PALM SPRINGS, CA

Palm Springs City Council incumbents Grace Garner and Ron deHarte hold commanding leads following the November 3 election, while District 2 Councilmember Jeffrey Bernstein ran unopposed. The Riverside County Registrar of Voters’ November 7 update shows substantial margins in both contested races. The results remain unofficial pending the county’s canvass and certification.

Garner Leads in District 1

Garner received 1,823 votes, or 75.05%, compared with challenger Don Soja’s 606 votes, or 24.95%, according to the county’s November 7 election summary. Garner, an attorney and former Palm Springs Planning Commission member, was first elected in 2019 and became the city’s first Latina mayor in 2023. During the campaign, she emphasized constituent services, affordable housing, and the expansion of the municipal library and convention center. Soja, a former vice chair of the Palm Springs Human Rights Commission, campaigned on neighborhood priorities and the city’s long-term financial health. The large margin shows a clear advantage for Garner among ballots counted, although it does not prove that voters endorsed every position she has taken.

DeHarte Leads in District 3

In District 3, Ron deHarte received 1,891 votes, or 67.83%, while Charles ‘Charlie’ Brown received 897 votes, or 32.17%. DeHarte has served on the council since 2022 and was mayor from December 2024 to December 2025. He also serves as president and CEO of Greater Palm Springs Pride. His overlapping roles have drawn attention to how the city funds and supports large cultural events. When the City Council voted in 2025 to increase municipal support for Pride-related public services, deHarte recused himself because of his role with the organization. Brown highlighted executive leadership experience and financial management during his campaign. The vote totals indicate deHarte is strongly positioned to retain his seat, subject to certification.

Bernstein Unopposed in District 2

Jeffrey Bernstein was the only qualified candidate on the District 2 ballot. He received 2,650 votes in the county’s November 7 report. Bernstein was elected in 2022 and served as mayor from 2023 to 2024. With no opponent on the ballot, his election did not offer residents a choice between competing candidates for the district seat. The city’s official candidate roster lists Bernstein as the only qualified candidate for District 2.

What the Results Mean for City Hall

If the current results hold, the council will enter its next term with continuity in all three districts up for election. That could matter as Palm Springs weighs development proposals, affordable housing needs, infrastructure spending, public safety and support for major visitor events. The proposed In-N-Out restaurant on East Palm Canyon Drive, for example, has sparked debate about how national businesses should meet the city’s architectural standards. Housing decisions involve similar tradeoffs between growth, neighborhood concerns and affordability. Large festivals can support local businesses while requiring police, traffic and public works resources. Returning councilmembers will still need to consider each proposal and spending decision on its merits.

Election Count Is Not Final

The county’s report lists all precincts reporting in these three city races, but that does not mean every eligible ballot has been counted or the election has been certified. Additional ballots may be processed as election officials complete the canvass. The city lists December 3 as the date to declare elected candidates and install officers after receiving certified county results. Until then, residents should treat the vote totals as unofficial.