Zac Shess
Candidate for City Council Member, Pleasant Hill, District 3 · Councilmember, City of Pleasant Hill
Zac Shess is a San Diego native who lived in many places throughout California, including a brief stint in Pleasant Hill during the mid-1970s when he attended Pleasant Hill Elementary. He graduated from San Jose State University with a degree in journalism and brings 30 years of marketing and communications experience. A job brought him back to Pleasant Hill in 2003 with his wife Debbie and their two young sons. Before joining the City Council, he spent nearly a decade on the Board of Directors of the Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District, including three years as Board Chair in 2016, 2017, and 2021. He coached youth sports and volunteered with Pleasant Hill Elementary's education foundation. He was elected to the City Council in November 2022 and elected Mayor on December 1, 2025.
Positions in brief
Shess emphasizes fiscal management, public safety, economic development, planned housing growth, and reliable city services, framing his campaign around experienced, pragmatic leadership.
As a councilmember he says he contributed to adoption of the 2040 General Plan and Housing Element, a Bicycle & Pedestrian Master Plan, and a Climate Action Plan, along with infrastructure and public-safety investments and support for local businesses.
On the issues
- Taxes & Cost of Living
Prioritizes responsibly managing taxpayer dollars, controlling costs, and strengthening the local economy.
“responsibly managing taxpayer dollars, controlling costs and strengthening our local economy”
Source → - Public Safety & Policing
Wants Pleasant Hill to remain safe, welcoming, and inclusive for residents, families, and businesses.
“safe, welcoming and inclusive for residents, families and businesses”
Source → - Economy & Jobs
Supports local business growth and opportunity.
Source → - Housing & Homelessness
Supports planning for housing development while preserving community character.
Source → - Infrastructure & Transportation
Wants to keep delivering effective city services alongside infrastructure investments.
Source →
Profiles are compiled from the candidate’s own statements and public records. We never tell you how to vote.