Imperial Beach Mayoral Candidates Compete for Leadership Role
Three candidates are running to become mayor of Imperial Beach in the November 2026 election, each bringing different backgrounds and priorities to the race. Karl Bradley, a retired school administrator, is focusing on addressing the Tijuana River sewage crisis and supporting local firefighters and small businesses. Matthew Leyba-Gonzalez, a current city council member and union official, represents another perspective in the contest for the position, which carries an annual salary of $21,000.
Imperial Beach's mayoral race reflects a shift in local governance priorities as three candidates seek a position with modest compensation but significant symbolic authority. The role grants the mayor expanded agenda-setting power within the city council structure and representation in regional bodies, though day-to-day municipal operations remain under a city manager's purview. Each candidate has emphasized the Tijuana River sewage crisis as a central concern, suggesting this environmental issue dominates local political discourse.
The candidates represent different civic entry points: Bradley brings education sector experience and grassroots activism, Leyba-Gonzalez offers established government service with labor union backing, and McKay represents incumbent continuity. Their contrasting priorities—from federal agency oversight to tenant protections to departmental communication—indicate diverse constituent concerns beyond the shared environmental challenge.
The election could shape Imperial Beach's advocacy approach on cross-border environmental issues and municipal service delivery for this coastal community. The competitive field may influence how effectively the city pursues regional coordination on the Tijuana River crisis and addresses quality-of-life concerns like housing affordability and emergency services. The outcome could affect residents' perception of city responsiveness and may determine whether future leadership emphasizes activist positioning versus administrative collaboration with existing agencies.