I love Santa Cruz deeply. At this critical moment, I’m running for Mayor so we can fight for our future – together.
I’m the only candidate endorsed by the Democratic Women’s Club, Firefighters, Sentinel, Lookout, Planned Parenthood Mar Monte, Carpenters Union, and thousands of Santa Cruzans.
As Mayor, I will:
• Fight out-of-scale development, protect neighborhoods and create affordable housing for locals.
• End unmanaged encampments through accountability and effective, humane solutions.
• Keep neighborhoods and downtown clean, safe and beautiful.
• Fill vacant storefronts, create jobs and a permanent Farmers’ Market.
• Protect our greenbelt, parks and bay.
• Require UCSC to build housing before it grows.
• Resist the Trump Administration’s targeting of undocumented and LGBTQ+ neighbors.
• Prepare for natural disasters.
• Install public art.
• Improve affordability for seniors and working people.
• Ensure families thrive.
For decades, I’ve delivered results: launching programs for low-income families; bringing the Warriors to Santa Cruz; passing the Clean Oceans, Rivers and Beaches initiative; establishing Cotoni-Coast Dairies National Monument, community-owned clean energy and a hotline for day laborers; taking on the Trump Administration, big banks and vacation rentals; organizing trash cleanups and food drives.
Why Community Leaders Support Ryan
Dr. Faris Sabbah, Santa Cruz County Superintendent of Schools
"I’ve seen firsthand Ryan’s deep commitment to ensuring that every child in our community has the opportunities to thrive. For our kids and future generations, please join me in supporting Ryan for Mayor."
Luis Alejo, Former Mayor of Watsonville & Immigrant Rights Advocate
"Ryan and I have worked together to advocate for vulnerable people in our region for more than two decades. We've fought the cruelty of Trump and ICE. We've increased opportunity. Ryan has been there for the Latino community in Santa Cruz and will be again. He has my full endorsement for Mayor."
Gail Pellerin, Assemblymember
"Ryan has always been a great champion of democracy. We've worked together to make voting easier and more accessible. At a time when democracy is under attack, it is more critical than ever that our local leaders rebuild our civic foundations. I trust Ryan as my Mayor to do just that."
Former Mayor Martine Watkins
"I’m thrilled that Ryan is running for mayor of Santa Cruz. He brings an extraordinary combination of experience, expertise, and a deep love of Santa Cruz—and he’s exactly the leader we need in these uncertain times."
Andrew & Alexis Ow, Youth Soccer Volunteers
"We've spent countless hours on the sidelines of youth sports with Ryan and his family. He is deeply committed to ensuring all kids in our community have healthy, fun, and enriching opportunities. We join hundreds of other families in our excitement about Ryan being our Mayor."
Cara Pearson, President of Pacific Cookie Company
"As a local small business owner and Downtown Association board member, I’ve worked closely with Ryan Coonerty for years. Ryan possesses a rare combination of deep institutional knowledge and a genuine willingness to listen to all sides of an issue. He doesn’t just understand the unique challenges facing our business community—he delivers results. Ryan is smart, authentic, and exactly the decisive leader our city needs. I am proud to endorse him for Mayor. "
