Zak Schwank first ventured into local politics when he partnered with various local bicycle shops and city agencies to coordinate the launch of the Temecula Bike Train, a community organization focused on expanding community access to cycling as a reliable, environmentally friendly, and physically healthy form of transportation, in 2011.

He was re-elected in 2022 by the voters of District 5, and was chosen to serve as the Mayor of Temecula in 2022 in a unanimous City Council vote.

[2] During his tenure as Mayor, Schwank has lobbied for and overseen the expansion of hiking trails, bike lanes, and pump tracks across the city.

[3][4] Schwank launched a YouTube series called "Just the Facts, Zak," in which he promoted tourism and various other activities in the city of Temecula.

[5] In February 2023, the City of Temecula received significant publicity after a Saturday Night Live sketch featuring a character named "Lisa from Temecula," played by Ego Nwodim, went viral.