Oakland, August 18, 2026
EBMUD Board of Directors appoint uncontested incumbents for Wards 2 and 4
The East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) Board of Directors appointed current directors Luz Gómez and Andy Katz to represent Wards 2 and 4, respectively, through 2030. The incumbents were uncontested at the close of the California election candidacy period. Board members voted 7-0 to appoint the two candidates, rather than continue through the general election process.
Under the MUD Act, the Board may appoint the sole, uncontested candidate in a ward. Appointing the sole, uncontested candidates in Wards 2 and 4 saved the District and its ratepayers approximately $900,000 in election-related expenses. Board members appointed through this process qualify and take office and serve exactly as if elected in an election for the office.
The EBMUD Board of Directors consists of seven members elected by geographic wards to develop policies on behalf of the East Bay water and wastewater agency.
Ward 2 – Director Luz Gómez
Represents Lafayette; portions of Pleasant Hill, San Ramon, and Walnut Creek; and the communities of Acalanes Ridge, Alamo, Blackhawk, Camino Tassajara, Castle Hill, Danville, Diablo, Reliez Valley, San Miguel, Saranap, and Shell Ridge.
“I’m incredibly proud of the work we do as a public agency to secure our water future, address climate change, strengthen emergency preparedness and keep water service affordable,” said Gómez, who is currently serving as Board president. “I’m honored to continue representing our community in Ward 2 and grateful for the trust my fellow Board members have placed in me.” Gómez was appointed by the Board in April 2024 to fill the vacant Ward 2 seat left by former Board member John Coleman, and in November 2024 was elected to complete the remainder of the term for the Ward 2 seat through December 31, 2026.
Ward 4 – Director Andy Katz
Represents Albany, Berkeley, and Emeryville; and a portion of Oakland in Alameda County; and El Cerrito and the community of Kensington in Contra Costa County.
“I remain more committed than ever to expanding opportunities that connect students with watershed education and our natural environment, advancing sustainable water policies, and protecting EBMUD’s high-quality water for generations to come,” said Katz, who was first elected to the Board in 2006.
Wards 3 and 7 Board Seats
The following candidates will appear on the ballot for EBMUD Board seats in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election:
Ward 3: Represents the City of Piedmont and a substantial portion of Oakland in Alameda County, and the City of Orinda; portions of Pinole and Richmond, and the communities of El Sobrante and the Town of Moraga in Contra Costa County.
- Marguerite Young, Incumbent, EBMUD Ward 3
- Donald Gray, Retired Wastewater Manager
Ward 7: Represents Portions of Hayward, San Leandro, and San Lorenzo; and communities of Castro Valley, Cherryland, and Fairview in Alameda County; and a portion of San Ramon and the community of Norris Canyon in Contra Costa County.
- April Chan, Incumbent, EBMUD Ward 7
- Joseph Grcar, Retired Laboratory Scientist
- Luis Reynoso, University Business Professor
- Gary Wolff, Water Resources Engineer