Newcomers Take Early Leads in Encinitas Municipal Races

Rimga Viskanta has opened a slim lead in the race for Encinitas mayor, putting the San Dieguito Union High School District trustee ahead of incumbent Bruce Ehlers. Two other challengers also hold early advantages in separate city council contests.

In Council District 3, which includes Cardiff, community organizer Arielle Golden holds a narrow lead over retired firefighter Ed Sprague. The seat is open because Joy Lyndes announced earlier this year that she would not seek re-election.

In Council District 4, which covers Olivenhain and the eastern part of the city, small-business owner Brad Lefkowits is leading incumbent Marco San Antonio. San Antonio was appointed to the council in January 2025.

The mayor serves as a voting member of the City Council and is elected to two-year terms. Ehlers, an independent, won the mayoral office in 2024 after unseating former Mayor Tony Kranz. He previously served on the city’s Planning Commission.

Viskanta, a Democrat, was the only challenger in the mayoral race. She held a fundraising advantage in the weeks before Election Day. Before joining the high school district board, she served on the school board for the Encinitas Union School District.