SONOMA VALLEY, CA — The 2026 California general election is underway, and Sonoma Valley voters will decide a mix of state, congressional and local races, along with several measures, when ballots are counted Nov. 3.
Election day is Nov. 3, but Californians are already receiving their mail-in ballots for an election that will determine the next governor, which party will control Congress, the future of voting and the fate of a Golden State tax just for billionaires.
Closer to home, Sonoma Valley voters will choose city council and school board representatives, depending on where they live, and decide measures addressing parks funding, college facilities, and fire district spending authority.
"Voting in California is secure, reliable, and part of California's tradition of encouraging participation in our democracy," said Secretary of State Shirley Weber. "I encourage Californians to return their completed ballot as soon as possible, using one of several safe and secure options available to them. Fulfill your civic duty early – vote now, and have your voice heard."
Ballots returned by mail must be postmarked by Nov. 3 and received by county election offices Nov. 10. Ballots returned at designated ballot drop boxes must be deposited by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Early voting centers are already open. Through Nov. 3, residents can vote at early voting centers or drop off their ballots in drop boxes. Find a complete list of sites and other election information here.
Sonoma Valley voters will choose representatives in Washington and Sacramento, settle two contested local races, and decide measures affecting parks, college facilities, and emergency services on Nov. 3.
In U.S. House District 4, democrat Eric Jones is trying to unseat incumbent Democratic Rep. Mike Thompson.
Assembly contests vary by address: Cecilia Aguiar-Curry runs unopposed in District 4, which includes Sonoma and the Springs communities, while Glen Ellen voters will choose between Jackie Elward and Eric Lucan in District 12.
Sonoma's state senator, Christopher Cabaldon, represents District 3 and is not up for reelection this year.
Sonoma Valley voters living within Senate District 2 will instead decide the contest between Damon Connolly and Tief Gibbs.
In Sonoma, Peggy Hutton, Julian Mackie, and Michael Menefee are seeking the District 1
City Council seat. John Gurney will serve another term representing District 3, and Ron Wellander will continue in District 5 after both secured appointments when no challengers filed.
Amanda Radzik, a parent and logistics manager, and Susan Joyce McIntosh, a writer, are competing for Sonoma Valley Unified School District's Area 1 trustee seat.
Incumbent Catarina Landry did not seek another term. The contest is limited to voters in the district's northernmost trustee area, commonly called the "Dunbar seat."
Measure H asks voters to extend Sonoma County's existing one-eighth-cent parks sales tax until voters repeal it.
Measure AB seeks authorization for $830 million in bonds to repair and improve Santa Rosa Junior College facilities and purchase equipment.
Within the Schell-Vista Fire Protection District, Measure N would preserve increased spending limits that support fire protection, rescue, and emergency medical services.
All Sonoma Valley voters will also decide statewide propositions and races for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state, controller, treasurer, insurance commissioner, and superintendent of public instruction.
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