Below you will find every single race that can be found in Aliso Viejo, based on the cities covered by the respective agencies. Not all candidates may be on your ballot, but every candidate on your ballot will be here.

If you don’t see a race or a candidate on here that you expected to, it may be the seat is unopposed and not on the ballot.

Click the “+” next to each name to learn more about the candidates.

Brea

2026

City Council Race

  • Brea At-Large City Council Candidate

    Candidate Statement:

    “ANDREW HERRERA | AGE: 44 | Consumer Relations Manager

    Hello Brea, my name is Andrew Herrera or, as some of you may know me, the Enjoy Brea guy.

    This is my second time running for City Council. My first campaign was a great learning experience, and I had the opportunity to meet many wonderful people. One piece of feedback I received was that I didn't know enough about the city. Another was that, while my platform focused on supporting small businesses, people wanted to know how I planned to do that.

    Currently, I serve as vice president of the Brea Historical Society, where I have the opportunity to learn about our city's history from day one. Every day, I learn something new that makes me love Brea even more. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and for the past four years, I have spent my free time getting to know Brea business owners and sharing their services and stories with tens of thousands of people through my various volunteer platforms.

    As a council member, my approach would be to gather input from the community before making decisions that affect us all. I want everyone to feel comfortable coming to me, knowing that I will

    listen.”


    Email: ANDREW@ANDREW4BREA.COM


    Phone: 714-804-6036


    Campaign Website:  https://www.andrew4brea.com/ 

    His campaign is emblazoned with the words, “Lover of Everything Brea. Past, Present, and Future.”

    Priorities: 

    • Supporting a business-friendly permitting process.

    • Encouraging policies that help small businesses start, grow, and remain in Brea.

    • Investing in infrastructure that supports economic development and public safety.

    • Working with local business leaders to attract quality employers and expand career opportunities.

    • Maintaining responsible fiscal policies that protect taxpayers while investing in the city's future.


    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • This is Andrew’s second time running for office in Brea. source

    • Andrew runs a handful of social media accounts all focusing on highlighting different aspects of Brea, especially small businesses. We’ve covered more of those accounts further below.

    • You can find a slideshow from Andrew where he covers some of his priorities on slideshare.net - specific link can be found here.


    Social Media Links: 


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    NOTE: Andrew follows several thousand accounts on his social media channels, most of which are businesses, organizations, elected representatives, and community members in and around Brea. We’ve covered some of them here, but it’s worth noting that the main theme tying these accounts together was not political or cultural, but simply that they are connected to the Brea community. 


    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • Andrew has a profile on politicalcandidatedirectory.com. In this profile, he says, “My name is Andrew Herrera and I was born in Orange County and lived most of my life in various cities throughout the county. It wasn’t until I moved to Brea that I finally felt at home.

    Most mornings you can see me running various streets and parks throughout the city without a worry, not many cities have that luxury anymore. During the week I manage a large clothing manufacturer, where my business sense, time management and problem solving all come into play. In the evenings I use my free time to promote mental health, healthy living and routine.

    On the weekends I manage and play men’s baseball for the OC Generals, a team I created and use to help promote community involvement and comradery. I don’t have much experience in this line of work but thankfully there are 4 teammates that I will learn from and help form a winning team. I have a servant’s heart and nothing brings me more joy than helping others. I have a gift to make things happen and I do what is honorable and fair. I owe Brea and I want to pay the city back.” source

    • Andrew was quoted in the Orange County Register during his run for city council in 2022; “I think a good leader treats everyone with respect and dignity and as an equal. A leader is also willing and able to do any job or task they are asking others to do.” source

    • EIN Presswire quoted him in 2026 as saying, “I want Brea to remain a place where families want to live, entrepreneurs want to invest, and businesses of every size have the opportunity to succeed (...) Together, we can strengthen our local economy while preserving the character that makes Brea such a special community." source

    • In 2022, OC Columnist Terri Daxon asked all of the Brea city council candidates, “What is the main challenge facing Brea and how do you address or solve it?” Andrew replied, “During this election process and going door to door, it seems people are very excited to let me know what problems and issues they have with the city.  This experience has made me think the biggest challenge for Brea is communicating with the residents on a large scale. For example, many residents are upset at the city for the freeway construction delays, however since I attend council meetings, I know the city has nothing to do with this. I would love to see a team that spends a little time each month reaching out to residents directly.” source

    • In 2022, the Voice of OC conducted a questionnaire of the Brea city council candidates. The following are those questions and Andrew’s responses. 

    Question: What are your top three priorities if you are elected? 

    “1. Public safety  2.Traffic and parking  3. Promoting Brea businesses to outside cities.”

    Question: What do you think is the biggest issue in your city? How do you plan to address the issue? 

    “Door knocking and talking directly with residents has shown me that the city’s hard work and efforts are not reaching a lot of people, so communication seems to be a problem.  I would like to dedicate a small amount of time each month to community outreach.”

    Question: What are your thoughts about moving to an election by district in Brea?

    “It would probably be a good thing for candidates like myself and would help candidates get to know the residents in their district.  On the other hand, it may cause the city to lose out on great candidates as well in the event potential candidates are in the same district.”

    Question: With each city in Orange County told by the state to zone for a certain number of houses by 2029, how would you address the housing shortage as well as provide  affordable housing? 

    “I remember during one of my runs I saw trucks unloading and what appeared to be the start of construction.  At first, I thought it was strange that apartments were being built in a corporate office center. Now it seems genius, as it will help preserve a more beautiful setting.”

    Question: What do you think about local police potentially using military equipment? “Honestly this is the first time I am hearing about this topic and it would be inappropriate for me to respond. We have a wonderful police department and they will have my support for anything that they think will help the city.” source


    Endorsed by: 

    Most of Herrera’s promoted endorsements are from community members, rather than notable elected officials, unions, or organizations. 

    • Sean Thomas (Former Orange County Commissioner)

    • John Anthony

    • Kimberly Ashby

    • Crystal Cruz

    • Traci Johnson

    • Gigi Quijano

    • Sofia S.

    • Minh Winn


    Candidate in the News:

    Public Voting Record:

    • None found, has not held office yet


    Follow the Money: 

    • $500 from Community Legacy Fund Local PAC. This 527 organization, headquartered in Sacramento, (EIN: 26-3429381) is filed with the state under Industry: Clergy & Religious Organizations. source We couldn’t find too much information on their priorities.  Per ProPublica, this organization has filed with the IRS for tax-exempt status but has never electronically reported individual contributions or expenditures, making it difficult to get a full view of their finances. Their treasurer is Laura Ann Stephen, who is the founding member of the California Political Treasurer’s Association and has been responsible for over 250 political action committees, 150 major donor committees and close to 850 lobbying entities. source All of this, of course, making it very difficult to discern their alignment. 

    This PAC contributes to candidates all across the state, for seats in cities and districts of all sizes. The other candidates in Orange County that this PAC has contributed to are Jesus Silva for Orange County Community College Board and Phil Bacerra for Santa Ana City Council, but they’ve also contributed money to the re-election of Barbara Lee in Oakland as Mayor as well as several others across the state. source

    This is Andrew’s only reported campaign donation so far. 

  • Currently Mayor of Brea

    Brea At-Large City Council Candidate


    Candidate Statement: “CECILIA HUPP | Councilmember/Business Owner

    As your Councilmember, I have focused on protecting Brea's future through:

    • Strong Public Safety

    • Responsible Leadership

    • Sound Fiscal Management

    I helped arrange the purchase of three new fire engines and one ladder truck to strengthen emergency response and ensure our firefighters have the equipment they need to serve our

    community. I also secured a grant to establish an Integrated Crime Center, enhancing public safety by providing law enforcement with advanced technology and real-time information to better prevent and respond to crime.

    In addition, I helped secure more than $28 million in federal and state funding, bringing your tax dollars back to Brea to invest in local priorities rather than leaving them elsewhere. While many

    surrounding cities and others across California have sought new tax measures, I have worked to keep Brea financially strong without asking residents for additional taxes.

    During my time on the City Council, Brea has maintained a balanced budget and a 25% reserve, ensuring long-term fiscal stability and preparedness for future challenges. I remain committed to protecting taxpayers, strengthening public safety, and preserving the high quality of life that makes Brea an exceptional place to live, work, and raise a family.

    Please Vote Cecilia Hupp”


    Email: ceciliah@cityofbrea.gov

    Phone: 714-990-7704


    Campaign Website: Candidate doesn’t appear to have a campaign website.


    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • From City of Brea site: “Mayor Hupp considers herself a fiscal conservative, who believes in prudent spending, as well as transparency in government. While in office, she has lobbied both the state and federal levels over issues such as paramedic tax reform, local control, and pension reform. Mayor Hupp exudes fiscal resourcefulness through having established a $10 million PARS irrevocable trust fund account to assist with the City’s employee retirement obligations. Additionally, she judiciously approved a 25% fiscal reserve policy for the City of Brea’s annual budget.”

    • From City of Brea site “Mayor Cecilia Hupp was elected to the Brea City Council in November 2014, and re-elected in 2018 and 2022. She previously served as Mayor in 2017, during Brea’s Centennial Year, and in 2022.”

    • Hupp is a trustee on the OC Mosquito and Vector Control District, with a four year term that expires in 2028. Source

    • She was photographed with State Senator Bob Archuleta at the August 2026 opening of a Boot Barn in Brea. source

    • No Limits Learning Center tagged Hupp in a May 2026 post about a volunteer event, saying, “Last week, we had about 20 incredible volunteers join us at No Limits for Go Serve Brea and they showed up ready to work. A big group came from @thecausecc and we truly loved having them with us as our relationship continues to grow. We were also honored to have the Mayor of Brea, Cecilia Hupp, and her husband there working right alongside everyone.” source

    • Questions raised about donations to various Brea campaigns in 2022. “Cecilia Hupp: Received a $4900 (max) contribution from SMJ Enterprises, which appears to a business owned by Marty Simonoff, one of her fellow city council members.”

    • She was tagged in a number of posts with Republican Congresswoman Young Kim:

      • 2022 with Young Kim, Rodney Davis, Don Wagner, Doug Chaffee; Rhonda Shader, and Fred Jung “to discuss the ACE Act to give our local & state entities tools needed to secure our elections.”

      • 2022 by Young Kim “Brea Mayor Cecilia Hupp has made waves in business & civil service. A firm believer of government transparency, Mayor Hupp has worked to build & keep trust with our communities. She also serves on many local boards & is a proud mother & grandmother.”

      • 2022 Endorsed by Young Kim

    • Endorsed in 2018 by OCTax PAC

    • American Tactical Defense tagged her in a 2017 post: “American Tactical Defense would like to give thanks to Mayor Cecilia Hupp City of Brea, Brea's Police Department Chief Jack Conklin & LT. Kelly Carpenter, the Brea Chamber of Commerce, all the Brea Council Members and the Brea Rotarians that supported and welcomed our Grand Opening.”


    Social Media Links: 


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    • None Found - public page follows none and we cannot see her private facebook. 


    Candidate’s Public Comments: 

    • Very little found, see Candidate in the News below for a few.


    Endorsed by:

    • Reform California (Per Ballotpedia)

    *Reform California is a far-right organization that traditionally endorses candidates that align with anti-LGBTQ views, suppression of voter rights, the reversal of policies designed to protect people of color, and more. Their chairman, Carl DeMaio, is an openly gay Republican California Assemblymember out of east San Diego County (Santee) who has repeatedly co-sponsored bills targeting the trans community for harm and exclusion, and has denounced Pride Month resolutions made by the State Assembly. You can see more about Reform CA here.


    Candidate in the News:

    • Southern California Mayors Unite to Overcome Housing Issues - By Ryan Hughes - Updated Aug 4, 2025

      • “Brea's Mayor Pro Tem Cecilia Hupp shared insights on the stark reality many cities face regarding affordable housing amid escalating construction costs. The financial challenges are compounded by state mandates requiring additional features, such as solar installations on new builds and mandated union labor for affordable housing projects, resulting in costs that often outweigh market-rate construction.”

      • “With increasing wildfire risks impacting Southern California, mayors are implementing proactive measures to protect residents and property. Mayor Hupp noted new regulations requiring defensible spaces around homes to mitigate risks, emphasizing that fire hazards extend beyond mere hillside areas, as evidenced by recent fires.”

    • Southern California mayors convene to tackle housing challenges and solutions - COSTA MESA, CALIF. (Aug. 4) – At a recent government-industry panel hosted by the Center for California Real Estate (CCRE)

      • “Brea Mayor Pro Tem Cecilia Hupp highlighted the ongoing struggle many cities face in balancing the demand for affordable housing with the rising costs of construction. She pointed out that the high cost of building affordable housing is a major barrier, often twice as expensive to construct compared to market-rate homes. “A lot of the cost is coming down from the state in state mandates. If you build something new, it has to have solar on it. All these different mandates add to the cost of housing. If you build affordable housing, you have to use union labor, which doubles the cost. So the incentive is not there to build affordable housing; it's market rate.””

      • “Hupp shared that the City of Brea now enforces 5 feet of defensible space around homes, ensuring that there is no bush growth immediately close to the structure. “You may be in the center [of the city]… but you're still at risk,” she said, reminding attendees that fire risk is not limited to hillside areas, with the recent LA wildfires a prime example.”

    Public Voting Record:


    Follow the Money: 

    Cecilia’s 2026 campaign finance records have not been filed and made public yet.

