Balch holds significant lead over Testa in mayor’s race

With 100% of precincts reporting, Pleasanton Mayor Jack Balch is poised to serve another two years as the city's top official, according to the latest election results from the Alameda County Registrar of Voters. As of Wednesday morning, Balch secured 69.3% of the vote compared to Councilmember Julie Testa’s 30.7%, signaling a clear mandate for the incumbent’s continued leadership.

Election Results and Context

The election, held Tuesday, November 3rd, 2026, saw a strong turnout across Alameda County and the state of California. Californians also elected former Attorney General Xavier Becerra as governor, with a decisive 63.9% of the statewide vote compared to his Republican challenger, Steve Hilton’s 36%—a margin of 79.2% to 20.8% in Alameda County. Beyond the mayoral race, Kathy Narum holds a lead of 60.9% to 39.1% over tech entrepreneur Vin Kruttiventi in District 2, while former PUSD Board Member Jamie Yee leads business owner and community activist Reena Gupta 62.6% - 37.4% in District 3. Measure HH, a proposal to raise the city's Transient Occupancy Tax from 8% to 12% over the next two years, is also leading with 60.7% of the vote.

The election results reflect a broader trend in Alameda County and across California, where Democratic candidates are dominating races for state and federal offices. Mark DeSaulnier won in the 10th District, Lateefah Simon secured victory in the 12th District, and Ro Khanna prevailed in the 17th District. Aisha Wahab is leading with 56.8% of the vote Wednesday in the closely-watched 14th District race. Rebecca Bauer-Kahan leads comfortably in Assembly District 16, while Liz Ortega is also winning in Assembly District 20. As of September, California boasted 23,164,977 registered voters—over 85% of the state’s eligible population—with a significant majority identifying as Democrats (45%) compared to Republicans (25%).

Local Races and Candidates

The Pleasanton election also included a race for Area 5 on the Pleasanton Unified School District Board of Trustees, with Karen Fletcher leading with 53.2% of the vote, followed by Thomas Choi with 36.9%, and Brett Gerald Martinez with 9.9 percent. Laurie Walker is running unopposed in Area 2. Candidates were asked to address key issues facing the district, including a budget shortfall and declining enrollment. Two candidates each were running for mayor, District 1, and District 2.

Candidate Profiles

Prior to the election, Patch reached out to all candidates running for office in Pleasanton. In District 1, tech entrepreneur Vin Kruttiventi ran against Kathy Narum, the director of Zone 7 Water Agency and a Pleasanton City Councilmember from 2013 to 2022. In District 3, business owner and community activist Reena Gupta ran against Jamie Yee, who currently works in communications for Alameda County Health and served on the Pleasanton Unified School Board from 2008 to 2020. Candidates addressed issues including housing, crime prevention, the structural budget deficit, and their qualifications to address them.

Measure HH and Its Impact

The proposed increase in the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), known as Measure HH, is currently leading with 60.7% of the vote. If approved, the measure would raise the tax from 8% to 12% over the next two years. This increase in revenue is intended to support city services and programs, though it has also drawn some opposition from those concerned about its potential impact on tourism and local businesses.

Community Reaction

While official statements from the candidates were not immediately available, the election results indicate a clear preference for the status quo among Pleasanton voters. The strong support for Balch suggests a satisfaction with the city's current direction and a desire for continued stability. The passage of Measure HH, though preliminary, signals a willingness among residents to support increased revenue for city services. The high voter turnout, exceeding projections, underscores the engagement of Pleasanton residents in local government. Political data analysis firm Political Data projected turnout to reach 60 percent of registered voters, potentially setting a record for a gubernatorial race.

Track Your Ballot

Residents can track their ballots and ensure they are counted by clicking here to access the Alameda County Registrar of Voters’ website. The site provides real-time updates on election results and allows voters to verify the status of their ballots.

What Happens Next

The official vote count will continue in the coming days as election officials process remaining ballots. Balch is expected to be formally declared the winner of the mayoral race pending any challenges or recounts. The newly elected City Council members and school board members will be sworn into office at a later date, officially commencing their terms of service. The successful passage of Measure HH will allow the city to implement the tax increase, providing additional funding for city services and programs.

Marcus’s Take

The decisive nature of this election speaks to a community that values stability and proven leadership. While political discourse can often be divisive, the clear mandate given to Mayor Balch suggests a desire for continuity and a preference for policies that have demonstrated success. It’s a reminder that strong communities are often built on a foundation of commitment – commitment to families, to neighborhoods, and to the principles of responsible governance. The passage of Measure HH, while potentially controversial for some, reflects a willingness among residents to invest in the future of Pleasanton. As our city continues to grow and face new challenges, it's vital that we maintain a focus on the fundamentals: supporting strong families, fostering a spirit of civic engagement, and upholding the values that have made Pleasanton such a desirable place to live. It’s worth watching how the new school board addresses the enrollment decline; that will impact property values and local school programs for years to come.

The election also highlights the importance of civic engagement. With a high rate of voter registration in Alameda County, it’s clear that many residents are invested in shaping the future of their community. It’s crucial that we continue to encourage participation in local government and provide opportunities for residents to voice their concerns and contribute to the decision-making process.

The election results serve as a reminder of the enduring appeal of the American dream—the promise of opportunity, stability, and a chance to build a better life for oneself and one’s family. It’s a dream that is best realized when we work together, respecting differing viewpoints and striving for common goals. As Pleasanton moves forward, let us embrace that spirit of collaboration and continue to build a community where families can flourish and individuals can reach their full potential.

The Pleasanton community can find further information and updates on local government initiatives by visiting the city’s official website and engaging with local news sources. Active participation in community forums and meetings provides residents with opportunities to voice their opinions and contribute to the ongoing dialogue shaping the future of Pleasanton.

For more information, residents can consult the following resources: Alameda County Registrar of Voters, Pleasanton Weekly, Pleasanton Patch, Pleasanton Unified School District, City of Pleasanton, California Secretary of State, Zone 7 Water Agency, Alameda County Government, Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce, East Bay Conservancy.

The election results underscore the importance of informed civic engagement and the enduring values that unite our community. As Pleasanton looks ahead, let us continue to prioritize those values and work together to build a brighter future for all residents.