(SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA) — As 2026 approaches, several cities in the Sacramento region are beginning to take shape politically with early announcements and campaign activity for city councils, the governing bodies that make decisions on everything from public safety to local development and services.
Sacramento: Several Early Entrants for June Election
Sacramento will hold its city council election on June 2, 2026, with seats open in Districts 1, 3, 5, and 7 according to the city of Sacramento website. Nomination filing runs starting today, Feb. 9 – Mar. 6, 2026, and several potential and declared candidates are already active:
(Jenn Chawla has launched a campaign for District 1 in Sacramento. Photo provided by her official campaign website.)
* In District 1, Jenn Chawla has launched a campaign (Incumbent is Lisa Kaplan, who is eligible to seek re-election). A first-time candidate for Sacramento City Council, Chawla highlights her 13-year career with the FBI and community leadership as qualifications for office. Her campaign emphasizes transparency, accountability, and public safety, and she has mobilized local events and outreach through her website.
* In District 3, Vice Mayor Karina Talamantes is seeking re-election, bringing her experience as current vice mayor and councilmember into the campaign.
* District 5 has no confirmed candidates yet. However, incumbent is Caity Maple is eligible to seek reelection.
(Scott Lau has launched a campaign for District 7. Picture courtesy of Lau.)
* In District 7, community leader Scott Lau has announced his bid. A Sacramento native and professional in urban planning and emergency management, he focuses on public safety, infrastructure responsiveness, and community engagement in neighborhoods such as Pocket-Greenhaven and Land Park. Incumbent is Rick Jennings, who is eligible to seek reelection.
A more comprehensive list of filed candidates will be published by the Sacramento City Clerk once the nomination period is underway.
(Jag Nagendra has officially announced his candidacy for District 3 in Folsom. Photo courtesy of Jag Nagendra.)
Folsom: First Candidate Declares
According to the city of Folsom website, there are three open city council seats for 2026:
* In District 1, incumbent Mike Kozlowski, who has been active in local governance since his election, is eligible for reelection.
* In District 3, Jag Nagendra has officially announced his candidacy, entering the race as a challenger with an emphasis on community engagement, thoughtful growth, and responsive local governance. A Folsom resident with a background in technology leadership and civic involvement, Nagendra has framed his campaign around improving transparency at City Hall and ensuring that development decisions align with neighborhood priorities. Incumbent Sarah Aquino, who currently represents District 3, is eligible to seek re-election but has not yet publicly stated whether she will run again.
* In District 5, incumbent Anna Rohrbough is eligible for re-election. She serves not only as the District councilmember but also as Vice Mayor of Folsom. She brings experience in business leadership and has served on regional boards and commissions related to economic development, transit, and air quality, according to the city website.
Other open district incumbents have not yet publicly declared whether they will seek re-election, and additional candidates are expected as the election season progresses.
Elk Grove: Incumbents Raise Funds, Challenges Emerging
In Elk Grove, an early hint of electoral dynamics began to emerge as city leaders prepare for the 2026 cycle. Financial disclosure reports show District 2 Councilmember Rod Brewer ramping up fundraising for reelection, while Roger Banos-Gonzales appears to be positioning a campaign challenging Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen. The local political landscape in Elk Grove — where both district council seats and the mayoral post will be on the ballot — may soon see more contenders enter the fray.
Elk Grove’s council is currently composed of Mayor Singh-Allen and councilmembers representing Districts 1 through 4, with terms for the mayor and Districts 2 and 4 set to expire in 2026.
Roseville: Upcoming Races for Even-Numbered Districts
In Roseville, the regular municipal election scheduled for Nov. 3, 2026, will include city council contests in Districts 2 and 4. Candidates may begin fundraising as of January 1, 2026, and the official nomination period runs from July 13 through August 7, 2026.
While the City Clerk’s office has not yet released a list of declared candidates for these seats, preparation and outreach efforts are already underway to inform potential challengers and incumbents about procedures and deadlines. Roseville’s current council members, include:
* District 2, incumbent Pauline Roccucci, a longtime Roseville resident and registered nurse. Roccucci has served on the City Council since 2018, previously served as mayor, and is known for her focus on public safety, fiscal stability, and maintaining Roseville’s quality of life.
* District 4, incumbent Krista Bernasconi, a Roseville native, U.S. Navy veteran, and communications professional. Bernasconi has served on the City Council since 2018 and is the current mayor, emphasizing economic development, infrastructure investment, and community engagement.
What Voters Should Know
Across these cities, the early stages of candidate activity highlight a broad regional engagement in local politics ahead of 2026. Voters interested in council races should watch for:
* Official candidate filings, which provide the first confirmed lists of who will appear on ballots.
* Fundraising disclosures and campaign announcements, which often signal competitive districts.
* Local news coverage and city clerk updates, which track filings, endorsements, and campaign platforms.
As nomination periods open in Sacramento and later in Roseville, and as more challengers and incumbents formally declare, analysts expect several competitive local races that could shape policy direction on housing, public safety, and city services across the region.
In the months ahead, OpGov.ai will continue to track filings, report on emerging races, and feature in-depth candidate profiles and interviews as the election landscape takes shape.
Note: As of early 2026, there are no widely reported or officially published candidate declarations yet for the 2026 Citrus Heights City Council seats that will be on the ballot (Districts 2, 4, and 5). Unlike some other nearby cities, the City Clerk’s office has not yet posted any filings or campaign announcements for those upcoming races.
Submit Sacramento story tips and ideas to Sarah Denos at sarahkdenos@gmail.com
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