Local races take shape ahead of November election
By Camille DeVaul · Thu Aug 13 2026
Voters will choose candidates for city, school district and special district seats across the county
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — With the Nov. 3 general election approaching, the field of candidates for local offices across San Luis Obispo County has taken shape following the close of the extended nomination period.
The San Luis Obispo County Clerk-Recorder’s Office announced Aug. 10 that nomination periods for a number of community services, special districts and school districts had been extended because an incumbent did not file to seek another term. The extended nomination period closed at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12.
This article was prepared for publication prior to the 5 p.m. nomination deadline and may not reflect candidates added to the qualified candidate list after noon on Wednesday, Aug. 12.
Among the school districts included in the extended nomination period were Paso Robles Joint Unified School District Trustee Areas 2 and 4, San Miguel Joint Union School District Trustee Areas 1 and 3, and Shandon Joint Unified School District Trustee Area 2, a partial term. The list also included San Luis Obispo County Community College District Trustee Area 3, Coast Unified School District Trustee Areas 2 and 3, Cuyama Joint Unified School District, San Luis Coastal Unified School District Trustee Areas 2 and 5, and Santa Maria Joint Union High School District Trustee Area 1.
Several community services and special districts throughout the county were also subject to the extended nomination period, including the Cambria, Los Osos, Nipomo, Oceano, San Miguel, and Squire Canyon community services districts, among others. With the deadline now passed, the final candidate fields for those races are expected to be reflected in the county's election records.
As for our local North County offices, here are the candidates who have qualified for the November ballot.
City of Atascadero
Mayor Charles Bourbeau is seeking another term and, based on the candidates qualified to date, is running unopposed.
The City Council race currently has four qualified candidates for two available seats: Ian Denchasy, Emily Baranek, incumbent Susan Funk and Mike Avila.
Funk is seeking to retain her seat. Incumbent Heather Newsom is not seeking reelection.
Jeri Rangel is the only qualified candidate listed for the city treasurer position, which has one available seat.
Candidate statement review periods for the mayor, City Council, and treasurer races run through Aug. 18.
To learn more about the Atascadero City Council, visit atascadero.org
City of Paso Robles
Paso Robles will have contested races for mayor and City Council in November.
Current Mayor John Hamon previously announced that he will not seek reelection. As of Aug. 12, three candidates had qualified for the mayoral race: William Britton, Faith Frankel, and Chris C. Rogalla.
The mayor will be elected at large to a four-year term.
The District 1 City Council race currently includes incumbent Kris Beal and Linda C. George. District 2 incumbent Chris Bausch is also seeking another term. He is joined on the ballot by Michael Massey and Robert Simoni.
The November election will fill four-year terms for the mayor and council seats in Districts 1 and 2.
To learn more about the Paso Robles City Council, visit prcity.com/Elections
Paso Robles Joint Unified School District
Three Paso Robles Joint Unified School District trustee seats are up for election this year, representing Trustee Areas 1, 2 and 4.
In Area 1, incumbent Jim Cogan is seeking reelection and is joined by Thomas Apkarian, a retired educator. Area 2 currently lists Brian Maxted, a business owner and CEO, and Randall Patrick Kwiatkowski among the qualified candidates.
In Area 4, John Rowins is listed as a qualified candidate.
The district's current board members whose terms expire in 2026 include Cogan in Area 1, Joel Peterson in Area 2 and Sondra Williams in Area 4.
Because the county has extended the nomination period for Paso Robles Joint Unified Trustee Areas 2 and 4, additional candidates could still enter those races before the Aug. 12, 5 p.m. deadline.
To learn more about the Paso Robles Joint Unified School District and Board of Trustees, visit pasoschools.org
Atascadero Unified School District
Atascadero Unified School District has four board seats up for election, with the district's current qualified candidate list consisting of the four incumbents whose terms expire this year.
Those candidates are Vy Pierce, Denise McGrew-Kane, Rebekah Koznek and Tracy Ellis-Weit. The four candidates are seeking the four available seats on the governing board.
To learn more about the Atascadero Unified School District and Board of Trustees, visit atasusd.org
Templeton Unified School District
Two Templeton Unified School District board seats are up for election in November.
Incumbent Jennifer Grinager has qualified for reelection, along with Forrest Pearson, a teacher.
Incumbent Janel Armet is also listed among the board members whose term expires in November, but her candidate statement had not been filed as of the information provided.
Learn more about the Templeton Unified School District Board of Trustees, visit templetonusd.org
More races could develop
While many of the major local races already have established fields, the Aug. 12 extended nomination deadline means the candidate lists are not necessarily final.
The county's extended nomination period applies to a number of offices where incumbents did not file, giving additional candidates an opportunity to enter those races.
For local voters, the coming days will provide a clearer picture of which races will be contested and which candidates will ultimately appear on the November ballot.
The statewide general election is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 3. For more information on the election and voting in San Luis Obispo County, visit slovote.com
Paso Robles Press will be following the election and providing updates throughout. Watch for our upcoming Q & A with candidates and learn more about who is running for local office.