Meet Rocio Castellanos, a hopeful candidate for the Lancaster City Council 2026.

Lancaster, California—The Lancaster City Council’s municipal election in 2026 is underway. Candidates have been contacted to submit their press releases. Alternatively, any candidate is welcome to submit their press release or candidate information.

Meet one of the candidates.

There are two four-year council seats up for election, which will be conducted via an all-mail ballot. 

For the past 23 years, Lancaster has been home for me and my family. It’s the community where I have raised my children, built relationships, and dedicated my work to serving others.

My name is Rocio Castellanos, and I am running for Lancaster City Council because I believe in this community and the people who call it home.

I currently serve as Deputy Mayor for Community Engagement for the City of Lancaster. I am also a board member for a local nonprofit. I have worked in our public schools, served as a case manager, and as an associate director — all right here in our community.

Each of these roles has allowed me to truly understand what is happening in Lancaster. In my current role managing a community center, I see, I hear, and I feel the needs of our community every single day. I speak with parents who want safe neighborhoods.

With young adults who want good-paying jobs. With seniors who are concerned about rising costs. That is why I am running.

If elected, I will focus on three priorities: safety, well-paying jobs, and keeping Lancaster affordable.

• First, safety.

  We all deserve to feel safe — whether in a busy shopping center or a quiet neighborhood. Supporting our local officers means supporting our families. I will strengthen partnerships between law enforcement, community organizations, and residents so we can reduce crime and build trust — block by block, neighborhood by neighborhood.

  
  

• Second, well-paying jobs.

  We must create real career opportunities here in Lancaster. That means investing in workforce development by partnering with local schools, colleges, and vocational programs so we have a skilled workforce ready for the future. It also means supporting small businesses with incentives and grants so local businesses can grow and create jobs right here in our community. We must also attract new industries that help diversify our economy and bring quality jobs to our city.

• Third, keeping Lancaster affordable.

  Families are working hard, and every dollar matters. I will make thoughtful and responsible decisions that protect working families. I will also work to expand affordable housing by investing in mixed-income developments and preserving existing affordable units so everyone has a place to call home.

I want our community to know that I am the only Latina Democrat on the ballot for this seat.

Representation matters, and our community deserves to see itself reflected in its leadership.

I am running to serve.

I am running to listen.

And I am ready to move Lancaster forward — together.

Thank you.

Press Release/Photos : Rocio Castellanos

City of Lancaster - General Municipal Election Information

 

APRIL 14, 2026 GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION INFORMATION/UPDATES

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS TO RUN FOR OFFICE:

• A person must be a United States citizen 

• Must be 18 Years of age or older

• Registered to vote within the City of Lancaster at the time nomination papers are issued. 

 

IMPORTANT DATES:

February 16, 2026- March 31, 2026: Period to Accept Write-In Candidates

March 30, 2026: Close of Voter Registration

April 14, 2026: ELECTION DAY

May 5, 2026: Certify Election Results

  VOTERS

To check your VOTER REGISTRATION STATUS, visit the Los Angeles County Registrar Recorder/County Clerk website OR for assistance, Call (800) 815-2666.

To REGISTER TO VOTE, visit the California Secretary of State website OR for assistance, Call (800) 481-VOTE, (800) 815-2666 Option 2.

For ADDITIONAL INFORMATION on current & upcoming elections, visit the Los Angeles County Registrar Recorder/County Clerk  website OR Call (800) 815-2666.

As part of the avdailybews.com  and lavozlatina.net election coverage, candidates have been asked to summit a press release, no candidates have paid or are endorsed in this publication.