Portola Valley 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.

Town Council

Top two candidates win seat.

Rebecca Flynn32.8%
1,769 votes
Helen Wolter28.9%
1,562 votes
Carter J. Warr22%
1,191 votes

Updated at 7:35 PM PT on Nov 20, 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.

Rebecca Flynn

  • Community volunteer
  • Open Spaces: “For nearly 25 years, my family and I have called Portola Valley home, cherishing the scenic natural beauty, wildlife, and thoughtful community.” 
  • Experience: “Through 20 years as founder and moderator of the PVForum as well as an active member of the Architectural and Site Control Commission, town committees, and school groups, I’ve dedicated countless hours delving into issues affecting our community.”
  • Priorities: “My priorities are: 1) Strengthening community bonds with greater inclusivity and openness; 2) Developing a fiscally responsible budget; and 3) Enhancing safety and sustainability.”
  • rebeccaforpv.wixsite.com/2024

Carter J. Warr

  • Architect 
  • Collaboration: “I will endeavor to help us share in the joy of the silent majority consensus. I’ll strive to bring us together because we are better together.”
  • Budget: “I’ll also provide skeptical, inventive creativity to the few real town problems and find simple cost-effective solutions.”
  • Experience: “As ASCC chair, I have proven skills of listening, leadership, empathy, good humor, communication, mediation, leading and representing — all needed for an effective council member.”

Ellen Vernazza

  • Retired
  • Community Engagement: “I believe community involvement, be it volunteering at schools, serving on town committees, engaging in town meetings and with fellow residents contributes to a healthy, unified town.”
  • Growth: “Seeing Portola Valley slowly change over the years, I hope to balance growth along with retaining our small-town charm.”
  • Collaboration: “I would like to restore the relationship between our residents, town staff and council in order to achieve a more positive functioning town.”

Helen Wolter

  • Sustainability analyst
  • Fire Safety: “We must increase public safety by enhancing our fire resilience. We shouldn’t live in fear of fires destroying our homes and livelihoods.”
  • Climate Change: “With extreme weather on the horizon, we must do our part to address climate change. Let’s build climate-resilient infrastructure that protects us during crises, while also preserving our natural resources and ensuring a healthier planet.”
  • Budget: “We must further protect Portola Valley’s prosperity through responsible fiscal management. Our tax dollars should go toward improving public services and programs with long-term benefits.”

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.