The official candidate filing window is open for Encinitas’ Nov. 3 municipal election, giving prospective contenders until 4:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7, to complete nomination paperwork for mayor and the District 3 and District 4 City Council seats.
As of the city’s July 23 update, nomination papers had been issued to five people: Rimga Viskanta for mayor; Arielle Golden, Ed Sprague and Jonathan Warshauer for District 3; and Brad Lefkowits for District 4.
Incumbent Mayor Bruce Ehlers had not been issued nomination papers as of the July 23 update. District 3 Councilmember Joy Lyndes announced in January that she would not seek re-election.
Viskanta, a San Dieguito Union High School District trustee and former Encinitas Union School District trustee, announced her mayoral bid in February. She said her priorities include housing, traffic, climate change and homelessness, the North Coast Current previously reported.
Lefkowits, an Urban Forest Advisory Committee chair and local landscape designer, also entered the race in February. His campaign has emphasized responsible growth, infrastructure, fiscal management, environmental protection and government accountability.
Golden’s campaign website describes her as an MBA and community organizer who has chaired the North County Food Policy Council. Her stated priorities include managing growth, age-friendly infrastructure and climate resilience.
Sprague’s campaign website describes him as a former deputy fire chief and former president of the Olivenhain Municipal Water District board. His platform highlights community character, local control, public safety and infrastructure investment.
Campaign information or promotions for Warshauer were not available.
Candidates must obtain and return nomination papers by appointment with the city clerk, according to the city’s election website. Mayoral candidates must be registered Encinitas voters, while council candidates must be registered voters of and reside in the district they seek to represent.
If an incumbent does not file by the deadline, filing for that office will be extended to 5:30 p.m. Aug. 12 for nonincumbents.
The mayoral winner will serve a two-year term ending in November 2028. The District 3 and District 4 winners will receive four-year terms ending in November 2030.
This report was partially written using artificial intelligence, then updated, edited and fact-checked against source material by North Coast Current staff. View our AI policy on the About Us page, and read more in a column by our publisher.
