City Council and Town Council Candidates on the ballot for November 3, 2026
Is democracy thriving in the Morongo Basin? Two contested districts in Twentynine Palms and one in Yucca Valley point to...maybe.
An update has been made to Carlos Blandon’s biography and campaign statement
City clerks for Twentynine Palms and Yucca Valley just released the slate of candidates who will be running for City and Town Council in the Morongo Basin’s two incorporated cities. We reached out to candidates to supply biographical information and a campaign statement. We reproduce them below as they submitted them to us. Our thanks to city clerks Cindy Villescas (Twentynine Palms) and Brooke Dudra (Yucca Valley) for providing certified slates and to candidates for sending their statements and photos.
For the first time since 2020, one incumbent Yucca Valley Town Council member faces a challenger. This is an encouraging step, even if it is one seat out of three. Here’s to more participatory democracy in the future.
Twentynine Palms Residents who want to hear from the Twentynine Palms candidates directly and ask questions–and we know you have questions!–should mark Saturday, September 26 on their calendars. The Desert Trumpet will be hosting a City Council Candidate Forum at the Freedom Plaza Community Center / Gym from 3 to 5 pm. We’ll be announcing our partners for that event as we get closer to the date. If there is an upcoming candidate forum in Yucca Valley, we’ll spread the word.
Residents will vote for Council candidates in the general election on November 3, 2026.
City of Twentynine Palms
All three incumbent candidates up for re-election this year announced at July 14th’s City Council meeting that they had pulled papers to run in the 2026 election. Twentynine Palms council members are currently paid $465 a month, with pay set to rise to $700 a month after the election, along with benefits and expense reimbursements. Term lengths are four years. This year, incumbents face challengers in two of the three districts they represent.
Use this tool to find out which City Council district you live in.
DISTRICT 3
Mayor Daniel Mintz
Mayor Daniel Mintz is running unopposed for this seat. In an email that he sent to the Desert Trumpet he said: Since I am running unopposed, my campaign message is I will continue to work hard for all of 29 Palms.
DISTRICT 4
Carlos Blandon
Biography
Born and raised in the Coachella Valley, I have deep roots in 29 Palms and the surrounding Desert. After earning an associate’s in Geography from College of the Desert and a bachelor’s from Sacramento State, I served with AmeriCorps, learning how to strengthen communities and encourage civic engagement. My candidacy is driven by a commitment to give back to 29 Palms, the community that shaped my values. I’ve seen both the challenges and the promise of our region, and I’m ready to help create lasting improvements for my neighbors.
Candidate Statement
I’m seeking your vote for District 4 councilmember for 29 Palms. As a geographer with government experience, I’m committed to sustainable growth—supporting new businesses and housing while protecting our natural resources and desert heritage. Responsible development means using water wisely, supporting local jobs, and maintaining open spaces for future generations.
Raised in the desert, I’ve focused my education and career on regional planning. My realistic approach emphasizes collaboration and equitable development, and a non-combative approach will benefit our city by increasing property values, creating jobs, and lowering transportation costs. Areas like Adobe Road and Twentynine Palms Highway could be revitalized with new housing, businesses, and public spaces linked to improved transit, fostering vibrant mixed-use spaces and protecting our visual resources.
Let’s work together for the common good. No one can solve our challenges alone, but everyone has a role to play. Development is both a right and a responsibility; we must ensure everyone can thrive and access essential resources. Together, we can create a brighter future for 29 Palms.
Karmolette O’Gilvie
Biography and Campaign Statement
For more than 33 years, Twentynine Palms has been the place my family proudly calls home. As a retired military family, we have experienced firsthand the values of service, sacrifice, and community. My husband served our nation for 25 years, and together we raised our children here. Today, our grandchildren are growing up in the same city we love.
My life’s work has always been about serving others. As a Registered Nurse, educator, and community volunteer, I have dedicated my career to caring for people, solving problems, and building relationships. Those experiences have shaped my belief that good leadership begins by listening, treating people with respect, and making decisions that serve the entire community.
Twentynine Palms is growing and changing. We have an opportunity to strengthen public safety, support local businesses, create quality jobs, invest in our parks and neighborhoods, and encourage responsible growth while preserving the unique character that makes our desert community special.
I believe in transparent leadership, fiscal responsibility, and working together to find practical solutions. I will always put people before politics and focus on what is best for our residents, our military community, and future generations.
