Upland Election 2026: Voters Send a Clear Message

The November 3, 2026, General Election is shaping up to be a significant one for the City of Upland. While ballots are still being counted, the results are sending a clear message about the direction of our community, fiscal responsibility, and the importance of addressing challenges that have gone unresolved for decades.

Measure M: A Major Victory for Business License Reform

With 62.9% voting YES (15,126 votes) and 37.1% voting NO (8,925 votes), Measure M is leading by more than 6,200 votes.

After 32 years, Upland voters appear ready to modernize an outdated business license tax structure that has allowed major national retailers to pay the same $864 annual maximum as much smaller neighborhood businesses.

Measure M reforms an existing business license tax, not a new sales or property tax on residents. An estimated 55% of small businesses are expected to pay less, while larger businesses will generally contribute more.

The strong support is particularly significant following unsuccessful City sales tax proposals in 2022 and 2024. It demonstrates that residents are willing to consider revenue reform when they believe the proposal is reasonable, fair, and justified.

Measure M will not solve all of Upland's financial challenges, but it represents an important step toward strengthening our City's financial future.

City Council Election Results: Three Incumbents Returning

All three incumbent Councilmembers ran without a listed opponent and are headed toward another four-year term.

District Councilmember Votes

District 2 James Breitling 5,528

District 3 Carlos A. Garcia 2,873

District 4 Rudy Zuniga 3,339

These results provide continuity in City leadership as we continue addressing public safety, infrastructure improvements, economic development, and Upland's long-term financial stability.

I want to personally thank the residents of District 2 for their continued confidence and the opportunity to serve another four years. I remain committed to fiscal responsibility, transparency, accountability, and protecting the quality of life in our neighborhoods.

Measure A: School District Bond Proposal Falls Short

The Upland Unified School District's Measure A bond proposal appears headed for defeat, with 56.2% voting NO (13,916 votes) and 43.9% voting YES (10,868 votes).

While Measure M received strong support, Measure A fell short of the required 55% approval threshold.

The contrasting results are noteworthy. They suggest voters are evaluating financial proposals individually, considering their costs, benefits, and the accountability associated with additional public funding.

What These Results Mean for Upland

Elections are about more than winning or losing. They provide an opportunity for residents to express their priorities and expectations of local government.

The results of this election reinforce something I have always believed: Residents are paying attention, asking questions, and making informed decisions.

They also remind us that fiscal responsibility and maintaining essential City services go hand in hand. We cannot responsibly maintain our streets, support public safety, preserve our parks and aging urban forest, or protect our neighborhoods without a sustainable financial foundation.

If Measure M is ultimately approved, that support comes with an obligation. The City must continue controlling costs, identifying efficiencies, maintaining transparency, and demonstrating measurable results.

Voter approval is not a blank check. It is a responsibility to deliver.

A Personal Note: Thank You, Upland!

After months of campaign mailers, political advertisements, social media arguments, and competing claims, I think we can all appreciate putting another election season behind us.

I am particularly encouraged by the strong support for Measure M. Despite a campaign filled with conflicting information and, in my opinion, some seriously misleading claims, residents took the time to examine the facts and make their own decisions.

That gives me renewed confidence in the importance of transparency, honest communication, and an informed electorate.

Regardless of how you voted, we all share a common interest in seeing Upland succeed. Those who supported Measure M and those who opposed it deserve to have their voices heard.

Thank you to everyone who voted, volunteered, asked questions, and participated in the democratic process.

The election is coming to an end, but the responsibility of governing continues. And there is still plenty of work ahead.

James Breitling
Upland City Councilmember, District 2
The Upland Update

Election results are unofficial as of November 7, 2026, and remain subject to additional ballot counting and certification.

Official Results: San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters

Disclaimer: The Upland Update is an independent community resource and is not affiliated with the City of Upland. This is my personal initiative to keep residents and businesses informed about key issues, city developments, and community events that impact our daily lives. My goal is to ensure you have clear, transparent, and timely information to stay engaged and involved in shaping Upland’s future.

James Breitling

(909) 342-2523

info@theuplandupdate.com

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