Mayor Jack Balch Launches Re-Election Bid

Jack Balch began his re-election campaign for Pleasanton mayor on May 4, saying he wants a second term as the city navigates budget pressure, service reductions and major infrastructure costs. Pleasanton Weekly reported that Balch is the first candidate to declare for the November 3, 2026 mayoral election, and Patch reported that he launched the bid at Oasis Restaurant in downtown Pleasanton. (pleasantonweekly.com) City records show Balch was elected mayor in November 2024 and that his current term expires in November 2026. (cityofpleasantonca.gov) In his campaign statement, Balch said he wants to “continue building on the progress and momentum the city has achieved together.” (pleasantonweekly.com) ### When did Balch make it official? May 4 was the date Balch used to formally open his campaign, according to Pleasanton Weekly, which said he announced his candidacy Monday and held a kickoff event that drew about 100 residents. Independent News also reported the event at Oasis Restaurant and described a crowd of more than 100 supporters. (pleasantonweekly.com) Patch reported the campaign launch on May 5 and said Balch framed the race around preserving progress while making “thoughtful decisions today” for the city’s future. His campaign website says he is seeking votes for the November 3, 2026 election. (cityofpleasantonca.gov) ### Why is the city’s budget at the center of this race? Pleasanton adopted a two-year operating budget on June 17, 2025 that city officials said addressed a projected annual General Fund gap of about $10 million through reductions and operational efficiencies. The city said the adopted operating budgets total $248.3 million for fiscal 2025-26 and $257.7 million for fiscal 2026-27. (pleasantonweekly.com) Patch reported Balch’s re-election bid comes as Pleasanton faces “significant long-term financial challenges,” including slower revenue growth, rising costs and infrastructure needs. Pleasanton Weekly reported in 2025 that city projections showed a $10.4 million shortfall for fiscal 2025-26 and a $12 million shortfall for fiscal 2026-27. (patch.com) ### What service cuts have residents already seen? The Pleasanton Library reduced its weekly hours from 62 to 48 beginning August 4, 2025, the city said, calling the change part of citywide budget adjustments. A city budget reductions document said the library cut was valued at $940,000 and would close the library one day per week instead of two as first proposed. (cityofpleasantonca.gov) Pleasanton’s adopted budget also included changes to recreation programs, community grants and internal services, according to city and local news reports. Pleasanton Weekly reported that the final two-year budget included reduced library hours, layoffs affecting two city employees and the elimination of some community grants. (patch.com) ### What is Balch saying he would focus on in a second term? Balch listed fiscal responsibility, public safety, infrastructure, economic growth and community engagement among his priorities, according to Patch. In the city’s March 25 State of the City summary, Pleasanton said Balch’s address highlighted long-term financial planning, infrastructure investment, local business support and public safety. (cityofpleasantonca.gov) The city is also exploring new revenue. Pleasanton said in February that it was advancing next steps on a possible hotel tax measure; the current transient occupancy tax rate is 8% and has been unchanged since 1983. Any measure would require voter approval, the city said. (cityofpleasantonca.gov) ### What else is changing at City Hall as the campaign starts? Gerry Beaudin, Pleasanton’s city manager, was approved by Alameda’s City Council on May 5 to take the same job there, Pleasanton Weekly reported. Two days ago, the same outlet reported that Pleasanton’s City Council planned a closed-session meeting to discuss Beaudin’s successor. (patch.com) Balch’s campaign is unfolding as those administrative changes coincide with the city’s budget work and revenue discussions. Pleasanton voters are next scheduled to weigh the mayor’s race on November 3, 2026, and Balch remains the first publicly declared candidate identified in local reporting. (pleasantonweekly.com) (pleasantonweekly.com) (cityofpleasantonca.gov)