Pleasanton Race: Updated Totals, Congressional, Presidential Votes

PLEASANTON, CA — The latest totals available from Alameda County still show Councilmember Jack Balch leading incumbent Mayor Karla Brown 6,412 (54.56%) to 5,340 (45.44 percent) as of Wednesday at 1:03 a.m.

All numbers do not reflect final totals, which will continue to evolve, and the county will certify in the coming days.

"We’re grateful for these early results, which reflect strong support from the community in the platform we believe in for Pleasanton’s future," Balch told Patch Thursday. "While we remain optimistic, we are committed to waiting patiently for the full count to ensure every voice is heard. The campaign team appreciates the engagement and trust of Pleasanton’s residents, and we will continue to focus on moving our city forward. Thank you to everyone participating in this important process."

In District 2, former Police Chief Craig Eicher leads incumbent Councilmember Valerie Arkin 1,826 (57.84%) to 1,331 (42.16 percent.)

In District 4, Planning Commission Chair Matt Gaidos leads Planning Commissioner Vivek Mohan 1,626 (52.93%) to 1,446 (47.07 percent.)

Patch reached out to all candidates, but as of Wednesday evening has only heard back from Eicher and Arkin.

"As there are still a number of votes to count, I will await more results before commenting," Arkin said.

Eicher, meanwhile, sent a statement indicating a final victory.

"I am deeply honored and incredibly grateful to have earned the communities trust and support in this election. Being elected to serve on the Pleasanton City Council is a responsibility I take to heart, and I am excited to get to work representing Pleasanton," he wrote.

"This victory is not just mine—it belongs to our entire community. It’s a reflection of the hard work, dedication, and vision of everyone who helped bring us here. Whether you voted for me, volunteered on the campaign, or simply offered words of encouragement, your involvement has made all the difference. I want to thank you for believing in the future we can build together.

"I am committed to being a voice for everyone in our community, working to ensure our city is a place where all can thrive. The work ahead will be challenging, but I am confident that together, we can create a brighter, more prosperous future for all. Thank you again for this incredible honor. I am ready to get to work, and I look forward to serving you on the City Council."

Measure PP

Pleasanton voters seem poised to reject Measure PP, which would establish a half-cent sales tax that would provide approximately $10 million annually for 10 years, and help close the city's budget deficit without making further cuts. It is favored by Brown, Arkin, and Gaidos, and opposed by Eicher and Mohan. Balch voted against putting the measure on the ballot, but said at a candidates forum he was unsure how he would vote.

As of early Wednesday, the measure is losing 6,246 (53.6%) to 5,408 (46.4 percent.) San Ramon, meanwhile, seems poised to approve a measure that would raise the sales tax one cent, 56 to 42 percent.

"Though it’s too early to be certain of the results on Measure PP, it appears that Pleasanton
residents want their leaders to be independent thinkers who put in the hard work to balance the
City’s budget," said Doug Miller, chair of the group No on Measure PP. "The lack of trust and transparency doomed Measure PP from the start. We look forward to working with the new Mayor and Council in any way we’re called upon....The previous city council majority seemed to be “tone deaf” when it came to optics and public relations. Over the summer numerous residents came to city council to offer suggestions about how to balance the budget in the face of their projected deficits. In almost every case some city council member would reject an idea as not being significant in terms of an impact on the alleged future deficits. And there were many such examples."

Miller also said he believes that important financial information like property and sales tax revenue was withheld, and advocated for a temporary committee to consider other options to balance the budget.

Pleasanton Unified School District Board of Trustees, Areas 3 and 4

In PUSD Board Area 3, incumbent Kelly Mokashi is leading challenger Donalyn Harris 1,572 (56%) to 1,235 (44 percent.)

In PUSD Board Area 4, Hayward teacher Charlie Jones continues to lead parent and former Hearst Elementary School secretary Jen Flynn.

"I’m excited about the results," Jones told Patch in an email. "There are still a lot of votes left to count, but we feel we will continue in a positive direction. We ran a great race, talking about the issues that matter most to this district. I’m proud of our efforts and the connection we built with voters."

"I would like to first, Thank my amazing team of volunteers and supporters for everything they’ve done to get us here," Flynn wrote. "This race is incredibly close, and at this point, it’s too soon to say what the final outcome will be. We will remain hopeful and wait for the additional ballots to be counted."

DA Recall

Alameda County voters seem poised to recall District Attorney Pamela Price by a large margin: 134,256 (64.79%) to 72,977 (35.21 percent.)

Congressional Races

In California's 5th State Senate District, Democrat Jerry McNerney leads Republican Jim Shoemaker 20,050 (57.06%) to 15,090 (42.94 percent.)

In the 20th Assembly District, Democratic incumbent Liz Ortega leads Republican challenger Sangeetha Shanbhogue 40,391 (68.39%) to 18,670 (31.61 percent.)

In California's 14th Congressional District, Democratic incumbent Eric Swalwell leads Republican challenger Vin Kruttiventi 60,817 (63.64%) to 34,754 (36.36 percent.)

Presidential Race

Alameda County swung heavily in favor of Oakland native Kamala Harris, who beat Donald Trump 164,371 (71.61%) to 57,089 (24.87 percent.)