  • Brea At-Large City Council Candidate 

    currently 2026 Planning Commission Chair

    Previously ran unsuccessfully for Brea City Council in 2018


    Campaign Statement:

    “BLAKE PEREZ | AGE: 35 | Public Affairs Manager

    My name is Blake Perez, and I respectfully ask for your vote for Brea City Council.

    I am a homegrown candidate. For more than 26 years, Brea has been my home. I attended our public schools, from Arovista Elementary to Brea Olinda High School. I earned my Eagle Scout award with a local troop. I am completely shaped by this community. And now I am working hard to raise my daughter in this community too. And I am running to make sure her future can be shaped by a Brea just as great as I had.

    My priorities are safe neighborhoods, a strong local economy, and livable infrastructure, all grounded in fiscal responsibility, transparency, and meaningful community engagement. Those are the fundamentals of good local government, and they will guide every decision I make.

    Professionally, I serve as a Public Affairs Manager, working with local governments, businesses, and community organizations to solve problems, build partnerships, and deliver practical results. I have also served Brea for the past eight years on the Cultural Arts

    Commission and Planning Commission.

    Together, we can prepare Brea for the future while protecting what makes it special today.”

    blakeforbrea.com | blake@blakeforbrea.com”                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  


    Email: blake@blakeforbrea.com 


    Campaign Website: https://www.blakeforbrea.com/

    Priorities: 

    • “Safe Neighborhoods

      • Every family deserves to feel safe at home, on our roads, in our parks, and throughout our neighborhoods. That means supporting public safety, strengthening emergency preparedness, reducing wildfire risk, improving traffic safety, and helping neighbors stay connected and prepared.

    • A Strong Local Economy

      • Brea’s quality of life depends on a strong local economy. I believe in supporting small businesses, attracting good jobs, maintaining a healthy tax base, and making sure City Hall is a partner in keeping Brea economically strong and competitive.

    • Livable Infrastructure

      • The basics matter: roads, sidewalks, parks, utilities, public spaces, and responsible long-term planning. Livable infrastructure means making smart investments, focusing growth where it makes sense, protecting our hillsides and neighborhoods, and building a city that works for today’s residents and tomorrow’s families.


    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • Perez has been on the Brea Planning Commission since 2023, including his current term as Chair. 

    • He works as a Public Affairs Manager for SoCalGas, a role he began in 2024. 

    • He received a certificate in Public Policy Challenges of the 21st Century from University of Virginia in 2015. 

    • He worked with the Building Owners and Managers Association Greater Los Angeles, first as the Government Affairs Manager and then as the Director of Government and Public Affairs, between 2021 and 2024. 

    • Perez is a UC Berkeley graduate, with a BS in Political Science, with a concentration in comparative politics.

    • Source for all of the above

    • Has Instagram and Tiktok accounts for “Photographer and southwestern travel enthusiast” / “Travel stories and postcard fiction from those dusty American places.”


    Social Media Links: 


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    • Councilman Connor Traut - Attorney at Law Firm

    • Derek Tran for Congress 

    • Congressman Derek Tran 

    • Assemblyman Phillip Chen 

    • City of Brea Special Events

    • @Readygov - Disasters don't plan ahead, you can. #BeReady

    • @NOAA - NOAA provides science, service and stewardship to protect life, property & Earth's natural resources. 

    • @NWS - National Weather Service

    • @accuweather - AccuWeather

    • @NWSSWPC - NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center

    • @weatherchannel - The Weather Channel

    • @femaregion1 - FEMA Region 1 supports disaster response and recovery in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island & Vermont as well as 10 Tribal Nations.

    • Derek Tran - @DerekTranCA45 - Congressmember

    • Senator Sasha Renée Pérez - @SashaReneePerez - CA Senator SD-25 - Fmr. Alhambra Mayor

    • Rep. Dave Min - @CongressMin - California Congressmember

    • Mike Gatto - @mikegatto -  4 terms CA Legislature

    • @derektranca - Derek Tran - Congressmember

    • @thomaswongsgv - Thomas Wong @cityofmontereypark Councilmember

    • @asmphillipchen - State Assemblyman Phillip Chen

    • @demsofnoc - Democrats of North OC (DNOC)

    • @repyoungkim - Young Kim


    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • Brea Politics with Blake Perez - A Slice of Orange by Jodi Balma - S5 · E22 - Oct 23, 2024 - Duration: 41:12

      • “Jodi speaks about politics in Brea with Blake Perez. Blake appears on this podcast in his capacity as a resident of Brea. His opinions do not express the views of the Planning Commission of Brea”


    Endorsed by: 

    • None found


    Candidate in the News:

    • Rotary Club of Brea - April 15, 2025

      • “We thank our City Of Brea Planning Commissioner Blake Perez for joining us today at our meeting and telling us about how the Planning Commission works with city staff to make sure we are building responsibly here in Brea. Thanks for the project updates Blake.”

    Public Voting Record: 

    • None found


    Follow the Money: 

    • $500 from Building Owners & Managers of Greater LA PAC

  • Also Rodney “Blair” Stewart

    Brea at-large City Council Candidate


    Candidate Statement, if any: NONE FOUND


    Email: blair4brea@gmail.com / blairs@cityofbrea.gov

    Phone: 714-990-7703


    Campaign Website: https://www.blair4brea.com/ 

    • Priorities:

      • Continue to provide enhancements for public safety resources

        • Blair wants to continue strengthening public safety services, supporting first responders, and investing in the resources needed to keep Brea’s neighborhoods safe.

      • Fiscal stability & responsible budget management

        • Blair believes protecting Brea’s financial stability with responsible budgeting, careful stewardship of taxpayer dollars, and a focus on maintaining quality city services.

      • Infrastructure maintenance

        • Blair believes in prioritizing reliable streets, parks, facilities, and essential city infrastructure through thoughtful maintenance and long-term planning.

    • Accomplishments

      • Elected to the Brea City Council in November 2022; served as Mayor Pro Tem in 2024 and was subsequently chosen by the Council to serve as Mayor.

      • As Mayor, worked with the City Council to adopt Brea’s Fiscal Year 2025–27 biennial budget.

      • Updated city ordinances to require defensible space for hillside residences, strengthening wildfire preparedness.

      • Helped adopt 2025 local code amendments tailored to Brea, covering permits and inspections, special-event safety plans, hazardous-fire-area closures, and other prevention measures.

      • Implemented an e-bike ordinance to improve safety for riders and pedestrians.

      • Enhanced emergency medical response by permanently staffing a paramedic at Brea Fire Station 4.

      • Provides regional leadership as First Vice President of the Orange County Division of the League of California Cities, with policy roles focused on governance, transparency, and labor relations; also serves on the Orange County Emergency Medical Care Committee and the National League of Cities Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.​

    • Experience - from Linkedin 

      • Mayor City of Brea · Full-time

        • Nov 2022 - Present · 3 yrs 11 mos

      • Hazmat Firefighter - Torrance Fire Department · Full-time

        • Feb 2000 - Present · 26 yrs 8 mos

      • Mayor Pro Tem - Brea City Hall · Full-time

        • Nov 2022 - Dec 2024 · 2 yrs 2 mos

      • E-5 SGT United States Marine Corps - United States Marine Corps · Full-time

        • Aug 1991 - Aug 1999 · 8 yrs 1 mo


    Any Other Interesting Info:


    Social Media Links: 


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    • Facebook - Friends list is private

    • Instagram - Following 1,108 - Selection from

      • jcan4oc - The official Instagram of the Jewish Community Action Network based in Orange County, California

      • asmtangipa - Assemblyman David Tangipa - Assembly District 8

      • gopasians - GOP Asian American Committee

      • rondesantis - Ron DeSantis

      • voiceofisraelichristian - voice of israeli christian Eagles

      • realdonaldtrump - President Donald J. Trump


    Candidate’s Public Comments:



    Endorsed by: 

    • The Brea Police Association

    • Fmr. U.S. Representative Michelle Steel (Steel has received significant criticism from LGBTQ advocacy groups for her statements and voting history, such as her 2022 Congressional vote against codifying protections for interracial and LGBTQ+ marriages)

    • Assemblyman Phillip Chen (Chen has received consistently low scores from LGBTQ legislative advocacy groups for his voting history on LGBTQ+ and civil rights bills - most recently an 11% score from Equality CA in 2025 and a 0% from Planned Parenthood source). 

    • Cecilia Hupp (Mayor of Brea)

    • Marty Simonoff (Brea Mayor Pro Tem)

    • Christine Marick (Brea City Council)

    • Ward Smith (Placentia City Council)

    • Emily Hibard (Los Alamitos City Council)


    Candidate in the News:

    • Los Angeles Times @latimes - Rodney "Blair" Stewart made history as the first Black council member in Brea, an Orange County suburb that had a recent reckoning over its "sundown town" past.”

    • A Short History of O.C. Political ‘Firsts’ - Gabriel San Roman - January 26, 2025

      • “In December, Rodney “Blair” Stewart became the first Black mayor of Brea, an understated rotation that nonetheless marked an important historical achievement for the former sundown town.

      • Digging deeper, tracking Orange County’s notable firsts can be trickier, especially as newsrooms back in the day weren’t as attuned to identity politics as they are now.

      • As far history knows, Kathryn McCullough became the first Black person to serve on any city council in O.C. when Lake Forest voters elected her in 1994.

      • Six years later, she became the first Black mayor of any O.C. city–but not without some controversy. McCullough had been passed up for the position by her white council collogues four times before, with allegations of racism accompanying each denial.”

    Public Voting Record:


    Follow the Money: 

    • $500 from 1962 PAC of the Lincoln Club of Orange County. 1962 PAC is the Lincoln Club’s PAC, and has a thorough record of endorsing and contributing to anti-LGBTQ candidates. 

    For his 2024 and 2022 races:

    • $2,500 from 1962 PAC of the Lincoln Club of Orange County

    • $200 from Madison Klovstad Miner. Miner is the current chair of OC Moms For Liberty. 

  • Brea At-Large City Council Candidate


    Candidate Statement: 

    “STEVEN C. VARGAS | Councilman/Business Owner

    I have been your advocate for change in Brea politics and accomplished much with one vote against an unresponsive Council majority. Help me to keep accountability and transparency, front and center.

    As your advocate, I helped pass Measure T, removing benefits for part-time Councilmembers. I established case law in government accountability by defending citizens’ rights regarding ballot

    initiatives (Vargas vs. Balz). I consistently vote against tax, and fee increases which impacts our seniors and small businesses. I vote No to water rate increases which are unwarranted, Brea owns 1/3rd of the water company.

    Since 2016, I have spearheaded the Integrated Crime Center to fully utilize technology to improve crime prevention and investigations to keep Brea safe. Partnering with our City Treasurer; we found billing errors by a city contractor, thousands have been recovered,

    with action pending to prevent future abuses.

    My decades long commitment to public service includes 27-years military experience; Iraq war veteran, civil engineering corps Lieutenant Commander (retired) with master’s degree in public

    administration.

    I will work diligently to continue to earn your trust. Contact me directly by cell: 714-306-4523 or email: votevargas@gmail.com.

    Please Vote Vargas; strength and experience you can depend on. Your vote matters!”


    Email: votevargas@gmail.com

    Phone: 714-306-4523


    Campaign Website: https://abetterbrea.org/ 

    Vargas’ campaign website leads with the description, “Council Member · Former Mayor of Brea · Navy Veteran”. 

    Priorities: *Vargas’ website does not list priorities in a traditional manner, but has a “Record and Priorities” section where he covers what he describes as his experience with; 

    • Accountability & Transparency

    • Measure T — Council Compensation & Benefits

    • Fiscal Oversight & City Attorney Billing Dispute

    • Finance Committee

    • Taxes, Fees & Water Rates

    • Vargas v. Balz — Ballot Argument Transparency

    • Public Safety & Integrated Crime Center

    • Council Service & Intergovernmental Experience


    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • The Brea City Council Website has the following bio for Steven: “Council Member Steven Vargas was most recently elected to the Brea City Council in November 2014, re-elected in 2018 and 2022, and served as Mayor in 2021. He also previously served on the City Council from 1998-2002. Council Member Vargas holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Science, Technology from Excelsior College of New York. He is currently a member of the League of California Cities Transportation, Communications & Public Works Policy Committee; the Orange County City Selection Committee; and a member of the North Orange County Cities Joint Powers Authority. Council Member Vargas also serves as a Member of the City’s Development Committee and is an alternate on the Orange County Sanitation District, as well as the Investment Advisory Committee. He previously served the County of Orange as a Third District Executive Assistant, and at the federal level, as an Outreach Coordinator for Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration (PRFAA).

    Council Member Vargas is a member of the United States Navy Reserve (USNR) and holds the rank of Lieutenant Commander, Civil Engineering Corps. He has been activated for military service five times since 9/11, including a one-year deployment to Iraq, Al-Asad, and Falluja, during the 2008-09 surge. 

    Council Member Vargas loves to be involved in the community and serve others. As an engaged volunteer, he has held leadership positions in numerous non-profit organizations over the years including former President, Placentia Boys & Girls Club; previous District Executive for Cub Scout Pack 820; former Commander, Brea Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5384; and current Adjutant of the Brea American Legion Post 181.

    Professionally, Council Member Vargas was a general contractor by trade and retired from Chevron after 20 years of service as a Construction Safety Specialist. He has lived in Brea since 1989 and shares a home with his wife, Lisa of 26 years, who he refers to as his “best friend.” Together, they have five daughters and seven grandchildren and enjoy spending family time together.


