Eli Gill is running for one of three open seats on the Santa Monica City Council in the Nov. 3 general election. The nonpartisan race has three seats to fill, and voters may choose up to three candidates.
Gill, a business operations manager, said he is running on a platform of affordable housing, street safety and support for local businesses. He has lived in Santa Monica for more than 20 years, according to his city candidate response.
Candidate information
- Office sought: Santa Monica City Council (three seats)
- Election date: Nov. 3, 2026
- Occupation: Business operations manager
- Residence: Santa Monica for more than 20 years; lives in a rent-controlled apartment with his wife and two children, who attend Santa Monica public schools, Gill said in his candidate response
On the issues
Housing and affordability
Gill said his priorities include affordable housing and strong tenant protections. He said Santa Monica needs to bring down what it costs to rent or buy a home, welcome more neighbors and act with urgency. The Santa Monica Lookout described him as an "abundant housing advocate."
Street safety
Gill said he worked with neighbors to win four-way stops and make intersections safer after a fatal collision at 19th Street and Idaho Avenue. He commutes by bike. Santa Monica Forward, which endorsed him, described Gill as a strong advocate for safer streets who rides to downtown Santa Monica and takes his children to school by bike.
Local economy and business
Gill said he would focus on fundamentals for local businesses, following through to make sure they can get open quickly and stay open, according to Santa Monica Forward's endorsement statement.
Endorsements
Gill's campaign lists endorsements from former Santa Monica mayors Pam O'Connor and Gleam Davis, and sitting councilmembers Barry Snell and Jesse Zwick. Santa Monica Forward also endorsed Gill, along with candidates Caroline Torosis and Brett Morrow. The group cited his perspective as a long-time renter and parent, private-sector operational discipline and commitment to housing affordability, local businesses and street safety.
Other candidates
Eleven other candidates are certified for the same race: Ashley Oelsen, Brett Morrow, Caroline Torosis, Daniel S. Ivanov, Derrick Townsend, Doug Trussler, Ericka Lesley, Lana Negrete, Lindsay Davis, Phil Brock and Wade Kelley.
Policy positions reflect the candidate's own statements unless otherwise noted. Candidate responses were collected through the City of Santa Monica's official election questionnaire.
