Local Politics · Hayward, CA
Data Centers, Policing Top Key Issues in Hayward November Elections
Hayward's November municipal elections are being shaped by opposition to the Stack data center on Eden Landing Road, policing priorities, and housing costs. Mayor Mark Salinas authored a referral for a temporary moratorium on new data center construction following community pushback at the Sept. 15 city council meeting, while challenger Tom Wong has called for an outright ban and revocation of existing permits. Council member George Syrop co-authored the moratorium referral and also advocates a future ban; his opponent Brian Schott has not made public statements on data centers. On policing, Salinas supports Flock cameras and drone-as-first-responder programs, while Syrop voted against drones and previously advocated police demilitarization. A 2025 Resident Satisfaction Survey found housing costs, freeway traffic congestion, and homelessness as residents' top concerns, with crime rated fourth.