In the upcoming Nov. 3 election, Hayward voters will elect two members to the City Council to represent District 1 and District 6.
District 1
In District 1, which comprises the city’s northeastern region neighborhoods like Hayward Hills and Mission Foothills, and the campus of California State University, East Bay, incumbent Councilmember George Syrop will face business owner Brian Schott.
Syrop, who was elected to the City Council in 2022, lists reduction in crime and homelessness and the construction of more than 500 housing units as highlights from his first term as councilmember, according to his candidate statement submitted to the city of Hayward.
Now, he is seeking reelection on a platform of attracting more businesses to the Downtown Loop area, expanding renter protections, and improving public safety and wildfire preparedness.
“We deserve elected leaders who put people over profit, which is why my campaign has refused to take corporate money from day one,” Syrop said in his statement. “Born and raised in Hayward, and the only renter on City Council, delivering results for our city has been my top priority since being elected.”
Syrop’s candidacy is endorsed by U.S. Rep. Aisha Wahab, D-Castro Valley, Assemblymember Liz Ortega, D-Hayward, Alameda County Supervisor Elisa Marquez, Hayward Mayor Mark Salinas, and Councilmembers Ray Bonilla, Francisco Zermeno, Dan Goldstein, Julie Roche and Angela Andrews.
His challenger, Schott, is a business owner who has served on the Hayward Planning Commission, the St. Rose Hospital Foundation Board of Directors, and the Hayward Chamber of Commerce.
According to his candidate statement, if elected, Schott’s priorities will be reducing emergency response times, preventing crime, monitoring homeless encampments, and increasing affordable housing.
“I’m the product of Hayward schools and own a family business here,” said Schott in his candidate statement. “I know firsthand what it takes to run a small business in good times and bad times: making tough decisions, providing outstanding customer service, building a team of great employees, balancing a budget and living within our means.”
District 6
In District 6, incumbent Councilmember Julie Roche is the only candidate who has qualified for the November elections.
Roche, an attorney by profession, was elected to the City Council in 2022 to represent District 6, comprising the city’s southern neighborhoods like Fairway Park, and the Tennyson-Alquire and Mission-Garin areas.
Good governance, public safety, affordable housing, and environmental stewardship are some of Roche’s priorities as she seeks reelection for another term in office, according to her campaign website.
“I’m focused on fiscal responsibility, good governance, ensuring a safe community in partnership with Hayward police and fire professionals, and protecting our precious natural environment,” Roche said in her candidate statement.