Five candidates have been issued nomination papers during the first week of the application window to run in this November’s Encinitas City Council election.
The list of candidates as of this week is unofficial, and two candidates have filed other paperwork but are not yet on the nomination papers list.
Nomination papers are an early step in seeking a spot on the ballot. Once the documents are submitted, qualification will be determined and other candidate documents will be submitted. The filing period opened July 15 and will close Aug. 9, according to the city.
The mayor’s term is two years, while council seats have four-year terms and have alternating election years.
City Council members Tony Kranz and Bruce Ehlers applied to run for mayor. Kranz is the incumbent mayor. Ehlers is the current District 4 councilman.
Two council seats are up for grabs this November: District 1, which borders Carlsbad and covers north Leucadia east to portions of New Encinitas, and District 2, which covers southern Leucadia, Old Encinitas, portions of north Cardiff and eastward toward New Encinitas.
So far, two candidates have applied for District 1: Allison Blackwell, who was issued filing papers July 15, and Luke Shaffer, who was issued them July 18, according to the city’s election website.
Blackwell, deputy mayor, was appointed to the District 1 seat in January 2023, replacing Kranz when he started his term as mayor.
District 2 candidate Destiny Preston was issued nomination papers July 15. Jim O’Hara is also running for the district, although the city’s elections website did not show that nomination papers had been issued yet. Kevin Doyle filed an intention to run, but he also was not on the unofficial nomination papers list as of the first week.
All of the current candidates, including O’Hara and Doyle, have filed other paperwork to run for office, such as statements of organization and intention, according to city information.
Current District 2 Councilwoman Kellie Hinze announced at March 27’s City Council meeting that she would not seek reelection.
Nomination papers can be picked up and returned to the city clerk by appointment Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on open Fridays.
Encinitas residents interested in running for City Council can make an appointment with City Clerk Kathy Hollywood to obtain nomination papers. Email khollywood@encinitasca.gov or call 760-633-2601.
