The race for the 2027 San Pedro Town Council elections continues to gain momentum as Jose “Elito” Arceo officially announced his candidacy, today, Monday, July 20, 2026, for Mayor of San Pedro Town, becoming the fifth individual to publicly declare his intention to seek the municipality’s highest office.
Arceo will head an independent municipal team, separate from the country’s established political parties, and says he will soon introduce the candidates who will be joining him in seeking seats on the San Pedro Town Council. In announcing his candidacy, Arceo said the decision came after careful reflection on the type of leadership he believes San Pedro deserves.
“Today, I, Jose ‘Elito’ Arceo, am announcing my candidacy for Mayor of San Pedro Town,” he stated. “This decision comes after careful reflection on the kind of leadership our island deserves. We deserve leaders with a better vision for San Pedro, who are committed to accountability, and who will put this community ahead of personal gain. I am a proud son of this island, and I am running to be that leader.”
Arceo said his vision is centered on balancing San Pedro’s continued growth with the preservation of the community’s identity and natural environment.
“We have a beautiful home. We are rich in the connections of our community, in the beauty around us, and in the environment that nourishes us. I know that the continued growth of our town does not need to come at the expense of our community, our natural beauty, or our environment. As Mayor, I will commit to serving my constituents, not myself, with renewed investment in our town and passionate defense of our ecosystem.”
Elito Arceo To Announce His Team Soon
As his campaign moves forward, Arceo said residents can expect to meet the individuals who will make up his municipal team and learn more about the platform they hope to bring to voters.
“As I prepare to ask you all for your support, I will introduce my colleagues who will be running alongside me, share more of our vision, and firmly commit to accountability,” he said.
Elito Arceo is no stranger to municipal government. He previously served as a Town Councilor and Deputy Mayor on the People’s United Party (PUP) San Pedro Town Board from 1997 to 2000. He later represented the PUP as its Belize Rural South Standard Bearer during the 2015 General Elections.
His announcement further expands what is shaping up to be a competitive mayoral race. Candidates who have publicly declared their intention to run for Mayor of San Pedro include incumbent Mayor Gualberto “Wally” Núñez (PUP), Joseph “Joe” Elijio (UDP), Celestino “Tino” Tzul (The New Era Movement), Abner Bacab, and now Jose “Elito” Arceo, who will lead an independent municipal slate.
With the municipal elections still months away, residents can expect additional announcements from the various campaigns as they unveil their councilor candidates, platforms, and plans for the future of San Pedro.