    Social Media Links: 


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    • Bill Klovstad / klovstad22 Klovstad ran for Brea city council in 2024 - more importantly, though, he’s the father in law of OC Moms For Liberty Chair Madison Miner, and campaigned enthusiastically in opposition of her recall from the OUSD board in 2024. Miner lost her recall, and Klovstad lost his race for Brea city council. He is involved in the anti-trans movement.

    • Crystal Miles Miles is a candidate for Orange USD in this election cycle. She’s also deeply involved in the Southern California anti-LGBTQ movement, moving in spaces alongside other current trustees and candidates who are campaigning on anti-LGBTQ platforms. 

    • Denise Eby For Brea 

    • Blair Stewart

    • Sean Hannity

    • Dana Perino

    • Fox News

    • The Federalist Papers

    • City of Fullerton, CA Government 

    • City of Placentia - Government

    • U.S. Navy 

    • Wounded Warrior Project 

    • City of Yorba Linda City Hall 

    • Orange County Sheriff's Department, CA 

    • Yorba Linda News You Can Use

    • Chino Valley Fire District 

    • Voice of OC 

    • Business Insider


    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • On Vargas’ campaign website, he has a section called “Mission”, where he says, “I have spent much of my public and professional life working in settings where accountability, preparation, safety, and clear responsibility matter. My mission is to bring those same standards to Brea city government through transparent decision-making, careful stewardship of public resources, responsible public-safety investments, and direct communication with the people I serve.

    My perspective has been shaped by service in the military, as a business owner, a safety consultant, and an elected official on the Brea City Council. These experiences with public input are the foundation for how I approach budgets, contracts, infrastructure plans, public safety, and the day-to-day responsibilities of local government.

    My stated priorities include accountability and transparency, fiscal oversight, public safety, and attention to the costs residents and businesses face through taxes, fees, and water rates. I will continue to examine issues carefully, ask questions when necessary, explain my position clearly, and remain accessible to the residents of Brea so that citizens can understand my reasoning and public position.”

    • Brea Officials Consider District Elections While Facing Two Competing Legal Threats Over Voting - by Hosam Elattar - Mar 2, 2022

      • “In at-large elections, voters across the city can vote for as many candidates as there are council seats up for grabs. For example, if three seats are up for election, voters can vote for three candidates – the top three vote-getters are then elected to those seats. 

      • Councilman Steven Vargas said a switch would limit the voter’s voice as it would restrict who could recall a council member to voters in their specific district and called it problematic.

      • “We don’t like this process,” he said. “We don’t like being threatened and sued by lawyers.”


    Endorsed by: 


    Candidate in the News:

    • Brea Extends City Attorney Contract After Allegations of $200k Overbilling - by Angelina Hicks - Aug 19, 2026

      • “Councilmember Steven Vargas and City Treasurer Denise Eby have been ringing alarm bells over the alleged overcharges since last summer, when Eby gave a presentation to the council outlining what she claimed is overbilling for travel time that isn’t allowed in the contract.

      • During last night’s city council meeting, officials voted 4-1 for Richards, Watson & Gershon to continue to provide legal services for the city until Oct. 1, 2027, when leaders are expected to review the contract again. Vargas voted no.”

      • “Vargas, who successfully sued the city over how ballot arguments are written before he was elected to the city council, said that this billing dispute should still be pursued in court.”

    Public Voting Record:


    Follow the Money: 

    Vargas doesn’t have any campaign finance filings currently publicly available. 

    He’s made the following contributions to other campaigns and committees: 

    • Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs Independent Expenditure Committee - 06/04/2026 $40.00

    • No Recall, Parents Protecting our Kids Against the Recall of OUSD Boardmembers Ledesma and Miner 02/26/2024 $100.00 (Recall Information Here)

    • Wagner for Supervisor 2024 - 02/06/2024 $100.00

    • Orange County Gun Owners Political Action Committee - 02/17/2023 $120.00

Fullerton School District

  • Fullerton USD Area 5 Trustee Candidate


    Candidate Statement:

    “AMY CHOI-WON | AGE: 50 | Parent/Foundation Boardmember

    For nearly two decades, I have proudly served the Fullerton School District community as a parent, volunteer, advocate, and neighbor. My commitment to public education is both personal and professional because I believe every child deserves the opportunity to succeed.

    I earned my Ph.D. in Chemistry from UC San Diego and have dedicated my career to helping students prepare for bright futures. As a chemistry professor, small business owner, and

    Partner Engagement Specialist with the North Orange County Regional Occupational Program, I have connected students with meaningful career pathways and strengthened partnerships

    between education, business, and our community. I also serve on the boards of several Fullerton nonprofit organizations.

    As your Trustee, I will focus on strengthening academic fundamentals, expanding STEM and career education, preparing students for an AI-driven future, supporting and retaining exceptional teachers, improving communication with families, and ensuring responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. 

    Every child deserves access to an excellent education regardless of their ZIP code or background. Strong public schools create stronger families, a stronger workforce, and a stronger Fullerton.

    I would be honored to earn your trust and your vote.

    VoteAmyChoiWon.com”


    Email: None Found


    Campaign Website: https://voteamychoiwon.com/

    Priorities: 

    • Student Achievement: Strong academics and innovative programs that prepare students for college, careers, and life.

    • Supporting Teachers: Recruit, retain, and equip exceptional educators with the resources they need to thrive.

    • Safe Schools: Create safe, inclusive schools where students can learn, grow, and belong.

    • Fiscal Responsibility: Prioritize needs, eliminate waste, and responsibly invest in our schools.

    • Parent Partnership: Strengthen communication and engagement so every family has a voice.


    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • Amy is president of the Career Education Foundation (CEF), a non-profit organization founded in 1973 by John Dewey to support students in North Orange County. (x)

    • She received her PhD from University of California, San Diego. (x)

    • When answering the OC Register’s candidate questionnaire, she listed her current position as ‘parent’. (x)


    Social Media Links: 


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    • Groundswell

    • PYL4Choice (far-right, extremely anti-LGBTQ account in PYLUSD associated with Trustee Leandra Blades)

    • Sonja Shaw (CVUSD Board President, candidate for CA Superintendent of Instruction, EXTREMELY anti-LGBTQ)

    • Young Kim for Congress

    • PragerU

    • Tony Strickland (Fmr. Mayor of Huntington Beach, CA State Senator, voted to ban the Pride flag)

    • OC Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento

    • OC Supervisor Katrina Foley

    • Center for Asian American Action

    • Supporters of Public Education


    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • Amy responded to the OC Register’s candidate questionnaire. 

      • Question: How do you feel artificial intelligence is, or isn’t, safe in the classroom? In what instances should it be expanded in the classroom? What about when it should be limited?

      • Answer: “Fullerton School District serves students from TK through 8th grade, and at this stage, our focus must remain on essential skills, which are reading, writing, and math. These are the foundations everything else is built on, and AI should never replace them.

    That said, just as we teach digital citizenship, we need to thoughtfully teach students the ethical and responsible use of AI. This kind of instruction likely belongs in the upper grades, closer to middle school, when students are better equipped to understand both the capabilities and the limitations of these tools.

    AI can be a valuable resource for teachers in supporting differentiated instruction, saving time on administrative tasks, and helping identify where students need additional support. But in the classroom itself, our younger students need human connection, hands-on learning, and mastery of fundamentals first. Expansion should be gradual, intentional, and always in service of stronger learning outcomes, never a substitute for them.”

    • Question: How do you believe schools can better teach or engage students in civil discourse? How would you like to see your district tackle this issue?

    • Answer: “The purpose of education is to help students think deeply, critically, and with empathy for perspectives different from their own. To build these skills, we need to create structured, well-designed opportunities for meaningful dialogue. This isn’t just open-ended debate, but discussions grounded in clear norms of respect and curiosity. Once those norms are established, students can engage in thoughtful discourse about complex topics in age-appropriate ways.

    I’d like to see our district bring in guest speakers, plan relevant field trips, and design project-based learning experiences that connect classroom discussions to real-world issues. When students see how ideas apply beyond the classroom, engagement deepens naturally. Civil discourse is a skill, and like any skill, it must be taught deliberately and practiced consistently. I believe our students can rise to this challenge when we give them the tools and a safe environment to do so.”


    Endorsed by: 

    • Darren Jones, Parent and Founder of the Beechwood Foundation

    • Julie Graham,Former Beechwood Principal, current Executive Director at The Cotsen Foundation

    • Beverly Berryman, Governing Boardmember, Fullerton School District

    • Nancy’s Picks - Nancy’s Picks (far-right voter guide in Orange County, whose criteria for endorsement include “PRO-LIFE & PROTECTIONS for the UNBORN”, “PRO-SANCTITY of HETEROSEXUAL MARRIAGE”, “PRO-PARENTAL RIGHTS in EDUCATION”, “PRO-NUCLEAR FAMILY”, “SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL and IT’S RIGHT to EXIST”, “SECURE & SEAL OUR BORDERS”, and more. 

    • Reform California - (far-right organization led by Carl DeMaio)


    Candidate in the News:

    Public Voting Record:

    • None Found


    Follow the Money: 

    • $2,500 from InteGreat LLC(Alfred Antonio)

  • Fullerton USD Area 5 Trustee Candidate


    Candidate Statement:

    “JORDAN ABUSHAWISH | Parent/Healthcare Advocate

    Jordan Abushawish is the father of two Fullerton School District students and lives one block from their school. He understands how difficult it can be for families to balance work and household responsibilities, stay informed, access school resources, and advocate for their children. For three years, he has served on the Rolling Hills School Site Council, working with parents, teachers, and administrators to support students and improve communication.

    Jordan Abushawish is a parent and healthcare advocate running for School Board Trustee Area 3 to bring a parent’s voice and practical leadership to the Fullerton School Board. Jordan loves serving his community, from volunteering at community backpack and local food distribution events.

    As our School Boardmember, Jordan Abushawish will strengthen campus safety, expand behavioral health support, improve communication, and ensure every family understands the resources available to help their children succeed. He will work to reduce absenteeism, improve student achievement, and support teachers and school employees.

    With a career in public policy and healthcare, Jordan has the experience to bring people together, manage issues, and make responsible decisions for students and families. Jordan Abushawish will listen to parents, support educators, protect our public schools, and help Fullerton remain a leader in educational excellence.

    Learn more at jordanforfullerton.com

    Jordan Abushawish”


    Email: Jordan@JordanForFullerton.com 


    Campaign Website: https://jordanforfullerton.com/

    Priorities: 

    • Increasing Student and Family Resources

    • Strengthening Campus Safety

    • Improving Communication With Families

    • Supporting Student Achievement and Attendance


    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • Jordan has served for the last three years on Rolling Hills School Site Council, according to his campaign website.

    • He currently works as the Senior Director of Federal and Local Government Affairs for CalOptima. (x) 

    • Prior to that, he worked as the Director of Public Affairs for Providence Health between January 2020 and March 2023. During that time, there was a well-publicized legal battle between Hoag and Providence Health, a Catholic institution which had partnership control of Hoag at the time. Providence had absorbed Hoag in 2012, and shortly after, Providence restricted gender affirming care and abortion-related healthcare at Hoag. In May 2020, Hoag sued to terminate its partnership with Providence over these restrictions, and the lawsuit concluded in 2022 with Attorney General Rob Bonta allowing Hoag to sever ties, allowing the expansion of reproductive healthcare in Orange County. Jordan’s employment with Providence does not implicate him in any decisions about care, but he likely would have been lightly involved in the matter as Providence’s Director of Public Affairs. (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) 

    • Jordan received his Master's of Public Policy, International Relations and Affairs from Pepperdine University, prestigious religious private school located in Malibu. (x) 


    Social Media Links: 


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    • Public School Defenders Hub

    • Vanesa Estrella FSD Trustee

    • Rep. Derek T. Tran (Democrat)

    • Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva (Democrat)

    • Fullerton Collaborative


    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    Answer: “Build upon campus safety, strengthen enrollment in our schools, grow student achievement, listen and support district teachers and staff and expand behavioral health support for students.”

    • Question: To you, what is the role of a school board in education? Is it driving policy, being involved in curriculum, something else entirely?”

    Answer: “As a parent of two children in the district, I believe we must continue to instill trust in our public academic institutions by ensuring our students have access to high-quality education. Fullerton has a strong tradition of academic excellence, and I would like to preserve this tradition while working within the district to build consensus among the School Board on behalf of students, families, teachers and staff.”

    • Question: How do you feel artificial intelligence is, or isn’t, safe in the classroom? In what instances should it be expanded in the classroom? What about when it should be limited?

    Answer: “I believe there are remedial tasks AI could support in terms of administrative simplification for district staff; automation can help teachers and staff focus more on education. While we live in the AI age, I would want to balance screen time for our students and have tight guardrails parents can utilize to monitor and contain online activity and their mental and physical well-being.”

    • Question: How do you believe schools can better teach or engage students in civil discourse? How would you like to see your district tackle this issue? 

    Answer: “I believe we should encourage students to be open-minded so they are more informed about issues that may be controversial and to inspire cooperation and understanding of others’ views and opinions. I will support a fact-based academic curriculum to support this effort.”

    • Question: Some school districts around California are recruiting teachers by building subsidized housing. How would you suggest your district could better attract — and retain — educators?

    Answer: “I believe, in this day and age, that we have to even consider this situation. Our No. 1 priority for parents is to ensure our children receive the best education they deserve when they walk into their classrooms each day. We cannot sustain a healthy education system without educators. I’m very supportive of exploring what options are available to help with this. Teachers are in many cases the first line of defense for our students and deserve support, especially when affordability in this area is a major issue.”

