El Monte mayor election proposal could head to voters in 2026 after a divided City Council signaled support for structural changes to three elected offices.
During its Jan. 14 meeting, the El Monte City Council voted 5-2 to begin community outreach on measures that would eliminate the city’s directly elected mayor, city clerk and city treasurer. Mayor Jessica Ancona and Councilmember Martin Herrera voted no.
The council directed staff to return in February with public feedback. Members also signaled they may call a June 2026 special election for measures affecting the clerk and treasurer, followed by a November 2026 ballot measure addressing the mayor’s position.
What El Monte Mayor Election Proposal Would Change
El Monte currently elects its mayor citywide. Under the El Monte mayor election proposal, the five councilmembers would select a mayor from among themselves. Many general law cities in California use that model.
The proposal would also eliminate the independently elected clerk and treasurer. Meeting minutes do not specify whether those duties would transfer to appointed staff or be consolidated within existing administrative departments.
If voters approve the changes, the structure of executive leadership at City Hall would shift. Residents would no longer directly choose the city’s presiding officer.
The agenda item came from the City Attorney’s Office as an overview and request for direction. The public record does not outline a detailed legal or operational rationale for the proposal.
Key questions remain. Council has not publicly discussed whether the change aims to streamline operations, reduce costs or address governance concerns.
Special Election Cost Questions
A June 2026 special election would carry financial implications. Standalone municipal elections require coordination with the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder and can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on ballot length and turnout.
Council did not discuss cost estimates in open session. Members also did not state whether consolidating the measures onto an already scheduled election date was considered.
If the June election proceeds, voters could decide on eliminating the clerk and treasurer months before casting ballots on the mayor’s role in November.
Community Outreach Planned
Council directed staff to conduct community outreach and present feedback at the second regular meeting in February. The city has not detailed specific outreach methods, such as town halls or surveys.
In general law cities, directly elected mayors often hold limited authority beyond presiding over meetings and performing ceremonial duties. Supporters of direct election argue it strengthens voter accountability. Critics say it can blur lines of authority.
The governance discussion occurred during a meeting that also included approval of more than $11 million in infrastructure contracts, including a $9.08 million traffic calming project and pedestrian safety improvements.
If council adopts a February resolution calling for a June special election, staff would draft ballot language and fiscal impact statements under state election law. Arguments for and against would follow.
For El Monte residents, the El Monte mayor election proposal represents a significant decision about representation and accountability. Voters will ultimately determine whether the city continues to elect its mayor directly or moves to a council-selected model.
