Townsend is running to improve public safety and make City Hall more responsive to residents. ICAN supports that local focus and expects elected leaders to confront antisemitism and protect equal participation in civic life.
Public safety and a City Hall that answers to residents
The Israeli-American Civic Action Network (ICAN) endorses Derrick Townsend for Santa Monica City Council in the November 3, 2026 election. ICAN supports his focus on public safety, responsive government, and restoring residents’ confidence in their city.
Townsend’s campaign emphasizes safer neighborhoods and a municipal government that listens to everyday residents. His professional background is in occupational therapy, helping older adults and people with disabilities live safely and independently. He brings that experience serving people to his campaign for City Council.
For ICAN, public safety includes the security of Jewish and Israeli-American residents and their ability to participate openly in civic life. Antisemitism must be confronted plainly. Local leaders should defend equal treatment, support effective public services, and make City Hall accessible to the people it serves.
ICAN backs Townsend’s call for a higher standard of local government. We expect elected officials to answer residents’ concerns with practical action and to uphold the same protections for every member of the community.
ICAN urges Santa Monica voters to elect Derrick Townsend to City Council on November 3, 2026.
About ICAN
The Israeli-American Civic Action Network is a pro-America, pro-Israel advocacy organization that combines political intelligence with an integrated domestic and foreign policy agenda built for state and local action. ICAN advances its mission through community organizing, legislative advocacy, electoral accountability, and the development of U.S.–Israel partnerships. Learn more at icanaction.org.
Media contact: ICAN — media@israelusa.org