Alec M. Manas is running for Monterey City Council District 2 in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election.

Asked why he is running, Manas said he is seeking office "because Monterey is the community that shaped me, and I want to help ensure it remains a place where people can build a life, raise a family, and feel connected to their neighbors." He added, "I want to bring a new generation of leadership to the Council."

The nonpartisan race also includes Jeff Whitmoyer and Vicki Nohrden, according to BallotReady election data.

Candidate information

Party affiliation: "Democratic Party," Manas said in our questionnaire.

Education: "B.S. from California State University, Sacramento," Manas said in our questionnaire.

Family: "I'm fortunate to be supported by a loving group of family and friends who are my biggest supporters," Manas said in our questionnaire.

Family in politics or government: "No. However, my family is very engaged in politics and strongly believes in the importance of the democratic process and civic participation," Manas said in our questionnaire.

Experience and public service

Asked about previous elected or appointed offices, Manas said in our questionnaire: "I have not previously held elected or appointed office."

Asked about his work history, Manas said in our questionnaire: "I currently work as a Development Project Manager for CHISPA Housing, a nonprofit affordable housing developer serving Monterey County. In this role, I help manage complex, multimillion-dollar housing developments from financing and design through construction and completion."

He added: "Before joining CHISPA, I spent nearly six years working for Assemblymember Mark Stone. During that time, I gained a strong understanding of how state and local government work and developed productive working relationships with elected officials and public agencies at the local, state, and federal levels."

Asked about accomplishments, Manas said in our questionnaire: "While working for Assemblymember Mark Stone, I helped advocate for state funding for important local projects, including $1 million for the Lake El Estero stormwater diversion project, which will capture water that would otherwise flow into Monterey Bay and redirect it into the regional water recycling system."

On the issues

Asked what distinguishes him from other candidates, Manas said in our questionnaire: "What distinguishes me is the combination of experience I would bring to the City Council. … Today, as a Development Project Manager for an affordable housing nonprofit, I work with complex budgets, public funding, local governments, and multimillion-dollar development projects."

He continued: "Monterey faces serious challenges, including an annual structural budget deficit of approximately $12 million. I understand how to work through complex financial issues, manage public resources responsibly, and bring people together to find practical solutions."

Asked for the best advice he has received, Manas said: "Listen first."