General Election 2026
Harry Leshner
- Election Date
- Nov 3, 2026
- Candidate Type
- School Board 4-year
Candidate Statement in English
I am an 18-year Santa Monica resident, tech partnerships executive, education non-profit board member, and father of a first grader and a toddler. I am running for School Board to ensure our public schools deliver the excellence, safety, and support every child and teacher deserves.
While our board brings valuable long-standing tenure, it lacks representation from current district parents who experience our schools daily. As an active parent invested in our district’s future for the next decade and beyond, my background in organizational leadership, budget oversight, and education non-profits directly complements the existing board's strengths, bringing fresh operational rigor to achieve our shared goals.
My priorities address SMMUSD families' real, immediate needs:
Affordable After-Care for All: Expand care and enrichment programs for all families.
Safe and Intentional Tech Use: Deliver strong STEM education paired with a responsible policy limiting screen time, restricting classroom AI, and prioritizing human connections.
Green and Healthy Campuses: Expand healthy outdoor spaces and promote environmental stewardship.
Safe Routes to School: Protect students walking and biking to school.
I am running to deliver substantive, progressive solutions that support our teachers and help our kids thrive. I humbly ask for your vote.
Contact Us:
Election Events
- Aug 26, 2026
- Fair Political Practices Commissions (FPPC) Candidates and Treasurer Webinar (5:30 pm -7:30 pm). Contact clerk@santamonica.gov for link.
- Sep 7, 2026
- Nomination Filing Period - First day for write-in candidates to pick up nomination papers from City Clerk's Office.
- Oct 5, 2026
- LA County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk: First day to mail Vote by Mail ballots
- Oct 19, 2026
- Register to Vote - Last day to register to be mailed a Vote by Mail ballot.
- Oct 20, 2026
- Nomination Filing Period - Last day for write-in candidates to file nomination papers at City Clerk's Office.
- Nov 3, 2026
- Election Day (Vote Center hours 7 a.m. - 8 p.m.)
- Dec 8, 2026
- Council meeting to install new officers in Council Chambers (Tentative).
- Feb 1, 2027
- Semi-Annual Campaign Disclosure Statements due
Resources
Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk