Pasadena Nominating Period Opens; Incumbents, Challengers Pull Papers for Council Races

[Editor’s note: This article originally ran a photo of Councilmember Tyron Hampton in error. We sincerely apologize to Councilmember Jason Lyon for that inadvertent mistake.]

Pasadena’s nominating period for the June 2 municipal election is now open, and the first candidates have begun taking steps to secure places on the ballot.

District 3 Councilmember Justin Jones and District 7 Councilmember Jason Lyon pulled nomination papers Monday to seek reelection to their respective seats.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the residents of District 7 for the past three and a half years. I’m proud of what we have accomplished— and there’s so much more work to be done, especially as we enter a challenging fiscal period. On June 2, I will be asking voters to allow me to serve another four years on the City Council,” Lyon told Pasadena Now.

Jones also touted achievements for residents in his District.

“Together with District 3 residents and liaison, we have achieved significant progress and advanced real improvements that strengthen the quality of life in our community,” said Jones. “I look forward to the opportunity to continue our work and building an even stronger future for District 3 residents.”

Two challengers — Alexandra Annala and local attorney Chad Pratt — pulled papers to run against the incumbents.

Annala previously applied for a seat on the City’s oversight commission, while Pratt earlier sought appointment to the Pasadena Rental Housing Board, marking both as newcomers to Council races but with prior involvement in City processes.

Voters in June will choose representatives in three Districts — 3, 5 and 7 — currently represented by Jones, Vice Mayor Jess Rivas and Lyon. All three incumbents are expected to seek reelection, though Rivas had not yet been listed among those who pulled papers as of Monday.

The Vice Mayor is expected to pull papers soon.

The City Clerk’s Office officially opened the filing window this week. Candidacy papers must be submitted by 5 p.m. Friday, March 6. If an incumbent fails to file, the deadline for challengers in that District extends to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 11.

Eligibility rules require candidates to be registered voters residing within District boundaries when nomination documents are issued. Petitions must contain at least 25 valid signatures from District voters. The filing fee is $25, and candidates who wish to publish a statement in the sample ballot booklet must submit a $750 deposit.

To assist prospective candidates, the City will host a workshop at City Hall, 100 North Garfield Ave., Room S228 at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday. The session will last about an hour and include distribution of nomination materials and a question-and-answer period.

The upcoming contest will be Pasadena’s first municipal election since the Eaton Fire. In response, the City Clerk has added information for displaced voters to the elections webpage, along with updated guidance for candidates.

Residents can obtain nomination papers by appointment through the City Clerk’s Office by phone at (626) 744-4124 or by email. City Hall offices will be closed Feb. 12 and Feb. 16.

Additional election information is available on the City’s website. Voter registration services are offered at City Hall, local libraries, post offices and online through the state’s registration portal.