Two first-time candidates will join the Woodland City Council in 2026 after winning their Nov. 4 races, ending one incumbent’s tenure and filling an open seat with another newcomer.
In the final certified tally on Monday, Nov. 24, Brittny Michaelson defeated incumbent Carol Rounds for council position 2 with 774 votes, or 61.09 percent. Rounds received 490 votes, or 38.67 percent. For position 6, Jennifer De Luz won the open seat with 689 votes, or 54.6 percent, over Keith Bellisle’s 569 votes, or 45.09 percent.
Michaelson, who moved to Woodland in 2023 with family roots in the city dating back generations, said she ran after watching residents grow frustrated with the council's decisions.
“It just seemed like the majority of the council members were serving their own interests rather than the community,” she said.
She added that one of her turning points was the council’s stance on cannabis retail. As previously reported by The Reflector, the council shot down multiple ordinances proposed by the city’s planning commission throughout 2024, including efforts to rezone cannabis retail into light industrial or highway commercial districts.
They also rejected a motion to hold a public advisory vote, citing moral objections, youth safety concerns and skepticism about financial benefits. Carol rounded out Position 2, and Terry Hall of Position 6 both voted against the advisory vote in July 2024.
“That to me was a big, a big red flag like you are not going to listen to your community when they blatantly told you the majority has said we want this,” Michaelson said.
Michaelson said the rejection of a public advisory vote was another concern.
“When they were like, no, we’re not doing that … I didn’t think that was appropriate,” she said.
Regarding the election results, she said residents were clear about wanting new leadership.
“To me, it says that they’re ready for a change,” she said.
Looking ahead to her first term, she said that infrastructure and utilities require urgent attention due to past mismanagement and ongoing growth pressures.
“Our roads are an issue,” she said.
She also wants residents to be prepared for disruptions caused by long-delayed projects. Namely, a project intended to reduce congestion at Exit 21, expected to start in 2028 or later, is likely to result in traffic delays due to the placement of Interstate-5 through the center of Woodland.
“We’re gonna be in the middle of construction for quite a while, and that’s not gonna be fun either, but then once it’s done, it’ll be really, really nice,” she said.
Michaelson added that supporting community-driven projects and initiatives, such as Downtown Woodland Revitalization, will be key priorities.
“I think that that is an opportunity that we’ve got that we can really do some fun things with and could be a big turning point for Woodland,” she said.
She expressed gratitude for the community’s support and said she plans to stay accessible.
“I hope they feel like they can always talk to me,” she said.
De Luz, who won position 6, said she was humbled by the result in an email correspondence with The Reflector. An artist with wood-burned pieces displayed in 27 states, she traces her work ethic to “bucking hay bales” and wrapping meat at the local butcher shop.
She said she ran in part because of the council’s repeated rejection of cannabis retail proposals in 2024.
Regarding the 2025 election results, De Luz said voter engagement shaped this year’s races.
“I believe the voters want to feel listened to and have an active part in the happenings of the city,” she wrote in an email correspondence with The Reflector.
She said her early focus will include helping small businesses and improving communication so residents understand city projects and decisions. She also plans to prioritize public education on roundabouts.
“Open communication is key,” she wrote.
De Luz has emphasized the importance of revitalizing downtown in ways that strengthen locally owned businesses, a topic she discussed in an earlier interview before the election.
She said she wants residents to stay engaged as the new council begins its work.
“This is your new City Council! Let’s go!” De Luz wrote.
