Candidates
Who is running in Districts 1, 4, 7 and 8 — and where to hear them in their own words.
Returned our questionnaireNo response yet9 / 12
District 4
Incumbent1 candidateIncumbent: Igor Tregub
District 7
Open seat3 candidatesDistrict 8
Incumbent3 candidatesIncumbent: Mark Humbert
Candidate questionnaire
We sent every candidate the same questions. Answers are printed verbatim, in the candidate's own words.
9 / 12 — Answered the questionnaire
District 1
Moni Gangopadhyay
Answered the questionnaireRead their answers
Answers are reproduced exactly as submitted and are not translated.
Background in Berkeley politics or community organizing
Yes, I started in my late teens with Youth Solidarity Summer. Later, in my first job out of college, I drafted several press releases for pro-labor candidates. More recently, I joined my fellow teachers on the picket lines and marches each day of an OUSD week-long strike. In Berkeley, I have stood next to my fellow anti-Flock, Save Berkeley Shops, and Build a Better Berkeley activists at City Council and Commission meetings to protect our residents from monied interests and promote the agency of people and affordability over profit.
Local issues that matter most to them
Affordability, local government and police accountability, prioritizing city services like street and sidewalk repair in equitable ways, and protecting, creating, and greening community spaces, especially in West Berkeley.
Will opt into public financing
Yes
Housing and rent control
I will advance policies that maximize affordability and improve the agency of renters over large and corporate landlords. I would explore avenues to increasing revenues for expanding affordable housing. These avenues include raising local transfer taxes, introducing a commercial vacancy tax and advocating at the State level for a wealth tax. We are fortunate to live in a city that values affordability through city measures like Measure P, Measure O, Measure W, and Measure U1. I would advocate to extend Berkeley's Rent Board protections to Golden Duplexes. Working with local renter and housing experts, I would reintroduce either a Community Opportunity to Purchase Act or a Tenants Opportunity to Purchase Act. If they can do it in San Francisco, we can do it here in Berkeley.
Upzoning and local businesses
Our local business are a mark of Berkeley's values that prioritize people over corporations. Our businesses have suffered tremendously during COVID and from competition from online shopping. I doubt I am the only one to say that I value, rely on and support our beloved local businesses - in D1 from Acme Bakery, Fenton McLaren, the halal grocers, Casa Latina and Cafe Leila and those that have recently closed (e.g. Albatross - the country's oldest pub!). We need our City Council to prioritize our local businesses, so often run by women and immigrants, over large corporate interests. Upzoning increases land values and pushes local people and businesses out. As a state-level policymaker, I have seen too many times how broad brushstrokes in policy result in perverse incentives and bad actors. The same is true of upzoning large swaths of our vibrant commercial corridors. I now work as an investigator protecting Californians from the fraud that our well-intentioned, but overly broad programs created. We need skillful crafting of our housing policies to create maximum affordability and community-centered development.
Availability to constituents who disagree
I plan to hold office hours for our residents, plan town halls, and bring people on different sides of controversial issues together in targeted and facilitated meetings. We in Berkeley have much more in common than we do differences, though we may have different views on how we get to our common goals. We also have a tremendously talented and knowledgeable constituency. I would leverage this knowledge to advance better policies. One way to do this is to introduce a minimum of a 10-minute Q&A at City Council and Commission meetings so that City staff can be better informed and to improve engagement between our community and decisionmakers.
Police accountability — surveillance, crowd control, fiscal
Berkeley needs a strong policy accountability board. We have seen time and again the value of their input on various issues concerning BPD. I am against surveillance, Flock cameras, and tear gas. We have sufficient data and experience demonstrating the harms and misuses of such tools in Berkeley and beyond. It is not fiscally nor ethically responsible to bring in tools that undermine our constitutional rights (e.g., warrantless searches) and to potentially expose our community to ICE through intentional or unintentional sharing of surveillance data. The same is true of removing our city's ban on the use of tear gas. The City has already paid over $100,000 in lawsuits over the misuse of tear gas on peace protesters by the BPD. We need to learn from our mistakes and not repeat them.
Council's role in international human rights
Berkeley has a history of standing on the right side of international issues. We took a stand in the Vietnam War. We were the first city to take action against apartheid in South Africa. The City Council is beholden to its people and not outside constituent groups. While my focus is on serving the people of Berkeley, I stand with the side of humanity, compassion, and ethics on international issues.
How they plan to campaign
I campaign with my team, knocking on every door, learning and allowing Berkeley residents to inform our campaign. This is my strength - my ability and excitement to engage with our community. It is through this effort that I have learned of the extent of the diversity, vibrancy (many established and new neighbors!) and experiences in our beautiful community in District 1.
Anticipated endorsements
I am in the endorsement process and currently have Berkeley Tenant Unions endorsement.
How we can help
We need volunteers and donations to support our hardworking team and get our message out to our community.
