Editor’s note: This story has been updated to correct Mayor Pro Tem Christy Holstege’s cash balance as of Dec. 31,2019.

SPRINGS — As restrictions imposed to curb the spread of the coronavirus begin to slowly ease, talk in some local circles has turned to speculation about who might run for a seat on the City Council in the 2020 Palm Springs election.

There are two seats open. One seat is in District 4 and one seat is in District 5.  The seats are currently held by Mayor Pro Tem Christy Holstege and Councilmember Lisa Middleton respectively. Both women months ago announced their intentions to seek re-election. Both were first elected in November 2017.

Campaign finance documents show Holstege with $3,592.22 cash on hand for the period ending Dec 31, 2019. Simillar documents show Middleton with a cash balance of $2,134.52 for the period ending Dec 31, 2019.

The 2020 Palm Springs election will be held on Nov. 3, 2020. This election will complete the city’s transition to district-based elections.

Those elected or re-elected will be governing at a time when the city expects a budget deficit of $76.4 million. The shortfall will straddle 2020-2021.

After losing to Geoff Kors in District 3 in November 2019, Alan P. “Alfie” Pettit vowed he’d be back for the 2020 Palm Springs election. He could not immediately be reached for comment.

If you are interested in running for City Council, you are encouraged to review the New Candidate Presentation for a summary of the initial paperwork required to begin campaigning.  Potential candidates are encouraged to make an appointment with the City Clerk to review these documents before filing. Please note that the City Clerk is the local filing official, but may not answer technical questions regarding the FPPC Forms. You are encouraged to review the FPPC Campaign Manual and to contact the FPPC directly at 1-866-ASK-FPPC (1-866-275-3772). Telephone advice is available Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Image Sources

  • Palm Springs City Hall: Shutterstock