Benicia 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.
Top candidate wins seat.
Solano County
Top two candidates win seat.
Solano County
Top candidate wins seat.
Solano County
Top candidate wins seat.
Solano County
Race to Watch
Mayor
Top candidate wins seat.
Solano County
Why does this race matter?
The next mayor of Benicia will shape the long-term character and financial health of a city struggling to patch an annual $6.5 million structural deficit. The financial crisis comes as local officials are questioning the city’s relationship with its largest taxpayer, Valero, whose Benicia refinery was found to have exceeded legal toxic chemical emissions limits for nearly two decades. Last year, the City Council voted to increase oversight of the company and its facilities.
What does a mayor do?
A mayor’s role varies from city to city. In some jurisdictions, a mayor leads council meetings, but largely has similar responsibilities as other council members: voting on city ordinances, development proposals, contracts and the budget. In San Francisco, the mayor has broader powers to sign or veto bills, oversee city departments and make appointments
Key Candidates
Key Supporters
For Kirby
- N/A
For Young
- John Garamendi, U.S. representative
- Bill Dodd, state senator
- Christopher Cabaldon, state Senate candidate
- Terry Scott, City Council member, Benicia
- Tom Campbell, City Council member, Benicia
- Kari Birdseye, City Council member, Benicia
- Benicia School Board members Zada, Maselli and Moss
Positions on Key IssuesCandidate summaries are based on interviews with the candidates, questionnaires, statements made at debates and public events, and past news coverage.
In 2022, Benicia residents learned that the Valero Refinery had been exceeding legal toxic chemical emissions limits for nearly two decades, prompting the City Council to begin drafting an industrial safety ordinance to increase oversight of the company and its local facilities. Do you support the proposed new ordinance?
Benicia faces an ongoing annual budget deficit of $6.5 million as the cost of city services exceeds tax revenues. In March, voters approved a sales tax increase and a hotel tax to pay for police and firefighters. The City Council also reduced some services. What additional actions would you take to bolster Benicia’s long-term financial stability?
Benicia’s Resiliency Plan would address the structural deficit by “growing the tax base through new development.” It includes “smart growth” goals like increasing height limitations for buildings downtown and streamlining hotel construction and certain commercial and industrial projects. At the same time, residents say they want to preserve the city’s historic buildings and skyline. How would you balance these competing priorities?
City Council
Top two candidates win seat.
Solano 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
Christina Gilpin-Hayes
- Innovation manager
- Budget: “As your councilperson, my primary focus will be addressing the city’s budget crisis by exploring creative ways to generate revenue and cut costs while maintaining services.”
- Growth: “I aim to foster growth opportunities that balance housing needs, economic sustainability while preserving our community’s character.”
- Transparency: “I will promote transparency in city government decision-making, encouraging community involvement at every level.”
- christinaforbenicia.com
Trevor Macenski
- Benicia City Council Member/environmental planner
- Experience: “With an award-winning planning career spanning over 20 years, I’ve worked with many municipalities on sustainable planning and policy decisions.”
- Leadership: “Benicia stands at an inflection point, calling for cohesive, resolute leadership to guide us through these challenges.”
- Accomplishments:: “In my first term on council, we streamlined city services, prioritized infrastructure investments, and forged a sustainable fiscal strategy.”
- trevormac.com
Lionel Largaespada
- Business-development executive
- Budget: “I will ensure Benicia’s budget reflects the needs and priorities of its residents.”
- Collaboration: “I pledge to be accessible to everyone, prioritizing common-sense solutions, while working with diverse community stakeholders, the city administration, and fellow council members to find common ground on critical issues.”
- Public Safety: “Upholding the quality of life in Benicia, I will advocate for safe neighborhoods, a prosperous downtown, and initiatives that enhance the city’s cultural and historical heritage.”
- VoteLionel.com
Franz Rosenthal
- Engineer, pharmaceutical manufacturing
- Growth: “The city would benefit from economic growth of the type that generates valuable tax revenue to ease our current financial strain.”
- Budget: “Fiscal responsibility … requires examining the sources of our expenses to ensure the city’s funds are being used in the most efficient manner possible.”
- Experience: “My experience running projects as an engineer, as well as my MBA, have taught me how to balance the dueling priorities of benefits versus costs, as well as the importance of long-term strategic planning.”
Clerk
Top candidate wins seat.
Solano County
What does a city clerk do?
The city clerk is responsible for maintaining city records, including ordinances, meeting minutes and agendas. The clerk also oversees the filing of election forms and responses to Public Records Act requests.
Candidate Statements
Lisa Wolfe
- Benicia City Clerk
- Statement pending or not available.
Treasurer
Top candidate wins seat.
Solano County
What does a city treasurer do?
The city treasurer is responsible for collecting, safeguarding and investing city funds.
Candidate Statements
Ken Paulk
- Benicia City Treasurer
- Experience: “I have worked with two mayors, eight council members, three city managers and six finance directors/managers.”
- Budget: “I work with the finance director in reviewing the Quarterly Investment Reports and the Annual Investment Policy before being presented to Council.”
- Community: “If reelected, I will continue to support our citizens first and City Council in all avenues to maintain the great quality of life we have in Benicia.”
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More Results
See results for all elections on the Solano County ballot.
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