Carlsbad Election Results 2026: Blackburn, Council Incumbents Hold Leads

CARLSBAD, CA — Carlsbad Mayor Keith Blackburn and two incumbent City Council members held substantial leads Wednesday following Tuesday's election.

Blackburn led the four-way mayoral race with 25,392 votes, or 72.66%, followed by Eric Nixon with 5,491 votes, or 15.71%, according to updated unofficial results from the San Diego County Registrar of Voters. Stephen Banister received 2,252 votes, or 6.44%, while Bill Arsenault had 1,811 votes, or 5.18%.

In City Council District 1, incumbent Melanie Burkholder led Nate Larson with 4,477 votes, or 56.79%, compared with Larson's 3,406 votes, or 43.21%.

In District 3, incumbent Priya Bhat-Patel led Wayland T. Lim with 5,691 votes, or 70.31%, compared with Lim's 2,403 votes, or 29.69%.

City Treasurer Christian Peacox also led his reelection bid with 22,134 votes, or 66.88%, compared with 10,962 votes, or 33.12%, for Thomas E. Krouse. City Clerk Sherry Freisinger ran unopposed, receiving 28,320 votes.

Carlsbad voters also cast ballots in countywide races and on Measures A and B, both of which held narrow leads.

The results are unofficial, with additional ballots still to be counted. The next county election results update is scheduled for Thursday.

Also see:

• Incumbents Lead In San Diego County State Legislative Contests
• San Diego County Charter, Sales Tax Measures Hold Narrow Leads
• Jones Ahead Of Krahel In San Diego County District 5 Supervisor Race
• Supervisor Montgomery Steppe Holds Wide Lead In San Diego County District 4 Supervisor Race
• Von Wilpert Declares Victory In 48th House District As Incumbents Hold Leads