Browse Desert Hot Springs, CA candidates and local races for the 2026 elections. City council, mayor, and ballot measures.
Desert Hot Springs is known for its natural hot mineral water spas and has emerged as a major cannabis industry hub in the Coachella Valley. Once one of California's most fiscally distressed cities, DHS has stabilized through cannabis tax revenue and spa tourism growth.
DHS transitioned to by-district elections, increasing representation in historically underserved neighborhoods. The cannabis industry has transformed city finances — cannabis tax revenue exceeds $10M annually, making it a major policy issue in every race. Council races are competitive, and fiscal management is a key differentiator for candidates.
Desert Hot Springs is majority-Hispanic (~55%) with significant white (~30%) and Black (~8%) populations. The electorate is working-class and cost-of-living-sensitive. Democratic registration leads. Voters are a mix of long-time desert residents, spa industry workers, and cannabis industry employees. Turnout is moderate (35-45%) but increasing with by-district elections.
CA Slates has produced California slate mailers and voter guides since 2012 across five demographic-targeted guides — California Justice Voter Guide, Parents for Progress, Nonpartisan Voter Guide, Seniors Voter Resource, and Women for a Fair California — with targeted direct mail, a candidate landing page, SEO visibility, and compliant SMS outreach in every program.