Sentinel staff report–
Have you ever wanted to be part of a City Council? Beginning next week, residents interested in running for office this November will have the opportunity to file as candidates for three seats on the Citrus Heights City Council.
The city announced that appointments can be made beginning on Monday, July 13, for prospective candidates to begin the filing process for the Nov. 3, 2026, General Election. Three council seats representing Districts 2, 4 and 5 will be on the ballot.
Currently, Mayor MariJane Lopez-Taff is serving in District 2, councilmember Dr. Jayna Karpinski-Costa is serving in District 4, and Vice Mayor Porsche Middleton is serving in District 5.
in 2024, Councilmember Kelsey Nelson, was elected to serve in District 1, and Councilmember Tim Schaefer, who ran unopposed, was elected to serve in District 3. Both Schaefer’s and Nelson’s terms expire at the end of 2028.
The official candidate filing period runs from Monday, July 13 to Friday, Aug. 7, with a deadline of 5 p.m. on Aug. 7. Extensions can be given at the city’s discretion. According to the city, anyone wishing to run for office must schedule an appointment with the City Clerk to receive a candidate nomination packet.
Appointments can be scheduled online, or by calling. For questions, email the City Clerk at [email protected] or call (916) 725-2448.
To qualify, candidates must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be a United States citizen and a resident of California.
- Be a registered voter and resident of the district they wish to represent when nomination papers are issued.
Residents who are unsure which council district they live in can use the city’s online district lookup tool before filing, officials said. See the City Council district map here:
A person is disqualified from holding any office if convicted of a qualifying felony, as specified in the Constitution and laws of the state, the city’s website says.
Appointments with the City Clerk, along with additional information about the candidate filing process and election requirements, are available on the city’s 2026 election webpage. City officials also encouraged prospective candidates to contact the City Clerk’s office with any questions.
