Election 2026: Palm Desert voters decide two City Council seats in final transition to district-based elections
PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) - Two City Council seats are up for grabs in Palm Desert this Election Day, as voters decide who will represent Districts 4 and 5 for the next four years.
Tuesday's election marks a significant milestone for the city, completing Palm Desert's transition to a five-district City Council system.
Four candidates are competing for the two seats, including current Palm Desert Mayor Evan Trubee, who is seeking reelection.
News Channel 3 is following both races and will provide updates as unofficial results become available following the close of polls at 8 p.m.
Palm Desert City Council District 4
Incumbent Councilmember and current Mayor Evan Trubee is facing challenger Jonathon Polly.
Trubee, a longtime Palm Desert resident and local business owner, is seeking another term on the council. His priorities include city infrastructure, public safety and maintaining a balanced budget.
Polly, a technical manager and sustainability auditor, is making his first run for City Council. He has highlighted fiscal responsibility, climate resilience and city development among his priorities.
Although Trubee currently serves as mayor, Palm Desert's mayoral position rotates among City Council members.
Palm Desert City Council District 5
Two candidates are competing for the new District 5 seat; John Greenwood and Ralph Perry.
Greenwood, an architect and longtime member of Palm Desert's Planning Commission, has emphasized responsible development, infrastructure improvements and the future of major city projects.
Perry, a retired health care administrator and former country club manager, currently serves on the city's parks and recreation committee and as an alternate on its library advisory committee.
Perry has highlighted economic development, infrastructure and community services as priorities in his campaign.
Both candidates are seeking their first terms on the City Council.
A milestone for Palm Desert
Beyond the individual candidates, this election represents the final step in Palm Desert's transition to five single-member City Council districts.
Under the district-based system, voters elect a representative from their own geographic district rather than selecting councilmembers citywide.
The winners of Tuesday's races will serve four-year terms, helping shape decisions on development, city spending, infrastructure and other issues affecting Palm Desert residents.
Watching the results
News Channel 3 has contacted candidates ahead of Election Day to learn about their plans for watching the results and their availability for interviews.
News Channel 3 will be monitoring both Palm Desert races throughout the evening, tracking vote totals and gathering candidate reactions as results come in.
Stay with News Channel 3 on air and online at KESQ.com for continuing Election 2026 coverage.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as election results become available.