Campaign contact: moni.district1@gmail.com
Daria Wrubel
Answered the questionnaireRead their answers
Answers are reproduced exactly as submitted and are not translated.
Background in Berkeley politics or community organizing
Yes. I was a garden teacher at Thousand Oaks Elementary, and when we lost all of our federal funding, and received layoff notices, I took a full-time job as Union Organizer for the Berkeley Council of Classified Employees (my union at the time) to help advocate for our jobs, and a better contract for all BCCE members. In that role, I increased union membership from 76% to 97%, and received an award from CFT for excellence in organizing. I also worked with the Berkeley Vs. Big Soda campaign to secure an alternative funding source, which was successful. More recently, I have been co-facilitating a Bay Resistance Pod, and coordinating ICE watch foot patrols for Berkeley High School.
Local issues that matter most to them
I entered the race to fight against mass surveillance, but I also care deeply about housing and homelessness, infrastructure and city services, and education and the arts.
Will opt into public financing
Yes
Housing and rent control
I think it is important to protect existing housing stock, and also have a plan for increasing available housing, particularly at low- and moderate-income levels. I think it's essential to preserve strong rent controls, and to prevent corporate ownership of residential properties. I support Small Sites, and projects like BUSD's Workforce Housing on San Pablo and Virginia. I would also love to see a second home tax in Berkeley that could fund affordable housing.
Upzoning and local businesses
I think Mark Humbert's proposed compromise for the Elmwood, where only the 3 largest parcels would be upzoned, assuring that the remaining business can continue operating, without threat of displacement, and that the architectural character of the neighborhood is preserved, but essential new housing is still being built.
Availability to constituents who disagree
I believe strongly in democracy, and the right of all residents to be heard and represented. I intend to dedicate at least 3 days per week to council business, and to have a full-time constituent services staffer, in addition to my legislative aid. My door will always be open. I also intend to be available for town halls.
Police accountability — surveillance, crowd control, fiscal
I am a strong opponent of warrantless searches, including mass surveillance, and of militarized weapons in the hands of local police. I also believe strongly in the role of the Police Accountability Board, and would propose legislation that any time representatives of the police are asked to appear before council, the PAB must also have a seat at the table.
Council's role in international human rights
When Berkeley has the opportunity to meaningfully impact international events, such as when Berkeley was the first municipality to divest from South Africa in protest of Apartheid, then we have an obligation to do so. The Council answers to our own conscience, and to our constituents, not to outside lobbying groups.
How they plan to campaign
I have been knocking doors, holding meetings, seeking endorsements, and raising money. As a licensed therapist, I have excellent interpersonal skills, and as a lifelong Berkeley resident, I have many existing relationships in the city. And I'm highly motivated to win, because I know I'm the best candidate to help shape the Berkeley we can all thrive in.
Anticipated endorsements
I have already received a 2nd choice endorsement from the Sierra Club, and many other endorsements are in process, but I do not feel comfortable anticipating those results. The members of those groups deserve their democratic process!
How we can help
Any campaign needs volunteers, and I would welcome that!
Campaign contact: dariaforberkeley@proton.me
Steve Kromer
Answered the questionnaireRead their answers
Answers are reproduced exactly as submitted and are not translated.
Background in Berkeley politics or community organizing
Informal advocate groups. Berkeley Partners for Parks, Friends of James Kenney Park
Local issues that matter most to them
Accountability, transparency, trust, safe community
Will opt into public financing
Yes
Housing and rent control
I'd begin by daylighting the various plans that influence these topics and working from that starting point. We'll likely need to update many and clarify others. Generally, I prefer well-planned and aesthetically pleasing growth that fits into an overall plan. I've rented and owned. I was a poster child for means testing of rent control. I'm also the poster house for missing middle (literally)
Upzoning and local businesses
I've lived in many parts of Berkeley over 37 years. I like some districts just the way they are and others could be enhanced by more density. I prefer local business but I also occasionally shop at Target. It's still confusing to me why so many retail spaces are empty.
Availability to constituents who disagree
This will be my main job. Berkeley is a city with many "communities". And each of those has "factions". That's the starting point. The goal is to daylight valid choices before making decisions.
Police accountability — surveillance, crowd control, fiscal
I'll mainly defer to the experts. The police chief and existing accountability functions. I'm open to technologies with adequate guardrails. No easy answers.
Council's role in international human rights
My preference will be to avoid issues outside of Berkeley.
How they plan to campaign
I've enjoyed speaking with a wide range of people and learning more about D1 and the city. My campaign will be about listenting to concerns that can be addressed by the council. I'll also hope to help citizens understand that governing in Berkeley means acknowledging a wide range of constraints that arise at the the county and state (and federal) level. I intend to use my time campaigning to learn as much as possible. That alone will be a long term benefit regardless of the results.
Anticipated endorsements
Informal. I can discuss.
