The Marin Builders Association endorsed San Rafael Councilmember Eli Hill and council candidate Daryoush Davidi on Sept. 29, backing both ahead of the Nov. 3 City Council election.

The trade group, which represents construction firms and contractors across Marin County, said in a press release that it chose the two for their engagement on local issues and attention to the needs of residents, employers and property owners.

Rick Wells, CEO of the Marin Builders Association, said the picks reflect the candidates' grasp of how local policy areas overlap.

"These candidates understand that housing, jobs, infrastructure, permitting, workforce development, and economic sustainability are all connected," Wells said in the statement.

The association said it supports candidates who recognize the building industry's role in the county's economy, housing supply, workforce development, climate resilience and community infrastructure. Wells added that the group backs leaders prepared to listen, collaborate and focus on practical solutions.

Hill is seeking reelection to the District 2 seat he currently holds and is running unopposed. The association's statement said he has built a "strong, collaborative working relationship" with the group during his time on the council.

Davidi is running for the open District 3 seat, which covers East San Rafael and the Highway 101 corridor, including the Peacock Gap, Loch Lomond, Dominican, Montecito, San Rafael Meadows and Civic Center neighborhoods. He faces Robert Sandoval in that race, according to Marin Independent Journal reporting.

The District 3 seat opened after Councilmember Maribeth Bushey's term expired and she did not seek reelection. Davidi applied for the city's Police Accountability and Advisory Committee in October 2023, according to a city agenda packet.

The two District 3 candidates appeared at a Sept. 23 forum at San Rafael High School, co-sponsored by the Federation of San Rafael Neighborhoods and the Pt. San Pedro Road Coalition.

The endorsement announcement also backed Eric Lucan for California State Assembly and Rachel Farac and Dan Christian for Novato City Council.

Ballots for the Nov. 3 election will include both the District 2 and District 3 council races.