Mayor Mark Armstrong (center) faces challengers Emma Chigbu (left) and Paschalis Ntatsos in the 2026 election. Sources: City of San Ramon and campaigns.
19-year-old runs to be “the youngest mayor in California history.”
By Allen D. Payton
The incumbent facing re-election this year for San Ramon mayor will run again for another two-year term and face two opponents in the November 3, 2026 Municipal Election. Mayor Mark H. Armstrong is being challenged by 19-year-old student Emma Chigbu and local non-profit organization leader and swim coach Paschalis Ntatsos.
Armstrong Again
According to his bio on the City’s website, Armstrong was initially appointed to the City Council following the 2020 election and elected to his second term in 2022, then elected Mayor in 2024. A California and San Francisco Bay Area native, he has been a resident of San Ramon since 2004.
Armstrong is a Retired Colonel, having served for 30 years as a U.S. Army Infantry Officer in a variety of Army, multi-service, and interagency command and staff assignments in the U.S., Europe, Middle East, Indo-Pacific and Caribbean.
He is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point.
Armstrong later worked for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region IX based in Oakland in a variety of response and recovery senior leadership positions including as a Presidentially-appointed Federal Coordinating Officer Cadre.
He has received numerous military awards and decorations including the U.S. Army MacArthur Leadership Award and was also selected as the Military Emergency Manager of the Year by the International Association of Emergency Managers.
Locally, Armstrong has participated in numerous volunteer and speaking activities in San Ramon and the surrounding area. An Eagle Scout himself, he served as an adult leader and Assistant Scoutmaster as his sons progressed through Scouting to earn their Eagle Scout rank.
Armstrong and his wife Brenda have four children who are all graduates of California High School.
His priorities as a councilmember have included Public Safety, Protection (of) Neighborhoods and Open Space, Fiscal Responsibility and Quality of Life.
According to Armstrong’s Candidate Statement, he says, “I support policies that strengthen public safety, preserve our parks and open spaces, support local businesses, and ensure that new development is accompanied by appropriate infrastructure and city services.”
On his campaign website, he shares his platform writing, “As your mayor I will prioritize: Public Safety, Protecting our Neighborhoods and Preserving Open Spaces, Quality of Life (and) Fiscal Accountability.” Armstrong “supports ensuring our Police Department is fully funded, well-trained, and properly equipped” as well as “the city’s plan to focus new housing in the City Center and transit areas.” He is “committed to maintaining…63 parks, miles of trails, community centers, libraries, recreational facilities, and vibrant arts and cultural programs…and ensuring city programs, parks, and facilities continue to serve our growing and diverse community.” Finally, Armstrong says he is “committed to responsible budgeting, long-term planning, and protecting taxpayer dollars.”
Challenger Chigbu
According to her candidate filing documents, Chigbu’s ballot designation is “Student”, and she marked the box that reads, “I do not wish to file a Candidate Statement.” But on her campaign website, Chigbu shared some information about her background writing, “San Ramon has always been my home. When my parents first immigrated from Nigeria to California, they knew San Ramon would be the city that would give their children a strong quality of life. I’ve benefitted first-hand from our exceptional schools, beautiful parks and open spaces, and safe community.
“As a young professional still living in San Ramon, I have witnessed how young families are struggling to live in our beautiful city. City council is not representative of the younger residents of San Ramon. I feel it is my duty to give back to the city that made me who I am. Young families and professionals should have the same opportunities to live here that my family was blessed to have.”
Chigbu’s platform posted on her campaign’s Instagram account includes: preventing overdevelopment, fiscal stability, community engagement and wildfire prevention.
Another Instagram post reads, “Kind of chic to help elect California’s youngest mayor” and written on her website includes the message, “help elect the youngest mayor in California history.” Nowhere on her website or social media does it show Chigbu’s age, what she does for work or her educational information. However, according to fastpeoplesearch.com, she is 19 years old.
San Ramon City Hall. Photo: City of San Ramon
New Ntatsos
Paschalis Ntatsos lists his ballot designation as a Nonprofit Director / CEO and his Candidate Statement shows he moved to San Ramon in 2009. His platform includes a balanced budget, a connected community with “a responsible, accountable and transparent City Hall”, wellness for children and households, and smart, local economic growth and says, “We must keep San Ramon affordable, safe, and financially sound.”
On his campaign website Ntatsos says he “was born and raised in Greece” and offers more of why he’s running writing, “streamlining City Hall and cutting waste…balance a budget…fix our infrastructure, keep our streets safe, and protect the multicultural character.” His Five Priorities are listed as, Put Residents First, Smarter Budgets, Invest in Our Youth, Local Business & New Investment and Support for Our Seniors. His campaign slogan is “People over politics. Accountable to you.”
Ntatsos also shares, “I’m proud of what I’ve built in our sports community and in business.”
According to his LinkedIn profile, he is Founder and CEO of EliteSwim, DBA ElitSwim in San Ramon since 2013 and since Dec. 2022, Founder and Executive Director of ElitSwim Club a year-round competitive USA Swimming Club, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Ntatsos previously worked as an Age Group Swim Coach for San Ramon Valley Aquatics.
He also served in the Greek Navy, was a member of the Greek National team as a 23-year swimmer and has several honors and awards including: National Record Holder of Greece – 100m Free, 200m Free, Seniors (1996-1999); Gold Medalist in 200m Free, Silver 100m Free, Military World Championship, St. Petersburg, Russia (1995); National Swimmer of the Year, Greece (1996); Olympic Games Torch runner, (1996); and Open Water, Alcatraz Invitational Event, overall 7th place in 2009, and 4th place in 2011 out of 600+ swimmers.
Ntatsos’ education includes a B.A. in Physical Education and Sport Science (BSS) with a major in swimming from the University of Athens, Greece in 1999 and Certified by the American Swimming Coaches Association as a level 5 International Senior coach.
He has also completed three City programs including San Ramon Government 101, and Community / Police and Planning academies.
The election is Tuesday, November 3.
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