Meeting at the Milagro Centre, Carmichael honorary mayors past, present and prospective include Julie Hubbs (left,) Miranda Vianni, Kerri Mandes, Haley Maco, Martin Ross, Lilia Darbinyan and Mike Rockenstein. Current Mayor (right) is Dr. Kawanaa Carter. Junior campaigner Benjamin Maco, 3, supports his mother. Photo by Susan Maxwell Skinner

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Carmichael’s annual race for honorary mayor has four rivals vying for 2026 office.

The candidates include a realtor, a community advocate,  a business consultant and a school principal.

With all eyes on the winner’s sash, the four recently launched campaigns at a Carmichael Chamber of Commerce “Mayoral Mixer” in the Milagro Centre.

The mayoralty is a Chamber of Commerce tradition that carries much prestige but no civic power.

Current sash-wearer is neurological surgeon Kawanaa Carter, who continues her volunteer duties for the remainder of 2025.

Slugged out through summer and fall, the race includes many fundraising events. Each donated dollar is counted as a vote. Put bluntly, the candidate with the most cash gets the sash. Nonprofit organizations will receive 75 percent of the donations.

The victor undertakes a high-profile term. Ribbon-cuttings, tree-plantings, hand-shaking and baby-kissing are standard fare. A place in the July 4 parade goes with the territory. Promoting businesses or charitable interests are additional perks.

The 2026 candidates follow.

Single mom Haley Maco (27) combines a real estate career with raising three children. Her campaign benefits Waking the Village, a Sacramento cause in support of Tubman House for homeless young parents and their children.

“Waking the Village changed my life,” Maco told Chamber of Commerce members. “Now I want to pay that forward. I love Carmichael and I love talking to people about the importance of community.”

Business consultant Mike Rockenstein (55) serves the Carmichael Park District Board and the Carmichael Planning Advisory Council. The father of two is a Scoutmaster and is devoted to the First Tee, a charity that builds youth life skills through the game of golf. The First Tee benefits from his fundraising.

“My life is about service,” he said. “My passion is to teach young people that in giving back, they’re leading a life of purpose.”

Martin Ross (56) is an executive for the Health Education Council. He serves the Carmichael Park District board and is a commissioner for the Sacramento Housing Redevelopment Agency. A former pastor for the Salvation Army, Ross plays steel drums and has coached youth sport. He has three daughters.

“Thriving businesses require strong communities and strong communities need successful businesses,” said Ross.

His campaign boosts the Carmichael Kiwanis Club.

Lilia Darbinyan (30) is an educator and law student. She founded the Karapetyan Armenian American Academy to advance knowledge of Armenian culture and language among youth. The mother of two recently launched Heritage Elementary School in Carmichael. Her campaign supports the Society for Orphaned Armenian Relief.

“I’m for children,” said Darbinyan. “And above all, I’m for helping children.” 

To assist or learn about the Carmichael honorary mayoralty, go online to www.carmichaelchamber.com.