UC Santa Cruz Lecturer Ami Chen Mills Launches Second Mayoral Campaign

Mills, a longtime Santa Cruz resident and community activist, is running on a platform of affordable housing, expanded mental health services, and limiting corporate influence in the city.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 1:35am

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A serene, cinematic painting depicting a simple campaign sign or podium in a warm, sunlit urban setting, conveying the quiet determination and community-focused vision of Ami Chen Mills' mayoral campaign.A contemplative portrait of the grassroots political campaign that could reshape the future of Santa Cruz.Santa Cruz Today

Ami Chen Mills, a lecturer at UC Santa Cruz and founder of the anti-surveillance campaign 'Get the Flock Out', has announced her second run for Santa Cruz mayor. Mills is running on a platform of increasing affordable housing, expanding mental health services, and limiting the influence of private equity firms and Silicon Valley in the community. She is one of several candidates who have announced their campaigns for the June 2 election, joining Gillian Greensite, Chris Kohn, Ryan Coonerty, and Joy Schendledecker.

Why it matters

As a longtime Santa Cruz resident and community activist, Mills' mayoral campaign represents an effort to address key issues facing the city, including the lack of affordable housing, limited mental health resources, and the growing influence of outside corporate interests. Her campaign promises to amplify the voices of marginalized communities and students who are struggling with the rapid changes in the city.

The details

Mills has been a Santa Cruz resident for over 30 years and is known for her work as an author, global speaker, mental health coach, educator, and host of the 'Moment of Truth with Ami Chen Mills' radio show and podcast. She is also an award-winning journalist who has reported on issues like the decline of the salmon fishing industry. On the UC Santa Cruz campus, Mills is a lecturer for the course 'Building an Inner Sanctuary', which focuses on building resilience and confidence in students. In the broader community, she is advocating for expanded mental health services, especially for the unhoused population.

  • Mills first ran for Santa Cruz mayor in 2022.
  • Mills and other candidates announced their campaigns on March 4, 2026.
  • The Santa Cruz mayoral election will be held on June 2, 2026.

The players

Ami Chen Mills

A lecturer at UC Santa Cruz, founder of the 'Get the Flock Out' anti-surveillance campaign, and a longtime Santa Cruz resident who is running for mayor for the second time.

Gillian Greensite

One of the other candidates who has announced a run for Santa Cruz mayor.

Chris Kohn

One of the other candidates who has announced a run for Santa Cruz mayor.

Ryan Coonerty

One of the other candidates who has announced a run for Santa Cruz mayor.

Joy Schendledecker

One of the other candidates who has announced a run for Santa Cruz mayor.

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What they’re saying

“To be honest, I wasn't happy with the candidate. Before Mills and fellow candidates announced their campaigns on March 4, Coonerty was the only nominee.”

— Ami Chen Mills, Mayoral Candidate

“Through high school and getting to college, I've definitely struggled with mental health. The class was really helpful as a space to talk things through, with resources and teachings from Ami.”

— Ezra Thaler, First-year Sociology Student

“As a person of color, I understand what it means to be dehumanized and othered. When there are cameras that are surveilling everyone, even if it's just the police using them, I'm concerned, because you know there's a history of racial policing and police brutality.”

— Ami Chen Mills, Mayoral Candidate

What’s next

The Santa Cruz mayoral election will be held on June 2, 2026, and voters will choose between Ami Chen Mills and the other candidates who have announced their campaigns.

The takeaway

Ami Chen Mills' mayoral campaign represents an effort to address pressing issues in the Santa Cruz community, including the lack of affordable housing, limited mental health resources, and the growing influence of outside corporate interests. Her platform of supporting local businesses, expanding tenant rights, and amplifying the voices of marginalized groups could resonate with many Santa Cruz residents seeking change.