Berkeley Democratic Club
2026 Voter Guide
General Election · Tuesday, November 3, 2026The Berkeley Democratic Club, Alameda County’s oldest Democratic club, has more than 200 members. A membership vote decides all endorsements. Members make their own evaluations, informed by board research, policy reviews, and discussions with candidates and with proponents and opponents of ballot measures.
Our Endorsements at a Glance
Candidates
US Congress, 12th DistrictLateefah Simon
BW
State Assembly, 14th DistrictBuffy Wicks
JW
City Auditor (unopposed)Jenny Wong
RB
City Council, District 1Ross Bernet
IT
City Council, District 4Igor Tregub
SM
City Council, District 7Syrak Micael
MH
City Council, District 8Mark Humbert
CM
Rent Stabilization BoardCarole Marasovic
KB
SP
JS
School Board (unopposed)Brown, Park & Shanoski
Ballot Measures
YESRegional Transit MeasureProtect Bay Area transit
U&V
YESMeasures U & VInfrastructure bond · Sales tax for the budget deficit
W
YESMeasure WAdministrative charter amendments
X
YESMeasure XRent Stabilization Ordinance amendments
Y
YESMeasure YParcel tax to fund the arts
Z
NOMeasure ZParcel tax to fund a regional bank
AA
YESMeasure AASugar-sweetened beverage distribution tax
Candidates
Lateefah Simon
Delivering for the East Bay on housing, transit, opportunity, and civil rights
In her first term in Congress, Lateefah Simon delivered federal investments for the East Bay, like the new community plaza at Ashby BART, transportation safety improvements, and local education and research projects. She also introduced bipartisan legislation to expand flexibility for small-business lending. In her next term, she will continue to prioritize affordable housing, reliable public transportation, reproductive freedom, disability rights, and climate resilience. Simon has a record of bringing federal resources home while advocating relentlessly for the communities she represents. BDC strongly endorses her re-election.
LateefahSimon.com →Buffy Wicks
One of Sacramento’s most influential legislators has a track record of getting results.
Assemblymember Buffy Wicks is a powerhouse in California politics, becoming one of the Legislature’s most influential voices on housing and affordability while serving as chair of the Assembly Appropriations Committee. Over the past two years, she helped lead major reforms to make housing easier and faster to build. She has also authored legislation to make it easier for small restaurants to open, strengthen enforcement of state housing laws, expand access to food assistance for low-income Californians, and give rideshare drivers the ability to bargain collectively over pay, benefits, and working conditions. Her work continues to focus on housing affordability, economic opportunity, workers, and reducing barriers that make California more expensive.
BuffyWicks.com →Jenny Wong
Experienced professional who has won national auditing awards
Since 2018, Jenny Wong has audited a variety of city services, including street maintenance, fire inspections, homelessness response, and staffing. She has assessed Berkeley’s financial condition and established a whistleblower program to help uncover waste and fraud. With more than 25 years of auditing experience, Jenny has made audit findings and departments’ responses more accessible to the public, and audits completed under her leadership have earned national awards. Berkeley needs her independent, careful oversight. Vote for Jenny Wong.
JennyForAuditor.com →City Council
Ross Bernet
Environmental leader and Berkeley problem-solver, with practical plans for housing, safety, and homelessness
Ross Bernet has spent years protecting the environment at the local, national, and international levels, working in diverse coalitions to solve vexing problems. He wants to bring his experience, practicality, and collaborative approach to the City Council.
Ross believes the City Council should spend more time on the issues Berkeley residents count on it to handle. Our streets and sidewalks need repair. Housing needs to be more affordable. First responders need support, and our parks and public spaces need to be safe and accessible. On homelessness, Ross wants the city to treat people with dignity while adding shelter, treatment, and permanent housing. He also wants the Council to pay close attention to the budget and whether the money we spend is actually improving city services.
Ross has earned support from the Sierra Club’s Northern Alameda County group, the Berkeley Firefighters Association, and the NorCal Carpenters Union. More importantly, he listens, asks thoughtful questions, and looks for solutions that can work. Berkeley would benefit from his judgment, environmental expertise, and focus on getting the basics right.
