General Election 2026
Robbie Staenberg
- Election Date
- Nov 3, 2026
- Candidate Type
- School Board 4-year
- Occupation
- Teacher/Legislative Advisor
Candidate Statement in English
I’m Robbie Staenberg—a former teacher and graduate of SMMUSD schools, and I would be honored to have your vote.
I grew up in Santa Monica and attended our K-12 public schools. (Proud Samohi graduate!)
After graduating from Columbia University, I spent 2018-2023 teaching social studies at a Title 1 high school in Oakland, where more than 90% of students qualified for free or reduced lunch. The inequity I encountered transformed my understanding of educational policy and politics.
I came home and began working for Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur, who represents Santa Monica in the California State Legislature. I spend my days working on legislation and policy, engaging with various constituent groups, and deepening my understanding of state policy and its impacts.
If elected, I will be the only Board member who has worked as a full-time teacher and the only Board member who has attended our SMMUSD public schools.
I am committed to:
- Expanding access to early childhood education and after-school programs
- Ensuring engagement, collaboration, and transparency with our community
- Closing outcome gaps and guaranteeing academic excellence for all students
I am supported by:
- Six Current Santa Monica-Malibu School Board Members
- Santa Monica’s Mayor and all City Council Members
- Members of SMC’s Board of Trustees and Rent Control Board
- Community for Excellence Public Schools
I hope to earn your support as well!
Contact Us:
Election Events
- Aug 13, 2026
- Secretary of State: Public drawing to determine order of names on ballot
- 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