Rylee Peak (Mayor of Moreno Valley, California, candidate 2026)

Rylee Peak (No Party Affiliation) is running for election to Mayor of Moreno Valley in California.^[1]

Elections

2026

Ballotpedia survey responses

Rylee Peak completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Peak's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a lifelong advocate for community service and civic engagement. I currently serve as a City Commissioner in Moreno Valley, where I chair the Parks, Community Services, and Trails Committee. From an early age, I have worked to give young people a voice in local government and to make sure our community is heard. Growing up in Moreno Valley, I have spent my teenage years organizing community cleanups, serving as an ambassador for local programs, and working with residents to solve everyday issues. My candidacy is about opening up City Hall to the people, creating more opportunities for youth and families, and ensuring Moreno Valley continues to grow responsibly while staying true to its community roots.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I believe every voice in Moreno Valley matters, and I am committed to creating an open and transparent city government that listens to its residents.
I will focus on bringing more opportunities for youth and families, including educational programs, safe recreational spaces, and community services that strengthen our city.
I am running to ensure Moreno Valley’s growth benefits everyone, with policies that prioritize safety, local jobs, and a strong sense of community.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about civic engagement, youth empowerment, and community development. I believe government works best when residents are directly involved in decision-making, and I want to make it easier for people to access city resources and have their voices heard. I am especially focused on expanding parks and community services, supporting educational and career pathways for young people, and making sure Moreno Valley grows in a way that provides jobs, safety, and opportunities for families.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

An elected official should be honest, accessible, and focused on serving the people rather than themselves. Transparency, accountability, and the ability to truly listen are key to building trust with the community.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The mayor must bring the community together, set a vision for the city, and ensure residents feel heard in the decisions being made. The role isn’t just about policies — it’s about leadership, communication, and making sure City Hall is working for everyone.

A mayor is a leader in his or her city. What does that mean to you?

Being a leader means putting the community first and guiding the city with integrity and vision. It’s about uniting people around shared goals, supporting local families and businesses, and making sure the city grows responsibly while protecting what makes it special.

If the mayor in your city is a member of the city council and there's a city manager appointed to handle the day-to-day administration of the city government, what do you believe should be the mayor's top priority in office?

The mayor’s top priority should be to represent the community’s voice, set clear priorities with the council, and work closely with the city manager to make sure those priorities are carried out effectively.

If the mayor in your city is not a member of the city council and oversees the day-to-day administration of the city government, what do you believe is the ideal relationship between the mayor and city council?

The ideal relationship is one of partnership and respect. Even when disagreements happen, the mayor and council must work together for the good of residents, keeping communication open and focusing on shared goals for the city.

What do you love most about your city?

I love the people of Moreno Valley — their energy, their resilience, and their pride in our community. No matter the challenges, our city is full of neighbors who step up, support one another, and want the best for their families.

What do you perceive to be your city's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Our greatest challenges will be managing growth, ensuring public safety, and creating good-paying local jobs. As Moreno Valley expands, we need to make sure infrastructure, schools, and services keep up, while also protecting the character of our neighborhoods.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between your city and the state government?

The ideal relationship is collaborative, where the state supports local priorities without overstepping into decisions best made at the community level. A strong partnership can bring resources, funding, and opportunities that help Moreno Valley thrive.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between your city and the federal government?

The federal government should be a partner in addressing big issues like transportation, healthcare, and economic development. Our city should advocate for its fair share of resources and ensure federal policies reflect the needs of local families.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the mayor's office and law enforcement?

The relationship should be built on trust, accountability, and transparency. The mayor must support law enforcement while also making sure policies reflect community values, so residents feel safe, respected, and protected.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My very first “job” was actually serving as a city commissioner. I started in middle school, and it taught me early on the value of responsibility and showing up for my community. While not a traditional job, it gave me the experience of working with city leaders and residents, and I’ve continued in that role ever since.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The first big event I clearly remember was the COVID-19 pandemic. I was in middle school, and everything about daily life changed overnight — school, friendships, and community events. It showed me how important leadership and community support are during hard times.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to leaders who stay connected to their communities, like President Barack Obama and local leaders in Moreno Valley who started out young and made a difference close to home. I want to follow their example by staying grounded and always remembering that leadership is about service.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want to be remembered as someone who gave young people a seat at the table and inspired them to get involved in shaping their community. If more youth feel empowered to serve, then I’ll know I’ve made an impact.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

One of my struggles has been being taken seriously at a young age. Starting in public service as a teenager has meant proving that my age doesn’t limit my ability to lead. It’s been challenging, but it’s also motivated me to work even harder.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

I’d probably choose Spider-Man. He’s young, balancing responsibility with everyday life, and driven by the idea that “with great power comes great responsibility.” That message really resonates with me.

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

I’m proud of becoming the Chair of the Parks, Community Services, and Trails Committee. It’s not just a title — it shows the trust my community has in me and gives me a chance to directly shape programs and services that make a difference in people’s lives.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.