    • Question: What experiences and priorities do you bring to this role? What have you learned in prior leadership roles that makes you the person for the job?

    Answer: “I’m a parent of two children who attend our local elementary school; I’m a neighbor and community advocate. I’ve served on boards and was an advisor for many major trade association councils and committees. I understand what it takes to unify groups and how important it is to work together to accomplish goals.”

    • Question: If your campaign had a mascot, what would it be and why? 

    Answer: “Polar Bear. Big, protective, calm, provider, strength and will do what it takes.”

    • Bonus question: What is the best book you’ve read this year? Explain why you found it compelling.

    Answer: “‘Now, Discover Your Strengths’ by Don Clifton.

    It’s a book based on years of Gallup data. It’s a book about how to manage and its importance in this new age. It focuses on future insights about how our growing students seek mission and pride in the workforce. As the world rapidly changes, leaders should be adaptive to the environment and vice versa with youth. Together, I believe we can cross the generational education spectrum to deliver education in more meaningful ways through purpose.”


    Endorsed by: 

    • Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva (Democrat)

    • Former Fullerton Mayor Jesus Silva

    • Orange County Democratic Party


    Candidate in the News:

    Public Voting Record:

    • None Found


    Follow the Money: 

    • $500 from Democratic Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva

    • The vast majority of Jordan’s campaign contributions are small dollar amounts from unaffiliated private individuals

Fullerton Joint School District

  • Fullerton Joint USD School Board Area 1 Candidate


    Candidate Statement:

     “MATTHEW MATIAS AGE: 33 | Financial Planning Consultant

    I was raised in Orange County from age three and I'm proudly raising my family in La Habra. As a husband, father, and financial planning consultant, I believe every student deserves an education that builds knowledge, confidence, character, and practical skills for adulthood.

    I work in wealth management, helping individuals and families make informed decisions about financial planning, retirement, investments, and long-term goals. I hold two associate degrees

    from Rio Hondo College and am completing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at the University of Arizona in August 2026.

    My experience in finance, real estate, housing, healthcare, compliance, customer service, and small business has taught me to listen carefully, solve problems thoughtfully, manage resources

    responsibly, and remain accountable for results.

    I believe our schools should provide strong academics, safe and supportive learning environments, financial literacy, critical thinking, and meaningful pathways to college, career

    technical education, skilled trades, military service, business, and entrepreneurship.

    As your trustee, I will listen to parents, students, educators, and community members while keeping student achievement, fiscal responsibility, and transparency at the center of every decision. It would be an honor to serve Trustee Area 1 and help prepare every student for a successful, independent future.”


    Email: None Found


    Campaign Website: https://matiasforfjuhsd.com/

    His page is emblazoned with this quote from him, “I believe every student deserves an education that builds knowledge, confidence, character, and practical skills for adulthood.”

    He also has a section that says, “A board member should bring people together around what students need.” “Listen before deciding. Explain the why behind the work. Measure progress and stay accountable.”

    Priorities: 

    • Strong Academics

    • Safe, Supportive Schools

    • Financial Literacy

    • Real Pathways After Graduation

    • Transparency and Fiscal Responsibility


    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • Some of the designs on his campaign website and social media accounts appear to be created using AI. 

    • Matias has worked for Fidelity Investments for the last four and half years, and his Linkedin references his experience as a Real Estate Agent with All Nations Realty between 2017 and 2025. Source

    • He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from University of Arizona. Source

    • He has listed an Associates in Social Sciences from Rio Hondo College, with attendance at Rio Hondo between 2012 and 2021. Source

    • Matias has a defunct Linkedin where he states that he was, at some point, pursuing a nursing degree from Rio Hondo. source 

    • Matias’ profile on Rocket Reach does describe him as having a Certified Nursing Assistant certificate, although we were not able to verify that certificate anywhere else. source 


    Social Media Links: 

    The profile picture for his campaign Facebook account is marked by Meta as being “AI Content”. 

    His personal instagram is private, but does have the following biography; “Christian/ Conservative/ Ecom/ Credit/ Finance/ Real Estate/ Entrepreneur/ Business Mindset/ Prounouns[sic]: Handsome/AF /@mattydazaddy/ @ujdcrimecam (crime videos)”

    He runs a small ‘true crime’ instagram account using released Axon police body cam and squad car camera footage. The mixture of posts on this account, which has been around since early Summer 2026, run the gamut in regards to perspectives - one or two videos showing police misconduct with “civil rights” hashtags, some videos presented without opinion, and some where the captions are supportive of what could be perceived as police brutality.


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:


    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    None Found


    Endorsed by: 

    • Nancy’s Picks - Nancy’s Picks (far-right voter guide in Orange County, whose criteria for endorsement include “PRO-LIFE & PROTECTIONS for the UNBORN”, “PRO-SANCTITY of HETEROSEXUAL MARRIAGE”, “PRO-PARENTAL RIGHTS in EDUCATION”, “PRO-NUCLEAR FAMILY”, “SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL and IT’S RIGHT to EXIST”, “SECURE & SEAL OUR BORDERS”, and more. 

    • Reform California - (far-right organization led by Carl DeMaio)



    Candidate in the News:

    None Found

    Public Voting Record:

    None Found


    Follow the Money: 


    • Matias contributed $100 to the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS ISSUES MOBILIZATION PAC in 2018. source

  • Fullerton Joint USD School Board Area 1 Candidate


    Candidate Statement:

    “REGINA CUADRA | Parent/Teacher

    As an Elementary Special Education teacher in La Habra, a longtime PTA leader, and most importantly, a parent of children who have spent their entire educational journey in our public schools, I am deeply rooted in this district. I share similar hopes, concerns, and aspirations as many parents in our community and will bring this unique blend of professional expertise and personal investment to the board.

    Our schools deserve leadership that understands the daily realities of our district from every angle: in the classroom, at the PTA meeting, and around the family dinner table.

    As a teacher, I work daily to ensure all students receive the tailored support, dignity, and high-quality education they deserve. My commitment to our schools led me to serve in the PTA, where I steered successful grant-writing initiatives that brought vital new funding and resources to our students.

    I know what makes our schools great, and where we can improve because I live it every day as both an educator and a parent. I earned my BA, MA and credential at California State University, Fullerton. I respectfully ask for your support to bring a practical, compassionate, and deeply invested voice to our School Board.”


    Email: 


    Campaign Website: https://cuadrafjuhsd.com/ 

    Her website opens with the description of her, “A practical, compassionate, and deeply invested voice.”

    Priorities: 

    • Listen to parents and the community. As a parent myself and long time resident of La Habra, I want to represent you.

    • Advocate for all students by leveraging my experience as a special education teacher and as an award winning PTA leader.

    • Support high quality learning opportunities including in Career and Technical Education and improvements in school safety.


    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • Regina is currently attending Cal State Fullerton and is pursuing her Special Education teaching credential. 

    • This isn’t her first campaign - she also ran for school board in 2018, and her campaign that year was supported by the Democrats of North Orange County. source


    Social Media Links: 

    She posted a resource on her Facebook on May 24, captioned “For teachers effected by the mandatory evacuation in GG. CTA has grants to support temporary displacement. (link)”. Source


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    Candidate’s instagram is private. These are the follows from her campaign Facebook. 


    Candidate’s Public Comments: 

    • Candidate answered the OC Register Candidate Questionnaire. Some of the questions and responses are as follows. 

      • Question: How do you feel artificial intelligence is, or isn’t, safe in the classroom? In what instances should it be expanded in the classroom? What about when it should be limited? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)

    Answer: “Artificial intelligence is a powerful tool that can be safe and beneficial when guided by clear boundaries, digital literacy, and strong data privacy protections.

    AI should be expanded to enhance personalized learning and assist teachers. It can offer customized tutoring, adaptive skill-building, and immediate feedback for students. For educators, AI can streamline administrative tasks, allowing teachers to spend more direct, meaningful time interacting with students.

    However, AI must be strictly limited when it threatens academic integrity, critical thinking, or student privacy. It should never replace original writing, research, or foundational problem-solving skills, nor should student personal data ever be exposed to unvetted software. AI must remain an aid to learning, not a shortcut around it.

    As a teacher and trustee, I will advocate for clear districtwide policy guidelines that train educators on ethical AI integration, educate students on responsible use, and protect student data while preparing our high schoolers for a technology-driven workforce.”

    • Question: How do you believe schools can better teach or engage students in civil discourse? How would you like to see your district tackle this issue? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)

    Answer: “Schools engage students in civil discourse by embedding media literacy, structured debate, and collaborative problem-solving into everyday learning. To navigate a polarized world, high school students must learn how to analyze sources, listen actively, and articulate opposing viewpoints respectfully.

    I would like FJUHSD to tackle this by expanding structured speech, debate, and civic education frameworks across all campuses. Rather than shying away from complex topics, we should equip teachers with professional development to facilitate balanced, respectful classroom discussions. Creating peer-led forums and advisory councils will also give students real-world practice in active listening and diplomacy.

    As a former PTA council president, I have brought diverse communities together around shared goals. Civil discourse starts at the leadership level. The school board must model civil, constructive dialogue in public meetings, showing students that passionate advocacy and mutual respect can peacefully coexist.”

    • At a candidate Forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of North Orange County, Regina said the following:

      • Regarding her thoughts on charter schools and vouchers; “I support public education, and I believe that taxpayer dollars belong in traditional public schools. Those funds are held to strict public oversight and democratically elected school board governance, and come with an obligation to accept and support every single student. You don’t get to take a test and then be told there’s a wait list because you don’t meet their standards to attend. Additionally, private schools are not bound by federal IDEA mandates. They do not honor individualized education programs, and they can turn away high-need students. When funding leaves public schools, the fixed overhead costs remain, leaving traditional schools with fewer resources to serve the students with the greatest needs. So I support our public education. Thank you.”

      • When asked how she’d support mixed-status immigrant families, she said, “For those families, it’s definitely a scary situation. What we’re going through right now is unprecedented. There are families who don’t feel safe letting their high schoolers ride their bikes in the neighborhood, for fear that ICE is going to come and pick them up. With my privilege, that’s not something I know firsthand, but I’m very much aware of it in the neighborhood and for our students, staff and families. The best we can do is be present, communicate with them, show them that we support them, and provide safe spaces where they know they are safe coming to school. Thank you.”

      • When asked how she would support students with special needs, she answered, “To support students with special needs, I would ensure that there is enough support staff and that teachers have proper training. With any student with an individualized education program, you want to make sure that you’re in compliance with their needs, that the services are things they actually need, and that their accommodations are up to date. So I would work with the teams on the school sites, and I would listen to families, the community, our educators and our support staff in order to support all students. Thank you.”


    Endorsed by: 

    • Supporters of Public Education source

    • Fullerton Secondary Teachers Organization

    • La Habra Mayor Jose Medrano

    • LHCSD Board President Justin Rodgers

    • LHCSD Trustee and Sonora parent Adam Rogers

    • LHCSD Trustee Emily Pruitt

    • Orange County Democrats


    Candidate in the News: 

    Public Voting Record: None Found, Candidate has not held public office before


    Follow the Money:

    • $28,000 from the Fullerton Secondary Teachers Organization PAC

  • Fullerton Joint USD School Board Area 5 Candidate


    Candidate Statement:

    “MARILYN BUCHI | Governing Board Member

    As a District leader, I have consistently championed a place where every student is important -with a choice among schools and programs, an education relevant to the future, and a safe and supportive environment.

    My experience on the board as a strong, ethical and fiscally responsible leader has equipped me to protect the extraordinary quality of our schools.

    Students in the Fullerton Joint Union High School District are attending, graduating and excelling in record numbers as they prepare for transition to college and career.

    Our district, with the financial support of our communities, has completed such major improvements as science labs, theaters and gyms. Our teachers, support staff and leadership personnel are among the best.

    My experience at the state level broadens my knowledge and ultimately helps to improve our award-winning schools. I serve on the policy-making body and as a past president of a statewide educational organization (CSBA) dedicated to sound governance standards for school board members.

    As a long-time resident of the community, parent of district graduates, PTA leader and community volunteer, I am committed to making sure that our schools deliver the exceptional education that our community demands.

    Let's Continue the Excellence!”


    Email: pvmar@aol.com 


    Campaign Website: Buchi does not appear to have a campaign website.


    Any Other Interesting Info:


    Social Media Links: 


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:


    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • At a candidate Forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of North Orange County, Marilyn said the following:

      • Regarding her thoughts on charter schools and vouchers; “Years ago, I think it was Proposition 187, I was one of the people in Orange County who fought against that. That was where they were going to offer vouchers to private schools as well as public schools. So I think my track record is against vouchers. I believe in public education. That’s where the public money should go.

    In terms of charter schools, charter schools don’t belong in the Fullerton Joint Union High School District. There is nothing a charter school can do for this district that we don’t already do. Years ago, a charter school representative, one of those statewide charter reps, came and met with the superintendent. The superintendent listened to him politely and showed him the door.

    On another occasion, someone I know who was affiliated with a charter school wanted to talk to me. I said, “Well, sure, I’ll talk.” And she said, “Well, we do this, we do this, we do this.” I said, “Yeah, we do all of those too. So we’re really not interested.” So in terms of both, not a fan. Thank you.”

    • When asked how she’d support mixed-status immigrant families, she said, “I would say that our campuses are safe. I don’t think this has been a big issue in the Fullerton Joint Union High School District, and I think that’s because we accept every student as they are. We love them all. Perhaps it’s an issue out in the community, but I really don’t get much input from campus leadership that this is a big issue.”