We recommend Ross Bernet for City Council.
RossForBerkeley.com →Igor Tregub
Responsive councilmember helping make downtown vibrant and Civic Center Park welcoming
Since joining the City Council, Igor Tregub has worked to make downtown Berkeley a better place to live, work, and visit. He helped reopen Civic Center Park, supported new housing at a range of income levels, and advanced improvements to make Downtown safer for walkers, bikers, and drivers. He has also worked to make downtown more accessible and inviting, focusing on bringing activity back to vacant storefronts. Igor is also available when residents need him. He seeks out community input and listens to concerns. Downtown residents and businesses need that type of accessibility when there is a problem on their block.
His opponent, Majdi Gaith, has made extending the Empty Homes Tax a central campaign priority. However, Gaith did not vote in the election that approved it or in earlier elections on affordable housing and homelessness-prevention measures. Meanwhile, Igor brings an established record of turning those priorities into policy.
We recommend re-electing Igor Tregub to the Berkeley City Council.
IgorTregub.com →Syrak Micael
Fresh perspective from a lifelong Berkeley resident and recent Cal graduate
Syrak is a talented organizer who keeps students engaged in local politics through campus organizing and voter registration. His experience negotiating with the University as a transfer representative would serve him well on the City Council. Syrak also worked with the Alameda Labor Council to organize campus support for Proposition 50 to fight back against Donald Trump’s attempt to rig elections. His priorities are affordable housing, workers’ rights, and public safety grounded in community trust. Syrak has broad support from students, labor, environmental, and elected leaders, with endorsements from the California Working Families Party, Cal Berkeley Democrats, Sierra Club, current councilmember Cecilia Lunaparra, and Mayor Adena Ishii.
SyrakForSouthside.com →Mark Humbert
Experienced, pragmatic leadership needed in City Hall
Councilmember Mark Humbert offers the experience City Hall needs. When the city’s Housing Element required College Avenue rezoning he listened to neighbors and merchants then shaped his PITCH proposal to minimize disruption to the existing businesses. Mark also helped complete the new Willard Clubhouse, which now offers additional after-school childcare and community gatherings. He has supported firefighters and wildfire preparedness, pushed for safer streets, helped restore bus service on Ashby Avenue and secured millions of dollars from UC for traffic improvements.
The Berkeley Democratic Club was not able to interview Mark’s opponents, Mendonca and Wallman. Unfortunately, Mendonca could not attend and Wallman wasn’t registered as a Democrat in time for us to consider him. Subsequently, we reviewed their questionnaires and debate appearances and their responses revealed little grasp of city policies, state law, the budget, or what the city has jurisdiction over. Both have not explained how either of them would build Council support for their agenda, and have been reluctant to dismiss misleading claims circulating among their supporters, including the claim that the Council intends to “bulldoze College Avenue.”
Serving District 8 is a complex job and Mark takes those responsibilities seriously. Humbert has earned well-deserved support from Council colleagues, firefighters, first responders, the Sierra Club, and the Democratic Party.
We strongly recommend Mark Humbert’s re-election.
HumbertForCouncil.com →Boards
Carole Marasovic
Independent candidate who prioritizes thoughtfulness over ideology.
Carole Marasovic has been a long-time fixture in Berkeley politics and closely follows local legislation. We believe her independent perspectives will help the board’s diversity of thought, which is crucial for effective governance. As chair of the Homeless Panel of Experts, Carole has shown her dedication to housing security and offers a balanced, pragmatic approach, focusing on outcomes rather than ideology. We recommend Carole Marasovic for the Rent Board.
CaroleForRentBoard.com →Ka’Dijah Brown, Sandy Park, and Jennifer Shanoski
The Berkeley Democratic Club supports Ka’Dijah Brown, Sandy Park, and Jennifer Shanoski for School Board. They are running unopposed. Brown and Shanoski are incumbents running for re-election and have increased the accessibility of bathrooms in the district, supported the construction of new facilities, supported the community with afterschool needs and transportation, and supported expanding Career Technical education for high school students. They deserve re-election. Sandy Park is a 25 year veteran school teacher and administrator who wants to demystify the School Board and build a culture of shared decisionmaking. The Berkeley Federation of Teachers supports these candidates. Vote for Brown, Park, and Shanoski for School Board.