I am running for City Council District 4 because I believe our best days are ahead. Together, we can build a stronger, safer, and more vibrant Twentynine Palms.
Community First
Assess the Needs
Responsible Solutions
Every Voice Matters
Incumbent Mayor Pro Tem Octavious Scott
Biography
Octavious Scott was born and raised in Palm Springs, California. He attended Palm Springs High School and graduated from South Medford High School in Oregon in 2005.
After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served for eight years as an Aviation Ordnanceman. His military service included deployments throughout Asia, the Pacific, and the Middle East in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the Global War on Terrorism. He was honorably discharged in 2013.
Mr. Scott holds an associate degree in general studies from Columbia College of Missouri, a bachelor’s degree in management from Golden Gate University, a master’s degree in leadership from Saint Mary’s College of California, and a graduate certificate in public administration from Golden Gate University.
Before entering public service, he worked as a program manager in the nonprofit sector, specializing in workforce development programs.
Mr. Scott moved to Twentynine Palms in 2019 to be closer to family. As a member of the City Council, his top priorities include promoting prosperity, affordability, and quality of life for all residents of Twentynine Palms.
Campaign Statement:
I am seeking reelection to the Twentynine Palms City Council because I believe our city has a bright future. Once reelected, I will keep working to make Twentynine Palms a place where businesses want to invest, jobs can grow, families can put down roots, and young people can see a future here. I will work to increase opportunities for homeownership, encourage housing for a range of income levels, and protect what makes Twentynine Palms a great place to live.
Since taking office in 2022, I have worked with city staff and council members to expand youth opportunities through a Youth Council, modernize our development policies to reduce red tape for small businesses and encourage housing development, organize neighborhood cleanups, and build partnerships that connect residents with local resources.
I was born and raised in the Southern California desert, served eight years in the U.S. Navy, and currently serve as Mayor Pro Tem. After leaving the Navy, I earned a bachelor’s degree in management, a master’s degree in leadership, and a graduate certificate in public administration. My professional experience includes nonprofit management.
It has been an honor to serve our community. Thank you for your continued trust and support.
DISTRICT 5
Shanese Risper
Biography
Shanese Risper is a retired United States Marine and longtime Twentynine Palms resident with nearly three decades of community service. She holds a Master’s in Business from the University of Southern California and a Master’s in Human Resource Management. She brings extensive leadership experience from military service, business, and nonprofit outreach. Her service has included addressing food insecurity, supporting local families, and developing programs and partnerships to strengthen the community. Shanese also served with Soroptimist International of Twentynine Palms for more than a decade, including approximately six years as president, supporting educational opportunities for women and girls throughout the Morongo Basin.
Campaign Statement
Building a Stronger 29. I am running for Twentynine Palms City Council, District 5, because I believe strong communities are built through service, integrity, collaboration, and action. After nearly three decades of serving our community, I am ready to bring that experience to City Hall. My priorities include expanding opportunities for our youth, supporting responsible economic growth and job creation, strengthening resources for residents in need, improving disaster preparedness, and ensuring every resident has an opportunity to succeed. I will listen, ask questions, build partnerships, and work to bring people together. Together, we can build a stronger, more connected and resilient Twentynine Palms.
Incumbent Councilmember McArthur Wright
Biography
McArthur Wright is a retired United States Marine Corps veteran, ordained minister, and dedicated public servant who has proudly called Twentynine Palms home since 2002. He has served on the Twentynine Palms City Council for more than 11 years, including two terms as Mayor. Professionally, he serves as the Assistant Manager of the Career Resource Office at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, helping service members successfully transition to civilian life. He also serves as Associate Pastor of Gospel Fellowship Christian Center Church and Athletic Director of the Warhawks Youth Football program. McArthur is committed to serving with integrity, accountability, and compassion.
Candidate Statement
It has been an honor to serve the residents of Twentynine Palms, and I am asking for your support as I seek reelection to the City Council for District 5. My priorities remain investing in our youth, supporting our veterans and military families, strengthening public safety, improving infrastructure, and fostering responsible economic growth. I will continue working closely with the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, San Bernardino County, and our state partners to bring valuable resources and opportunities to our community. I believe leadership begins with listening, making thoughtful decisions, and always putting the interests of our residents first.
