Local council races underway in Gilroy and East Palo Alto

Local elections are approaching in Gilroy and East Palo Alto, featuring several candidates vying for city council seats.

In Gilroy, the election cycle has transitioned from at-large to district-based races. Three districts are up for election on November 3: District 4, District 5, and District 6. In District 4, paralegal Diana Sanchez Bentz is running against former Councilmember Fred Tovar. District 5 features three candidates, including incumbent Tom Cline, while District 6 also has three candidates, including Elizabeth Bracco and former Councilmember Rebeca Armendariz.

In East Palo Alto, multiple candidates are running for the City Council. Gail Wilkerson, a local business person and frequent critic of city development and current council members, is seeking a seat. She advocates for mainstream supermarket development and diverse housing protections. Ofelia Bello, executive director of the Pahali Community Land Trust and a former planning commissioner, is also running. Bello’s platform focuses on affordable housing, renters’ rights, and equitable community development.