Santa Cruz in the Nov 3, 2026 election, against Ami Chen Mills.
Election Day; polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. · Tue, Nov 3, 2026
Educator and CEO of the nonprofit Leadership Santa Cruz County. Former Santa Cruz mayor and city council member 2004-2012 and county supervisor 2015-2023.
- Occupation (from candidate statement)
- Educator/Non-Profit Director
- Endorsed by
- Lists endorsements from the Democratic Women’s Club, Firefighters, Sentinel, Lookout, Planned Parenthood Mar Monte and Carpenters Union. City of Santa Cruz
- Campaign website
- www.ryancoonerty.org
Where Ryan Coonerty stands: positions on the record
License plate readers1 sourced position
as reported by Santa Cruz Local; not a direct quote
Would not favor reinstating a Flock contract under the current federal administration; says it could be the right tool under a different federal government with protections.
“If and when we get a different federal government and we have protections that prevent, you know, bad law enforcement agencies or actors from accessing it, I think it can be a right tool.”
Forum answerSanta Cruz Local, Nov. 3, 2026 election guide: Santa Cruz Mayor · Oct 3, 2026
Large development projects1 sourced position
as reported by Santa Cruz Local; not a direct quote
Says the city should pursue legal options to stop or curtail projects with large amounts of community pushback.
“the city has to be more aggressive in pursuing legal options”
Forum answerSanta Cruz Local, Nov. 3, 2026 election guide: Santa Cruz Mayor · Oct 3, 2026
Taxes1 sourced position
as reported by Santa Cruz Local; not a direct quote
Wants to avoid new taxes and instead support a new Downtown hotel and fill vacant storefronts to raise revenue from existing taxes.
Forum answerSanta Cruz Local, Nov. 3, 2026 election guide: Santa Cruz Mayor · Oct 3, 2026
Homelessness2 sourced positions
as reported by Santa Cruz Local; not a direct quote
Wants to enforce camping bans for people who refuse shelter and other support, and to mandate treatment for people with serious mental illness or substance use disorders.
Forum answerSanta Cruz Local, Nov. 3, 2026 election guide: Santa Cruz Mayor · Oct 3, 2026
Lists ending unmanaged encampments as a goal as mayor.
“End unmanaged encampments through accountability and effective, humane solutions.”
Own statementCity of Santa Cruz
Renters1 sourced position
as reported by Santa Cruz Local; not a direct quote
Wants to fund rental assistance programs with Measure C money and enforce state renter-protection laws.
Forum answerSanta Cruz Local, Nov. 3, 2026 election guide: Santa Cruz Mayor · Oct 3, 2026
Also running for Mayor
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