The City of Hayward has opened the nomination period for candidates running in the Nov. 3, 2026, general municipal election as it begins implementing a district-based election system approved by the City Council in 2024.
Under the new structure, the mayor will continue to be elected at-large by all city voters, but most councilmembers will be chosen by voters within their geographic districts. For the 2026 election, seats for District 1 and District 6 councilmembers will be on the ballot, along with the mayor’s position. Seats for Districts 2, 3, 4 and 5 are scheduled for the November 2028 election. Terms remain four years for both mayor and councilmembers.
What residents and prospective candidates need to know
Prospective candidates must pick up and submit required nomination paperwork to City Clerk Miriam Lens by Aug. 7, 2026. The City Clerk issues and collects nomination papers; the period will be extended five days to Aug. 12, 2026, only for offices where the incumbent does not seek re-election.
Nomination papers are issued and collected by the City Clerk (Elections Official) or her designee.
Residents who want to obtain nomination papers should schedule an appointment with the City Clerk's Office by calling (510) 583-4400. Additional information is available on the City of Hayward website on the Running for Office and Elections pages, or by emailing cityclerk@hayward-ca.gov.
- Election date: Nov. 3, 2026
- Nomination pickup and submission deadline: Aug. 7, 2026
- Potential short extension for open-seat races: Aug. 12, 2026
- Districts on the 2026 ballot: 1 and 6
- Next district elections (Districts 2–5): Nov. 2028
Local consequences and next steps
The shift to district-based elections changes how council candidates will campaign and how voters will select council representation. Candidates for council seats will need to focus outreach and policy priorities on voters within their district boundaries, while the mayoral race remains citywide. Voters should confirm their council district and review district maps and candidate information ahead of filing and voting.
City election staff will handle issuance and collection of nomination papers and can clarify eligibility requirements and filing procedures. Voters with questions about where they vote or which district they live in should consult the City's Elections page or contact the City Clerk's Office at the phone number or email above.
| Item | Date / Detail |
|---|---|
| General municipal election | Nov. 3, 2026 |
| Nomination deadline | Aug. 7, 2026 (paperwork must be picked up & submitted) |
| Extension for open seats | Aug. 12, 2026 |
| Districts on 2026 ballot | 1 and 6 |
As Hayward implements the district-based system approved in 2024, the immediate practical step for aspiring officeholders and engaged residents is to obtain accurate information from the City Clerk’s Office and plan for the updated process that will guide local representation in the coming years.
