East Palo Alto Races

Results are a combination of data provided by the Associated Press (AP) and county election offices. The AP calls winners by analyzing vote tallies and other election data. Check marks are used to denote a winner only when the AP calls a race.

City Council

Top three candidates win seat.

Carlos Romero(incumbent)17.6%
2,554 votes
Mark Dinan16.1%
2,341 votes
Webster Lincoln15.5%
2,249 votes

Updated at 7:21 PM PT on Nov 26, 2024
San Mateo County

What does a council member do?

City and town council members can propose new city ordinances and vote on a range of issues, including housing development, business ventures and contracts. They also help draft the city or town budget.

Candidate Statements

Candidate Statements are excerpted from the statements provided to election offices, where available.

Ofelia Bello

  • Nonprofit executive director
  • Housing: “I have dedicated myself to volunteering with local organizations, advocating for affordable housing, fighting for renters’ rights, equitable community development, and staying civically engaged in local policy matters.”
  • Youth: “I have spent five years mentoring youth from East Palo Alto to become civically engaged through advocacy and community organizing.”
  • Infrastructure: “I served five years on the East Palo Alto Planning Commission and was vice-chair, where I was a consistent, strong voice for equitable development that prioritizes our residents’ needs and respects our city’s vision.”

Maria Guadalupe Rocha

  • Program manager
  • Experience: “I hold an MBA with a focus on health care management and am FEMA-certified through the Emergency Management Institute … After receiving my degree, I went back to teach at the same elementary school I attended. That is where I met and taught our current city mayor!”
  • Education: “I am dedicated to expanding educational opportunities in our East Palo Alto community because the students we inspire today are the leaders of tomorrow.”
  • Priorities: “Developing pathways and partnerships to ensure robust emergency preparedness plans and support systems for our community. Expanding access to affordable child care services to support working families. Increasing health care and senior care access while fostering a sense of community and pride that encourages collaboration.”

Webster Lincoln

  • Community business leader
  • Priorities: “For years, I have been a steadfast advocate for affordable housing, economic development, and youth empowerment.”
  • Housing: “My vision for East Palo Alto includes expanding affordable housing programs and supporting community land trusts to prevent displacement.”
  • Youth Programs: “I will work to expand after-school programs and provide mentorship opportunities that help our youth succeed.”

Carlos Romero

  • East Palo Alto City Council Member
  • Housing: “While on the Council, we have made significant progress — strengthened tenant protections, funded 451 affordable housing units.”
  • Infrastructure: “Funded two pedestrian bridges, invested over $20 million in sidewalks and streets and $10 million in drinking water improvements, built a bayside park, acquired library land.”
  • Priorities: “I will continue to prioritize affordable housing, improved streets and parking, sustainable redevelopment of the Ravenswood Business District, small-business support, and flood protection.”

Gail Wilkerson

  • Real estate paralegal
  • Experience: “Advocate, numerous decades of community involvement … Worked in government — Postal Service, human resources, and Homeland Security. VA administration. Legal researcher and analysis.”
  • Collaboration: “Worked on both sides of the isle. I have dealt with developers. Also tenants … I understand both sides.”
  • Progress: “As a candidate, I am committed to addressing community needs and advocating for positive change.”

Mark Dinan

  • Public Works Commissioner
  • Experience: “I am currently the chair of the Public Works Commission. I have a BA in History from Marquette University and have owned a small business since 2009.”
  • Priorities: “I want to live in a city that has affordable housing, great parks that are safe and full of activity, a new library, clean water for all residents, safe streets, development which brings needed businesses … effective animal services, responsible utilities, convenient parking, and a transparent government that is accountable to all residents.”
  • Housing: “I want to live in a place where we do not have to worry about the City Council passing toxic measures like OPA, which would have hurt homeowners and renters alike.”

Deborah Lewis-Virges

  • Pastor/community advocate
  • Experience: “I have served the community as an informed and engaged leader by serving as chair of the Public Works and Transportation Commission, as a member of the Community Safety Team and member of the Community Climate Change Team.”
  • Community Awareness: “My experiences and education along with my deep concern for EPA’s future have given me insight into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for our city.”
  • Priorities: “We must address ongoing issues including a lack of affordable housing, insufficient development, an uptick in crime and violence, increased traffic and parking concerns, environmental disparities, and a decrease in the number of community-driven solutions that speak to our diversity.”

Ravneel Resh Chaudhary

  • Community organizer
  • Gentrification: “I plan to work with city officials to mitigate the negative effects of gentrification to ensure that long-term residents are not displaced.”
  • Public Safety: “I will also work with the city to improve public safety to protect local businesses.”
  • Education: “I will work with the Ravenswood Board of Education to ensure that we are making our children a priority and ensuring they are equipped with the tools they need to succeed.”

Dennis C. Scherzer

  • East Palo Alto Sanitary District Director
  • Housing: “The incumbent City Council wants to cruelly increase property taxes, subsidizing for-profit developers … I want our families to be able to stay here without being forced out of our homes by property taxes or development.”
  • Public Safety: “I want safety and peace for all families, all people in our community.”
  • Taxes: “Our city needs tax revenue from new development to provide essential services. However, we don’t need to sacrifice our homes to provide profits for developers.”

More Results

All San Mateo County Elections

See results for all elections on the San Mateo County ballot.

Have a correction? Contact voterguide@kqed.org.