The Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce hosted a Temecula City Council District 5 Candidates Forum on October 5, providing residents and members of the business community with an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates ahead of the November 3 General Municipal Election. The forum featured Dr. Yuan Hawkes, Laurel LaMont, and incumbent Zak Schwank. Candidate Russell Shirley was unable to attend. The discussion was moderated by Brian Connors, Temecula Valley Chamber Board Director. 

Candidates responded to questions prepared by the Temecula Valley Chamber focusing on issues important to the business community, including economic development, the local economy, and the challenges and opportunities facing Temecula businesses.

“As the Chamber representing nearly 1,000 businesses throughout our community, we believe it is important for our members and the community to have an opportunity to hear directly from those seeking to serve on our City Council,” said Brooke Nunn, President/CEO of the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce. “Our goal was to provide a fair and informative forum focused on the issues that matter to our business community and the future of Temecula.”

The Chamber encourages residents to become informed about the candidates and issues before casting their ballots. The November 3 election will determine the District 5 representative on the Temecula City Council.

The Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce does not endorse candidates for public office.

The forum was presented as an opportunity for the community to hear directly from the candidates and become more informed about the upcoming election. We encourage all eligible voters to participate in the November 3, 2026 election and make their voices heard by exercising their right to vote. Temecula residents can find local vote centers, ballot drop-off locations, and important election information through the Riverside County Registrar of Voters.