The Gavel Is Passed: New Mayor For Walnut Creek

WALNUT CREEK, CA — The time has come to rotate mayors in Walnut Creek.

The city's top political post will be filled by Kevin Wilk for a second time.

Walnut Creek outgoing mayor, Cindy Darling, stepped down officially Tuesday after city councilmembers voted 5-0 to pass the gavel to Wilk during the council meeting.

Wilk will serve as mayor until early December 2026. Councilmember Matt Francois will serve as the Mayor Pro Tem, which means decision-making power in Wilk's absence.

“Our city made great progress on our priorities this year including public safety, sustainability, economic development and creating a welcoming city," Darling said in a news release. "I am especially proud of the progress we’ve made revitalizing our parks with new lights and turf fields. I’m proud to turn the gavel over to Kevin Wilk. We will be in good hands.”

Wilk was elected to the City Council in November 2016 and served as mayor in 2021.

“Under Mayor Darling’s leadership, Walnut Creek took great strides in upgrading our infrastructure and increasing affordable housing," Wilk said in a statement. "I look forward to continuing that progress, while ensuring that our downtown remains the most vibrant community for residents and visitors, and ensuring Walnut Creek is a safe and welcoming city for everyone.”

Wilk describes himself as an "internet executive" whose experience as a government official has focused on transportation policy, regional boards, and community engagement.

Wilk served on several city committees including legislative, finance, housing and community development, public education, public safety, Downtown Rebound, and the Diversity/Equity Inclusivity task force, according his city bio page.

In Walnut Creek, the mayor is not directly elected by the public, but is chosen by members of the five-member city council. Councilmembers serve as mayor once every five years.