Del Mar voters will be asked to select two candidates for four-year terms on the City Council in November. Council members in Del Mar serve in at-large positions rather than by district.
There are two open seats on the City Council this year. One seat is held by Councilmember Terry Gaasterland, and another has remained vacant since Dwight Worden retired in late 2024.
Three candidates have announced their intention to run for the two open seats so far. Gaasterland is running for re-election to a third term, and challengers Jeff Sturgis and Meghan Spieker are also running.
Gaasterland has served on the council since 2018. She has served twice as the city’s mayor, a role that rotates between council members, and is in her sixth year serving on the SANDAG Board of Directors as a Del Mar representative.
She said she is focused on environmental protection, including the coastal bluff; advocating for local residents in the planning of the LOSSAN rail realignment project; investing in repairing local streets; moving forward with utility undergrounding; and maintaining local control over housing.
“We’re leading by example, and we will continue to do so. I care deeply about these regional issues, I care deeply about local control of our zoning and housing, and I care deeply about our environment,” Gaasterland said.
Spieker is a longtime business litigator who has lived in Del Mar for over 25 years. She currently serves as a Del Mar Planning Commissioner.
Spieker refers to herself as a bridge builder and said her top priorities for City Council include growing relationships with the Del Mar Fairgrounds, fiscal strength, reclaiming local control, protecting Del Mar’s interests during rail realignment planning, and continuing with utility undergrounding and the Shores Park master plan.
“I bring an open mind, a fresh perspective, and 25 years of deep roots in Del Mar to help our City Council be more collaborative, respectful, and effective,” Spieker said. “The challenges before us — state housing mandates, rail realignment, climate action and resilience — require strategic thinking, an astute legal perspective, and the ability to build relationships. That’s exactly the experience I’m bringing to this race.”
Sturgis has served on the Del Mar Finance Committee for more than a decade. He previously applied for the City Council vacancy in 2024, and said he is committed to upholding the community plan and preserving Del Mar’s character amid state housing mandates.
“My top policy is first and foremost listening to all voices of the community. I have served City Council members from all and opposing political affiliations for many years, but I have endeavored to provide the best guidance and advice to my abilities. I believe it is important to be consistent, trustworthy, and fair to everyone,” he said.
He said his other priorities include supporting a vibrant, walkable downtown; repairing streets and infrastructure; ensuring the North Bluff is properly zoned so that development fits Del Mar; undergrounding utilities; preventing eminent domain and tunneling during the rail realignment; and ensuring beach access.
