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."
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."
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. "
