Here's Where Pleasanton's Local Election Races Stand

As dawn broke over Pleasanton on November 4, 2026, the city was abuzz with anticipation. Residents gathered at local coffee shops, discussing the latest election results and the implications for their community. Mayor Jack Balch, a familiar face in the city’s political landscape, held a commanding lead over Councilmember Julie Testa, igniting conversations about the future direction of Pleasanton. As Alameda County continued to tally votes, the stakes remained high for all candidates vying for local offices.

Current Election Landscape

As of early Wednesday morning, Mayor Balch led Testa with 69.34% of the votes (11,213 votes) to Testa's 30.66% (4,958 votes). This election cycle is particularly significant for Testa, who is termed out of her current seat in District 3, meaning a loss would result in her departure from the council. Balch expressed gratitude for the community's support, stating, "I’m very grateful for the tremendous support from our Pleasanton community. While ballots are still being counted, I’m encouraged by the results and humbled by the trust residents have placed in me."

Balch, who has served on the City Council since 2020 and as mayor since 2024, has prioritized fiscal stabilization, pension management, and retaining critical services for Pleasanton. Conversely, Testa, a business owner and council member since 2018, has emphasized fiscal sustainability, responsible housing, public safety, and quality of life as her main concerns. The contrasting priorities of these candidates reflect broader debates about the future of Pleasanton.

The candidates’ differing views were particularly evident during their campaigns, where they clashed on several key issues. Balch opposed Measure PP, a failed 2024 initiative aimed at raising sales tax by half a cent, arguing for a more thorough review of the city’s budget before seeking additional revenue. Testa supported the measure, advocating for increased funding to meet the city's growing needs. This fundamental disagreement underscores the divergent philosophies that could shape Pleasanton's future.

Key Issues at Stake

During a recent candidate forum, Balch advocated for including parts of East Pleasanton in the city’s housing element, arguing that it was essential for the city to identify realistic sites to meet housing requirements and avoid potential litigation. Testa countered that East Pleasanton lacked the necessary transit infrastructure for high-density housing and would be better suited for industrial development.

The debate over vacant storefronts in downtown Pleasanton also highlighted the candidates' differing approaches. Balch proposed reforms to business permitting and revisions to the downtown plan to facilitate economic growth. In contrast, Testa suggested that the city should engage more directly with property owners to address the issue. These discussions reflect broader concerns about Pleasanton's economic vitality and the need for innovative solutions to attract businesses.

Both candidates, however, found common ground on Measure HH, a proposal to increase the transient occupancy tax for hotel and motel guests from 8% to 10% by July 1, 2027, and from 10% to 12% by July 1, 2028. This measure, which is expected to pass, aims to generate approximately $2.8 million in General Fund revenue once fully implemented. Testa, while in agreement with the measure, has called for an immediate increase rather than a phased implementation, indicating her desire for a more aggressive approach to enhancing city revenues.

District 1 and District 3 Candidates

In District 1, the race between former Pleasanton Councilmember Kathy Narum and technology entrepreneur Vin Kruttiventi is heating up. Narum, who previously served on the City Council from 2013 to 2022, has identified public safety, fiscal responsibility, and clean water as critical issues facing Pleasanton. If elected, she promises to intensify economic development efforts, particularly focusing on the redevelopment of the Stoneridge Shopping Center to bolster the local tax base.

Kruttiventi, on the other hand, has pointed to the city’s budget deficit, vacant commercial spaces, and public safety response times as pressing concerns. He echoes Narum's commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to fill business vacancies at both Stoneridge and Hacienda, emphasizing the need for a revitalized local economy. This race exemplifies the competing visions for Pleasanton’s growth and economic sustainability.

In District 3, Alameda County Health communications professional Jamie Yee is currently leading tech entrepreneur Reena Gupta. Yee has prioritized long-term fiscal stability, transparency, responsible housing growth, public safety, and a robust local economy. She aims to work closely with city staff to ensure the council receives comprehensive information about major decisions, including their costs and long-term implications.

Community Impact and Engagement

Gupta, meanwhile, has focused on fiscal sustainability, economic vitality, and restoring civic engagement and trust in local government. She believes that attracting businesses and promoting tourism are vital to Pleasanton’s economic health. Both candidates reflect a commitment to thoughtful development, which is increasingly critical as the city navigates growth and change.

The local election is not just about the candidates, but also about the community they serve. Residents are eager to see how these elections will shape Pleasanton’s future, particularly in areas such as housing, economic development, and public safety. The engagement of community members in the electoral process is essential, as it fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility for the city’s direction.

As the election results continue to unfold, Pleasanton residents are reminded of the importance of civic engagement. Whether through voting, attending forums, or discussing local issues, community involvement is crucial for ensuring that the elected officials reflect the values and priorities of the people they serve.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next

As the final votes are counted, the outcomes of these elections will undoubtedly shape Pleasanton’s trajectory for years to come. The potential reelection of Mayor Balch could signal a continuation of his policies focused on fiscal responsibility and community services. Conversely, a victory for Testa would bring a fresh perspective and a renewed emphasis on sustainable housing and community engagement.

The results of the District 1 and District 3 races will also have significant implications for the city council's composition. With candidates like Narum and Yee advocating for transparency and fiscal stability, the council could shift toward a more collaborative and community-oriented approach to governance.

In conclusion, the local election races in Pleasanton are a reflection of the community’s aspirations and challenges. As residents await the final results, they are reminded of the power of their voices and the importance of participating in the democratic process. The future of Pleasanton is not just in the hands of elected officials but also in the hands of its engaged citizens.