How we can help
Provide background facts to enhance any discussion.
Campaign contact: steve@kromerforberkeley.org
Laura Babitt
No response yetNo response yet — We asked. If they answer, their words will appear here unedited.
Ross Bernet
No response yetNo response yet — We asked. If they answer, their words will appear here unedited.
District 4
Majdi Gaith Abuhamdieh
Answered the questionnaireRead their answers
Answers are reproduced exactly as submitted and are not translated.
Background in Berkeley politics or community organizing
1. Berkeley City Peace and Justice Commissioner: I served as a Berkeley City, Peace and Justice Commissioner for about a year. I presented a Berkeley Sister City proposal with Gaza City, modeled from Berkeley's 1988 sister-city proposal for the Jabalia refugee camp (Measure J), driven forward by a combination of a progressive local official (former Councilmember Maudelle Shirek Rest in Peace) and a grassroots activist coalitions. 2. Student at UC Berkeley 2011'. Their activities include: Multicultural collaboration through the Bridges Multicultural Resource Center, representing MSA and SJP, and building solidarity among underrepresented student groups. Participation in protests and demonstrations, including Occupy Oakland (2011) and anti-racism actions with the Black Student Union. Advocacy for Palestinian rights, including involvement in BDS efforts at Cal (first university in the nation to BDS via student votes in ASUC to be later vetoed by student body president) Support for immigrant and undocumented students, working with MEChA on DREAM Act campaigns. Humanitarian work, such as preparing food packages for unhoused individuals through MSA. Cultural and historical remembrance, including commemoration of the Armenian Genocide and attending the Indigenous Peoples' Sunrise Gathering on Alcatraz Island. 3. Small business owner: As a small business owner in the Berkeley, I've hosted house parties and community gatherings in partnership with Faith in Action and Bay Area Muslim Council representatives, alongside other local community members. I've also organized 5K fundraising runs for MECA, sponsored their bicycle runs, and hosted small business bazaars at Jaffa Coffee Roaster to support local vendors and build community connections.
Local issues that matter most to them
(1) Affordable housing, (2) safer and cleaner neighborhoods. saving small businesses
Will opt into public financing
Yes
Housing and rent control
Upzoning and Density: I'm pro-housing, but I'm not pro-developer giveaway. Berkeley should build more homes while protecting the people who already live here. If we give a project more density, Berkeley should get a real public benefit in return. We can support more housing and still believe residents and small businesses deserve a meaningful voice in how their neighborhoods change (Solano, Elmwood, Shattuck and San Pablo) Commercial vacancies: We support a carrot-first vacant storefront policy: no fee for the first 12 months, then gradually increasing fees for long-term vacancies, with exemptions for legitimate barriers. We'd offer landlords incentives, renovation assistance, and help finding local businesses—and dedicate any revenue to social housing, small-business support, and homelessness prevention. Social housing: We support a ban on algorithmic pricing, universal just-cause eviction protection and expanded social housing.
Upzoning and local businesses
Upzoning should protect the people who already live there - not just developers and speculators. I support increased density when it includes deep affordability, union labor and community benefits. I oppose the building of market-rate luxury towers that displace working families. For businesses, I support cutting health permit and business license fees, creating an improved, one-stop-shop permitting portal, supporting street vending / pop-ups, and freezing chain store expansion. I support industrial rent stabilization to protect independent shops. For example, there was no impact study completed for the dozens of small businesses on Hopkins street. These businesses will suffer from prolonged construction and less available parking for those who are considered ADA, unable to ride a bicycle and those who come form other parts of Berkeley and the East Bay to frequent family owned small businesses such as Monterey Market.
Availability to constituents who disagree
I will hold public office hours in parks and in public, as well as my office. I'll respond to constituent emails and calls and never shy away from hard conversations.
Police accountability — surveillance, crowd control, fiscal
I support strong police accountability. I oppose mass surveillance systems like Flock. As a West Bank resident of Hebron, my hometown has a surveillance-camera system that is broadly comparable to Flock-style automated surveillance, although it is not for "supposed safety" and the systems are intended for military use rather than a municipal, private-policing product. I oppose the use of militarized police equipment such as tear gas or sound cannons. I support demilitarization of the police and increasing community oversight. I support creation of a unionized team of community ambassadors to help people in mental health crisis and to act as first responders alongside police to help with mental health crisis situations. This will be incredibly beneficial to small businesses and the general public who do not have the means or training to help address the growing mental health crisis all around the City.
