Sentinel staff report–
Though nine individuals pulled papers, six are slated to run for Citrus Heights City Council this election season, including three current Citrus Heights City Council members and three newcomers seeking to add a fresh voice on the five-member council.
Currently, District 2, 4 and 5 seats are expiring in 2026, with District 1 and 3 seats expiring in 2028. Each councilmember serves 4-year terms. Mayors and Vice Mayors are chosen annually by majority councilmember votes.
The current candidates who have filed and qualified to run for City Council in the 2026 midterm election cycle are listed by district below:
District 2:
MariJane Lopez-Taff (current Mayor, incumbent)
Charles Stone
(Julia Eunice pulled papers but did not turn papers in by Aug. 7)
District 4:
Jayna Karpinski-Costa (incumbent)
Susan Powers
Montana McKinsey
(Patrick Laverty pulled papers but did not turn papers in by Aug. 7)
District 5:
Porsche Middleton (current vice mayor, incumbent)
(David Anderson pulled papers but did not turn papers in by Aug. 7)
To give candidates an opportunity to introduce themselves to residents and give voters an opportunity to learn more about each candidate’s life and background, The Sentinel will give each candidate the opportunity to submit written answers to a series of identical interview questions.
Candidate answers will be published word-for-word, as long as responses are kept under 100 words. More specific policy questions will also be addressed in future articles as part of The Sentinel’s 2026 election coverage.
Candidate profiles will be added below as they are published and linked for easy access.
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