    • When asked how she would support students with special needs, she answered, “The Fullerton Joint Union High School District has an amazing program to serve every student in our district, including special needs students. I’m thinking in particular of one program that just touches my heart. Students with special needs can remain part of the district until they’re 22 years old, so we have a program for adult students. One of the favorite programs is at La Sierra High School. They call it Cafe DDT, and the students learn to be baristas. They’re trained for jobs. They’re trained in how to get along in society and how to live independently. At the end of the year, they have a talent show, and the students in that adult program are amazingly talented. They’re on the stage performing better than any of us in this room would be able to do.”

    • Marilyn responded to the OC Register’s Candidate Questionnaire. Some of the questions and responses are as follows. 

    Question: How do you feel artificial intelligence is, or isn’t, safe in the classroom? In what instances should it be expanded in the classroom? What about when it should be limited? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)

    Answer: “At one of the high school graduations, I spoke of AI, a tool that is everywhere. Everyone may be using it, and everyone is trying to regulate it. It can solve problems and do many other things, but real intelligence understands people. I suggested that the students be smart, be kind, be curious and be human. Humanity is our greatest strength. Our teachers are mostly requiring that writing be done in the classroom. They want to see our students’ intelligence. 

    Students must be protected and must take personal responsibility with the use of AI.”

    Question: How do you believe schools can better teach or engage students in civil discourse? How would you like to see your district tackle this issue? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)

    Answer: “FJUHSD has an adopted statement of moral and civic values. Embedded in this document are the elements to support civil discourse.

    • Civic duty: Demonstrates a commitment to the public good, works for the community and cooperates with others, respects and participates in the democratic process, observes all laws and rules, and resolves conflicts peacefully.

    • Compassion and empathy: Demonstrates caring, concern, and sensitivity; exhibits tolerance; treats others politely, mercifully, and with respect and dignity; and renders service when needed.

    • Honesty: Tells the truth, does not cheat, intentionally mislead, or steal; possesses the courage to behave and conduct interactions with integrity; exhibits consistency between words and actions; behaves in a fair and straightforward manner; and conscientiously pursues and scrutinizes evidence that supports the truth.

    • Perseverance: Exhibits patience and hard work in achieving goals; works, learns, and pursues constructive goals, even in the face of adversity.

    • Respect: Treats all people equitably, justly, and fairly; affirms the worth of self, others’ property, and the environment through attitudes and actions.

    • Responsibility: Accepts the necessity of being accountable and the consequences of individual actions, reactions, and decisions; honors commitments; demonstrates an active commitment to the welfare of self and others.”


    Endorsed by: 

    • Nancy’s Picks - Nancy’s Picks (far-right voter guide in Orange County, whose criteria for endorsement include “PRO-LIFE & PROTECTIONS for the UNBORN”, “PRO-SANCTITY of HETEROSEXUAL MARRIAGE”, “PRO-PARENTAL RIGHTS in EDUCATION”, “PRO-NUCLEAR FAMILY”, “SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL and IT’S RIGHT to EXIST”, “SECURE & SEAL OUR BORDERS”, and more. 

    • Reform California - (far-right organization led by Carl DeMaio)


    Candidate in the News:

    Public Voting Record: While FJUSD does follow state policies on LGBTQ and immigration issues, we couldn’t find any articles regarding Buchi’s votes on any of the times these issues may have come up on meeting agendas, nor about anything else that the news might have covered. 


    Follow the Money:  No contributions this cycle.

  • Fullerton Joint USD School Board Area 5 Candidate


    Candidate Statement: 

    “AMY DUDICH | AGE: 48 | Operations Manager/Parent

    As a South Korean immigrant adopted at eight months old, I came to America to live the American dream. That dream has always been to help others. In earning a Human Services degree from Cal State Fullerton I strengthened my commitment to serving others in our

    community.

    Now is the time to pass the baton of leadership in Area 5.

    Being a connected parent and volunteer, I listen to families and am committed to ensuring our students’ needs are met.

    As a mother of two Fullerton public school students, PTA leader, and 15-year resident, I am deeply committed to our schools and community and understand the needs of today’s students and families.

    Through serving on School Site Council, I have worked alongside students, teachers, and families. As a trustee, I will support teachers, expand student opportunities by preparing them for college or the workforce, ensure our schools remain safe, and advocate for access to the mental health resources students need to thrive.

    Serving my community is both a privilege and a responsibility. I ask for your vote and support as we unite to build a stronger FJUHSD - one where every student has the opportunity to succeed and reach their full potential.

    www.amydudich.com”


    Email: None Found


    Campaign Website: https://www.amydudich.com/

    Priorities: 

    • Student Success

    • Strong Schools

    • Community Partnerships

    • Fiscal Responsibility


    Any Other Interesting Info:

    •  She has served as the Chairperson of the School Site Council for Hermosa Elementary in FSD.  source source

    • She served as the treasurer for the Hermosa Elementary PTA. source

    • She is a graduate of Cal State Fullerton, with a Bachelor’s in Human Services, according to her campaign website.

    • Dudich has a 27-year career as the Operations Manager for Pivotal Commercial Flooring. Their “About Us” page describes her as such, “Her commitment, attention to detail, and supportive presence have made her an essential contributor to our success and company culture.” source


    Social Media Links: 


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    On July 25th, she posted on her campaign instagram a set of photos from a volunteering event where she worked with Trustees Hanchett and Estrella to help local families apply for their passports, with the OC Clerk-Recorder’s Office. source


    Candidate’s Public Comments: 

    Question: How do you feel artificial intelligence is, or isn’t, safe in the classroom? In what instances should it be expanded in the classroom? What about when it should be limited? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)

    Answer: “Artificial intelligence can be a safe and valuable educational tool when used thoughtfully, transparently, and with clearly defined safeguards. I believe our students need to learn both the benefits as well as the pitfalls of AI since it will be part of their everyday lives going forward. It’s imperative that schools teach students how to use AI responsibly and understand when human judgment is essential for accuracy.

    AI can be expanded when it enhances learning rather than replaces it—for example, providing personalized practice, supporting students with different learning needs, helping teachers develop instructional resources, and giving students opportunities to learn about emerging technology and responsible digital citizenship.

    Having said that, AI should have clearly defined limits and not be used as a substitute for learning, critical thinking, writing, or completing assignments independently. Schools need to establish clear expectations around academic integrity and appropriate use by grade level. Student privacy and data security must also be priorities.

    As a trustee, I would support responsible AI policies developed in partnership with educators, students, families, and technology experts. Our goal should not be to fear AI or embrace it blindly, but to prepare students to use it safely, ethically, and effectively.”

    Question: How do you believe schools can better teach or engage students in civil discourse? How would you like to see your district tackle this issue? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)

    Answer: “Schools have an important role in preparing students to assimilate into a diverse democracy, full of varied opinions and beliefs. Civil discourse, by definition, means engaging in dialogue to find common ground and solve shared or in-common problems. I believe there is an enormous opportunity in all schools to get “back to basics” in regard to communicating effectively both in person and digitally.

    I would like to see our district strengthen opportunities for students to practice these skills through planned classroom discussions, student leadership, debate, civic education, and community engagement.

    Teachers should have appropriate training and support to facilitate challenging conversations while maintaining a respectful and inclusive classroom environment.

    Students should learn how to distinguish reliable information from misinformation, understand the difference between fact and opinion, and engage with perspectives different from their own.

    As a trustee, I would take the lead in the district to partner with teachers to enact guidelines for teaching students civil discourse curriculum while allowing educators flexibility in how they teach these skills.

    Our goal should be to graduate students who are not afraid of disagreement, but who have developed active listening skills and know how to engage in it thoughtfully, respectfully, and constructively.”

    • At a candidate Forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of North Orange County, Marilyn said the following:

      • Regarding her thoughts on charter schools and vouchers; “There are some problematic charter schools. I support public schools, and I want the tax dollars to go to the public schools. There have been problems with charter schools using money and then being in financial trouble after a year. So I want to keep our kids at the public schools, especially because [charter] schools don’t cater to the needs of children who have special needs; they only want to help kids whose parents are requesting what they want. So I believe public schools are better for our county and our district than charter schools. Thank you.”

      • When asked how she’d support mixed-status immigrant families, she said, “Telling them that they’re safe is one thing, but actively showing them is another. Families are still scared to come to school. I saw that at Ladera Vista last year, when my son was there. Kids weren’t coming to school because they were scared, even though families were assured their kids would be safe. Having a mentor from the school or a counselor reassure them that their child will be safe at school is one thing, but showing them, and having the school community come together to support them, is what helps each family. Thank you.”

      • When asked how she would support students with special needs, she answered, “I would support students with special needs by supporting the staff, for sure, and making sure they have the proper resources to help students with special needs. I would also support the families of special needs children, because I feel that’s important; they need motivation and encouragement for their child. And treating every student the same as every other student is important, so they don’t feel left out. Thank you.”


    Endorsed by: 

    • Supporters of Public Education

    • Democratic Party of Orange County

    • Western State Carpenters Union

    • Painters and Allied Trades DC 36

    • Plumbers & Steamfitters Union 582


    Candidate in the News: 

    Public Voting Record: None Found


    Follow the Money: 

    • None found as of 10/11/2026

La Habra City School District

  • La Habra City School District Board Member, Full Term


    Candidate Statement: “La Habra has been my home for more than 22 years, where my husband and I proudly raised our two children. They are both graduates of the La Habra City School District and have become productive citizens in their communities. 

    I recently retired after 35 years of public service, including 25 years with the California Department of Social Services, where I served in leadership roles dedicated to protecting the health, safety, and well-being of children in both Los Angeles & Orange County. Throughout my career, I have partnered with families, educators, and community organizations to help children learn, grow, and thrive.

    As your School Board Trustee, I will focus on three priorities: 

    • Strengthening academic excellence by ensuring every student builds a strong foundation in reading, writing, mathematics, and science

    • Supporting parents by protecting their rights to be involved in their children's education and expanding educational opportunities.

    • Promoting transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility.

    I will bring integrity, experience, and a commitment to putting students first, supporting our teachers, and preparing every child for lifelong success.

    Guided by Faith. Dedicated to Families. Committed to Students.” 


    Email: bertha4schoolboard26@gmail.com 


    Campaign Website: https://www.bertha4schoolboard.com/ 

    Priorities: 


    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • Bertha’s campaign statement for this 2026 pulls back from the tone of the language she used in her 2024 campaign, going from, “As your school board member, my priorities will be; Focus on the basics, keeping politics out of the classroom, Protecting the innocence of children, Supporting parental rights, including school choice, Accountability and transparency. (...) I am seeking your vote in November to champion commonsense solutions and foster parental involvement in their children’s education. Parents raise their children, not the government” in 2024 to “..I will bring integrity, experience, and a commitment to putting students first, supporting our teachers, and preparing every child for lifelong success. Guided by Faith. Dedicated to Families. Committed to Students” in 2026. However, her affiliations, outside events, funding, and social media connections have not changed. 

    • She’s campaigning alongside a number of other conservatives who have championed anti-LGBTQ policies, such as Steve Hilton (for governor), Zonya Townsend (for North OC Community College District), Raul Ortiz (for Assembly), Rhonda Shader (for State Senate), etc. (x) 

    • She was shouted out as an endorsed candidate by far-right political group Reform CA at one of their campaign events for Prop 39, the Voter ID proposition. (x) 

    • On her personal instagram account, she shared videos and photos from Calvary Chapel La Habra where she and other candidates were invited on stage for the pastor to pray over them. Calvary Chapel La Habra is a part of the connected network across SoCal led by lead pastor Jack Hibbs, and they often promote political candidates in a Christian Nationalist context like this. Disclaimer: in 2025, Pride at the Pier co-hosted a protest against the ‘Pray, Vote, Stand’ Christian Nationalist summit held at Calvary Chapel Chino Hills, the lead church in this network, where elected officials, Trump appointees, and even Israeli government officials met to discuss the furthering of Christian Nationalist and Christian Zionist policies across America. (x) (x)

    • On her personal instagram, she shared photos from an event with attendees she called “like-minded people” and explicitly called out Nancy from “Nancy’s Picks”. This far-right voter guide includes the following criteria for its candidates; “PRO-LIFE & PROTECTIONS for the UNBORN”, “PRO-SANCTITY of HETEROSEXUAL MARRIAGE”, “PRO-PARENTAL RIGHTS in EDUCATION”, “PRO-NUCLEAR FAMILY”, “SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL and IT’S RIGHT to EXIST”, “SECURE & SEAL OUR BORDERS”, and more. (x) (x)

    • Zonya Townsend, candidate for North OC CCD, shared an AI-generated event advertisement on Facebook on March 24, 2026, for an event called, “Voice for Truth: Equipping Biblical Citizens” where Bertha Manzanares and Raul Ortiz were listed as Keynote speakers. Zonya captioned this post, “Patriots cannot afford to remain on the sidelines....it's past time to be involved in every sphere, especially in civic life.  Our six-week US Constitutional Class journey made one thing clear: good governance requires an informed, engaged, and morally grounded people, and that responsibility is ours. Join us this Thursday at our monthly fellowship meeting as we take the next step in action. We'll hear from Rev. Raul Ortiz, candidate for Assembly District 64, and Bertha Manzanares, candidate for La Habra School Board....leaders stepping forward with conviction and principle. Even if they are not in your immediate district, supporting righteous leadership at every level matters. Your voice, your presence, and your participation are essential in this moment. Come be equipped, encouraged, and ready to stand for truth in our communities.@Raul For Assembly  Bertha Ayala-Manzanares”


    Social Media Links: 


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    • Sophia Lorey (spokeswoman for anti-LGBTQ hate group California Family Council that was behind Prop 8 in 2008 to ban gay marriage, and has repeatedly doxxed SoCal trans kids). 

