Local Politics
Democrat Mike McGuire defeated Republican Rep. James Gallagher in California's 1st Congressional District, with the AP calling the race shortly before 9 p.m. on Nov. 3, 2026. McGuire led 58% to 42% with about 43% of votes counted. The district was redrawn during Gov. Gavin Newsom-led redistricting to extend through Lake County and into Sonoma County, incorporating Santa Rosa and Healdsburg. Gallagher, elected in June to fill the term of the late Rep. Doug LaMalfa, had campaigned against the new map as disenfranchising conservative-leaning Northern California counties.
Public Safety · Mendocino County
Cal Fire Mendocino Unit Chief Brandon Gunn formally canceled the county-wide burn permit suspension as of Sunday morning, allowing holders of valid agriculture and residential burn permits to resume burning on permissible days. Agriculture burns must be inspected by Cal Fire prior to burning until the end of peak fire season, and landowners are responsible for checking with local fire agencies for additional permits or restrictions. Separately, Cal Fire scheduled a prescribed burn in South Covelo beginning Tuesday, Nov. 3, treating approximately 300 acres of chaparral and understory vegetation within oak woodlands and mixed conifer habitats. Daily burning will run from approximately 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Nov. 5, 2026, as favorable weather conditions allow.
Local Politics · Ukiah, CA
All three incumbents in the Ukiah City Council race led eight candidates after the first results were posted at 8:07 p.m. Nov. 3 by the Mendocino County Elections Office. Council members Juan Orozco, Susan Sher, and Mari Rodin held the top three vote totals, with challengers John Strangio and Robert Bazzani close behind. The top three vote-getters will earn or keep their seats on the City Council.
Local Politics · Mendocino County
Early results posted by the Mendocino County Elections Office at 8:07 p.m. Nov. 3 showed candidate Eric Hart leading the Third District Supervisor race with 1,394 votes (54.41 percent) over Buffey Wright Bourassa's 1,168 votes (45.59 percent). The seat is currently held by John Haschak, who declined to run again. The Elections Office indicated additional numbers would be released as counting continued.
Local Politics · Ukiah, CA
The Ukiah City Council will discuss the status of the long-vacant Palace Hotel at its regular meeting Wednesday, Nov. 4, at 5:15 p.m. In November 2023, the city's Building Official deemed the downtown building "an imminent risk to people and property" due to advanced deterioration. Owner Tom Carter previously told the council he expected a letter from a local architect declaring the building structurally sound, but as of the Nov. 4 agenda publication, no such letter had been received. Staff confirmed the building has neither been fully stabilized nor demolished. The meeting is at 300 Seminary Avenue or via Zoom.
