2025 in Review: Hayward makes final preparations for new district elections system

As 2025 wound down to a close, the City of Hayward put the finishing touches on its transition to a new system of electing City Councilmembers. Starting with our next municipal election on Nov. 3, 2026, Councilmembers will be elected by geographic district rather than through citywide at-large elections.

Once fully implemented by November 2028, each of the six recently created Council districts will have one Councilmember who lives in the district and who was elected by registered voters living in the district. Only the Mayor of Hayward will continue to be elected citywide.

The change was enacted by the City Council in October 2024 in accordance with the California Voting Rights Act, which is intended to help eliminate racial discrimination in local elections.

Last October, the City mailed information to all residences about district elections for Council in Hayward, including district maps and a way for residents to look up in which district they live. To see that information, go online here to the City of Hayward website.

Lastly, in December, the Council amended the City’s campaign finance ordinance to adjust voluntary campaign spending levels and related regulations to the new system. To stay abreast this and other information about running for elective office in Hayward or registering to vote, visit the City of Hayward website at www.hayward-ca.gov/your-government/elections.