With current Mayor John Franklin not seeking reelection, Vista voters are guaranteed to elect a new mayor on November 3, 2026. Four candidates have now filed Candidate Intention Statements to run for the office.
Kenneth Zuniga
Zuniga is running on affordability, safer streets, parks, transit, and grassroots accountability. He serves on the City’s Homelessness Commission and has been endorsed by the San Diego Progressive Democrats and the Democratic Socialists of America San Diego, a chartered Democratic Party club that focuses on progressive policies, including human rights, economic equity, environmental justice, and campaign finance reform.
Campaign website: https://www.zunigaforvista.com/
Joe Green
Green, a lifelong Vista resident, former two-term Vista City Councilmember, local real estate broker, husband, and father, says he is running for mayor to build on the city’s progress while preserving the qualities that make Vista unique. During his eight years on the City Council, he points to work supporting public safety initiatives, fire and emergency preparedness programs, infrastructure improvements, and policies aimed at strengthening Vista’s local business community.
Green has received endorsements from numerous North County elected officials, the Vista Firefighters Association, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Association, the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) Local 89, and other community leaders and organizations.
Campaign website: https://joegreenformayor2026.com/
Joseph K. Brown
Brown was the first candidate to file a Candidate Intention Statement for the 2026 mayoral race. As of publication, he has not released a campaign website or detailed public campaign platform.
Gabriel M. Chance
Chance became the fourth candidate to enter the race after filing a Candidate Intention Statement on July 13. As of publication, he has not released a campaign website or detailed public campaign platform.
The nomination period remains open through August 7 and, because Mayor John Franklin is not seeking reelection, it will be extended through August 12 for additional candidates to file.
Editor’s Note: Information for this article was compiled from public campaign filings submitted to the City of Vista, candidate campaign websites, and publicly announced endorsements. North County Daily Star will bring updates as additional candidates file for the office and new campaign information becomes available.