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Yucca Valley Town Council
Three of the five seats on the Yucca Valley Town Council are up this year:
District 1: Mayor Pro Tem Jim Schooler
District 3: Mayor Merl Abel
District 5: Councilmember Rick Denison
All three incumbents are running this year. Only Council member Denison faces a challenger. In a participatory democracy, ideally all seats would be contested, but this is a good start in races that have not seen challengers since the beginning of this decade.
DISTRICT 1
Incumbent Mary Pro Tem Jim Schooler
Biography
Born and raised in Southern California, Jim has been proud to call Yucca Valley home since 1976. He is a US Navy veteran and a graduate of California State University Northridge. He has been a small business owner, local media representative, and director of the Town of Yucca Valley’s Community Services Department. Jim has served his community as a board member and past president of the Yucca Valley Jaycees, the Basin Wide Foundation, the Lincoln Club of the Morongo Basin, the Hawk’s Landing Players Association and others. He and his wife Dawn reside in Yucca Valley and enjoy visiting their five grown children and seven grandchildren.
Candidate Statement
After moving to Yucca Valley in my twenties, I quickly became attached to the small-town lifestyle and the opportunities to be involved and help shape local activities, events and decisions. I believe that my local government background, creativity, common sense, and leadership experience qualify me to be an informed and productive councilmember.
My community experience includes:
Member of the Yucca Valley Town Council
20+ years as a Department Head with the Town of Yucca Valley
3+ years as Field Representative for a California State Senator
Former owner / operator of a Yucca Valley small business
Extensive volunteerism and leadership with local organizations
I am a veteran who believes that local government is the most responsive form of government, most accountable to the people it serves, and presents the best opportunity for people to have a voice in the affairs that affect them. With the support of my family, I look forward to continuing my service on the Yucca Valley Town Council.
DISTRICT 3
Incumbent Mayor Merl Abel
Mayor Merl Abel is running unopposed and did not provide a biography or campaign statement.
DISTRICT 5
Dion Antic
Biography
Dion Antic is a 43-year veteran of the hospitality industry and a Chicago-born designer, entrepreneur, and self-taught venue builder. Over his career he has conceived, opened, and operated countless restaurants, bars, and lounges across the country—including Iggy’s, Harry’s Velvet Room, and the legendary Get Me High Lounge—along with The Cliffdiver in Malibu. Today he owns and operates Snakebite Roadhouse in Yucca Valley and SBR29 in Twentynine Palms, with more projects on the horizon. After a decade in Malibu before the fires, Dion now calls Yucca Valley home, bringing his signature eye for design and atmosphere to every project while championing the local arts, music, and community he loves.
Campaign Statement
I’m running because I believe Yucca Valley’s best days are ahead of us. As a longtime supporter of community efforts, my focus is revitalizing the Old Town district into a true arts destination—one that champions our local arts and music scenes and turns vacant, unused properties into spaces that serve our community, our kids, and creative programs. I’ll also work to streamline our planning and permit process, including a concierge program that helps residents and businesses navigate it with ease, and to loosen the restrictions that hold back our community’s creative expression. Let’s build a Yucca Valley that works for everyone.
Incumbent Councilmember Rick Denison
Biography
Born and raised in Orange County, California, I moved to Yucca Valley in 1976. In 1978, I began college at College of the Desert, Orange County, and later in San Diego, aspiring to become a firefighter paramedic. I then attended the Miramar Fire Academy and Paramedic School at Crafton Hills College. My challenging yet rewarding career led me to retire as a Battalion Chief in 2016. In 1991, my wife Kathy and I married, making Yucca Valley our home and raising two beautiful daughters. In 2014, before retirement, I was elected to the Town Council and continue serving today. My wife and I enjoy being part of this beautiful community and actively participate in events that support our entire Morongo Basin from youth to seniors.
Campaign Statement
When elected, my goals were to strengthen public safety, improve roads and infrastructure, and enhance residents’ activities while maintaining a balanced budget. These have been accomplished, but we have more to do. I advocate for investments in our Morongo Basin by representing Yucca Valley on regional transportation and planning agencies, including the SBCTA Board of Directors, Mountain/Desert Policy Committee, San Bernardino County LAFCO, SCAG, and Chair of the SCAG Energy and Environment Committee. My commitment to service, from firefighter to elected official, provides leadership to listen and collaborate. With your support, I’ll continue my commitment to Yucca Valley. Learn more at reelectdenison.com
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