Council's role in international human rights
Berkeley has a long history of supporting human rights - and the City must continue that legacy. As a dual citizen Palestinian-American, I believe we must divest and establish a sister city program with Gaza City. I will listen to any individual or organization that wishes to speak with me, but ultimately I'll vote with human rights in mind. When concerning proposed ceasefire resolutions on the genocide of Gaza, some Councilmembers continue to peddle rhetoric such as, "Berkeley has no jurisdiction over international affairs. He explicitly stated that the city does not set foreign or military policy." However, historical record shows Berkeley's Council has repeatedly discussed international affairs, wars, genocide remembrance, foreign governments, refugees, and international human-rights issues on its agenda and adopted resolutions/proclamations concerning them. Jurisdiction and community voice are two different topics. Berkeley can't conduct foreign policy, but that doesn't mean we have to be silent about human rights, war, genocide, or issues directly affecting Berkeley residents, especially when as Americans we fund the carnage that is taking place in Gaza against innocent people.
How they plan to campaign
We are building people-powered campaign of door to door canvassing, community events, engaging my fellow UC Berkeley student and alumni and only accepting small-dollar donations. My campaign comes from my lived experience as a renter, a small business owner, a Palestinian-American and a father. I listen, tell the truth and connect our local struggles of high rent, unfair fees and unsafe streets and connect it to the need for real systemic change.
Anticipated endorsements
We are in active conversations with tenant groups, small business associations, labor allies, immigrant rights organizations, student groups, and Palestine solidarity organizations. We cannot announce formal endorsements yet, but our campaign has deep support among working people, renters, small business owners, and progressive activists who want a real alternative to the machine.
How we can help
We need volunteers for canvassing, phone-banking, small dollar donations and endorsements. We need folks in the district willing to help with hosting house party events, display yard signs / banners, and share our message with their network. Mostly we need people to register and vote. Lastly, tell Berkeley! On October 27th, I can't vote from the River to Sea, but on November 3rd you can make history and vote for me!
Campaign contact: Majdiforberkeley@gmail.com
District 7
Syrak Micael
Answered the questionnaireRead their answers
Answers are reproduced exactly as submitted and are not translated.
Background in Berkeley politics or community organizing
At UC Berkeley, I was a member of YDSA, where I picketed alongside union workers, and helped lead the creation of a Divestment advisory referendum, which just passed a student body vote. I was also the elected Transfer Student Representative, where I was involved in the “Black Triad”, a collective of Black organizations on campus, leading recruitment and retention efforts for groups like Underground Scholars (previously incarcerated students) and Student Parents. As the Vice Chair of the Berkeley Housing Advisory Commission, I've fought to hold landlords accountable, fund improved housing infrastructure, and support affordable housing development and the renovation of existing affordable housing. Additionally, in my role in Berkeley CopWatch, I have worked to bridge the gap between student activists and the broader Berkeley activist community, particularly in the Stop Flock Campaign. I've led and supported letter writing campaigns, social media series, and have talked to dozens of businesses and community organizations to show alternatives and highlight the dangers of police militarization. With my work with East Bay Alliance for a Sustainable Economy, I partnered with Teamsters members to outreach to Amazon workers, letting them know about their rights, identifying issues in the workplace, and training them to be able to organize their workspaces. I also volunteer with their Black worker organizing outreach program, empowering Black workers in the East Bay with information and resources to mobilize their community members and lobbied for consistent funding for the California Worker Outreach Project. In Fall 2025, I was a Campus Organizer with UAW 4811 and the Alameda Labor Council to pass Proposition 50 and hold Trump accountable. I was part of a team that got over 3000 students to commit to vote yes; I personally helped bring in over 400 of those commits.
Local issues that matter most to them
My three priorities are 1) Affordable Housing and Tenant Protections, 2) Building Public Safety through Community Trust, and 3) Meeting Basic Needs by Supporting Organized Labor. Addressing Berkeley's affordable housing crisis requires both strong tenant protections and real investments in housing that keeps students and long-term residents in the city. Throughout my work in the Associated Students of the University of California, I have consistently challenged the University when students' needs are at stake, in particular advocating for the quality of life of transfer and non-traditional students. As a Councilmember, I will use those relationships and that experience to work with partners inside and outside the UC system to advance meaningful solutions for affordable student housing in Berkeley and across the state. That includes investing in seismic safety renovations for the Berkeley Student Cooperative, instituting a commercial vacancy tax and directing the revenue to affordable housing. Additionally, I believe that public safety in Berkeley should be grounded in community trust, transparency, and solutions that address the root causes of harm rather than in punitive approaches with limited long-term success. The Police cannot solve all our problems. A safe District 7 and City of Berkeley is one where our residents, students, and local businesses feel supported through public health responses, accountable policing, and public spaces designed for community well-being. Public safety is incomplete without safeguards for civil liberties, true Sanctuary City protections, and an effective social safety net rooted in community organizations. Among other policies, I advocate for a car-free Telegraph to improve pedestrian safety, boost local businesses, and create a safe community third space. I also oppose mass surveillance. Finally, as someone who has grown up in Berkeley my whole life, I understand that a thriving District 7 is built on the dignity of its workers and the strength of its unions and small businesses as pillars of the community. When wages are fair, workers have the power to organize, and local businesses can grow; the entire community benefits from this investment. Ensuring that residents can meet their basic needs — from food to healthcare to stable housing — requires policies that strengthen worker protections and expand access to essential resources. I will treat economic stability for working people and students as a foundation for a healthy and resilient Berkeley community. I will require large employers and developers receiving city incentives to meet living-wage standards and demonstrate meaningful local hiring commitments, ensuring jobs for D7 and Berkeley residents, and supporting the One Fair Wage campaign in Alameda County ($30/hour by 2030). I will work to empower small businesses by introducing legacy business grants and lease protections to reduce barriers and costs for locally owned businesses in high-rent corridors like Telegraph, stabilizing storefronts and sustaining the neighborhood institutions that generations have relied on and are fundamental to Berkeley history.
