Dan Hall is the first person to formally declare their intent to run for City Council in this year’s election.
Four seats will be up for election in November, all currently occupied by incumbents (including Gleam Davis, Phil Brock, Oscar de la Torre and Christine Parra). Hall is the first person to publicly announce an intent to run, but formal paperwork to become a candidate won’t be available for several months.
In his announcement, Hall described himself as an Army veteran, Santa Monica Pier Board Member and former Democratic Club Vice President
He said he was motivated by the housing affordability, evictions, and street safety crises causing an increase in homelessness and bicyclist and pedestrian deaths, issues of racial and environmental justice, as well as failures at the City leading to the ‘Builder’s Remedy,’ violence against local workers, and overspending resident tax dollars on travel junkets.
“As one of the Army’s first out LGBTQ+ pilots, I am no stranger to tough fights and standing up for what I believe,” said Dan in his launch announcement. “West Point taught me the values of duty, inclusivity, selfless service, integrity, and personal courage. These values have guided my professional career as an Army Officer, community organizer and public servant.”
According to his website and announcement, Hall has already received endorsements from many of the city’s existing politicians including State Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur.
“Dan is exactly the kind of leader I want to partner with as we tackle tough regional issues like homelessness, environmental justice, growing anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination, racism, antisemitism, and all forms of hate,” said Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur, who represents Santa Monica in the state legislature. “As Santa Monica’s second-ever out LGBTQ+ Councilmember, he will bring needed representation to the City Council. I urge Santa Monica to elect an extraordinary public servant and vote for Dan Hall.”
Hall also lists current councilmembers Gleam Davis, Caroline Torosis and Jesse Zwick as supporters.
Candidates can declare an intent to run for office at any time but there is a formal process that includes gathering 100 signatures and paying fees. That process will begin in July but candidates often choose to announce a campaign far in advance as means of securing funding and support.
“There’s a certain amount of strategy to every campaign, of course, but my main concern is to ensure that residents and community partners are being heard on these very important — life changing — issues,” he said of his decision to enter the race at this point in the year. “I’m proud of the coalition of support this campaign is launching with, from electeds and our union support, to my neighbor renters in Mid-City. Our message about values is resonating and I’m confident we’re setting ourselves up for success in what we know will be a very contentious election year from the White House on down to City Hall.”
matt@smdp.com
