Salinas at a Crossroads 2026 A high-stake race for Salinas City Council District 3 seat

YOUNG VOICES |

By Isaac González Diaz

Three candidates are running for the Salinas City Council District 3 seat. In one way or another, all three are focusing on a pressing need for greater investment in the district’s infrastructure.

Raised in South Salinas, current councilmember Margaret D’Arrigo is running for a second two-year term on the seat. 

“This next year, a significant investment in pavement improvements and traffic calming solutions are approved and will be implemented in District 3,” said D’Arrigo

If reelected, D’Arrigo said she will seek to find innovative solutions for more affordable housing and reduce homelessness in Salinas. 

“The city has to face these very difficult challenges to make Salinas a better place to work, play, and live,” said D’Arrigo.

Brenton Bagley, construction project coordinator and operations consultant, is mounting a bid to unseat D’Arrigo. Born and raised in Salinas, as a young adult he was forced to move to Santa Cruz and Silicon Valley to chase career opportunities in regional construction that were not available locally.

“I am running for City Council to bring that pragmatic vision home and provide South Salinas with local leadership focused on real-world stability,” said Bagley.

If elected, besides working on infrastructure, Bagley said he plans to address the lack of affordable housing in Salinas.

“I will defend and expand balanced renter protections to keep families rooted in their neighborhoods and prevent predatory displacement,” said Bagley. 

Cary Swensen, a small-business owner and part-time history instructor, is also in the race for the District 3 seat. Originally from Seattle, Swensen said she works with local students and families to understand the importance of listening, making responsible decisions and following through.

“Salinas is my home, and I am committed to serving our community,” Swensen said.

If elected, she said she will explore alternative founding sources for the city rather than rely on additional taxes. She would establish clear infrastructure repair priorities, identify realistic funding options, and keep residents informed about timelines and progress.

“I would work with city staff and community partners to evaluate their feasibility, costs and potential funding,” she said.

Each of the three described why they would be the best candidate. 

D’Arrigo highlighted her experience creating and leading nonprofit organizations, and her extensive work in the private sector managing million-dollar budgets.

“I understand how the city government works,” she said. 

Bagley highlights his career as a construction project coordinator and operations consultant. He said his career has been defined by optimizing budgets, coordinating logistics and executing complex projects on schedule.

“Salinas does not need another politician who treats City Hall like a debating society,” Bagley said. “We need an operator with the tactical wherewithal to cut through red tape and deliver tangible results.”

Swensen highlights her experience as a small-business owner, with the listening and communication skills of an educator, and the commitment to get things done.

“To me, transparency means being accessible, explaining decisions, and keeping residents informed,” Swensen said.

Salinas District 3 residents will decide on Nov. 3 who will represent them on the city council.

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