Preliminary election results show that Hayward District 1 Councilmember George Syrop is on track to retain his seat for another term.
Syrop on Tuesday night had secured 56.7% of the vote, compared to 43.3% for his opponent, business owner Brian Schott, in his bid to represent 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.
Updated vote totals are scheduled to be released by Friday afternoon, according to the Alameda County Registrar of Voters website.
Syrop was elected to the City Council in 2022 and listed reductions 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.
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 challenger Schott has served on the Hayward Planning Commission, the St. Rose Hospital Foundation Board of Directors, and the Hayward Chamber of Commerce.
In his candidate statement, Schott said he would prioritize 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.”