Midpen Opens Candidate Filing for 2026 Board Election
The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District has opened the candidate filing window for four seats on its Board of Directors ahead of the November 3, 2026, general election. Public informational seminars are scheduled to guide prospective public officials through the formal nomination and campaign documentation protocols.
Key Highlights
- Four distinct geographical ward seats are up for election to serve four-year terms.
- Official candidate filing commences on July 13, 2026, and concludes on August 7, 2026.
- Prospective candidates must secure 50 valid signatures from registered voters within their specific ward.
- Mandatory informational workshops will be hosted in person and online on June 24 and July 22, 2026.
Midpen Peninsula Regional Open Space District Local Election Overview
The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District has formally announced that 3 Directors positions are currently open for public contention.
Citizens interested in local conservation policy are encouraged to click, learn, think, act, vote and run for office to shape regional preservation strategies.
Register for Upcoming Candidate Filing Workshops
Prospective candidates can register to attend official Candidate Filing Seminars designed to clarify legal requirements.
The first session takes place on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, running from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Participants can attend at 40 Tower Road, San Mateo, CA 94402 or join online via the Microsoft Teams platform.
A secondary session is scheduled for Wednesday, July 22, 2026, also from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This meeting will similarly occur at 40 Tower Road, San Mateo, CA 94402 or online through Microsoft Teams.
Mandated Appointments for Campaign Declaration
Individuals must make an appointment to declare your candidacy with election officials. According to the official San Mateo County Election Calendar, the specific filing dates span from Monday, July 13th to Friday, August 7th, 2026.
Administrative regulations dictate that official nomination forms cannot be mailed to you directly.
Midpen Board Openings: Geographic Breakdown
The special district is organized into seven distinct geographical zones. Each separate territory is represented by a single elected leader who serves a four-year term.
Eligible candidates must be at least 18 years old, reside within the boundary, and be registered voters in the specific zone they wish to represent. Those seeking office are legally required to accumulate fifty (50) valid signatures from registered voters residing within their territory using a dedicated nomination paper provided solely by the District Clerk.
Candidates must also file Form 501, the Candidate Intention Statement, with the District Clerk prior to collecting or spending any political campaign funds. This documentation is available directly from the District Clerk.
Inquiries and requests for data can be directed via email to clerk@openspace.org.
The upcoming open seats include:
Ward 1 Map: Incumbent Craig Gleason (Term ends 2026). This zone encompasses Cupertino, Lexington Hills, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, and Saratoga.
Ward 2 Map: Incumbent Yoriko Kishimoto (Term ends 2026). This boundary includes Cupertino, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Loyola, Mountain View, Palo Alto, and Stanford.
Ward 5 Map: Incumbent Karen C. Holman (Term ends 2026). This area covers East Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Mountain View, Palo Alto, and Sunnyvale.
Ward 6 Map: Incumbent Margaret MacNiven (Term ends 2026). This extensive sector represents Atherton, La Honda, Ladera, Loma Mar, Menlo Park, North Fair Oaks, Pescadero, Portola Valley, Redwood City, West Menlo Park, and Woodside.
On November 3, 2026, the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (Midpen) will hold a General Election for the following Board of Directors seats: Ward 1, Ward 2, Ward 5, and Ward 6.
The formal nomination period for the upcoming November 3, 2026, General Election begins July 13, 2026, and closes at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 7, 2026. If a sitting incumbent fails to file valid paperwork by the 5:00 p.m. deadline on August 7, 2026, the window automatically extends by five (5) days to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, restricted to non-incumbents.
As the cycle progresses, public rosters will detail individuals who pull paperwork and those who formally file. Verified qualifiers will be posted after the signature verification phase. The final day to voluntarily withdraw a declaration of candidacy is Friday, August 7, at 5:00 p.m., assuming no extension occurs.
California Elections Code section 10515 mandates that if the number of qualified candidates matches or is lower than the open seats, an automatic appointment occurs in lieu of a public vote.
District Clerk Maria Soria, MMC, serves as the primary point of contact for candidate support. Appointments can be scheduled by calling (650) 691-1200 or emailing msoria@openspace.org.
Interactive Ward Verification Map
Potential candidates can utilize the online Midpen Interactive Map to find your ward and verify residential eligibility.
Future Outlook
The outcome of the November 2026 election will directly influence the environmental preservation and land management policies of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District for the next four years. With four out of seven board seats up for a vote, a structural shift in leadership priorities could occur if new challengers successfully unseat incumbents. The upcoming candidate filing seminars in June and July will serve as the initial gauge of public interest and political competition in the region.
FAQs
What are the age and residency requirements to run for the Midpen Board of Directors?
Candidates must be at least 18 years of age on or before the election date. They must also be registered voters and legal residents of the specific geographical ward they are running to represent.
How many signatures are required to qualify for the ballot?
Prospective candidates must collect at least 50 valid signatures from registered voters who live within the boundaries of that specific ward. These signatures must be submitted on official forms provided by the District Clerk.
What happens if only one candidate files for an open ward seat?
Under California Elections Code section 10515, if the number of qualified candidates is less than or equal to the number of open seats, the qualified candidate will be appointed to the board in lieu of holding a public election.
When does the candidate filing window close for the 2026 election?
The standard nomination period closes at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 7, 2026. However, if an incumbent fails to file by this deadline, the filing window for non-incumbents is extended by five days to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.
