Election 2026: Who is running for Albany City Council?

Five candidates are vying for two Albany City Council seats in November.

In ballot order, they are Robin D. López, Katherine Enos, Jon Destin, Aaron Tiedemann and Chris McDaniels.

We sent each candidate the same set of questions.

Who is Albany City Council candidate Robin D. López?

“I’m proud to serve Albany in meaningful ways, and I hope I can sustain that trust and confidence for another 4 years!”

Albany ScannerGuest contributor

Who is Albany City Council candidate Katherine Enos?

“I am running for Albany City Council because I want the City to do better.”

Albany ScannerGuest contributor

Who is Albany City Council candidate Jon Destin?

“I’m running because I love Albany, and because this is a consequential moment for our town.”

Albany ScannerGuest contributor

Who is Albany City Council candidate Aaron Tiedemann?

“I believe in the power of local government and our community to make a positive difference in all our lives.”

Albany ScannerGuest contributor

Who is Albany City Council candidate Chris McDaniels?

“Leadership starts with developing positive relationships with residents and businesses.”

Albany ScannerGuest contributor

Editor's Note: The McDaniels post was published Oct. 1; the candidate said he submitted his responses late due to a medical procedure. In a rare exception to our usual practice, we've set the displayed publication date to Sept. 22 to keep his responses grouped with the other candidate Q&As in the Election section.

This post has been updated to reflect that all five candidates have now responded.

Where do the candidates stand?

Albany City Council candidates have discussed housing, taxes, Golden Gate Fields and other issues at an two election forums.

Where Albany City Council candidates stand on key issues

The City Hall forum offered voters a closer look at the candidates' priorities ahead of the Nov. 3 election.

Albany ScannerAllyson Aleksey

Albany council candidates clash over housing, taxes

Two candidates defended their work. Others questioned their record.

Albany ScannerEmilie Raguso

Albany uses ranked-choice voting. Voters can rank the candidates in order of preference. Learn how it works.

What are the Albany ballot measures in 2026?

Measure O: Should Albany end neighborhood zoning approval?

The proposal would leave public hearings and other zoning review procedures in place, with no immediate changes to housing rules.

Albany ScannerAllyson Aleksey

Golden Gate Fields: Albany ballot measures would offset losses

Measures P and Q would replace about $700,000 annually, leaving roughly $383,000 to address.

Albany ScannerEmilie Raguso

How Measure R would change Albany’s business license tax

More than 70% of retail and service businesses would pay less under the new system, officials say.

Albany ScannerAllyson Aleksey

Albany's Measure S would overhaul property transfer taxes

Five tax brackets would replace the city's flat 1.5% rate, generating an estimated $1 million more annually.

Albany ScannerAllyson Aleksey

Measure T proposes new tax for Albany trees, streetlights

Officials estimate an average cost of $12 per month for a house and $3 per month for a condominium.

Albany ScannerAllyson Aleksey

Albany elections: November 2026 ballot measure guide

Albany has six ballot measures that would change zoning rules, business and property taxes, and funding for city services.

Albany ScannerAllyson Aleksey

Election 2026: When can we vote?

Early voting starts Oct. 5 and vote-by-mail ballots go out that week. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.

How do I register to vote?

Learn more from the Alameda County registrar of voters (ROV).

Where and how can I vote?

Albany has two vote centers. They are both four-day vote centers, open Oct. 31 to Nov. 2, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Election Day, Nov. 3, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

• The Albany Community Center, at 1249 Marin Ave.
• The Albany Veterans Memorial Building, at 1325 Portland Ave.

There's also a ballot drop box next to the parking lot behind Albany City Hall at 1000 San Pablo Ave. (on the Marin Avenue side).

See a list of other vote centers and ballot drop boxes. Learn more from the secretary of state (SOS).

How many registered voters does Albany have?

Albany has 12,256 registered voters, according to the ROV.

Where can I see Albany City Council candidate statements? (in ballot order)

• Incumbent Robin D. López
• Small business owner Katherine Enos
• Albany business owner Jon Destin
• Housing policy analyst Aaron Tiedemann
• Public works manager Chris McDaniels 

Learn more about local elections on Albany Scanner and on the city of Albany website.

Election 2026: Related coverage

Albany election: Council, school board standings hold

"My favorite part has been the conversations with Albany residents," Jon Destin said. All six local ballot measures remain on track to pass.

Albany ScannerAllyson Aleksey

Albany school finances take center stage at candidate forum

Candidates highlighted deficit spending, the potential loss of Golden Gate Fields tax revenue and facility needs.

Albany ScannerAllyson Aleksey

Albany school board candidates weigh AI, school funding

Five candidates are vying for four school board seats.

Albany ScannerAllyson Aleksey

Albany youth voting set for school board as city effort stalls

Albany officials say delays by the county registrar left too little time to fully implement Measure V.

Albany ScannerAllyson Aleksey

Read complete election coverage on Albany Scanner, including our reporting on all six local ballot measures.

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