As John Hamon prepares to leave office after two decades in local government, the Paso Robles election is taking shape with a mix of incumbents and challengers defining the early contours of a race centered on housing, infrastructure, and the city’s long-term growth.
On April 7, Hamon announced he will not seek reelection.
“I’m proud of the progress our City Council and professional staff have made,” he told New Times in an email. “The next mayor and council will have to strike that balance—protecting what makes Paso Robles special while making practical decisions about housing, safety, and long-term sustainability.”
Over the past several years, Paso Robles has brought new housing online, invested in public safety, and continued improving infrastructure that supports both residents and the economy.
“The reality is, Paso Robles is at a transition point. We’re no longer a small town reacting to growth. We’re a maturing city that has to manage it responsibly,” he said. “Our outstanding agricultural products and the tourism that it brings has brought major economic strength to the city and region, and it will continue to be. But moving forward, there’s a clear need to broaden our economic base, support workforce housing, and make sure our infrastructure keeps pace.”
So far, the mayoral field in the November 2026 election includes Bill Britton, while two candidates have entered the race for the City Council’s 2nd District, including Generation Build founder Michael Massey and Robert Simoni. The 2nd District seat is currently held by Chris Bausch, who was party to a three-way lawsuit between himself, the city, and The Tribune over public records and has not yet announced whether he will run again.
Kris Beal, who represents the 1st District, confirmed that she’s seeking reelection.
Across interviews, housing emerged as the most consistent policy focus, with candidates and officials pointing to a persistent gap between wages and home prices.
“There’s a gap between what people earn and what housing costs,” Beal told New Times. “And that is really proving it’s a hardship for people.”
Hamon said housing availability is also a key factor in whether employers choose to locate to the city.
“When employers look to come here, the first thing they do is look to see where would their employees live,” he said. “And right now, of course, all through the Central Coast, the housing is so expensive.”
The city has approved significant residential development in recent years, particularly on the east side. Hamon said roughly 1,200 homes are currently under construction, with another 1,000 expected to begin soon.
But candidate Massey said those efforts have not kept pace with demand or affordability challenges, particularly for younger residents.
“I just see our generation; it’s just getting harder and harder for us,” Massey said.
The Paso Robles native said housing is the “most pressing” issue in Paso Robles because it “directly impacts affordability, economic stability, and the ability of people to live and thrive in the community they serve.”
“We need to make it easier to build,” he said. “Why haven’t we seen any substantial development? … It is due to the red tape and the impact fees regarding that.”
Several candidates said Paso Robles must reduce reliance on its wine and tourism industries and expand higher-wage job opportunities.
“We can’t be a one-industry town,” Massey said. “One bad harvest or a few bad years doesn’t ripple through every family’s budget.”
Both Massey and Hamon referenced early discussions around a potential spaceport near the Paso Robles Municipal Airport as a possible economic driver, though the project remains in preliminary planning stages.
“If we nail that license, … it should change not only Paso Robles, but the whole Central Coast,” Hamon said.
‘The reality is, Paso Robles is at a transition point. We’re no longer a small town reacting to growth. We’re a maturing city that has to manage it responsibly.’
–John Hamon, Paso Robles Mayor
Britton, a former Cal Poly vice president who recently retired after a career in state service, framed economic development as part of a broader restructuring of the city’s future.
“We’re not just a town for tourists to come visit,” Britton said. “We’re a community that’s growing, … and we need to build an economic future.”
Britton described his campaign as centered on three priorities: “fix what’s broken,” “protect what matters,” and “build an economic future.”
“I feel like I was born to be a public servant,” he said. “I want to do good.”
As the city grows, Hamon said infrastructure demands are increasing alongside housing and population growth.
“Housing and growth creates pressure,” Hamon said. “It’s unavoidable.”
Those pressures include traffic congestion, road maintenance, and emergency response capacity. Hamon said response times remain a concern even as staffing and equipment levels improve.
“Our goal is, of course, to have a response within four minutes of a 911 call, and we’re not there yet,” he said.
The city has budgeted nearly $15 million for road repairs this year, according to Bausch, funded in part through a voter-approved sales tax measure.
“Communities are only as good as the infrastructure that it provides,” he said. “We’ve got to focus on really improving that infrastructure.”
Beyond housing and economic development, candidates also pointed to quality-of-life concerns, particularly related to parks and youth recreation.
Beal said the city has faced increasing competition for limited open space.
“There’s not enough space,” she said. “It used to be … people could use the school properties, but they’re fenced off now.”
She said recent efforts have focused on expanding access to sports fields and recreational facilities, including discussions around Sherwood Park and potential partnerships with the school district.
“We need places for our kids,” Beal said.
As the election develops, candidates are also distinguishing themselves through approach and governing philosophy.
Beal said her role has centered on helping residents navigate city systems and engage more directly in local government decisions.
“A big part of my role is demystifying local government so that people feel that they can access information and have a voice,” she said.
Britton described his candidacy as a departure from traditional political identity.
“I don’t look at myself as this in a political politician role,” he said. “I look at this as a steward.”
Massey said he’s focused on direct voter engagement in his district.
“I’m just focused on the 5,300 voters in District 2,” he said. “I want to talk to every single one of them.”
New Times reached out to Simoni but did not receive a response before publication.
Bausch, meanwhile, told New Times he’s still deciding whether to run.
“I will concentrate on city business … and wait until the usual nomination period … to decide if I will run,” he said via email.
For 2026, the nomination period starts July 13 and ends on Aug. 7. ∆
Reach Staff Writer Chloë Hodge at chodge@newtimesslo.com.
This article appears in April 16-23, 2026.