Coronado Mayor John Duncan is backing two candidates in the Nov. 3 City Council race, adding Ricky Hoyt to an endorsement list that already includes Kelly Purvis.

Duncan published a letter in The Coronado News on Monday, Oct. 12, calling Hoyt the person he believes Coronado needs on its council. He wrote that he personally encouraged Hoyt to run.

The endorsement matters because two seats are open. Four candidates are on the ballot, according to the city's election page: Hoyt, Purvis, attorney Rebecca King and small business owner Andrew Gade. A fifth candidate, Mark Warner, withdrew.

Duncan's dual endorsement signals which pair he wants voters to choose.

Duncan noted the endorsement was personal and not an official position of the City of Coronado. He published a separate letter endorsing Purvis earlier this month.

In the Hoyt letter, Duncan emphasized the candidate's financial background and military ties. Hoyt graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy with a degree in economics and earned an MBA from the Naval Postgraduate School, according to the letter. He served 13 years on active duty as a helicopter and V-22 Osprey pilot before retiring in March 2026 at the rank of lieutenant commander. He continues to serve as a Navy Reserve V-22 pilot.

"Coronado is fortunate to be in a strong financial position, but maintaining it requires discipline," Duncan wrote. "Every dollar the city spends belongs to our taxpayers, and our city assets have been entrusted to us for current and future generations."

Duncan also pointed to Hoyt's understanding of the city's relationship with Naval Base Coronado, writing that Hoyt's naval experience would provide "an invaluable perspective" in working with federal partners while protecting residents' quality of life.

Hoyt moved to Coronado in 2015 when he was stationed at Naval Air Station North Island. He is a registered independent and a first-time candidate for local government. His campaign motto is "Keep Coronado the California Exception."

Duncan listed the Tijuana sewage crisis, state-mandated overdevelopment, infrastructure maintenance, traffic and e-bike safety, and management of taxpayer dollars among the challenges the next council will face.

In a Sept. 21 Q&A published by The Coronado News, Hoyt laid out his own priorities for the seat. "Where the City Council can make a meaningful difference is ensuring Coronado remains a place where people want to put down roots and raise families: safe streets, clean beaches, excellent public spaces, strong local businesses and well-maintained infrastructure," he said at the time.

No public responses from King or Gade to Duncan's endorsements were available as of Oct. 13.

Voters will choose two council members on Nov. 3 for four-year terms ending in December 2030.