Palmdale’s mayor is no longer chosen by voters — and many residents still don’t know it.
- Richard Sykes
- 8 hours ago
- 4 min read
PALMDALE, CA — Since 2022, the City of Palmdale has used a rotating, council‑selected mayoral system, replacing the long‑standing practice of electing a mayor directly. The shift happened quietly during the city’s transition to district‑based elections, and it continues to generate confusion, frustration, and organized opposition among residents.
A Major Change With Minimal Public Awareness
Palmdale’s current mayor is not elected by voters. Instead, the City Council selects one of its own members each December to serve a one‑year term, with no member allowed to serve consecutive terms. This process is outlined in Palmdale Municipal Code section 2.08.010, which directs the council to appoint both a mayor and mayor pro tem annually. 1
This system was adopted after Palmdale moved from at‑large elections to a five‑district council structure, a change driven by legal pressure under the California Voting Rights Act (CVRA). The shift away from a directly elected mayor occurred during this transition, and many residents remain unaware that the mayoral vote was removed.
How the Rotating Mayor Is Chosen
The council meets in early December.
Members nominate one of their colleagues.
A majority vote determines the mayor for the next calendar year.
The process repeats annually, creating a rotation among council districts.
In December 2025, for example, the council appointed Eric Olson as mayor and Austin Bishop as mayor pro tem following a voice vote. 1
Why the Change Happened
According to legal experts who briefed the council, returning to a citywide elected mayor is not straightforward. Attorney Kevin Shankman explained that the CVRA and related state laws make reinstating an at‑large mayor legally difficult while the city uses district elections. He cited:
The city’s past litigation over racially polarized voting
Government Code section 34886, which allows cities to adopt district elections but does not provide a path back to at‑large positions
Court precedent limiting voter initiatives that conflict with state‑delegated legislative authority 2
Shankman emphasized that demographic changes — including three majority‑Latino districts — alter the legal landscape compared to earlier years. 2
Public Opposition: “A Grotesque Example of Arrogance”
Opposition to the rotating mayor system has been vocal and persistent.
During public comment at council meetings:
Residents argued the system removes accountability, preventing voters from choosing the city’s top elected representative.
Speakers urged the council to restore direct elections or at least conduct a statistically valid public survey.
One resident called the appointment system “a grotesque example of arrogance,” urging the council to delay appointments until public input could be gathered. 1
Others said they would sign petitions if the council refused to act. 2
Supporters of the current system argue that rotating leadership:
Ensures equal representation across districts
Prevents concentration of power
Aligns with the city’s redistricting goals
A Growing Movement to Restore the Elected Mayor
Pressure from residents has led to renewed political momentum.
In July 2026, the council voted to place a ballot measure on the November 3, 2026 statewide ballot asking voters whether Palmdale should restore a directly elected, citywide mayor serving a four‑year term. If approved, the first election would occur in November 2028. 3
This ballot measure represents the first major opportunity for residents to reclaim the ability to elect their mayor.
Elected Mayor vs. Rotating Mayor
Feature | Elected Mayor | Rotating Mayor |
Selection Method | Directly elected by citywide voters | Selected annually by City Council |
Term Length | Typically 4 years | 1 year |
Consecutive Terms Allowed | Yes | No |
Accountability | Directly accountable to voters | Accountable to City Council |
Representation | Citywide mandate | Rotates among council districts |
Stability | More stable leadership | Leadership changes annually |
Public Awareness | High, through elections | Low, often unknown to residents |
Legal Complexity to Change | Lower, through elections and ballot | Higher, due to legal constraints |
Impact on Governance | Stronger mayoral mandate | Shared power among council members |
What Palmdale Residents Need to Know
1. You currently do not vote for your mayor.
The council selects the mayor internally each year.
2. The rotating system was adopted during the shift to district elections.
Legal constraints under the CVRA make reversing that change complex.
3. Public opposition is strong and well‑documented.
Residents have repeatedly demanded a return to direct elections.
4. A ballot measure is coming in November 2026.
If passed, Palmdale will reinstate a citywide elected mayor beginning in 2028.
5. The issue affects representation, accountability, and long‑term governance.
A directly elected mayor would have a broader mandate and more stable leadership compared to a one‑year rotating appointment.
Why This Matters
The mayor is the public face of Palmdale — shaping policy priorities, representing the city regionally, and influencing long‑term planning. Whether that leader is chosen by voters or by the council fundamentally changes how power flows in local government.
With many residents still unaware of the change, the upcoming 2026 ballot measure will likely become one of the most consequential civic decisions in Palmdale’s recent history.
References (3)
1 Palmdale council appoints Eric Olson as mayor, Austin Bishop as mayor pro tem after contested public comments | Citizen Portal. https://citizenportal.ai/articles/7191835/california/los-angeles-county/palmdale-city/california/los-angeles-county/palmdale-city/California/Los-Angeles-County/Palmdale-City/Palmdale-council-appoints-Eric-Olson-as-mayor-Austin-Bishop-as-mayor-pro-tem-after-contested-public-comments
2 CitizenPortal.ai - Expert tells Palmdale council state law blocks easy return to an at‑large mayor. https://citizenportal.ai/articles/7059239/Palmdale-City/Los-Angeles-County/California/
3 Palmdale Ballot Would Create Elected Mayor. https://hoodline.com/2026/07/city-hall-showdown-palmdale-voters-to-decide-citywide-mayor-comeback/
I think it’s important to note that The Palmdale Freedom Coalition has been pressuring the City Council both in behind the scenes meetings and at City Council meetings to return the vote for Mayor to the voters. We have been consistent and tireless in this effort and are the only reason the City is finally moving in that direction. The Council took away the vote without the People’s consent and in so doing, failed to protect our rights, the two core tenets of a representative republic!