UC Berkeley alumnus and incumbent Rigel Robinson has won the race for Berkeley City Council District 7 with 56 votes as of 7:40 a.m. Wednesday with 100% of the precincts accounted for. 

Robinson ran uncontested in his campaign to secure the position; it’s a capacity he’s served in since 2018. His current platform focuses on addressing the ongoing student housing crisis while also taking into account equitable methods of allowing for continued city growth and development. Robinson also aims to increase student involvement in local politics, even going so far as to facilitate an entirely student-led campaign during his first run.

“I am proud of the progress we have made in the last four years, and deeply grateful to the residents of Berkeley for entrusting me with the opportunity to continue to represent you on the council,” Robinson said in a press release. “The votes and vision of young people will save this country.”

District 7 councilmembers have historically represented a dense student population with the district itself encompassing campus and the student residential accommodations and dormitories. Having attended UC Berkeley, Robinson — a current graduate student at the Goldman School of Public Policy — previously emphasized his commitment to centering student voices. In the past, a vast majority of his appointments to various city commissions were campus students.

During his unopposed campaign, Robinson also highlighted his dedication to revitalizing Southside while securing affordable housing units and offering support to organizations working within People’s Park.

Robinson received endorsements from organizations such as the Alameda County Democratic Club, Cal Berkeley Democrats, the Sierra Club, the Latine Young Democrats of the East Bay, the Alameda Labor Council and Berkeley Neighbors for Housing & Climate Action. He was also endorsed by elected officials such as California Attorney General Rob Bonta, State Senator Nancy Skinner and Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguín.

According to the press release, Robinson’s 2022 campaign was once again entirely student led. UC Berkeley student Davina Srioudom served as Robinson’s campaign manager throughout the process.

“It is a constant journey to try to open the doors of municipal government to students,” Robinson previously told The Daily Californian. “But I think the city benefits from hearing those new perspectives and hearing those new ideas.”

Following his reelection, Robinson seeks to continue his efforts in addressing homelessness, reducing the city’s carbon footprint and environmental emissions and revitalizing the commercial districts that exist throughout Berkeley. 

As Robinson noted, the work continues.

“To be running for reelection now, with so much support, I hope that it means people think I’ve done an OK job,” Robinson previously told the Daily Cal. “It’s very humbling, and I appreciate the support.