Will opt into public financing
Yes
Housing and rent control
In order to facilitate a truly liveable Berkeley, I strongly support expanding rent control. In accordance with Measure BB passed by Berkeley voters in 2024, I support tenants' right to organize and I would advocate for educating tenants on their rights and stronger measures to enforce those rights. I will also strongly advocate for unionizing UC Berkeley's Resident Assistants (RAs) to demand equitable payment for their labor and better housing conditions. I support the current effort to create a public bank, which could provide low-cost, flexible financing to public development. I believe in the three Ps: preservation of existing housing, protections for tenants, and production of new affordable housing. I support Community Land Trusts that allow for resale restrictions of existing properties and will keep homes affordable for low-income residents and allow them to build equity in perpetuity. I am also a proponent of the robust co-op infrastructure in Berkeley, which collectively lower costs for current and future residents. I would strengthen CLTs and co-ops in District 7 to preserve existing affordable housing and expand opportunities for these forms of affordability. I strongly support the City of Berkeley's Demolition Ordinance, which requires one-to-one replacement of rent-controlled units or units occupied by low-income residents as allowed under SB 330, and substantial relocation assistance for displaced tenants. I support repealing Costa-Hawkings, and in the meanwhile expanding rent control to all units allowable under Costa-Hawkins. I support the production of affordable housing by creating new revenue streams for the Housing Trust Fund, such as a commercial vacancy tax. I will allocate dedicated Berkeley Housing Trust Fund predevelopment loans for D7 non-profit projects and establish an Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Task Force to strategically pair the D7 housing proposals with transit investments so that affordability also includes common-sense mobility measures for residents. Building affordable housing is incomplete without transit-oriented development, and I will actively work towards measures that simultaneously drive both policies.
Upzoning and local businesses
Local businesses are a core pillar of our community and I am excited to stand with them. I believe in improving and maintaining the quality of life in my district and across our city, and that is only possible when we have local businesses to patronize. Proposals to upzone commercial corridors must come alongside real and effective measures to preserve local small businesses. Changes to state law mean that Berkeley must increase its density. It is my view that upzoning must be done in a way that increases affordability and protects longtime residents and local businesses. The Demolition Ordinance was an important step in that process. A commercial vacancy tax can also help with reducing small business displacement by penalizing developers for leaving storefronts vacant for long periods in anticipation of future development. I also support zoning that explicitly prioritizes 100% affordable development in order to make those projects more competitive.
Availability to constituents who disagree
Interacting with people of all views, including those I disagree with, is a core part of a healthy democracy. I plan to hold regular office hours and be out in the community at street fairs, parades, and other events. I am committed to a transparent government. One way I wish to pursue that goal is through a housing dashboard, allowing residents to clearly see where housing is being built and what type of housing it is.
Police accountability — surveillance, crowd control, fiscal
I am firmly opposed to any efforts to roll back the current ban on the use of tear gas. I oppose all three proposals from Councilmember Kesarwani to weaken police oversight and regulations on the use of militarized tactics and equipment, and the effort by BPD to undermine the Use of Force policy. I also oppose Flock Surveillance specifically and mass surveillance overall. I have stood against this unjust surveillance time and time again and am excited to continue to do so, both as a member of Berkeley CopWatch and a leader in my community. I am proud of Berkeley's sanctuary city status; we should not be contracting with companies that share data with ICE and make it easier to surveil citizens. I support increased efforts to keep BPD fiscally accountable, enforcing greater overtime oversight and better recognition of long term costs of officers; and support the independence and oversight of the Police Accountability Board, including through independent legal counsel.
Council's role in international human rights
I am proud to continue our city's tradition of standing up for International Human Rights and am firmly committed to upholding everyone's right to free speech, regardless of if that speech is politically convenient or not. We were the first city to call for an end to South Africa's apartheid government and support current efforts to call for an end to genocide in Gaza. I have never taken money or accepted gifts from foreign lobby groups and I have no plans to do so in the future. I oppose JCRC and AIPAC aligned efforts to influence our local government.
