Mike Rockenstein (right) donates mayoral race funds to the First Tee-Sacramento non-profit. Organization Vice Chair Steve Lawver (second from right) accepts the check. Carmichael Chamber of Commerce board members Rosie Buck and Brad Sanborn join the presentation. 

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Golf-lover Mike Rockenstein raised more than $25,000 to win the Carmichael Chamber of Commerce’s contest for 2026 Honorary Mayor.

At a recent Chamber celebration, the Carmichael business consultant (55) donated 75 percent of his war chest to the First Tee - Greater Sacramento. Through disciplines of golf, the non-profit sponsors lessons-in-life for school-aged and disadvantaged youth.

Rockenstein’s campaign scored an impressive lead over fellow candidates. “Friends and family were really generous to me, “Rockenstein said. “They liked First Tee’s mission to give kids opportunities they might not otherwise get.”

In a tradition that dates from the 1970s, the annual mayoral race is a fundraiser for the Chamber and local charities. The contest kicks off each summer, when wannabes nominate a cause to share their bounty. In the ballot-free contest, each dollar raised represents a vote.

“I did three fundraising events with encouraging support,” said Rockenstein. “But until the announcement at the Best of Carmichael (Nov. 7) I had no idea I’d won. I felt relieved; I’d been working on the campaign every day since August.”

Rockenstein’s interest in youth extends beyond his teenage twins, John and Morgan. He has run fundraisers to boost Carmichael’s Our Lady of Assumption School. He’s active in St Francis High School’s ‘Dads Club’. He’s a 1986 Eagle Scout (and dad to Eagle son John), Rockenstein dons khaki for Scout Master duties with Carmichael’s Troop 328. 

“It’s critical that youth learn life skills and take the initiative in leadership,” he said. “Scouting and the First Tee organization share many ideals: responsibility, integrity, honesty, courtesy and perseverance. With those qualities, you’ll get a long way in life.”

Mayoral service is just part of Rockenstein’s gift to the area where he and his wife Jill have lived for 21 years.  The businessman currently captains the Carmichael Planning and Development Council; he is a former Carmichael Recreation and Park District Chair.

Honorary Carmichael Mayor Mike Rockenstein takes his wife Jill and twins John and Morgan (15) golfing in Ancil Hoffman Park.

 Rockenstein’s wife, kids and friends now call him Mister Mayor. “It’s a pretty cool title” he smiled. “I worked hard for it. I want to help strengthen the community through my year in office.”

The honorary mayoralty allows no civic power. The title bestows a high profile at Chamber events and a license to cut ribbons and shake as many hands as the businessman can manage. A ride in the July 4 parade is a major perk. He will judge burger cook-offs and play golf with elected leaders.

Rockenstein has pushed a caddy bag since childhood. He believes kids who may never belong to fancy golf clubs can gain skills and confidence from his favorite sport.

“Golf has given me values that helped my career,” he said. “In sport, you have peaks and valleys just as in your professional life. You persevere.  When I’m out on a course, mentoring young people, I try to teach them to problem solve, to stay focused and to overcome adversity.”

Learn about the First Tee of Great Sacramento at www.firstteesacramento.org.