Eight Candidates Will Vie for Three College Board Seats
Mail-in ballots for the November 2026 election will arrive in San Francisco mailboxes this October.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Elections
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San Francisco voters will elect three new trustees to the City College board this November, as no incumbents are seeking re-election to the seats. Eight candidates are competing for the open positions following a summer that saw the closure of the college’s downtown campus.
Why it matters
The board oversees an institution that has faced significant financial instability and enrollment declines since a period of mismanagement a decade ago. Residents now face a decision on who will guide the college’s future as it navigates these long-standing fiscal challenges.
Eight candidates are running for the three available seats compared to zero incumbents. Campaign filings show Elijah Ball leading with $24,210 in contributions, while the college currently serves approximately 40,000 students.
The players
Elijah Ball
A candidate for the City College board who has reported $24,210 in campaign contributions.
Erwin Tam
A board candidate who has raised $22,705 for his campaign.
Ruth Ferguson
A trustee candidate running uncontested for a fourth board seat.
City College
The San Francisco institution serving 40,000 students that is currently electing new board leadership.
The details
The race will determine the direction of a district that continues to struggle with the legacy of a financial crisis from ten years ago. Voters will see their ballots arrive in the mail in October, marking the start of the final push for candidates including Erwin Tam, Monroe Lace, and Bunny McFadden. Ruth Ferguson is also on the ballot, running unopposed for a fourth trustee seat.
Timeline
2017: San Francisco launched its free community college tuition program.
Summer 2026: The City College downtown campus officially closed.
October 2026: Mail-in ballots will be distributed to voters.
November 2026: Election day for the three open trustee seats.
Across the Bay
This election follows the implementation of the 2017 free community college tuition program. The three new trustees will inherit the ongoing fiscal management of the program following the recent downtown campus closure.
Residents should look for their mail-in ballots to arrive starting in October 2026. Your vote will help determine the oversight of a college that currently serves 40,000 local students.
The takeaway
Pay close attention to candidate forums and mailer materials as the election nears to understand how each individual plans to address the college's ongoing budget constraints. Watch for the arrival of your ballot this October to ensure your voice is counted in the final November tally.
What happens next
Mail-in ballots will be distributed to registered voters across San Francisco in October 2026.
Further reading
For more background on local governance, visit San Francisco Elections.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KALW.
Live Poll
Should your local community college prioritize budget cuts to ensure financial stability?