    • California Family Council (designated a hate group by the SPLC [source])

    • Sonja Shaw (candidate for CA Superintendent of Public Instruction, full time anti-LGBTQ activist)

    • Gracey Van Der Mark (Huntington Beach councilmember perhaps best known for her efforts to ban books in the Huntington Beach Public Children’s Library)

    • Jack Hibbs (lead pastor of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills, known as something of a political kingmaker and connecting hub of SoCal Christian Nationalist politics)

    • Charlie Kirk

    • Republican Women of La Habra

    • Will O’Neill (Chair of the OC GOP)

    • First Liberty Institute (Law firm in the Heritage Foundation/Project 2025 Network [source])

    • Sebastian Gorka (Trump’s senior Director for Counterterrorism who named trans people a terroristic threat and directed the government to track trans activists. Saying, “We see a threat, we will respond to it, and we will crush it, whether it is the cartels, the jihadists, or violent left-wing extremists like antifa and like the transgender killers, the non-binary, the left-wing radicals... we will take them on, head on.” [source])

    • Moms For Liberty

    • Calvary Chapel Chino Hills (a major hub for Christian Nationalist political organization in SoCal)

    • Leandra Blades (PYLUSD Trustee, anti-LGBTQ activism)

    • Perla Mendoza (Seal Beach City Council candidate)

    • Susan Pritchard (La Habra City Council candidate)

      • NOTE: The vast majority of the more overtly extremist accounts, Bertha follows from her personal instagram account, not her campaign account. 


    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • Bertha was a guest host on The Dacus Report on October 10th, 2026. The Dacus Report a podcast created and distributed by the Pacific Justice Institute, an extreme far right, Christian Nationalist law firm that is a part of the Heritage Foundation, Council for National Policy network. They are the law firm that brought trans kids in sports to the Supreme Court, resulting in the 2026 decision that allowed states the right to ban trans kids from accessing K-12 sports, as well as cases that allow shelters to turn away trans women, and cases that allowed churches to disregard COVID regulations and bring large crowds of people together during the height of the pandemic. Additionally, they’re behind cases that prevent the government from asking for standard disclosure information from anti-abortion organizations. And that’s really just scratching the surface. Host Michael Peukert of the Dacus Report made very clear how he feels, with a statement early in the podcast about how unions “mock God”. 

    • On this podcast, which you can find here, Bertha said some of the following things. 

      • “...really, it was God's calling for me to run for school board.”

      • “So, as parents, you are not alone. And as a believer of Jesus Christ, we're not alone. The word of God says that God goes before us, goes behind us, that we are blessed when we're coming in and blessed when we're going out. So for the parents, God goes before us and he will go before you so that way you're able to exercise your rights as a parent and speak for your children and protect your child.”

      • “I think I would venture to say that if the books were open in terms of what was being spent and where that money is being allocated, I think we'd find some room for cutting and room for transferring money to students and teachers rather than to the machine, if you will. I agree. Even in La Habra, taking a deeper dive, they get about an additional $14 million supplemental to really assist with children that are considered to be high needs—and these are the children that tend to score lower. So my thought is, if my school district has been getting this supplemental income, but yet we're not seeing scores going high, we need to change. We need to enact what is measurable, because obviously what is being done is not working. So as a school board member, it's really asking those tough questions to the superintendent: if it's not working, what steps are going to change in order to make sure that these children are successful?”

      • “How can (school staff) be forced to take training that's not what they believe in? So I started taking a deeper dive: how can I, as a school board member, protect the staff? That's when I looked at the Civil Rights Act and it talked about accommodations. I took a deeper dive: does La Habra have a policy? And La Habra does have a policy to accommodate any religious beliefs. I forget the exact terminology because this part is new to me, but I wrote it down because I want to become more familiar. But it's very specific the way it reads that they have to hold—and I think you mentioned it earlier today—a sincerely held religious belief. And so for me, because I will become the school board member for La Habra, for any staff that submits that reasonable accommodation, I will definitely consider it. To me it's important that school board members do not easily give in to what the state demands, but truly look also at the rights of our staff.”

      • “Even when I was working with state social services, I had training on pronouns, and the expectation—especially being in leadership—was that we would have these pronouns in our signature block. I took the training; it was required. But I didn't put my pronouns in my signature block. So I think it's important, because I lived it myself, that we support our staff in regards to their religious beliefs. Unfortunately here in the state, whether it's school districts or even state employees, we're put in situations that make us uncomfortable, and I want to be that friend on the school board that the teacher will have, where their religious belief will be respected. It's important for me.”


    Endorsed by: 

    • The Lincoln Club Orange County (overtly anti-LGBTQ, pro-ICE)

    • OC GOP

    • Mari Barke (OC Board of Ed Trustee, Director at California Policy Center [anti-LGBTQ+, anti-public education organization in the Heritage Foundation Network])

    • Lisa Sparks (OC Board of Ed Trustee, anti-LGBTQ voter record)

    • Jorge Valdes (OC Board of Ed Trustee, anti-LGBTQ voter record)

    • Ken Williams (OC Board of Ed Trustee, anti-LGBTQ voter record)

    • Tim Shaw (OC Board of Ed Trustee, anti-LGBTQ voter record)

    • Leandra Blades (PYLUSD Trustee, openly involved in anti-LGBTQ activism)

    • Orange County Advocates for Great Public Schools (despite the name, this is a charter school political advocacy organization)

    • Reform California (far-right organization led by Carl DeMaio)

    • Nancy’s Picks (far-right voter guide in Orange County, whose criteria for endorsement include “PRO-LIFE & PROTECTIONS for the UNBORN”, “PRO-SANCTITY of HETEROSEXUAL MARRIAGE”, “PRO-PARENTAL RIGHTS in EDUCATION”, “PRO-NUCLEAR FAMILY”, “SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL and IT’S RIGHT to EXIST”, “SECURE & SEAL OUR BORDERS”, and more. source


    Candidate in the News:

    • None Found


    Public Voting Record:

    • None Found


    Follow the Money: 

    • $1,000 from Orange County Charter Advocates for Great Public Schools (NOTE: The name is a bit misleading, this is a charter school organization)

    • $250 from Conservative Patriots of Orange County

    • $500 from Republican Assemblymember Phillip Chen

    • $100 from Zonya Townsend, candidate for NOCCCD and leadership in the local chapter of what we’d call the Heritage Foundation network

  • La Habra City School District Board Member, Full Term


    Candidate Statement: 

    “ADAM ROGERS AGE: 44

    Governing Board Member, La Habra City School District

    My name is Adam Rogers, an academic research director at USC, parent of two former La Habra students, and husband of a public school teacher. For eight years, I have been honored to serve on the La Habra City School Board, working to strengthen our schools and support students, families, teachers, and staff.

    During my service, I helped hire our superintendent, Dr. Carlos, supported policies that protect  and welcome immigrant families, and worked collaboratively to help our educational community

    become stronger, more stable, and successful. I have advocated for responsible use of taxpayer dollars, high-quality programs, inclusive schools, and decisions focused on student achievement

    and well-being.

    My family has directly benefited from the dedicated personnel and programs at Washington Middle School, Sierra Vista, Ladera Palma, El Cerrito, Las Lomas, and KidZone. I have helped support programs, including the amazing International Baccalaureate programs at

    Imperial and Las Positas.

    I bring 25 years of management and community service experience, a master’s degree from USC, and a bachelor’s degree from Cal State LA. I remain committed to excellence, innovation, transparency, and ensuring La Habra’s diverse students receive the opportunities and

    support they deserve. I would be honored to earn your vote for reelection.”


    Email: Adam has a contact page on his website. Find it here. 


    Campaign Website: https://voteadamrogers.com/ 

    Priorities were not listed explicitly - from “Meet Adam”: 

    • “For eight years, I have been honored to serve on the La Habra City School Board, working to strengthen our schools and support students, families, teachers, and staff.

    • During my service, I helped hire our superintendent, Dr. Carlos, supported policies that protect and welcome immigrant families, and worked collaboratively to help our educational community become stronger, more stable, and successful. I have advocated for responsible use of taxpayer dollars, high-quality programs, inclusive schools, and decisions focused on student achievement and well-being.

    • My family has directly benefited from the dedicated personnel and programs at Washington Middle School, Sierra Vista, Ladera Palma, El Cerrito, Las Lomas, and KidZone. I have helped support programs, including the amazing International Baccalaureate programs at Imperial and Las Positas.

    • I bring 25 years of management and community service experience, a master’s degree from USC, and a bachelor’s degree from Cal State LA. I remain committed to excellence, innovation, transparency, and ensuring La Habra’s diverse students receive the opportunities and support they deserve. I would be honored to earn your vote for reelection.”


    Any Other Interesting Info:

    From LinkedIn - Experience

    • Director of Research Operations - USC Annenberg Norman Lear Center Media Impact Project · Full-time - Apr 2008 - Present · 18 yrs 7 mos

    • School Board President - La Habra City School District - Dec 2018 - Present · 7 yrs 11 mos

    • Audience Research Consultant - Freelance · Freelance - Dec 2017 - Present · 8 yrs 11 mos

    • Gay Rights Blogger - Change.org - Nov 2009 - Jan 2011 · 1 yr 3 mos

    • Messaging and Communication Strategy Fellow - GLAAD - Mar 2006 - Dec 2008 · 2 yrs 10 mos

    • Director of Alumni - Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership - Apr 2003 - Aug 2005 · 2 yrs 5 mos

    • Congressional Intern - Congresswoman Linda Sanchez - 2005 – 2005

    • National Rapid Response Corps - Americorps / American Red Cross - Aug 2001 - Jun 2003 · 1 yr 11 mos

    From LinkedIn - Education

    • University of Southern California - Master of Communication Management, Entertainment Education - 2011 – 2014

    • California State University, Los Angeles - Bachelor of Science (BS), Political Science

    La Habra City School District Board Member Adam Rogers biography


    Social Media Links: 

    • Personal Facebook - 7 personal posts

    • Campaign Facebook - Posts since August 2026 all campaign related but a remembrance of 25 years since 9/11.

    • Campaign Instagram - 14 posts all campaign related but a remembrance of 25 years since 9/11.

    • LinkedIn - only one post

    • Not found on: Twitter; Threads; Bluesky; YouTube


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:


    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • Adam Rogers, La Habra City School District Area 4 candidate, 2026 election questionnaire - By Charlie Borla | cborla@scng.com - PUBLISHED: October 5, 2026 at 4:06 PM PDT

    • What are the top two needs of your school district, and how are you prepared to address them? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)

      • 1. Like most school districts in the state, we are facing declining enrollment, which leads to a reduction in funding and a rise in class sizes. We have made financially responsible decisions that have allowed us to keep all our schools open and to avoid layoffs, but this enrollment decline is showing no signs of stopping, so from a systemic perspective, we need state intervention to adjust our funding models. On the local level, I will continue doing what I have done for the last eight years, encouraging responsible financial decisions that allow our district to weather future funding storms.

      • 2. We have made real academic strides as a district. Our English and math scores are now better than they were before the pandemic, and our low-income students outperform low-income students statewide in both subjects. But there is still significant progress to be made. We remain below the overall state average in English, math, and science. As a board, we have worked hard to put strong personnel in place and adopt a stronger curriculum. I believe we are on the right track, and if we continue to put resources in the right places, we will continue to improve.

    • To you, what is the role of a school board in education? Is it driving policy, being involved in curriculum, something else entirely? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)

      • My North Star as a board member is making sure our students get the best education possible, and making sure I am an honorable representative of my fellow parents and community members.

      • In the actual job description, the most important role of a school board is to put the right superintendent in charge. I am extraordinarily proud to have helped hire Dr. Mario Carlos. He is a shining star in our community, and he leads with integrity and respect. Once you have the right people in place, my primary job is to listen. Listen to students, parents, teachers, staff, and community members to get a full picture of where our district is excelling and where we are falling short. Over the last eight years, I have worked hard to earn the trust of our educational community, and I have established a proven track record of making decisions that are best for our students and our district.

      • One of the most important parts of serving on the school board is restraint. Our job is to adopt instructional materials and set policy, not write curriculum or tell teachers how to teach.

    • How do you feel artificial intelligence is, or isn’t, safe in the classroom? In what instances should it be expanded in the classroom? What about when it should be limited? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)

      • AI is reshaping our world, and we have an immense responsibility to meet this moment with care. We need to be strategic about identifying where AI makes us more effective and where it holds back learning.

      • The most important restraint is in the classroom. Students will have a lifetime to use these powerful tools, but in school, they need to learn how to think critically, how to write, and how to express themselves without the use of generative AI.

      • Where AI can be effective is in streamlining tasks for teachers so they can focus more attention on students, improving differentiated instruction, providing tutoring support outside the classroom, and improving equity through assistive technology for students in special education.

      • On a grander scale, our school board needs to be realistic about how to prepare our students for the jobs that will survive the future. Our workforce is going to look vastly different in the years ahead, and decisions need to be made now on how to educate young people effectively to become successful adults.

    • How do you believe schools can better teach or engage students in civil discourse? How would you like to see your district tackle this issue? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)

      • This is an amazing question that isn’t asked enough. Our students need to learn what adults often fail at — how to disagree respectfully. We need to prepare our students for a world where they feel comfortable communicating with people who are different and where they approach conversations with curiosity and a desire to learn and understand other viewpoints.

