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March 17, 2026
ITEM TITLE
City Elections: Remove City Attorney Seat from the June 2, 2026, Election Due to One Qualified Candidate
Report Number: 26-0111
Location: No specific geographic location
Department: City Clerk
G.C. § 84308 Regulations Apply: No
Environmental Notice: This activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required.
Recommended Action
Adopt a resolution ratifying the removal of the City Attorney seat from the June 2, 2026, Primary Municipal Election ballot and amending Resolution No. 2026-004 accordingly due to only one qualified candidate.
SUMMARY
On January 6, 2026, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2026-004 calling the June 2, 2026, Primary Municipal Election, including the election for City Attorney. Following the close of the nomination period, only one candidate qualified for the office.
Pursuant to the Chula Vista Charter, when two or fewer candidates qualify for an office, the primary municipal election for that office is not conducted, and the candidates advance directly to the general municipal election in November. Consistent with this requirement, the City Clerk has removed the City Attorney position from the June 2, 2026, Primary Municipal Election ballot. The proposed resolution ratifies that action and amends Resolution No. 2026-004 accordingly.
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ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Director of Development Services has reviewed the proposed activity for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the State CEQA Guidelines because it will not result in a physical change in the environment; therefore, pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines, the activity is not subject to CEQA.
Thus, no environmental review is required.
BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
Not applicable.
DISCUSSION
Sections 900 and 901 of the Chula Vista Charter establish a two-stage election process consisting of a primary municipal election and, when applicable, a general municipal election held on the same dates as the statewide primary and general elections.
On January 6, 2026, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2026-004 calling the June 2, 2026, Primary Municipal Election for certain City offices, including the office of City Attorney.
Following the close of the nomination period, only one candidate qualified for the office of City Attorney.
Charter Section 901(A) provides that if two or fewer candidates qualify for an office, the primary municipal election for that office is not conducted, and the qualified candidates instead appear on the ballot for the general municipal election.
Consistent with the Charter requirement and applicable election deadlines, the City Clerk directed that the City Attorney position not appear on the June 2, 2026, Primary Municipal Election ballot. Adoption of the resolution ratifies that action and amends Resolution No. 2026-004 to reflect that the single qualified candidate will instead appear on the ballot for the November 2026 General Municipal Election along with the opportunity to vote for write-in candidates, if any register in time.
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the decision contemplated by this action and has determined that it is not site-specific and consequently, the real property holdings of the City Councilmembers do not create a disqualifying real property-related financial conflict of interest under the Political Reform Act (Cal. Gov't Code § 87100, et seq.).
Staff is not independently aware and has not been informed by any City Councilmember of any other fact that may constitute a basis for a decision-maker conflict of interest in this matter.
The City Attorney has abstained from this matter, deferring to special counsel to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest.
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CURRENT-YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
Expenses for the primary election for City Attorney, including consolidating the election and other administrative costs, were estimated and budgeted at $250,000. Elimination of this office from the ballot should result in budgetary saving of $250,000.
The estimates are the best available at this time, as provided by the Registrar of Voters. Actual costs may vary. County of San Diego Administrative Code Section 439.1 requires that the City provide a deposit of the estimated election cost at least 60 days before the election. Upon the Registrar’s reconciliation, typically within six months of the election, a final bill (if costs were higher than anticipated) or a refund (if costs were lower than anticipated) is issued to the City.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
There are no ongoing costs associated with removing a seat from the election. Costs related to the November 2026 runoff election will be presented as part of the Fiscal Year 2026-27 annual budget process.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution 2026-004 Calling the Election, as adopted January 6, 2026 Staff Contact: Kerry Bigelow, City Clerk