Coronado has long operated under a Council‑Manager form of government. The Coronado City Council is composed of a mayor and four council members. All council members are elected at large, with the mayor selected annually from among them. Criminal misdemeanors, traffic offenses, and violations of city ordinances are handled by the San Diego County Superior Court. The current mayor, as of 2021, serves as the ceremonial head of the city, chosen from the council members.

The Coronado Police Department was established in 1890, following the city’s incorporation. Since its inception, the department has evolved to meet the community’s needs and today employs roughly 40 sworn officers committed to public safety.

Coronado is represented in the California State Assembly by the 79th District and in the California State Senate by the 40th District. The city is part of California’s 49th congressional district, which has been represented by Mike Levin since 2019.