How often is City Council elected?

The position of City Council is typically elected every 4 years.

What does it mean for an election to be nonpartisan?

Nonpartisan elections do not require candidates to declare a party affiliation on the ballot.

What are the filing requirements to get on the ballot in California?

No filing fee, filing signatures are 20.

Where do I submit my candidate paperwork?

Submit paperwork to the county registrar of voters' office.

Where is the filing office?

40 Tower Rd, San Mateo, CA 94402

How can I get in touch with the filing office?

You can contact the filing office by calling 650-312-5222.

How do I get started running for City Council?

You can start running for City Council by checking to ensure you meet all filing deadlines and requirements. Next, you can prepare to file for office and start planning your campaign strategy. Get in touch with our team of campaign experts for help with any step of the campaign process!

Is there a primary or runoff election for this office?

The next election for City Council does not include a primary or runoff election.

City Council in San Mateo, San Mateo County, California

Candidates for City Council

Learn about candidates who have filed to run for City Council.

What this symbol means

Candidates and elected officials with this symbol took the People First Pledge, promising to serve people first, independent of both major parties and big-money interests.

Who's currently in office

Learn about who represents you in San Mateo.

What this symbol means

Candidates and elected officials with this symbol took the People First Pledge, promising to serve people first, independent of both major parties and big-money interests.

Are you ready for San Mateo's next election?

Get registered and ready to vote, whether in person or by mail.

Check your voter registration

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Find your polling location

Learn where to go to vote in person.

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Request a mail-in ballot

Apply for an absentee ballot to vote by mail.

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About City Council

About this position

The City Legislature is the municipality's governing body, responsible for voting on ordinances and policies, and often is in charge of hiring a city manager.

Office level: City
Election frequency: Every 4 years
Typical salary: $7200 / year
Commitment level: Part Time
Affiliation: Nonpartisan
Positions: 1 open seat

Election type

Partisan election (party labels appear on ballots)
Run-off election

How to run for City Council

Step 1
Meet eligibility requirements
A person must be a registered voter of the City of San Mateo and have resided continuously in San Mateo for at least thirty days immediately preceding the appointment or final filing date for nomination papers.
Step 2
File for office
Filing requirements
No filing fee, filing signatures are 20.
Filing period
July 13, 2026 - August 7, 2026
Paperwork instructions
Submit paperwork to the county registrar of voters' office.
Where to file
40 Tower Rd, San Mateo, CA 94402
Filing phone
650-312-5222
Step 3
Launch your campaign
A real campaign starts with a real plan. Get a custom campaign plan from GoodParty.org, personalized for your race and district.
Get started

Need help? You don't have to run alone. Join the GoodParty.org Community to get advice from real independents who have run and won.

City Council in San Mateo, CA

On the ballot

Candidates for City Council

What this symbol means

Who's currently in office

What this symbol means

Are you ready for San Mateo's next election?

Check your voter registration

Find your polling location

Request a mail-in ballot

About City Council

About this position

Election type

How to run for City Council

Meet eligibility requirements

File for office

Launch your campaign

How to Run for City Council: Requirements, Duties, and Steps

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About this guide

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