My colleague, Councilmember Evelyn Mitchell, lives in the same district where I live (and where I am running) but at the time of this writing, she has not announced whether she will run again for a third 4-year term -or not. No one else has declared at this time in the 4th District. But I am eager to get started!
In the 2nd District (where I am not running) three candidates have emerged, so far: Scott Pratt, Mathew Lopez and Planning Commissioner Alex Wood.
Learn more about district elections, below.
I believe there is an obligation to earn every vote, regardless of the competition. I look forward to meeting voters, listening to their concerns, and answering questions -as I have doing now.
Of course, the duties of the office are unchanged. If elected, I will continue to work for ALL of Healdsburg, and each and every resident.
This time, I am involving some young people in my campaign and I am excited to teach the political process to these promising future leaders (one is my son, Arlo!). The world is desperate for the energy and vision of young citizens, and I am excited to do my part in helping them along.
The Campaign -as of this writing.
Healdsburg didn't come to district elections voluntarily, but now here we are -and we are making the best of it!
This will be Healdsburg's first district election, with voting for City Council members happening in both District 4 (where I live) and in District 2, on November 3 2026.
District 4 is roughly east of Healdsburg Avenue, between Powell Ave. and Terrace Ave.
District 2 is between Powell and Piper.
The other 3 districts will hold elections in 2028.
To find out which district you live in, follow this link.
About the 4th District
Not only have I lived most my life in Healdsburg, I have also lived most of it in a neighborhood that exists in the 4th district!
Our district is defined by proximity to the Hospital, to Healdsburg High School, and to Fitch Mountain School. Fittingly, it's a great place for families. To the east are the hills adjacent to Fitch Mountain, and to the west is Healdsburg Avenue's lengthy straightaway section. It is home to the robust neighborhoods surrounding March Ave. (now patiently enduring a major and welcome road overhaul!), numerous churches, and the Villas neighborhood off of University.
It's a lovely place to live and I enjoy many friendships with the folks who live nearby.
District Elections FAQ:
Am I allowed to support a candidate running in a different district from the one I live in (donations, yard signs, etc)? YES
Can I vote for a candidate running in an election in a district that I do not live in? No, you can only vote for Council candidates who are running in the district you live in.
When will there be elections in the Districts 1,3 and 5? In 2028
What Councilmembers are not eligible for re-election in 2026? Councilmembers Hagele, Kelley and Edwards are currently in the middle of their respective terms.
Do Councilmembers elected in a certain district have responsibilities outside that district? Yes, each Councilmember is responsible for the welfare of the entire City. In this way, their roles are unchanged under the new district elections.
How long is a City Council term and does Healdsburg have term limits for Councilmembers? Each term is 4 years. Healdsburg does not have term limits. In recent years, no Council member has served more than 3 terms.
Can the citizens put forward a ballot measure that would reverse the move to district elections and return us to 'at-large' elections again? A return to at-large elections would open us to potential lawsuits. The few cities who have tried have been unsuccessful. Even if we won such as lawsuit, it would be atronomically expensive.
Healdsburg's First District Election!
Contact
chrisherrod707@gmail.com
707-328-8871
Paid for by Chris Herrod for Healdsburg City Council 2026. FPPC # 1490114