No Surprises in Local City Council Elections As Incumbents Sweep

[Updated June 3, 2026 | 2:08 a.m.]   The Pasadena incumbents retained their City Council seats on Tuesday.

Election results as of early Wednesday showed overwhelming victories from City Council incumbents as Justin Jones, Jess Rivas and Jason Lyon were elected by voters to additional four-year terms. 

In the 3rd District, Jones led with 76.33 percent of the vote, receiving 1,635 ballots. His challenger, Erica Margarita Muñoz, garnered 23.67 percent, with 507 votes.

In the 5th District, Rivas ran unopposed and captured 100 percent of the vote, totaling 1,867 ballots.

In the 7th District, Lyon secured 82.93 percent of the vote, with 3,041 ballots cast in his favor. Challenger Alethea O’Toole received 17.07 percent, or 626 votes.

Jones thanked his wife, family, and district liaison for “the incredible sacrifice and support that made this victory possible.”

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to the residents of District 3 for their continued faith and confidence in me,” said Jones. “It is a profound honor and privilege to put the needs of our neighborhoods first, above all else.

“Looking ahead, I am fully committed to listening to our community, serving with accountability, and continuing to oversee the delivery of the excellent municipal services our residents rely on every single day. 

“This community knows my track record, but they also know my story. I am a proud product of PUSD and a reflection of what is possible for anyone who comes from poverty. I have lived across the entire economic fabric of Pasadena and my journey is a reflection of the support and investment of this community. Because I have lived those struggles firsthand, I will never look past them, and I will never forget exactly who I represent on the City Council and I am grateful for every person who I have had the honor of representing.”

On the ballot, Jones and Lyon faced Erica Margarita Muñoz and Alethea O’Toole, respectively. 

Neither candidate launched a major campaign in the respective races, and according to at least one media report, O’Toole backed out sometime after the ballot deadline, which is why her name remained on the ballot.

Meanwhile, the incumbents continued to engage the voters with door-to-door canvassing and local campaign events.

“I am so humbled by the trust the voters of District 7 have placed in me, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve,” said Lyon.

“This campaign was about building a shared vision of a more vibrant Pasadena, and I am glad that resonated with residents. I am excited to take on the challenges and opportunities coming up for our city over the next four years.”

Jones, Lyon, and Rivas will remain at the dais as the City Council continues to navigate difficult situations, including the presence of immigration agents in Pasadena.

A presidential administration that continues to without funds from cities that don’t comply with its agenda.

The administration continues to target funding for programs related to climate change, LGBTQ+ initiatives, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, and “sanctuary” jurisdictions.

Locally, the City Council continues its search for a new City Manager, and the redevelopment of the 710 stub will continue to return to the City Council.

Meanwhile, affordable housing and homelessness continue to remain top issues around the dais.

Councilmembers are also evaluating long-term investments in emergency response capabilities, disaster resilience, and community recovery programs to better prepare the City for future catastrophic events.

At the same time, city leaders are grappling with significant Fire Department needs, including aging fire stations, increasing emergency call volumes, and growing demands related to wildfire response and emergency medical services. Discussions have included more than $200 million in potential fire infrastructure investments. Combined with an estimated $125 million in unfunded street and sidewalk repair needs, the City faces difficult decisions about how to address deteriorating infrastructure while maintaining essential public services. Officials are also exploring possible new revenue sources to fund both fire protection and long-overdue street and facility improvements.