How they plan to campaign
I love having conversations with voters and being out in the community! In my district, many of them will be students whom I still consider my peers. In campaigning to pass Proposition 50 in Fall 2025, I personally gathered over 400 vote commits from other students to vote yes. This coming election cycle, I plan to recruit and train a robust canvassing team and plan to personally talk to over 200 voters in my district.
Anticipated endorsements
Yes! I have been endorsed by the following community groups: ASUC Executives Cal Berkeley Democrats Telegraph for People Berkeley Tenants Union Future Urbanist Club I am also endorsed by incumbent D7 Councilmember Cecilia Lunaparra I anticipate an endorsement in the coming weeks from United Auto Workers Region 6, which includes the union of academic workers and career staff at the University of California. Additionally, I have worked closely with the Alameda Labor Council in the past, including Black Worker Organizing and in the fight to pass Proposition 50 last fall. I will also be seeking endorsements from the Wellstone Democratic Renewal Club, East Bay DSA, and SEIU 1021.
How we can help
You can donate up to $60 to my campaign! I am relying solely on small donors and public financing to power my campaign. You can do so here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/syrak-micael-1
Campaign contact: syrakforsouthside@gmail.com
Aidan Hill
Answered the questionnaireRead their answers
Answers are reproduced exactly as submitted and are not translated.
Background in Berkeley politics or community organizing
Yes. I have been involved in community organizing and public service work in Berkeley for years, particularly around housing, homelessness, public space, neighborhood conditions, and People's Park. I previously served as Vice Chair of the Berkeley Homeless Commission and have participated in advocacy, direct service, tenant support efforts, and community engagement connected to Southside Berkeley. My work as a clinical health worker has also shaped my understanding of public systems, crisis response, and the everyday challenges many residents face.
Local issues that matter most to them
Housing affordability and displacement, homelessness and public health, safety at night in Southside, clean and accessible public spaces, support for local businesses, tenant protections, and ensuring Berkeley remains livable and inclusive for students, workers, families, and longtime residents.
Will opt into public financing
Yes
Housing and rent control
I support expanding deeply affordable housing, protecting tenants from displacement, preserving rent stabilization protections, and ensuring new development fits neighborhood infrastructure and community needs. Berkeley requires more housing that working people, students, seniors, and low-income residents can actually afford. I also support stronger enforcement against unsafe housing conditions and policies that help people remain stably housed before they fall into crisis.
Upzoning and local businesses
I support thoughtful housing growth, especially near transit and commercial corridors, but I do not believe neighborhoods should be treated as blank slates for speculation or extraction. Growth should come with investments in infrastructure, transit, public space, and affordability. I also believe Berkeley should do more to support small and locally rooted businesses by reducing unnecessary barriers, improving street conditions, and maintaining clean, safe, active commercial corridors like Telegraph Avenue.
Availability to constituents who disagree
I believe local government works best when people feel heard, even when there is disagreement. I plan to maintain regular office hours, neighborhood meetings, accessible online communication, and direct outreach throughout the district. I want residents to know they can speak honestly with me about concerns related to housing, safety, development, public space, or city services without being dismissed.
Police accountability — surveillance, crowd control, fiscal
I support strong civilian oversight, transparency, and accountability in policing. Public safety should be rooted in trust, de-escalation, and measurable public benefit. I have serious concerns about the expansion of surveillance technologies without clear oversight, data protections, transparency, and demonstrated effectiveness. I also oppose the use of tear gas and overly aggressive crowd control tactics against demonstrators. Berkeley should continue investing in non-police crisis response, mental health support, violence prevention, and public health approaches alongside accountability for public spending.
Council's role in international human rights
Berkeley has a long tradition of engaging with human rights issues and standing in solidarity with communities facing injustice. I believe local officials should approach these issues thoughtfully, independently, and with a commitment to human dignity, civil liberties, and democratic values. I will listen to constituents directly and evaluate issues based on principle, community impact, and factual information rather than pressure from outside organizations or political interests.
How they plan to campaign
My campaign is focused on direct voter contact, neighborhood engagement, coalition building, and community visibility. I plan to prioritize conversations with residents, students, workers, renters, and small business communities throughout District 7. My strengths are persistence, communication, grassroots organizing, policy knowledge, and the ability to connect lived experience with practical governance issues affecting daily life in Berkeley.
Anticipated endorsements
I am currently in conversations with labor, LGBTQ+, tenant, environmental, and progressive community organizations, and I am actively participating in several endorsement processes.
How we can help
Endorsements, volunteer support, grassroots fundraising, and opportunities to connect directly with residents would all be extremely valuable to the campaign. We are especially looking to build a strong field presence through tabling, neighborhood outreach, and community engagement in District 7. Support in amplifying the campaign's message among renters, students, workers, and local community networks would also make a meaningful difference.
Campaign contact: info@aidanhill.vote
John Espinoza
Answered the questionnaireRead their answers
Answers are reproduced exactly as submitted and are not translated.
