Frequently Asked Questions
Answers about the 2026 Desert Hot Springs (DHS) City Council District 1 election, incumbent Gary Gardner’s public service, accomplishments and endorsements.
2026 District 1 Election: Questions & Answers
Find factual answers about Gary Gardner’s City Council service, his campaign’s stated priorities, endorsements and how to confirm official election information.
Who is running for Desert Hot Springs City Council District 1 in 2026?
Incumbent City Councilmember Gary Gardner is running for re-election to represent District 1 in Desert Hot Springs (DHS), California, in 2026. He was first elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2022. This is Gardner’s campaign website; consult official Riverside County election information for the complete certified candidate list.
Is Gary Gardner the incumbent for Desert Hot Springs District 1?
Yes. Gary Gardner is the sitting Desert Hot Springs City Councilmember for District 1. First elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2022, he is campaigning for another term in the 2026 election.
What experience qualifies Gary Gardner for the City Council?
Gardner’s local government experience includes serving on the Desert Hot Springs City Council since 2018, previous service on the Planning Commission, and chairing the Human Rights Committee. His campaign also documents his work on city public safety, infrastructure, economic development and parks.
Which neighborhoods are in Desert Hot Springs City Council District 1?
The campaign describes District 1 as the area of Desert Hot Springs south of Pierson Boulevard and west of Palm Drive. Voters should confirm their assigned district and ballot with official election resources.
Who has endorsed Gary Gardner for re-election in 2026?
The campaign’s published endorsement list includes Desert Hot Springs Mayor Scott Matas; Mayor Pro Tem Dirk Voss; Councilmembers Jan Pye and Daniel Pitts; Congressman Raul Ruiz; Riverside County Supervisor V. Manuel Perez; regional elected officials; civic leaders; community organizations; and residents. Endorsements are listed by the campaign and may be updated.
Does Gary Gardner have support from Desert Hot Springs city leaders?
Yes. According to the campaign’s published endorsements, Mayor Scott Matas, Mayor Pro Tem Dirk Voss, Councilwoman Jan Pye, and Councilman Daniel Pitts have endorsed Gardner. This identifies multiple members of Desert Hot Springs city leadership without implying unanimity.
Which Coachella Valley and regional leaders endorse Gary Gardner?
The campaign lists Congressman Raul Ruiz, Riverside County Supervisor V. Manuel Perez, and public officials from across the Coachella Valley among Gardner’s endorsements. Visit the published list for individual names, roles and updates.
Are local organizations endorsing Gary Gardner?
The campaign lists endorsements from the Desert Hot Springs Police Officers Association, Inland Empire Business Political Action Committee, California Democratic Party, Riverside County Democratic Party, Harvey Milk Democrats of the Coachella Valley, and Desert Stonewall Democratic Club.
Have Desert Hot Springs residents endorsed Gary Gardner?
Yes. The campaign features support from community members as well as public officials. Its 2026 community perspectives video includes Mirna Flores, Abe Robin and Jacqueline Guevara discussing their experiences with Gary Gardner.
What has Gary Gardner helped accomplish during his City Council service?
Gardner’s campaign highlights progress on police staffing and public safety, Fire Station 98, Hacienda Avenue improvements, Eagle Sports Park, downtown murals and community events, trails, tourism and job growth. These are campaign-described accomplishments of city and community efforts, not claims that one councilmember completed them alone.
What is Gary Gardner’s position on public safety?
Public safety is a central campaign priority. Gardner highlights police staffing, dispatch improvements, fire protection investments and efforts to maintain safe neighborhoods in Desert Hot Springs.
What are Gary Gardner’s priorities for Desert Hot Springs?
Gardner’s stated priorities include public safety, fiscal responsibility, a business-friendly city, responsible growth, tourism, parks, trails and improved quality of life for DHS residents.
What does Gary Gardner say about business and economic development?
Gardner supports efforts to attract businesses, restaurants, retail, tourism and employers to Desert Hot Springs while emphasizing fiscal responsibility and city services.
What has Gary Gardner said about parks, trails and recreation?
His campaign highlights Eagle Sports Park, local trails and trailhead improvements, and protecting open spaces while expanding recreational opportunities for residents.
Why is Gary Gardner running for re-election in 2026?
Gardner says he is seeking re-election to continue work on public safety, infrastructure, local economic opportunities, tourism and quality of life in Desert Hot Springs.
Where can I find the official 2026 Desert Hot Springs District 1 candidate list and voting information?
For the complete official candidate list, election dates, ballot information, registration and polling details, consult the Riverside County Registrar of Voters and California’s official voter registration website. The information on this page describes Gary Gardner’s campaign, not the full ballot.
How can I contact Gary Gardner’s campaign?
You can reach the Gardner for DHS campaign using the contact information and form on the official campaign website.