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The field is set for the 2026 Fortuna City Council election, with four candidates qualifying for four open council seats. Barring peculiar circumstances, all will serve on the council that leads the city of around 12,000 people.

This election is unique, with all but one councilmember up for election simultaneously. Two councilmembers were appointed after resignations in 2025 with their terms automatically ending by the next election.

Candidates Mike Johnson, Abe Stevens and Carlos Diaz all currently sit on the council. Councilmember Kyle Conley will not run again; Tina Christensen, a real estate agent who serves on the city’s planning commission, has thrown in her hat to join the five-person governing body as a newcomer.

Diaz, a Cal Poly Humboldt employee and lieutenant with the Fortuna Volunteer Fire Department, was appointed to the council in 2025 following the resignation of Kris Mobley. Stevens, co-owner of Humboldt Distillery, was similarly appointed to the council in 2025 following the resignation of newly-elected Jerry King.

Mayor Johnson has served on the council since 2018.

All positions are four-year seats except one. Diaz is seeking the two-year term.

The varying term lengths will be listed separately on the ballot, according to Fortuna City Clerk Siana Emmons. The purpose of the seat with the two-year term is to return to a system where councilmember elections are staggered, she explained in an email.

Mayor Pro Tem Tami Trent is the only councilmember not currently up for election, with her term to end in 2028.

The upcoming council will be tasked with navigating the city’s ongoing budget issues, along with duties like setting broad policy and overseeing city operations.

Read candidate statements submitted to the city below!

Tina Christensen, 78, real estate

Fortuna is a community built on the foundation of hardworking families, local businesses, and neighbors who care about one another. I am running for Fortuna City Council because I want to protect what makes our city special while planning responsibly for its future.

After more than 50 years in real estate, I understand the critical intersection of property, housing, local business, as well as the ways our decisions shape our community’s growth.

We need responsible stewardship to keep Fortuna as a sacred space where we can raise our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Over the last two decades, I have served on numerous boards and committees to make this happen; I currently serve on the
Fortuna Planning Commission. As a longtime resident with deep family roots in Fortuna, I understand both the strengths of our community and the challenges facing our families and businesses.

If elected, I will support responsible economic growth that creates opportunities, strengthens local businesses, expands our tax base, and helps Fortuna remain a place where families can build a future. I will approach every decision with integrity, transparency, and respect for the people I serve.

Mike Johnson, 71, retired

Fortuna is a growing city that retains a small town community atmosphere, a trait that is disappearing elsewhere. I enjoyed raising my children here and love seeing my grandchildren joining in the many activities throughout the year.

I worked in Fortuna Public Works for over 25 years, including 10 years as General Services Superintendent. I have worked on projects with the Chamber of Commerce and local community groups. 

As a Council member and board member of the Fortuna Rodeo Association and Fortuna Redwood AutoXpo Committee, I have worked with stakeholders to safely and successfully facilitate these community events.

Having served as a member of the Fortuna City Council since 2018, I worked to keep our community friendly and safe. As we begin the General plan update, the recently adopted Strategic Plan is our guide. I support jobs, economic development, businesses and the small-town atmosphere that makes Fortuna special. I look forward to serving the citizens of Fortuna. If reelected, I will continue to vote for decisions that will bring the most benefit to the city and our citizens within our budget and to be an advocate for the people of Fortuna.

Abe Stevens, small business owner

I’m not perfect, but I generally try to be a decent person. I’ve donated enough blood to qualify for a special license plate cover, and when I take my dog for a walk I bring a poo-bag to clean up after him. The local business I own has matured enough to give me more free time, and I’d like to become more involved in the community.

I currently serve on the Fortuna City Council and would appreciate an opportunity to continue. I was born in Humboldt, graduated from FUHS, and have a daughter in school here, so I have a vested interest in seeing our City succeed. 

The local economy has been slow, so we have some tough choices ahead with our budget, but I’m a good problem solver. I have ambitions for the City, but my first priority is to focus on core services: keep our parks clean and open for our youth, ensure tap water is safe to drink (and when we flush the toilet the waste is properly treated), ensure police respond professionally in an emergency, and to keep our roads/sidewalks properly maintained.

Thanks for your consideration.

Carlos Diaz

Note: Diaz has yet to submit a 2026 candidate statement, but wrote this in early 2025 when seeking appointment by the Fortuna City Council.

I am honored to express my intent to fill the vacant seat on the Fortuna City Council. For the past 25 years, Fortuna has been more than just a place I call home; it is where I have built my life, raised my family, and devoted my efforts to strengthening our community. This town has shaped who I am, and I am eager to contribute back in an even greater capacity.

Community service has always been at the heart of who I am. Whether coaching youth sports, serving with the Fortuna Volunteer Fire Department, participating on the South Fortuna Elementary Budget Committee, or contributing as a member of the Hops in Humboldt Committee, my goal has consistently been to support and uplift those around me. I take pride in rolling up my sleeves, working alongside my neighbors, and making a tangible difference in the community we all cherish.

Professionally, I have developed a strong skill set that I believe will greatly benefit the City Council. My experience analyzing budgets, evaluating contracts, and approaching complex issues with a logical and methodical mindset has prepared me to handle the responsibilities of this role effectively. More importantly, my ability to listen, communicate, and find common ground enables me to be an effective advocate for our community.

I am committed to fostering a city that is fiscally responsible, forward-thinking, and deeply connected to its residents. My goal is to ensure that Fortuna remains a thriving environment where families flourish, businesses expand, and the community spirit continues to thrive.

I would be honored to serve on the City Council, bringing my dedication, energy, and unique perspective to the role. Thank you for your time and consideration