      • I have tried to model these principles in my service as a board member. I am honored to have received the endorsement of all of my colleagues on the board. This doesn’t mean we agree on everything (believe me, we don’t), but it means that we have cultivated an environment where we can disagree respectfully. Similarly, I listen attentively and take notes on every public comment that a community member brings forth. I may not agree with what they are saying, but they deserve a board member who will at least try to understand where they are coming from and where we may achieve common ground.

    • Some school districts around California are recruiting teachers by building subsidized housing. How would you suggest your district could better attract — and retain — educators? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)

      • It has never been harder to be a teacher. Higher class sizes, more complex behavior challenges, deciphering AI in assignments, and an expanding plate of responsibilities are among the many challenges facing the profession. I am extremely honored to again be endorsed by the La Habra Education Association, our local teachers’ union, because I have always advocated for our teachers to be compensated fairly and to be able to do what they do best in the classroom.

      • Teacher recruitment and retention is, of course, related to doing everything we can to increase the pay of our teachers and staff in an increasingly expensive world, but it is also about listening to them when they are carrying too much and when they tell us a policy that looked good on paper is not working in a classroom.

      • A district our size cannot afford to build housing, but I will continue to do everything within my power to pay our teachers and our classified staff as well as we are able while remaining financially responsible. It is working. Today, 91.6% of our teaching positions are filled by fully credentialed, appropriately assigned teachers, compared to 82.5% statewide.

    • What experiences and priorities do you bring to this role? What have you learned in prior leadership roles that makes you the person for the job? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)

      • Education is the lifeblood of my family. I am the director of research operations for a university institute that studies how media can make the world better. I am married to a public school teacher, and we have two kids who were educated in La Habra schools. I have over 25 years of non-profit community service experience, and I have dedicated my life to lifting up voices of the disenfranchised and trying to create a more equitable world.

      • For the last eight years, I have used these experiences to become a better public servant to the La Habra City School District. I have learned how to listen to a variety of perspectives and put the puzzle pieces together to figure out what decision is ultimately best for our students and educational community.

      • I have also learned how much our community is capable of when we work together. In my tenure on the board, we have come together to overcome COVID closures, a superintendent transition, and unjust raids on our neighbors. Our La Habra community is powerful, and it is my honor to serve as a representative. I hope to earn the opportunity to serve another four years.

    • If your campaign had a mascot, what would it be and why? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)

      • I think the crossing guard is a good symbol of our campaign. Our crossing guards show up every day to protect students on their journey to and from school, and they do it with very little fanfare.

      • That is the example I want to follow. Show up every day, do the unglamorous work, and let our students focus on learning.

      • In recent years, school boards across the country have become politicized, and there are movements to turn our schools into political battlegrounds. A crossing guard does not argue with the traffic. They stand between it and the children, and they get everyone across.

      • Our schools should be monuments to the capacity of the human mind. If I earn your vote, I will keep standing in that intersection so our teachers and students can get on with the work.

    • Bonus question: What is the best book you’ve read this year? Explain why you found it compelling.

      • I just finished “From Presence to Power” by the great civil rights leader, Rashad Robinson.

      • Robinson does an incredible job of identifying the differences between true impactful change and performative issue awareness. We are facing so many complex challenges as a society, and I want to figure out how to be most useful in creating and participating in actual solutions. This book provides great examples of how marginalized communities have achieved lasting change. The La Habra City School District’s overarching theme this year is “Powered by Purpose.” For each decision I make on this board, I make sure I am powered by my purpose. I believe I am on this board to have a real impact on my community, and I want to make sure I am doing the most good that I can.


    Endorsed by: 

    Organizations From Campaign site:

    • Democratic Party of Orange County

    • California Teachers Association

    • La Habra Education Association

    • California School Employees Association

    • See site for full list


    Candidate in the News:

    • None found


    Public Voting Record:


    Follow the Money: 

    • From netfile.com

      • La Habra Education Association PAC - paid to Adam Rogers - 09/25/2026 $2,000.00

      • La Habra Education Association PAC - paid to Adam Rogers for La Habra School Board 2026 - 09/24/2026 $2,000.00

Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District

  • PYLUSD Area 4 Trustee Candidate


    Campaign Statement:

    “TODD FRAZIER | AGE: 45 | Governing Board Member, Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District

    As your Placentia-Yorba Linda school board trustee, a Certified Public Accountant, and a father of three PYLUSD students, I have worked to put students first and be consistent with the promises I made to our families in 2022. In every decision, I always focus on student interests first.

    When I first ran, I pledged fiscal discipline, transparency, and an education system focused on academics rather than politics. On the board, I have applied my CPA training to scrutinize the

    budget, protect classroom dollars, and hold spending accountable to results, because every dollar counts.

    There is still work to do, and I am asking for your vote to continue confronting challenging issues.

    I will keep defending parental rights, protect girls' sports, and focus on student success in and outside the classroom. Parents deserve transparency about what is taught in the classroom, timely notifications, and a genuine voice in their children's education. I believe classroom instruction should be academic and age-appropriate so students can focus on reading, writing, math, and critical thinking. Political agendas including CRT and DEI advocated by some local universities have no place in PYLUSD.

    Our daughters have a right to compete on a level playing field. I oppose biological males in girls athletic competitions or in girls locker rooms. I will fight to defend these rights, and keep communication between the district and its families open and honest.

    As a business owner, I believe our schools should prepare all students for success, not only those bound for a four-year university. I will expand real career pathways in the skilled trades, technology, entrepreneurship, and artificial intelligence, so graduates leave PYLUSD immediately prepared to earn, build, and Lead.

    For more than thirty years, Yorba Linda has been my home. My wife and I have raised our family here, worshiped here. I have coached and supported local youth sports. I love this community, and our schools should reflect its values: integrity, hard work, and respect

    for every family.

    I would be honored to keep serving you. Thank you for your trust, your prayers, and your vote.

    Learn more at voteforfrazier.com.”


    Email: 


    Campaign Website: https://voteforfrazier.com/ 

    Todd’s campaign website leads with a photo of him in front of an American flag, and the words, “Faith. Family. Freedom.”

    Priorities: 

    • Protect Girls’ Sports

    • Parents’ Rights

    • Student Academic Success

    • Career Pathways


    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • Frazier’s campaign signs have a piece added to the top of them that say “Protect Girls Sports” source

    • Incumbent, first elected in 2022. Source

    • Frazier is originally from Missouri, having received his BS in Mathematics Education from Southeast Missouri State University, and later obtaining a teaching certificate in Missouri. Teaching certificates from out-of-state are still considered valid in California. Source

    • During an October 10, 2023 PYLUSD meeting regarding forced outing policies, Frazier suggested repeatedly that being transgender is a mental illness, since ‘gender dysphoria’ is in the DSM-V (The standard reference book published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) that defines and classifies mental health and behavioral disorders.) Find the conversation around the 2:05:00 mark here.

      • FACT CHECK: The DSM-V explicitly states that being transgender is not a mental illness, and has not been considered as such for quite some time. The American Psychiatry Association states, “With the publication of DSM–5 in 2013, “gender identity disorder” was eliminated and replaced with “gender dysphoria.” This change further focused the diagnosis on the gender identity-related distress that some transgender people experience (and for which they may seek psychiatric, medical, and surgical treatments) rather than on transgender individuals or identities themselves (...) The DSM–5 articulates explicitly that “gender non-conformity is not in itself a mental disorder.” The 5th edition also includes a separate “gender dysphoria in children” diagnosis and for the first time allows the diagnosis to be given to individuals with disorders of sex development (DSD). DSM–5 also includes the optional “post-transition” specifier to indicate when a particular individual’s gender transition is complete. In this “post-transition” case, the diagnosis of gender dysphoria would no longer apply but the individual may still need ongoing medical care (e.g., hormonal treatment). Nevertheless, discussions continue among advocates and medical professionals about how best to preserve access to gender transition-related health care while also minimizing the degree to which such diagnostic categories stigmatize the very people that physicians are attempting to help.”


    Social Media Links: 


    • On his personal instagram on May 3, 2022, he shared an image that said, “Truth without Love is harshness, Love without Truth is hypocrisy!” and the caption “The concept of what love IS seems to have been lost in today's culture. ❤️🙏” (source)

    • On his personal instagram on October 27, 2022, he shared a gif that said, “Society: You’re a Bigot! | Me: You keep using that word, I do not think you know what it means”, and the caption “Some people. 🤣🤣🤣 🙌” (source)

    • On his personal instagram May 1, 2022, he shared a screenshot of a Twitter post of Christian Nationalist actor Kevin Sorbo saying “Remember kids, the party that says that men can get pregnant wants to control ‘misinformation’ on the internet”, with the caption, “…and want to “educate” our children. 😳” (source) FACT CHECK: Trans men can, in fact, get pregnant. 

    • On March 15, 2022, he shared a post on his personal instagram with a photo of the Bible verse 1 Corinthians 13:4–7 (Love is patient, love is kind…) and the caption, “The biblical definition of love does not AVOID truth but REJOICES in it. When Christians talk about loving our neighbor, if they require us to avoid, ignore, or compromise truth, they are redefining what biblical love is.” source 

    • On his personal Twitter account on May 4, 2022, he replied to a post rejoicing in SCOTUS Justice Alito calling for the overturning of reproductive freedom precedence cases Roe and Casey, saying, “Agreed! People were talking about it years ago but I never thought it would come to pass. Wow! 🙌❤️🙏” source 


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    • Benny Johnson, far-right influencer who said the following at a late 2025 TPUSA event; “God doesn’t make mistakes. Transgenderism is a lie from the pit of Hell, and I’m sick of seeing transgender violence and murderers in my country. And what has made me so angry about this moment is that it should have been a unifying moment for us all to say, what a horrid and wretched ideology. Now it’s time to kick in doors, right? Come on, FBI, do some door kicking. Round them up. The violent Antifa members, the Transtifa members, it’s time, okay?” Source NOTE: Frazier follows Johnson from his public campaign instagram account, one of only 34 accounts he followed from that page at the time of this research. His campaign has, by following this account specifically from his campaign page, made a choice to reflect Johnson’s values as the values of Frazier’s campaign. 

    • Jack Posobiec, alt-right influencer, white supremacist, and peddler of conspiracy theories such as Pizzagate. Read his profile on the Southern Poverty Law Center here. NOTE: Frazier follows Posobiec from his public campaign instagram. 

    • Matt Walsh, alt-right influencer, white supremacist, and anti-LGBTQ activist. Walsh has openly called for the arrest, imprisonment, and death penalty of medical professionals who provide gender affirming care to minors. (source) He has been repeatedly tied to propaganda campaigns targeting American hospitals that have provided care to transgender youth, resulting in a wave of bomb threats towards those hospitals, and describes himself as a fascist. You can read his profile on the Southern Poverty Law Center here. NOTE: Frazier follows Posobiec from his public campaign instagram.

    • Madison Miner, former Orange USD Trustee who was recalled and now serves as the Orange County Chair of Moms for Liberty

    • Dan Bongino, far-right influencer and fmr. Deputy Director of the FBI (2025-2026). On his show, “The Dan Bongino Show”, he repeatedly discusses the LGBTQ community in negative and conspiratorial ways. 

    • Turning Point USA

    • Nick Shirley, far-right influencer who has made a career out of pushing racist conspiracies

    • Jack Hibbs, openly Christian Nationalist head pastor of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills, who is deeply involved in anti-LGBTQ political efforts here in SoCal


    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • During a PYLUSD Board meeting while discussing an agenda item - a resolution from Leandra Blades to thank ICE and state that school faculty should not obstruct ICE if their operations occur on PYLUSD property - Frazier spoke in support. He said, “I think the point of this is that in general, no matter the circumstances, you don’t obstruct, right?” Trustee Carrie Buck responded with questions about what faculty should do in the case of ICE efforts to abduct a student from school property. Frazier replied, “I mean, I feel like we have this conversation a lot about trying to put actual actionable steps inside the policy when that’s not the place for them. (...) I think the important part here is that just like you said, Carrie, you should not be throwing your body in front of law enforcement and doing things to obstruct the law enforcement as they come on campus, regardless of how it happens, because we want to keep our staff safe. We want to keep our students safe in all this.” source

    • In October 2023, Frazier brought a watered down Forced Outing Policy to the PYLUSD board at the same time as other districts were working to pass similar policies. However, Frazier’s agenda item did not have any specific references to gender identity in it, creating what LGBTQ+ allies felt was a vague loophole to create a policy in practice that would be harder to get past the board majority if it was spelled out in writing. Frazier said about this policy, “This is a tool to be able to make sure that our parents are informed about things all the way from disruption of student learning up through extreme situations (...) It’s not an outing policy, it’s parent communication.” source


    Endorsed by: 

    • Nancy’s Picks - Nancy’s Picks (far-right voter guide in Orange County, whose criteria for endorsement include “PRO-LIFE & PROTECTIONS for the UNBORN”, “PRO-SANCTITY of HETEROSEXUAL MARRIAGE”, “PRO-PARENTAL RIGHTS in EDUCATION”, “PRO-NUCLEAR FAMILY”, “SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL and IT’S RIGHT to EXIST”, “SECURE & SEAL OUR BORDERS”, and more. 

    • Reform California - (far-right organization led by Carl DeMaio)

    • Madison Miner (Chair, Moms for Liberty’s Orange County Chapter. Her public positions and endorsements are posted at her Instagram social media site madison4oc.  Madison Miner won an Orange Unified school board seat in 2022. Voters recalled her in 2024. The L. A. Times reported that Miner was one of two conservative board members who had spearheaded policies widely opposed by advocates for LGBTQ+ youth in a recall election viewed as a local bellwether for the culture wars in education.)


