The SCV Chamber’s nonpartisan endorsement process supports pro-business, pro-economic development candidates who recognize the importance of a strong and thriving business community.
SANTA CLARITA, October 5, 2026 — The Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce today announced its candidate endorsements for the November 3, 2026, General Election, supporting candidates across federal, state and local races.
The Chamber’s nonpartisan endorsements reflect its commitment to advancing policies that support local businesses, encourage investment, create jobs and strengthen the region’s economic competitiveness. Endorsement decisions are based solely on each candidate’s positions on issues affecting the business community; party affiliation is not a factor.
The Chamber’s endorsement process is conducted by its Board of Directors and applied uniformly to every race. All qualified candidates in each race were invited to complete the same questionnaire, tailored to the office sought and focused on issues affecting employers, the workforce and the regional economy. The Board reviewed and discussed each candidate’s responses and public record before voting on endorsements, which require approval by a majority of the Board. Board members with a personal, professional or financial relationship with a candidate recused themselves from deliberation and voting in that race.
“As The Voice of Business, the SCV Chamber is committed to advocating for a thriving business community and a strong economic future for the Santa Clarita Valley,” said Di Thompson, Chair of the SCV Chamber Board of Directors. “Our Board evaluated every candidate against the same standard: where they stand on the issues that matter to local businesses. We are pleased to endorse candidates who understand the challenges facing employers and are committed to working with the business community on practical solutions. We look forward to partnering with our elected representatives to support economic opportunity and a strong quality of life throughout our region.”
The SCV Chamber has endorsed the following candidates:
U.S. House of Representatives
District 27: George Whitesides
California State Assembly
District 40: Pilar Schiavo
Santa Clarita City Council
District 2: Denise Lite
District 4: Laurene Weste
District 5: Kelvin Driscoll
Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency Board of Directors
Division 1: Bill Cooper
Division 3 (Two Seats): Maria A. Gutzeit and Kenneth “Ken” Petersen
In several races, the Board found more than one candidate with a strong commitment to the business community. In addition to its formal endorsements, the Chamber recognizes Santa Clarita Councilmember Jason Gibbs (U.S. House, District 27), Gloria Mercado-Fortine (City Council, District 2) and Bob Khalsa (City Council, District 5) as business-friendly candidates who would also be strong partners for the Santa Clarita Valley’s business community. This recognition is separate from the Chamber’s formal endorsements listed above.
The Chamber thanks all candidates who participated in the endorsement process, for their willingness to serve and encourages voters to learn about the candidates and participate in the November election
ABOUT THE SANTA CLARITA VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce is the largest business membership organization in the Santa Clarita Valley representing more than 65,000 member employees. The Chamber serves as “The Voice of Business” working as the SCV’s leading business advocacy organization in the third largest city in the County of Los Angeles. Founded in 1923, the Chamber works to advocate for, educate and connect the business community.