San Gabriel, CA— Today, San Gabriel City Mayor Denise Menchaca announced her
candidacy for re-election, reiterating her dedication to serving the varied communities that
comprise San Gabriel, with the support of locals, small business owners, and community
leaders. Mayor Menchaca will be running for city council this year and will be on the ballot on November 3, 2026.
A lifelong advocate for local neighborhoods and small businesses, Mayor Menchaca has built
her work on the City Council around accessibility, responsiveness, and strong community
relationships. Since taking office in 2017, she has worked closely with residents across San
Gabriel to ensure city services, programs, and policies reflect the needs of families, seniors, and working people. Menchaca had been mayor of the city 2 times. Menchaca holds the distinction of being both the first Latina elected to the Council and the first Latina to serve as Mayor in the city’s history.
“San Gabriel is a vibrant and diverse community, and it’s been my honor to serve the residents who make our city so special,” said Menchaca. “I’m running for re-election to continue listening, showing up, and delivering for our neighborhoods—because every voice in our community matters. ”
In her Mayoral State of the City last month, Menchaca emphasized that San Gabriel’s strength lies in its people, culture, and collective efforts. “San Gabriel is not defined by one story, but by many, ” she shared, underscoring how residents, businesses, and community partners together shape the City’s future.
Key highlights from the address include:
- Investing in Infrastructure and Public Spaces.
○ The City made significant improvements to parks, streets, and public facilities,
including upgrades at Smith Park, roadway rehabilitation, and accessibility
enhancements through sidewalk repairs. San Gabriel also secured a $500,000
Measure A grant to advance the Smith Park Pool renovation, positioning the
project for future funding opportunities. - Strengthening Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness.
○ San Gabriel Police and Fire Departments continued to enhance services through
grant funding, new equipment, and regional emergency response efforts. The
City also secured federal funding to upgrade its Emergency Operations Center,
reinforcing its commitment to preparedness and community safety. - Supporting Economic Growth and Local Businesses.
○ New developments, including mixed-use housing and commercial projects, are
underway, contributing to long-term economic vitality. The City also launched
initiatives to support small businesses, including its first Small Business Saturday
campaign and upcoming weekly farmers’ market beginning April 11, 2026. - Celebrating Arts, Culture, and Community.
○ San Gabriel continues to grow as a cultural destination, with major events such
as the Lantern Festival, Dumpling & Beer Fest, and Día de los Muertos
celebration drawing residents and visitors alike. The City also advanced a
strategic plan for the Mission Playhouse and strengthened partnerships to
expand arts programming. - Providing Essential Services and Community Support.
○ Through partnerships with organizations like the Chinatown Service Center and
YWCA, the City expanded access to food, housing, and senior services. Efforts
to improve language access and civic engagement included providing more than
600 translation services to residents. - Maintaining Strong Financial Stewardship.
○ San Gabriel reported a clean audit, a $1.8 million increase in fund balance, and
its seventh consecutive year of financial growth. The City’s reserves now total
approximately 42% of General Fund expenditures, ensuring long-term fiscal
stability.
Menchaca, who is well-known for her practical approach, regularly participates in local
organizations, attends community events, and works one-on-one with residents to address concerns and resolve issues. Prior to being elected as Councilwoman, her public service included serving as a San Gabriel Unified School District Board member for eight years and as a Los Angeles County Commissioner.
Mayor Menchaca also represents the City on various boards and organizations, such as a board director to the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District. With a diverse resume, Menchaca has a proven track record of leadership and community involvement. She has been recognized with numerous honors. Please see attached lists for Menchaca’s accomplishments and leadership roles in local and regional organizations.
As part of her re-election campaign, Menchaca will continue engaging residents through
neighborhood events and community outreach, including efforts to connect with San Gabriel’s diverse populations through multilingual communication and partnerships with local organizations. Menchaca has been endorsed by numerous community leaders in the region , some examples are: US Congressmember Judy Chu, CA Assemblymember Michael Fong, LA County Supervisors Kathryn Barger and Hilda Solis, and her fellow councilmembers Tony Ding and John Wu. A complete list will be provided upon request.
For more information, to volunteer, or to stay connected with Mayor Denise Menchaca, please visit www.DeniseMenchaca.com .