Background in Berkeley politics or community organizing
I attend Planning Commission & City Council meetings
Local issues that matter most to them
Housing, Food insecurity
Will opt into public financing
Yes
Housing and rent control
I would focus on rent stabilization and limited vacancy control. There must be ways to protect rent control for those who actually need it.
Upzoning and local businesses
I support mitigated up-zoning to protect renters and small businesses
Availability to constituents who disagree
I plan to be very visible in my district in person, using the “Sombrero Agent” brand and tent.
Police accountability — surveillance, crowd control, fiscal
Police must be held accountable. Lawsuits must be paid from police pensions rather than city funds. The police must be demilitarized.
Council's role in international human rights
I have great respect for standing up for human rights. Foreign lobby groups should have little to no influence on local & national politics
How they plan to campaign
I have immense strength with in-person/face to face campaigning. People dont want to be accosted by emails, phone calls, and texts, they want leaders whom they recognize
Anticipated endorsements
Many groups will be doing endorsements for this cycle after the June primaries and I do not wish to speak for them before they are ready.
How we can help
I appreciate the opportunity to present my platform on a fair basis and would love to discuss further.. My experience with other groups is that they endorsed other candidates without listening to the ideas I have for the city.
Campaign contact: sombreroagent@gmail.com
District 8
Mari Mendonca
Answered the questionnaireRead their answers
Answers are reproduced exactly as submitted and are not translated.
Background in Berkeley politics or community organizing
As an organizer, I have been a Steward and leader with the union, Unite Here 2850. I have organized in support of policies for low income, truly affordable housing, rent protections and neighborhood appropriate design setbacks, along with density that does not harm existing infrastructure and livability. I have organized with seniors in low income housing against harms by management/owners. I have been an organizer for equity and reparative policies throughout Berkeley, working on the right to return and preference policy for displaced Berkeleyians. In addition I have been organizing in South Berkeley specifically as a member of Friends of Adeline since the start of the Adeline Corridor “revitalization” process and throughout the creation and development of the Adeline Plan. We organized with neighbors to create a community led vision for the Ashby BART development (among our many other endeavors). I was unanimously appointed to the City of Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board prior to being elected by Berkeley voters in 2020. I served on the City of Berkeley Housing Advisory Commission (former vice chair) supporting affordable housing projects at Saint Paul's Church and Ephesians Church, as well as serving on the Community Advisory Group for the Ashby and North Berkeley BART developments. I have additionally organized in support of unhoused neighbors and families with Brave Families Rising Above.
Local issues that matter most to them
The integrity and accountability of local leadership is one of the most important issues of the past 10 years (which is why I am running). Instead of being,”of the people, by the people, for the people”, Berkeley leadership has been playing into the hands of special interest industries and lobbies. There has also been a political culture that is being taught that effectively influences folks to give up much of their personal intelligence to “play politics”, as they are coached into “conforming” to the faulty structure that has got us into the horrible situation that we now find ourselves. “Good” people entering into an unfamiliar arena become immediately intimidated by the scrambling energy and influence that goes on behind the scenes, resulting in everyone playing right into the power structure, rather than building capacity towards the shift we need. Every issue is the most important because in truth nothing happens that doesn't affect everything else, and what's at the heart of all of it iis injustice and inequity. So, injustice and inequity is what is most important to address on a fundamental and foundational level and should be at the forefront of every specific category of concern. That being said, the inequitable and unjust issues of importance begin with: economics and predatory capitalism, housing, people's safety from systemic entities of power, accessibility for seniors and disabled, climate and sustainability, infrastructure and responsible growth, or even the need for degrowth, and to what, who and how we allow entities to invest.
Will opt into public financing
Yes
Housing and rent control
I am open to creating and developing as many different kinds of policies as we can that will be effective in addressing rent control and housing as a human right. Ending Costa Hawkins would be a good start and possibly exploring a rent freeze due to our current affordability concerns. We can also create policies that encourage benefits to our communities as opposed to milking benefits for investors. We can do this by working with impact investors who want to shift our culture around finance and investing, moving us away from predatory investment. I also don't think any one person has the answer or all the solutions, I believe that when leaders work closely with passionate neighbors (with lived expertise) and advocates who represent the diversity of community perspectives and realities, we can create inspiring alternatives and solutions that have never been done or thought of (or were avoided due to the political culture I identified in my previous answer).
Upzoning and local businesses
Upzoning is an agenda run by lobbies who are benefiting from the commodification of housing and extraction of such assets for broader capital gains (games). Municipalities are being bullied by state legislators who are working to force inappropriate and invasive densities under falsely represented “housing crisis” narratives. Neighbors, neighborhood geography, natural resources and factual, safety and climate concerns should be respected, appropriately engaged and listened to by anyone who takes a position of leadership. Unfortunately, as we have seen, there is minimal opportunity for reasonable conversations and exploration for what people want, or truly need, when there is a "political agenda" motivated by predatory capitalism. We can do more things to organize for change around these issues but we have to work for it and that starts with shifting leadership who will work with the people to do it.