Ballot Measures
(in the order in which they appear on your ballot)
YES on the Regional Transit Measure
Vote YES to protect transit and avoid longer commutes
This is probably the most important local measure on our ballot. The Bay Area needs public transit to get workers to jobs, students to school, and people across the region to the places they need to go. If our public transit system fails, it will affect everyone: workers can’t get to their employment, traffic worsens, and pollution rises.
Severe service cuts would be catastrophic. For example, BART would have to cut service and close up to 15 stations. Bay Bridge delays are projected to double and add at least 33–43 minutes to commutes. Displaced transit riders would have to pay $3,280 more every year for transportation. More driving and traffic would generate an additional 184,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide each year, undermining climate goals. And these are conservative estimates!
This measure would add a half-cent sales tax in Alameda County for 14 years. The revenue would preserve existing transit service, support local transit and eligible transportation improvements, and fund specific rider benefits. Independent oversight will monitor whether funds are spent as required.
The Bay Area cannot afford to let transit collapse. Vote YES on RTM for our economy, our environment, and a region that remains connected.
RegionalTransitMeasure.com →YES on Measures U and V
Repair what we rely on, and protect the services we count on
YESMeasure U
Repair Berkeley’s aging infrastructure now to avoid costly fixes later
Measure U would repair and improve Berkeley’s aging infrastructure, including fire stations, emergency response facilities, sidewalks, parks, community centers, and public buildings. Berkeley has $1.65–2 billion in unfunded infrastructure needs and deferred maintenance, and the proposed $300 million bond would fund critical infrastructure improvements. An extensive six-month public engagement process led to the proposed project list, which includes rebuilding the Frances Albrier Community Center, renovating King Pool, improving the Adeline Corridor, upgrading parks and waterfront facilities, modernizing fire stations and emergency response facilities, improving the animal shelter, repairing sidewalks, expanding accessibility for people with disabilities, and making seismic improvements to Civic Center buildings.
Measure U is the second iteration of the previous infrastructure bond, Measure T1, which has successfully revitalized Berkeley’s parks, community centers, playgrounds, roadways, and sidewalks. T1 has achieved 100% compliance on biennial audits, but is fully allocated. Berkeley now needs a new funding source to continue addressing its growing infrastructure backlog. Berkeley’s nonpartisan auditor, who has studied the city’s infrastructure maintenance needs, supports Measure U.
Doing nothing will not make these problems disappear. Berkeley does not have sufficient funding to address its existing infrastructure needs, and delaying repairs will only make them more expensive. Measure U offers an opportunity to invest in our community now rather than leave future generations with deteriorating facilities and an even larger bill.
Vote Yes on Measure U to repair what we rely on every day, before the costs multiply.
YESMeasure V
A half-cent sales tax to maintain and protect essential city services and programs.
Measure V keeps core city services funded for Berkeley residents by aligning Berkeley’s sales tax with neighboring Albany and Oakland. Berkeley has already made really difficult choices to address its structural deficit by significantly cutting spending and eliminating positions. Without the passage of Measure V, City Council will have to cut more positions.
These aren’t idle threats. The City identified 33 positions tied to Measure V, including nine fire department positions needed to keep Fire Station 4 on Marin Avenue open, six 911 dispatchers, 15 police officers, and three parks and recreation positions who staff after-school programs, camps, pools, and other community center services.
Measure V adds a modest half-cent sales tax to prevent these cuts and protect public safety, youth, and vital community services. It doesn’t apply to groceries and prescription medications.
Vote Yes on Measure V for a safe, vibrant Berkeley and to prevent cuts to public safety, youth programs, and other essential community services.
YES on Measure W
Minor amendments to comply with state law
Measure W is a noncontroversial measure that makes administrative changes to the charter. It would update Berkeley’s election procedures, including candidate filing requirements, public campaign financing, recalls, vacancies, and voter petitions. It would also align several local election deadlines and procedures with state law.
