Stephen Nelson Launches Palm Desert Campaign

Stephen Nelson Begins Campaign for Palm Desert City Council District 3

PALM DESERT – Stephen Nelson, a technology executive with a 25-year career working for large domestic and international carriers in operations, government affairs, and regulatory compliance, has officially announced his campaign for Palm Desert City Council in District 3.

A resident of Palm Desert since 2019, Stephen’s work has focused on telecommunications, Software as a Service (SaaS), and developing solutions for local, state, and the federal government. He serves as a Palm Desert Committee Member for its Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee and Public Safety Committee.

For the past 3 years, Nelson has earned the support of his fellow Palm Desert residents who call Genesis home, serving as President of the Genesis Homeowners Association.  “Stephen continues to work on our behalf with numerous entities including the city of Palm Desert to ensure our community is one of, if not the best in North Palm Desert,” Sarianne Zeitounian who serves as Vice President of the Genesis Homeowners Association, said in a prepared statement.

Nelson’s campaign will host a kickoff event today, March 30, with neighbors, friends, supporters from Palm Desert and the greater Coachella Valley, as well as family, including his 79-year-old mother, Carolyn Nelson, who is a retired US federal government executive.

According to his website, Nelson is a dedicated community leader deeply invested in Palm Desert’s future. His service on the Public Safety Committee and Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee demonstrates his commitment to protecting residents and ensuring a sustainable environment. As President of the Genesis homeowners’ association and a member of the Desert Learning Academy school site committee, Stephen works tirelessly to improve our neighborhoods and strengthen the Palm Springs Unified School District.

Nelson attended Bowling Green State University focusing on Business Administration. In 2014, he completed Harvard University professional development program. For nearly 30 years, Stephen has levered his expertise in the Software, Cybersecurity and Telecommunications industry to address challenges for diverse clients, from major cities to the US Federal Government. He built a successful career, starting as a customer service representative and rising to become a Senior Vice President of Global Operations.

The following individuals have filed a Candidate Intention Statement, Form 501, indicating their intent to run for Palm Desert City Council in the November 2024 Election:

District 1:

De Lua, Ron
Quintanilla, Karina

District 2:

Akkerman, Gregg
Harnik, Jan
Kelly, Kathleen
Messenger, Faith
Pradetto, Joe

District 3:

Stephen Nelson
Anyse Smith

Palm Desert’s newly formed District 3 is based in Northern Palm Desert, stretching across the 10 freeway, and bordering mostly north of Country Club Drive. To learn more about Nelson’s campaign for City Council, visit NelsonForPalmDesert.com.

On Jan. 25, the Palm Desert City Council adopted Ordinance No. 1406 establishing five single-member council districts. The incumbent council members will continue to serve and complete their existing terms, according to the city Clerk’s office.

The transition to single-member districts will commence with the General Municipal Election of Nov. 5 for the election of three members of City Council representing Districts 1, 2, and 3. The transition will be complete following the November 2026 election for two members of City Council representing Districts 4 and 5.

You can learn more about the redistricting process by visiting www.redistrictpd.org, including an interactive map where you can locate your district.

The official nomination period opens July 15 and closes on Aug. 9. If an incumbent fails to file by the deadline, the nomination period will be extended through Aug. 14. Please note that the extension period would only apply to District 1 as no other district has an incumbent member.