PALM SPRINGS, CA
Incumbent Ron deHarte and challenger Charles “Charlie” Brown are competing for Palm Springs’ District 3 City Council seat in the Nov. 3 election, with both candidates emphasizing public safety, housing and the local economy.
The city’s candidate roster lists Ron deHarte and Charles A. Brown as the qualified ballot candidates for the four-year seat.
Their campaign websites outline their approaches: deHarte highlights his council record and financial priorities, while Brown emphasizes affordability, community involvement and support for local businesses.
DeHarte Highlights Council Record
DeHarte was first elected to the council in 2022 and served as mayor from 2024 to 2025. His campaign identifies infrastructure, economic development, workforce housing and transparency as central priorities.
On his achievements page, deHarte lists projects undertaken during his tenure, including advancing the Convention Center modernization, the library renovation, street paving and park improvements. The page describes these as accomplishments of the City Council collectively.
His campaign also points to public safety investments, including hiring firefighters, purchasing fire equipment, opening a downtown police substation and expanding police technology.
On housing and homelessness, the website highlights affordable housing developments, the opening of the navigation center and the council’s approval of $1 million to continue a rental assistance program. These are his campaign’s descriptions of the council’s work.
Ron DeHarte’s Campaign Website – Click Here
Brown Emphasizes Affordability and Community
Brown organizes his campaign around five themes: community, affordability, responsible government, economic vitality and sustainability.
His website says his priorities include housing affordability, public safety, neighborhood quality of life and responsible management of city finances. He describes himself as having more than 20 years of executive leadership experience managing teams, budgets and organizations.
On housing, Brown says he would support responsible development that includes affordable options, with the goal of helping working families, seniors, young professionals and longtime residents remain in Palm Springs.
He also proposes programs and events that help neighbors build connections, describing community involvement as part of creating safer neighborhoods.
Charlie Brown’s Campaign Website – Click Here
Economic Growth and City Finances
DeHarte’s campaign calls for controlling the growth of city spending while protecting essential services and investing in economic development.
His website advocates prioritizing capital projects, supporting small businesses, attracting and retaining employers, and simplifying the process of opening or expanding a business. He argues that growing the tax base can help fund services without increasing tax rates.
DeHarte also calls for fully staffed police and fire departments and a centralized development-services process for builders and investors.
Brown’s website supports examining a Convention Center redesign and expanding the airport to attract visitors. He also emphasizes strengthening business activity during the slower months.
His platform calls for practical ways to support shops, restaurants and other local businesses throughout the year, rather than relying primarily on the busy tourism season.
A Documented Vote by DeHarte
One recent vote on deHarte’s record came on Aug. 20, 2026, when he supported keeping the District 2 council election on the November ballot instead of appointing its sole nominated candidate, Jeffrey Bernstein.
DeHarte joined Grace Garner and Mayor Pro Tem David Ready in the 3-1 decision to hold the election. Mayor Naomi Soto opposed the decision, while Bernstein abstained because it concerned his seat.
Voting in District 3
Under Palm Springs’ district election system, residents vote for the council representative for the district where they live. The District 3 winner will serve a four-year term.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3, with vote centers open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Riverside County also offers early voting and vote-by-mail option.