Christian Peacox, Carlsbad's city treasurer, is seeking reelection in the Nov. 3 general election. The nonpartisan race also includes Thomas E. Krouse Jr.

Asked why he is running, Peacox said in our candidate questionnaire: "I am seeking reelection because I want to continue serving the residents of Carlsbad and building on the progress we have made during my first term. The City Treasurer's work has a direct impact on the community. The city's nearly $1 billion investment portfolio generated more than $28 million in cash interest income last fiscal year."

Candidate information

Party affiliation: Peacox said in our questionnaire: "The office of Carlsbad City Treasurer is nonpartisan. I manage the city's public funds on behalf of all residents without regard to political affiliation."

Education: Peacox said in our questionnaire: "Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Southern California, with an emphasis in International Finance, magna cum laude. Certified California Municipal Treasurer, awarded by the California Municipal Treasurers Association in April 2025."

Family: Peacox said in our questionnaire: "My wife and I have lived in Carlsbad for more than 15 years and raised our two sons here. Both of our sons attended Carlsbad's public schools, and our family is proud to call this community home."

Experience and public service

Asked about previous public office, Peacox said in our questionnaire: "Carlsbad City Treasurer, elected November 2024 and sworn into office on December 10, 2024. This is my first elected or appointed public office."

Asked about his work history, Peacox said in our questionnaire: "I bring more than 30 years of experience in finance and business. I spent approximately 10 years in corporate finance, including positions with The Walt Disney Company and Nortel Networks. … I then spent approximately 20 years as an entrepreneur. I founded and managed an e-commerce company that I successfully sold in 2022. I also served as co-founder and Chief Financial Officer of Restore Detox Centers."

On the issues

Asked what sets him apart from other candidates, Peacox said in our questionnaire: "The most important difference is that I have a record of doing the job. For nearly two years, I have directly managed Carlsbad's nearly $1 billion investment portfolio. … During my first term, I modernized the investment program, aligned the Investment Policy with state law, established the city's first resident Investment Review Board, and earned professional certification for the policy from CMTA."

He said the city's Investment Policy was certified by the California Municipal Treasurers Association in October 2025.

Asked about accomplishments, Peacox said: "The portfolio concluded fiscal year 2025-26 with a 3.86% yield and record cash interest income of more than $28 million while maintaining safety and liquidity as its highest priorities."

On his campaign website, Peacox described his approach to public funds: "prioritize safety, maintain liquidity, earn a prudent return — and always operate transparently."

Best advice: Peacox said in our questionnaire: "'The devil is in the details.' I have always been analytical by nature and prefer to dig beneath the surface to understand how something really works."

Endorsements

According to his campaign endorsements page, Peacox has been endorsed by:

  • Priya Bhat-Patel, Carlsbad City Council, District 3 (Mayor Pro Tem)
  • Teresa Acosta, Carlsbad City Council, District 4
  • Kevin Shin, Carlsbad City Council, District 2
  • Mike Levin, U.S. House of Representatives, California's 49th Congressional District
  • Larry Cohen, San Diego County Treasurer & Tax Collector