Will Benicia City Council incumbents run unopposed? Deadline to file is Friday

Only incumbents have filed to run for the two Benicia City Council seats up for election in November. Candidates have until 4 p.m. Friday to enter the race.

Terry Scott and Kari Birdseye have both announced their plans to seek re-election for a second term on the Council. (If you want to see them in action, the City Council meets tonight.)

What’s at stake: The City Council has a heavy workload ahead. Future members will grapple with how to fill a gap in tax revenue to fund city services and revamp the economy after Valero closed the long-running refinery.

Benicia’s budget was already strained. The 2025-26 budget was the first balanced budget passed in six years without dipping into reserves for operational costs. And the city has significant deferred maintenance, including streets and sidewalks, water and wastewater infrastructure and building repair. 

Council members will also be tasked with considering two massive development proposals, including the redevelopment of Valero lands, that combined could bring more than 5,000 new homes to the rolling hills on E. 2nd St. between Lake Herman Road and Rose Drive. 

What the candidates say: The Benicia Independent has published profiles of both candidates, which can be read here: Kari Birdseye and Terry Scott.

“We’re in the middle of the most important transition Benicia has faced in decades,” Birdseye told the Benicia Independent. “I’m running for reelection to continue my transparent, intelligent, independent leadership to this city. The next four years will require a steady focus on what’s best for our community in the short and long term. I’m ready, steady and committed to service.”

“I love this city. I have served it with everything I have, and I am proud of what we have accomplished together,” Scott said in a campaign announcement. “But loving this City means seeing it clearly, including both the challenges and the extraordinary opportunities that lie ahead of us.”

What it takes to run: Residents of Benicia interested in running for city council can file for free with the City Clerk. The city will pay to have candidate statements in the voter guide as long as they sign a voluntary agreement to run a fair campaign.

Potential candidates must be a resident of Benicia, registered to vote at their current address, and gather 30 signatures from local registered voters.

What do you want the candidates to be talking about as they ask for your vote? 

The Benicia Bridge is planning our essential election coverage on City Council and Benicia Unified School Board candidates, as well as local ballot initiatives. Let us know what topics you want candidates to talk about and what kind of coverage you want to read. Reply to this email or contact us at news@thebeniciabridge.com.