Monterey mayor's race coverage 2026: Williamson vs. Malfitano

Monterey residents will choose their next mayor on Tuesday, Nov. 3, in a two-candidate race between incumbent Tyller Williamson and challenger Vince Malfitano.

The at-large seat carries a two-year term. Williamson's ballot designation is Monterey Mayor. Malfitano's is retired business owner, according to the city clerk's elections page.

Results are not yet available. Polls close at 8 p.m. Tuesday. Check the Monterey County Elections website for official returns as they are posted.

What else is on the ballot

Two council seats are also up. One is in District 1 and one in District 2, each for four-year terms. Measure S, placed on the ballot after the City Council adopted Resolution No. 26-103 C.S. on July 21, also appears on the ballot, though the measure's specific provisions are not detailed in available city records.

How to vote

All active registered voters received a ballot by mail, according to Monterey County Elections. Ballots may be returned by mail, placed in an official ballot return box or delivered to any in-person voting location in California.

Tuesday is the last day to return ballots in person by 8 p.m. Ballots returned by mail must be postmarked no later than Election Day and received by Nov. 10.

The campaign so far

The two mayoral candidates participated in a forum on Sept. 21 at Monterey High School, hosted by the League of Women Voters and the New Monterey, Old Town and Monte Vista neighborhood associations, according to the Old Monterey community website.

The Monterey Herald reported Oct. 22 that a restraining order request against Malfitano had been dropped. Court documents from Monterey County Superior Court indicated Malfitano and a person identified as Compagno-Crossman had two verbal altercations, according to the Herald.