Dr. Sion Roy, a physician seeking a third term on the Santa Monica College Board of Trustees, is running in the Nov. 3, 2026, election.
The nonpartisan race has three open seats. Voters choose up to three candidates. The other candidates are Kera Blades-Snell, Luis Barrera Castanon, Oscar De La Torre and Tom Peters, according to BallotReady election data. Roy identifies as a Democrat, he said in a Santa Monica Wave candidate questionnaire.
Asked why he is seeking the office, Roy said in our questionnaire: "Healthcare related issues have been a top priority for me during my 2 terms as an SMC trustee. I helped start our Allied Health Taskforce to increase healthcare related curriculum at our college. This lead to the development of both Certified Nurse Assistant and Home Health Aide Certificate programs, which not only benefit our students, but help LA County fill critical healthcare employment needs."
He added: "Over the next four years, I hope to expand community programs for our SMMUSD dual enrollment students as well as in the Emeritus college and on our new Malibu campus."
Candidate information
Education: Roy said in our questionnaire: "Sion earned his B.A. from Johns Hopkins University and his M.D. from the Virginia Commonwealth School of Medicine, with a year of service in AmeriCorps."
Family: Roy said in our questionnaire: "Wife Kathy, son Kiran, and puppy Clark. After losing their home in the Palisades Fire, Dr. Roy and his family are focused on rebuilding and supporting their resilient community, with a renewed commitment to emergency planning and public safety to help ensure a safer, stronger future."
Previous elected office: Roy said in our questionnaire: "Santa Monica College Board of Trustees (2 terms)."
Experience and public service
Roy has served on the Santa Monica College Board since 2018, according to BallotReady data, and says he serves as chair. He is a former president of the Los Angeles County Medical Association, according to his campaign website. He also served as Malibu PTA president in 2023 and 2024, according to his campaign.
His campaign website lists endorsements from Santa Monicans for Renters Rights, the Los Angeles County Democratic Party, U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff, state Assemblymember Rick Zbur and Santa Monica Mayor Caroline Torosis, among others.
On the issues
Top challenges facing Santa Monica College: Roy identified three priorities in our questionnaire: "1. Fiscal health- I hope to take steps to increase enrollment at the college and advocate in Sacramento for improved funding for the Community College system which serves so many middle class California families, but is underfunded in the state budget. 2. Improve community-serving programs like dual enrollment, the Emeritus College, and access to facilities like the pool and track that so many families utilize. 3. Housing affordability is a huge challenge for our students. I hope to continue to propel forward the affordable student housing project on our Bundy campus."
What sets him apart: Roy said in our questionnaire: "As our college board evolves with new members, I hope to bring a steady and experienced hand to help guide the college forward as it emerges from a difficult fiscal situation with a new President/Superintendent."
Responses were collected through the Santa Monica Wave candidate questionnaire. Answers are presented in the candidate's own words and have not been edited for content.
