Vicki Nohrden is running for Monterey City Council District 2 in the Nov. 3, 2026, California general election. The nonpartisan race also includes Alec M. Manas and Jeff Whitmoyer.

Asked why she is seeking office, Nohrden said in our candidate questionnaire: "Monterey is at a critical crossroads. We face a serious structural budget deficit, rising demands for public safety and essential services, housing pressures, and the need to strengthen our local economy while preserving our city's character."

Candidate information

Residence: Nohrden said in our questionnaire she has "lived in Deer Flats and Alta Mesa." She has lived in Monterey County for more than 40 years, according to her candidate statement of qualifications.

Ballot designation: Nonprofit Director/Businesswoman, according to her candidate statement.

Party affiliation: Nohrden said in our questionnaire: "I am registered as No Party Preference."

Family: Nohrden said in our questionnaire: "I am a wife, mother, and grandmother. My family and I have deep roots in Monterey, where I've lived for more than 40 years."

Education: Nohrden holds a master's degree in theology/ministries from Shalom Bible College, according to her Monterey County Weekly candidate profile from her 2020 state Senate race.

Experience and public service

Nohrden said in our questionnaire: "I am a small-business owner and the founder and director of a nonprofit organization I have led for more than three decades. My professional background spans real estate, property management, business administration, hospitality, and community advocacy."

She is the founder of Wind and Fire Ministries and the author of "Breaking the Shield of Minerva: A Closer Look at California's Destiny," according to Monterey County NOW.

Nohrden said in our questionnaire that she has not held elected office. "My public service includes two terms on the Monterey County Civil Grand Jury and service on the Monterey County Sheriff's Advisory Committee. I have also served as a Court-Appointed Special Advocate for Children," she said.

She previously ran for State Assembly District 29 in 2018, State Senate District 17 in 2020 and State Assembly District 30 in 2022, according to her campaign website.

Asked about accomplishments, Nohrden said in our questionnaire: "When bullying affected students at a local high school, I worked with administrators, secured funding, and helped implement an anti-bullying program on campus."

Candidate statement on her 2008 book

Nohrden provided the following statement regarding her 2008 book:

She said a recent Squid column discussed her 2008 book even though the writer had not read it, and that it repeated another opinion writer's characterization of her beliefs. She said the statement linking wildfires to same-sex marriage is not a quotation from her or her book.

Nohrden said she wrote the book from a religious perspective during Proposition 8. She said readers may disagree, and she would express some thoughts differently today. She said she has never believed anyone should be mistreated or denied dignity because of who they are or whom they love.

Her faith and nonprofit leadership are part of her background, Nohrden said, not a reason to treat residents differently. She said if elected, she will uphold the law and represent every Monterey resident fairly. She said voters should judge her by her service, qualifications and priorities for the city.

On the issues

Budget and fiscal responsibility: Nohrden said in our questionnaire she would "confront Monterey's structural budget deficit honestly, protect police, fire, and essential neighborhood services, and strengthen the businesses and visitor economy that support City revenues."

On her campaign issues page, Nohrden said: "Every city department should have clear goals and measurable results. Taxpayer dollars should be tied to performance, not simply last year's spending."

Housing and development: Nohrden said in our questionnaire: "I will also evaluate housing and development proposals carefully, considering water, infrastructure, traffic, parking, fire access, evacuation capacity, and neighborhood compatibility."

Accountability: Nohrden said in our questionnaire: "I am prepared to ask difficult questions, explain my decisions publicly, and hold City government accountable for measurable results."

Endorsements

Nohrden has been endorsed by outgoing District 2 Monterey City Councilmember Ed Smith, according to Monterey County NOW.

  • Ed Smith, outgoing Monterey City Council District 2 councilmember