Availability to constituents who disagree
I actually think that a bigger part of an elected's job is to be available to the people. We've created a structure where people in office are almost untouchable, unless you are part of their lobby. There is less and less engagement in dialogue with constituents. They might listen to your public comment (if you're lucky) and then just ignore it. As a leader it is imperative to speak to everyone to get an understanding of where differences exist in the needs and realities of people's lives. A good leader has to have discernment around understanding the lobbies and agendas that are exclusive and discriminatory and be able to identify and uphold their responsibility to the needs of the entire community of whom they serve.
Police accountability — surveillance, crowd control, fiscal
Accountability is a requirement for everyone.There is no where in our society where accountability should ever be excused or sacrificed and especially with entities that yield tremendous power. Surveillance does not create safety, it does the exact opposite. It exacerbates distrust in one another and tends to create a culture that criminalizes its citizens. Healthy, equitable and loving communities create safety for everyone. And why are we prioritizing surveillance, K9 units and tear gas to combat riots? Overall crime is actually down and if we are taking care of our responsibilities to our community, what future riots are we planning to be prepared for…? This seems a bit like a red flag. Are leaders being complicit in setting the stage for more threatening restrictions and oppressive control over communities? In regards to fiscal accountability, our auditor already identified budget oversights and overspending within our police department. We can put these valuable resources towards taking care of our community instead.
Council's role in international human rights
Standing up for humanity is a necessity of justice. As MLK Jr. said, “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere”. This is not a complicated issue, one must always stand up for justice. However we must also be vigilant around the rampant injustice right here in our communities and additionally be doing great and extensive work concurrently here at home. The more strength we are able to create here, the greater the strength we will have abroad.
How they plan to campaign
I plan to take my campaign to the people. Any campaign to make change is going to be people powered. We have the power if we act together, but it will take all hands on deck to organize, educate and inspire voters. The failure to get new leadership this election is a mistake Berkeley cannot afford to make. We need fearless leadership with strong ethics, integrity and accountability. My strengths are that I am a people person and my work is driven in service to the greater good. I am personable and friendly and I have enthusiastic inspiration because I do believe in, know and understand the beneficial impacts for all and I am willing to work in service to achieve it.
Anticipated endorsements
I anticipate being endorsed by community groups in Berkeley who know me and who I have worked with, folks who know my ethics and have seen me prove my commitment to my community. I am currently engaging with labor groups and others through their endorsement process. I do anticipate receiving endorsements from these groups as I am a former member and leader in a union as well as part of the demographic of who they represent.
How we can help
You can support my campaign by volunteering to door knock and phone bank and continuously educating and sharing about the need for change in Berkeley. You can also encourage people to join our campaign. Donations from Berkeley voters whose donations are matched by the city will be a great support as well. And vote for me Nov 3.
Campaign contact: mendoncafordistrict82026@gmail.com
Michael Wallman
Answered the questionnaireRead their answers
Answers are reproduced exactly as submitted and are not translated.
Background in Berkeley politics or community organizing
HOA President @ 1801 University; Panoramic Hill Association Board Member
Local issues that matter most to them
Housing, Fire Safety, City Infra, Education, Common Space
Will opt into public financing
Yes
Housing and rent control
Need to study our rent control policy more; A policy that I would like to investigate is holding owners more accountable for the safety, upkeep, and quality of life.
Upzoning and local businesses
Support local business at all cost. My biggest concern is new housing that tailors only to the wealthier Cal student, or a very transient resident... How can we drive a building policy that includes BMR, commercial, and shared spaces (garden / courtyards), Family-Sized Unit Minimums, Parking, and allows for owner occupancy.
Availability to constituents who disagree
Open up as many communication channels as possible; Host monthly Q&As at different locations.
Police accountability — surveillance, crowd control, fiscal
I believe all city employees should be accountable. Cameras are less about manufacture or service provider, and more about data governance, sovereignty, and most important access control. Not sure what the fiscal accountability is in reference to. I would need to come up to speed on Berkeley's crowd control measure to comment more.
Council's role in international human rights
Human rights is not negotiable. While a vote by our city council may not offer material consequence, our emotional and spiritual support for those suffering is built into the fabric of this city. That is why I live here. Regarding foreign lobbies, I'm more concerned with Hopkins then Havana.
How they plan to campaign
Lay out a clear an concise charter. Go door to door, and attend events like these.
Anticipated endorsements
Not at this time.
How we can help
deliver a positive message of change.
Campaign contact: michael@wallmandistrict8.com
Fred Feller
No response yetNo response yet — We asked. If they answer, their words will appear here unedited.
District 7 candidate forum
The three candidates running for Berkeley City Council District 7 told of their platforms on May 13th. Click a name to watch.