YES on Measure X
Modest updates to the Rent Stabilization Ordinance
Measure X allows the Rent Board to reduce or waive registration fees for nonprofit affordable-housing providers and allows the City flexibility to set per-unit fees for affordable housing, fixing an unintended consequence of a 2024 amendment. In addition to this change, Measure X also caps annual rent increases at 10%, including previously “banked” increases and ensures that tenants keep the protections they had at the start of their tenancy. The measure strengthens tenant-association rights in 5–9 unit buildings and simplifies certain landlord registration requirements.
Broadly, Measure X closes loopholes in the current Rent Stabilization Ordinance, improves its administration, and provides modest additional tenant protections. Arguments about rent stabilization are a separate debate. Measure X asks voters to approve these targeted changes to Berkeley’s existing law. Vote YES on Measure X.
YesOnXBerkeley.org →YES on Measure Y
Help stabilize the economic future of our local arts and cultural sector
Measure Y would enact a $0.07-per-square-foot parcel tax on property improvements for 12 years raising more than $6 million annually for an Arts Vitality Fund. The fund would support performing and visual arts organizations, individual artists, capital repairs, and community festivals. 75% is directly targeted toward live performing arts. The measure includes exemptions for low-income seniors, very low-income households, and regulated affordable housing.
Beyond direct artistic funding, Measure Y supports Berkeley’s creative economy and guarantees community benefits like free performances, after-school youth programming, and ticket discounts for residents and workers. Civic Arts Commission oversight, public review panels, and annual audits provide accountability and transparency.
Vote YES on Measure Y to protect Berkeley’s vibrant creative economy, support local working artists, and maintain our city as a premier cultural destination for future generations.
YesForBerkeleyArts.com →NO on Measure Z
$58 Million from Berkeley for a regional bank that isn’t ready to operate
Measure Z would create a six-year parcel tax expected to raise $58 million from Berkeley property owners to help capitalize and support a regional public bank. However, the bank is not yet authorized to operate because California law requires state approval and FDIC insurance. Measure Z acknowledges that the bank may not receive authorization. If that happens, the measure’s backup plan allowing the funding to make direct loans to affordable housing, green energy, and small businesses would not take effect until June 2033.
Still, implementation questions remain unanswered. The city manager must administer and enforce the tax, process exemptions, and prepare annual reports. At the same time, the city auditor must audit it, but the measure doesn’t establish a dedicated staffing plan or funding for this work, and the proponents didn’t consult with them. At a time when the General Fund is under significant pressure, the City could end up absorbing the costs of administering a bank that may never materialize.
Although this has always been envisioned as a regional bank, Berkeley would currently be providing by far the largest identified public investment. The original Public Bank East Bay plan assumed $40 million in pledged deposits from Berkeley, Oakland, Richmond, and Alameda together. Measure Z would instead raise $58.3 million from Berkeley alone. Richmond has pledged $750,000, contingent on approvals and Alameda County participation, but no other commitment has been identified from Oakland or Alameda County. These unresolved questions about authorization, regional cost-sharing, local benefits, and city staffing are why we endorse a NO on Z.
YES on Measure AA
Continue Berkeley’s wildly successful “Big Soda” tax.
Berkeley made history in 2014 as the first U.S. city to adopt a tax on distributors of sugar-sweetened beverages. Over the past decade, the tax has funded school gardens, nutrition education, health screenings, and community programs benefiting children and families throughout Berkeley.
The results are significant. Sugary drink consumption has declined substantially, nearly 80,000 health and dental screenings have been provided, and thousands of students have benefited from school gardening and nutrition programs.
Measure AA would increase Berkeley’s sugary drink distributor tax from one cent to two cents per ounce. The revenue would fund school gardens, nutrition education, clean water access, and community health programs. Measure AA ensures independent oversight to ensure funding supports these specific public health purposes.
Berkeley has ten years of results showing what this tax can do. Vote YES on AA to keep these programs going and bring their benefits to more people.
BerkeleyVsBigSoda.com →