Election 2026: Who is running for Albany school board?

Five candidates are vying for four Albany Board of Education seats in November. Three four-year terms and one two-year term are up for election.

In ballot order, they are Margaret Allen, Melissa Boyd, Becky Hopwood, Josh Mahoney and David McKinney. Boyd, Hopwood and Mahoney are seeking re-election.

We sent each candidate the same set of questions. 

Who is Albany school board candidate Margaret Allen?

“What sets me apart is the balance I bring to the table: experience in managing complex fiscal trade-offs alongside a 15+ year family journey ahead at AUSD.”

Albany ScannerGuest contributor

Who is Albany school board candidate Melissa Boyd?

“The privilege to represent the needs of others comes with the responsibility to treat the position with the weight it deserves, and that is not something I will ever forget or take for granted.”

Albany ScannerGuest contributor

Who is Albany school board candidate Becky Hopwood?

“I work to build consensus while keeping students, families, educators and our broader community at the center of my work.”

Albany ScannerGuest contributor

Who is Albany school board candidate Josh Mahoney?

“I want each and every kid to be able to find their communities and thrive in our schools.”

Albany ScannerGuest contributor

Who is Albany school board candidate David McKinney?

“I know what it is like to be a teacher and I have broad knowledge about schools and learning from my work as a researcher with school districts around the country.”

Albany ScannerGuest contributor

Where do the candidates stand?

We've covered two election forums for Albany school board candidates. Our write-ups include videos of both forums.

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 open school board seats.

Albany ScannerAllyson Aleksey

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

Where can I see Albany school board candidate statements? (in ballot order)

• Finance director Margaret Allen
• Attorney coach and advisor Melissa Boyd
• Incumbent Becky Hopwood
• Appointed incumbent Josh Mahoney
• Education researcher David McKinney

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 12,260 registered voters, according to the ROV.

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

Election 2026: Who is running for Albany City Council?

We posed a dozen questions to all five candidates. Four responded. Plus, our election FAQ.

Albany ScannerEmilie Raguso

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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