About

Meet Chris Pimentel

Marine Corps Veteran. Community Volunteer.

El Segundo Mayor.

Rooted in Service. Committed to El Segundo.

Great cities don't happen by accident. They're built by people who care, show up, and invest in their community. That's what makes El Segundo special.

When my family first settled here, we knew we'd found something extraordinary. From Eagles' Nest Preschool to our schools, sports fields, local businesses, and community events, El Segundo reflected the values we wanted to share with our children.

We also believed that being part of a community meant contributing to it. That belief has guided my life, from military service to the private sector and now as Mayor of El Segundo.

A Lifetime of Service and Leadership

I grew up in Wichita, Kansas, a community that shares El Segundo's strong values and aerospace heritage.

One of the most important lessons of my life came from my father. Watching news coverage of the conflict in Somalia, I exclaimed, "Somebody needs to do something."

His response was simple:

That question shaped my belief that leadership begins with personal responsibility.

I attended the University of Virginia on an NROTC scholarship and served eight years as a Marine Corps infantry officer across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, I commanded Marines in Iraq's Anbar Province and was awarded the Bronze Star with Combat "V" for valor. I was promoted early to Major before leaving active service in 2005.

Following my military career, I worked in security, operations, and technology, including managing a major Department of Homeland Security public-private partnership. That experience in complex operations, labor negotiations, and government partnerships continues to inform my approach to public service.

Eight Years of Serving El Segundo

I was elected to El Segundo City Council in 2018, served as Mayor Pro Tem in 2023, and was selected as Mayor in December 2024.

Working alongside my Council colleagues, city staff, residents, and local businesses, we've advanced important priorities for our community:

Community Investment: Improving parks, recreation facilities, and essential infrastructure, including the Plunge renovation.
Economic Development: Strengthening El Segundo's position as a center for aerospace, technology, and innovation, including welcoming the announced $150 million LA Sparks headquarters and training facility.
Transportation & Connectivity: Advancing regional transportation planning and safer, more efficient ways to move throughout the South Bay.
Environmental Stewardship: Supporting water conservation, renewable energy, and responsible infrastructure improvements.
Public Safety: Prioritizing emergency preparedness, strong regional partnerships, and the resources needed to keep our community safe.

I'm proud of our progress, but none of it happens because of one person. It takes dedicated city employees, engaged residents, local businesses, and a City Council committed to working together.

Leadership Beyond City Hall

Representing El Segundo also means ensuring our city has a voice in regional decisions. My leadership and service roles include:

Chair, South Bay Council of Governments Transportation Committee
Chair, South Bay Aerospace Committee
Chair, County Sanitation Districts 5 and Beach Cities
Member, League of California Cities Revenue and Taxation Policy Committee
Member, County Personnel Committee, including labor negotiations
Civilian Board Member, Space Force Association
Board Member, Vets in Tech
Active involvement with the Military Officers Association

These roles allow me to advocate for El Segundo on transportation, infrastructure, economic development, environmental stewardship, and the future of aerospace and defense.

Community Comes First

Long before joining City Council, I was an active El Segundo volunteer, and that remains one of the most meaningful parts of my life here.

I've served on the Eagles' Nest Preschool Board, including five years as Vice President, coached AYSO soccer and Little League baseball and softball, and served as AA Baseball Commissioner. I've also volunteered with the Run for Education, Richmond Street School Fall Festival, and School Site Council.

Beyond El Segundo, I've served on the Los Angeles Board of Camp Kesem, helping raise more than $3.5 million to provide free summer camp experiences for children impacted by a parent's cancer.

Whether coaching a team, supporting a local school, or meeting with residents, community service has always been about showing up and doing the work.

Endorsements & Community Support

My 2026 reelection campaign has received endorsements from:

Organizations

BizFed PAC
League of Conservation Voters

Individuals

California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, CPA
Dieema Wheaton - El Segundo School Board
Drew Boyles - El Segundo City Council and former Mayor

Looking Ahead

El Segundo has accomplished a great deal since 2018, and there's more work ahead.

My priorities remain focused on responsible growth, fiscal discipline, public safety, smart infrastructure investments, environmental stewardship, and preserving the small-town character that makes El Segundo special.

Experience matters. Relationships matter. And showing up for your community matters.

It's been an honor to serve El Segundo for the past eight years. I look forward to continuing the conversations, listening to your ideas, and working together to keep our city moving forward.

Chris Pimentel
Mayor, City of El Segundo

I hope to earn your vote on November 3, 2026.