Paso Robles voters now have a full slate of choices heading into the November election, with two newcomers joining the race for mayor and a returning candidate challenging the incumbent in the 1st District.
Faith Frankel and Chris Rogalla have joined William Britton in the race to succeed Mayor John Hamon, who announced in April that he would not seek reelection after roughly two decades in local government. In the 1st District, incumbent Councilmember Kris Beal faces Linda “Pinky” George, who previously ran for the seat in 2024.
The additions round out a Paso Robles election focused on familiar questions surrounding infrastructure, city spending, economic development, and how the city should manage continued growth.
Rogalla, a local business owner, said his decision to enter the mayoral race grew out of questions he heard repeatedly from residents about city spending and deteriorating infrastructure.
“Where is our money going? Why are our roads falling further behind? And are we building a Paso Robles where families can thrive and our kids can one day choose to build lives of their own?” Rogalla wrote in his candidate statement.
His campaign centers on roads and infrastructure, creating a community where families can remain long-term, and increasing financial accountability and transparency.
“As a business owner, I know resources are limited,” Rogalla said. “Every dollar has to have a purpose, priorities have to be set, and results matter. Taxpayers deserve that same discipline from their city government.”
Frankel, a family physician and small-business owner, is emphasizing many of the same infrastructure concerns while also pointing to water, public safety, and economic development.
A lifelong Paso Robles resident, Frankel grew up on Frankel Ranch, where her family developed what is now Sculpterra Winery and Sculpture Garden.
“As a family physician, I have spent my career listening to people, solving problems, and caring for the families of Paso Robles,” Frankel wrote. “As a small-business owner and member of a local agricultural family, I understand the challenges facing our businesses, workers, and residents.”
Frankel said she wants the city to improve roads, protect its water resources, encourage higher-paying local jobs, and pursue growth without sacrificing Paso Robles’ character.
“I believe we can strengthen our local economy while restoring the budget for supporting our Main Street Businesses,” she said.
Britton, a former Cal Poly vice president, entered the mayoral race with a platform focused on infrastructure, public safety, and expanding the city’s economic base.
Earlier this year, Britton told New Times that his campaign centers on three priorities: “fix what’s broken,” “protect what matters,” and “build an economic future.”
Meanwhile, George is making another bid for the 1st District after receiving 17 percent of the vote during her 2024 campaign.
George moved to Paso Robles in 2019 following a 30-year career in state government that included work with Caltrans and the California Department of Social Services. Her background also includes labor and legislative advocacy on disability rights, worker protections, and other issues. Since moving to Paso Robles, she has become involved in local debates over homelessness, public safety, cannabis regulations, food trucks, and government accountability.
“I know how government works and how to stand in the gap between government and the people,” George wrote in her candidate statement. “I will ask the tough questions, challenge the status quo, and insist on transparency and accountability.”
George will face Beal, who is seeking reelection after identifying housing affordability, parks, and access to local government among her priorities earlier this year.
New Times reached out to Rogalla and George but did not receive a response before press time. ∆
This article appears in Student Guide 2026.
