Soledad Marcial is running for the Santa Monica City Rent Control Board in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. Three seats are open. The nonpartisan race allows voters to choose up to three candidates.

Asked why she is running, Marcial said in our candidate questionnaire: "I'm running for Rent Control Board because my community trusts me. They know me as an honest, responsible public servant who shows up, follows through, and leads with integrity." She added that she has "advocated for neighbors, especially those afraid to speak up, helping with ignored repairs, uncashed rental checks, and eviction threats."

The other certified candidates are Heather Thomason, Kurt Gonska, Sue Himmelrich and Zoe Muntaner.

Candidate information

Education: "I've lived in Santa Monica most of my life, attended our public schools from Will Rogers elementary through Santa Monica High school and some College at SMC," Marcial said in our questionnaire.

Family: "I come from a large family, the second youngest of 8 siblings. I have lived in Santa Monica since the 80's. I've raised my 4 children in Santa Monica, where we call home," Marcial said. She added: "Around 2006, due to the rising cost of rent my family was priced out and moved to South Central LA. In 2018, my work brought me back to my hometown and into a rent controlled apartment in the Pico neighborhood, reuniting me with the community I love."

Marcial said: "We are also proud Oaxacans. Until shortly after Covid, our family restaurant served authentic food and provided a welcoming space for our community to gather, celebrate and feel at home."

Party affiliation: "I have been a registered democrat for 29 years, since 1997," Marcial said in our questionnaire.

Experience and public service

Asked about previous public service, Marcial said in our questionnaire: "I was on the PTA board as vice-president then as president as well as president of ELAC committee at Edison Elementary school now Edison language academy between 1998-2002. We were involved in fundraising for the PTA as well as for the school. I attended many school board meetings and translated for parents who didn't speak English but wanted their voices to be heard, and their concerns to be addressed."

Asked about her work background, Marcial said: "I've spent most of my life working in the customer service industry, and that experience has shaped the way I show up for my community. I've learned how to truly see people, how to listen with empathy, understand their concerns, and help them find solutions."

On the issues

What differentiates her from other candidates: "As a renter, worker, and longtime Santa Monica community member, I understand the challenges renters face," Marcial said. "I would bring a unique perspective as the Board's only bilingual Spanish speaker and a lifelong Santa Monica resident."

Top three challenges facing Santa Monica renters: Marcial identified tenant protections, habitability and public outreach as her priorities.

On displacement, she said: "I want to strengthen tenant protections in Santa Monica, work with state leaders, and renter advocates to help keep rents affordable preventing displacement."

On building conditions, she said: "I want to improve habitability by working closely with Code Enforcement and finding ways to address unsafe or deteriorating conditions. Every renter deserves a safe, well maintained home."

On outreach, she said: "I want to expand outreach so renters and landlords have clear, up-to-date information about their rights and responsibilities." Marcial added that she wants to "use my position on the Board to bring important renter issues forward and, when appropriate, ask the Board to take a position, as it did with Proposition 33."

Candidate responses were collected through the Santa Monica Wave candidate questionnaire conducted by Surround Sound News. Answers are presented in the candidate's own words.