Ericka Lesley, chair of the Santa Monica Rent Control Board, is running for Santa Monica City Council in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election.
The nonpartisan race has three open seats. Voters choose up to three candidates. Lesley has been certified for the ballot, according to BallotReady election data.
Lesley said in her campaign statement that she entered the race because she believes the city needs a change in direction. As a former Downtown Santa Monica Inc. board member, she said she has watched local businesses decline and police service requests increase, the Santa Monica Daily Press reported. She described herself as a community activist, entrepreneur, single parent and daughter of retired military veterans, according to her campaign statement.
She said her longstanding community and tenant activism, combined with her experience as a strategic planner, drive her vision for a more inclusive and vibrant city.
Candidate information
- Office sought: Santa Monica City Council
- Election date: Nov. 3, 2026
- Party: Nonpartisan
- Ballot status: Certified
- Education: Santa Monica College Public Policy Institute (alumni)
Experience and public service
- Chair, Santa Monica Rent Control Board (elected as commissioner Nov. 8, 2022; term through Nov. 3, 2026)
- Board member, Downtown Santa Monica Inc.
- Assistant director of community support services (2023–present)
- Grants specialist (2021–present)
- Program specialist (2020–present)
- Consultant, Lionsgate Immigration (2011–present)
On the issues
The following positions are drawn from Lesley's own campaign statements.
Homelessness: Lesley said she will lead efforts for the City Council to work collaboratively with Los Angeles County and the state to find solutions to the homelessness crisis.
Small business: Lesley said Santa Monica must become more welcoming to small businesses, pointing to what she described as a decline in the downtown business community.
Mobility and street safety: Lesley said the city must reimagine mobility and what it means to get around safely. She said the city should be mindful of children traveling to and from school and should allow new technologies to help design streets and traffic lights.
Fiscal policy and environment: Lesley said she supports responsible fiscal policies and sustainable development that benefits the environment and promotes healthy water and air.
Other candidates
The Nov. 3 ballot also lists Ashley Oelsen, Brett Morrow, Caroline Torosis, Daniel S. Ivanov, Derrick Townsend, Doug Trussler, Eli Gill, Lana Negrete, Lindsay Davis, Phil Brock and Wade Kelley.
