Unlike the 2024 race that saw Santa Monica's liberal establishment regain control after a historic loss in 2020, the November 3 election for three open seats won't flip the Council majority.

One slate will be headed by Mayor Caroline Torosis, the top vote getter in 2022, and likely won't include fellow incumbent Jesse Zwick, who has indicated he is unlikely to seek a second term.

The rival faction will be headed by Councilmember Lana Negrete, who has been the lone anti-establishment vote on the Council after two of her allies were swept from office two years ago and a third chose not to run.

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