    Candidate in the News:

    Public Voting Record:

    • Voted Yes on a Forced Outing Policy in 2023

    • Voted Yes on a Resolution to Support ICE in 2026


    Follow the Money: 

    • Frazier has not submitted his campaign finance filings yet

  • PYLUSD Area 4 Trustee Candidate


    Campaign Statement:

    “CHRIS LOWE | Educator/Businessowner/Parent

    My children all graduated from or currently attend Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District schools, just like I did. At Chapman University, I currently teach graduate students and have served as:

    • Assistant Dean  

    • Director of Executive Education

    • Founding Director of a master’s program in the College of Business and Economics

    At the Richard Nixon Foundation, my work includes developing civics education platforms for students from 3rd grade to college and launching the new American Civics Academy to expand civics education nationally. I worked for Governor Pete Wilson, helping launch California’s landmark 1996 Class Size Reduction Initiative.

    As a former Mayor, I championed reopening an elementary school and authored a civic history book and engagement program for 3rd graders. Even in college, I cared deeply about education policy, serving on the California State University System Board of Trustees.

    I’m a concerned parent, educator, taxpayer, and small business owner who is profoundly worried about the state of the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District: outstanding teachers leaving, ongoing budget deficits, and frequent leadership turnover. Cal State Fullerton is so concerned that they’ve stopped placing student teachers in Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District schools.

    If elected as your Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District

    Trustee, I will:

    • Protect academic opportunities

    • Recruit and retain great teachers

    • Prioritize special education

    • Strengthen school safety

    • Restore fiscal stability

    Please vote for Chris Lowe for Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District. www.loweforpylusd.com”


    Email: chris@loweforpylusd.com 


    Campaign Website: https://www.loweforpylusd.com/ 

    Under his “Why I’m Running” section of his webpage, Chris says, “Most parents want the same things: safe schools, great teachers, strong academic programs, and confidence that their children are being prepared for the future. That's what I want too. Being on the school board isn't about creating conflict or chasing political battles. It's about helping schools succeed. That means supporting teachers and staff, listening to parents, being a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars, and making decisions based on what's best for students. That’s the assignment. And that’s what I’ll do.”

    Priorities: 

    • Protect the programs that make Placentia-Yorba Linda schools worth choosing.

    • Keep great teachers in our classrooms.

    • Support special education instead of treating it as an afterthought.

    • Address real safety concerns like e-bikes, vaping, and AI misuse.

    • Be a responsible steward of the budget and finances.


    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • Lowe is a lecturer at Chapman University’s George L. Argyros College of Business and Economics source

    • Former Placentia City Councilmember and Mayor, with a term between 1998 and 2006. As far as our research went, most of the controversial city council agenda items during this time centered mostly around zoning issues, train whistles, public comment procedures, and property usage in the downtown core, rather than anything that would have impacted marginalized communities especially. source source source 

      • One issue that DID receive a lot of community attention while he was on the council was around whether city streets in Placentia could be named after current/living city councilmembers. We’ve quoted him on the issue further down, under “Public Comments”.

    • Served as the Executive Director of the Fullerton Chamber of Commerce between 1999 and 2004. 

    • From 1995-1997, Lowe worked as the Deputy Director for the Governor’s Office in Orange County under Governor Pete Wilson, who he refers to in an instagram post as “my favorite boss”. Wilson served as Governor of California during a substantial period of LGBTQ activism, and has a complicated track record. In 1991, he vetoed Assembly Bill 101, which would have outlawed employment discrimination against gays and lesbians. After a significant backlash to his veto, Wilson changed course and in 1992, signed a modified version of the bill that called for civil consequences for violators rather than criminal consequences. This was 35 years ago, and we don’t know how Chris felt about that specific part of Wilson’s legacy - his role in the Wilson administration was focused on business, trade, and commerce issues, although he has referenced that he also was involved in the Wilson administration's work on reducing class sizes for K-12 schools. 

    • He’s worked extensively within executive leadership at the Disney Company, primarily in government relations. One of the things that he marks as a success on his linkedin is how he “created coalition of 10K+ residents in historic initiative campaign that led to new legislation protecting resort district [sic].” This is a reference to his time as a Disney advisor for Save Our Anaheim Resort District (SOAR), a citizen group that worked to lobby against a 1,500 unit housing development being built in the Disney Resort district in Anaheim in the late 2000’s. The approximately 10,000 community members in the group contributed approximately $2,000 total, but Disney invested over $2,000,000 in the effort. Chris spoke at city council meetings as Disney’s representative and served as advisor to SOAR, and the housing development was blocked. Source source

    • He’s a consultant with Cal Pacific Partners, a business strategy, government relations, and public policy consulting firm located in Anaheim, California. source 

    • He’s written a children’s history book aimed at 3rd grade level readers. source 

    • https://goodnews.pylusd.org/?p=35848

    • https://schoolnewsrollcall.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/PYL_MAY_23.pdf (page 22)


    Social Media Links: 

    In 2018, he visited the Trump White House, captioning an Instagram post of the visit with “Proud to be an American, Visiting the White House is always a humbling experience.” Visiting the White House does not necessarily mean that he supported the administration residing within the White House at that time. He geotagged it with “Trump White House”.


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    ***Chris follows a lot of Disney corporate accounts, which aligns with his professional career working in high level Disney leadership. We didn’t find any especially partisan accounts one way or the other, beyond a handful of accounts belonging to elected officials local to the region.


    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • In 2000, when Lowe was on the Placentia city council, there was controversy around whether city streets in Placentia could be named after current/living city council members. While we can’t find a digitized version of the votes or transcriptions of the meetings online, the LA Times quoted Lowe as seeming to be disapproving of the practice; “Some who have been passed over voiced concern, albeit couched in humor. “So there is no Lowe Drive there, huh?” quipped Councilman Chris Lowe, who has yet to see his name attached to a thoroughfare. “What does one have to do to get one of these?’” Source

    • Paraphrase quote from the OC Register when he stepped down from the Placentia city council; ‘He said he ran on the platform of getting new blood into council and new ideas, so according to his own philosophy, it was time for him to stop running for the office.’ source


    Endorsed by: Not yet publicized


    Candidate in the News:

    Public Voting Record:

    Lowe served for his considerable amount of time in an elected seat with the Placentia City Council - however, it was 20, 25 years ago, prior to agendas and votes being digitized, and we struggled to find much in the way of actual voting records without going to the Placentia Library and searching in the microfilm newspaper records - which, unfortunately, we don’t have the bandwidth for. 


    Follow the Money: 

    Contributed: 

    • Lowe gave $250 to Lisa Sparks’ OC Board of Ed 2026 campaign. Sparks is openly antagonistic to LGBTQ+ rights, and has supported reallocating funds from public schools into charter schools. donation source find our Lisa Sparks profile here

    • Lowe gave $500 to Dr. Stephen Bean’s OC Board of Ed 2026 campaign. Bean is openly antagonistic to LGBTQ+ rights, and has supported reallocating funds from public schools into charter schools. donation source find info about Stephen Bean here

    • Lowe gave $100 to Ryan Balius’ 2024 campaign for Anaheim City Council. Balius was also financially supported by the OC Lincoln Club, a deeply conservative organization. donation source

    • Lowe gave $500 to Norma Campos Kurtz’ 2024 campaign for Anaheim City Council. Kurtz was also financially supported by Planned Parenthood, and was endorsed by Planned Parenthood, WAVE, and the OC Dems. donation source

  • PYLUSD Area 4 Trustee Candidate


    Campaign Statement:

    “BARBARA ‘BARB’ BUCKLEY | Business Owner

    I want to represent you, your student, and our community because it matters. Students matter. Families matter. Educators matter. Community matters. Integrity matters.

    I have been a proud resident and dedicated community advocate of Yorba Linda since 1997, and small business owner since 1998. My husband, Jim, and I have been married for over 30 years. Together, we founded Jim Buckley and Associates, an independent insurance

    adjusting firm, where I manage budgets, contracts, benefits, payroll, and human resources. We raised our two children through PYLUSD, from Fairmont Elementary to Bernardo Yorba Middle School to Yorba Linda High School. Our daughter Emely is now a kindergarten teacher, and our son Jimmy is an engineer.

    For over 15 years, I have served our schools and community as founder of Making a Difference, a nonprofit providing food, school supplies, and financial support to local families in need, as a

    board member of Homeless Intervention Services of Orange County and Placentia Yorba Meals on Wheels, and serving through many local organizations such as Love Yorba Linda and Charity’s Closet. My work with PTA units across our district has been recognized

    with multiple California State PTA service awards. This hands-on experience has given me a clear understanding of what our students, teachers, and families truly need, and how to get things done for them.

    I am running for every student to ensure each child receives an excellent education that prepares them for a successful future. We must come together in support of our students, teachers, and administrators. This is not us versus them. When leadership falls

    short, we should make thoughtful changes, but tearing down our educators helps no one; instead, let us be their advocates and partners.

    With our district facing declining enrollment and potential budget cuts - while operating at a deficit, fiscal responsibility must be a top priority. Drawing on my business experience, I will

    reassess spending and contracts, and will pursue renegotiations and competitive bidding to secure cost-effective solutions, while protecting class sizes and jobs. I am ready to roll up my sleeves and do the hard work required.

    In today's climate, we must focus on what is best for our students and community, not on party agendas, sound bites, or culture wars. With your support, experience, integrity, and dedication, I will bring steady, student-first leadership to our school board.

    I respectfully ask for your vote.

    barbbuckley4pylusd.com”


    Email: 


    Campaign Website:  https://barbbuckley4pylusd.com/ 

    Her website leads with the phrase, “Because… Students Matter. Community Matters. Integrity Matters.”

    She also has a section labeled “Sound Bites”, where she further explains small ‘sound bites’ that she’s had on the campaign trail. One of them is titled “Transgender females in women’s Sports”, and leads to a 77 page document that Buckley wrote. She describes this paper, which is set up in an academic, legal manner, in the following manner.  “This paper was prepared as an independent educational resource for school board members, superintendents, administrators, educators, policymakers, parents, and community stakeholders. Its purpose is not to advocate for a particular policy outcome, but to provide an objective, evidence-based overview of the legal, scientific, and governance issues surrounding transgender participation in girls' interscholastic athletics.” The paper (clocking in at over 22,000 words) does not present a stance, but does debunk a significant amount of the anti-trans propaganda that has been present in recent PYLUSD school board meetings, both from incumbent board members and during public comments, just in the nature that it is an academic, evidence-based paper.

    You can read it in full here. The chapters of the document are titled as such; “Executive Summary”, “Chapter 1: Guidance for California School Boards and Education Stakeholders”, “Chapter 2: Why Girls’ Athletics Exist: The Development of Womens’ Sports and Title IX”, “Chapter 3: California’s Legal Framework”, “Chapter 4: Federal Law, Title IX, and the Evolving National Legal Landscape”, “Chapter 5: The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF): Governance and Administration of High School Athletics”, “Chapter 6: The Science of Athletic Performance”, “Chapter 7: Student Safety, Privacy, and District Responsibilities”, “Conclusion: Bringing the Issues Together”.
    She also provided a similarly academic, although considerably shorter, document on her website, titled, “What are Charter Schools and which ones do we have in PYLUSD?”. You can read her paper on that here in full. 


    Buckley’s Priorities listed on her campaign website: 

    • Strengthen Fiscal Responsibility

    • Put Teaching and Learning First

    • Support Our Educators and Staff

    • Improve Communication and Transparency

    • Expand Student Opportunities Through Community Partnerships

    • Better Support Students Experiencing Homelessness


    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • Barbara reached out to us to ask about taking our School Board Advocacy Pledge. We did not send the advocacy pledge out to all candidates this year unlike our 2024 guide due to bandwidth issues, but sent her our existing pledge to review, and she agreed to take it. The Advocacy Pledge includes the following commitments:

      • Acknowledgement of the Separation of Church and State: Affirmation of the importance of maintaining a clear separation between religious beliefs and public policy.

      • Open Dialogue with the LGBTQ+ Community: Commitment to seeking out and engaging in open and respectful dialogue with members of the LGBTQ+ community in your role.

      • Prioritizing Safety, Dignity, and Equity: Pledge to prioritize the safety, dignity, and equity of all constituents, including marginalized communities.

      • Acknowledgement of Federal and State Protections: Pledge to abide by AB 1955, The Safety Act, which prohibits enforcement of forced outing policies. Pledge to abide by the current Title IX language, which prohibits discrimination and harassment based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics in schools that receive federal funding.

      • Respect for Students’ Human Rights: Pledge to acknowledge that students in your jurisdiction are full fledged human beings who are not “owned” by any other human being, and should feel safe and have the autonomy to be themselves in school spaces. 

      • NOTE: This Advocacy Pledge is from 2024, and has not been re-written for the 2026 election season. 

    • Supporters of Todd Frazier’s campaign started putting small trans pride flags on her signs in an attempt to redefine her campaign on their own terms. Buckley responded to this by issuing the following statement from her campaign, “Recently, someone added transgender flags to my campaign signs without my authorization. I want to be clear about where I stand: I believe every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. As a candidate for school board, I believe representation means serving ALL students, ALL families, and ALL members of our community. We may not always agree, but we can always choose respect, kindness, and civility.” source

    • In 2012, she founded MAD Women, dba Making a Difference, a local 501c3 nonprofit filled with primarily women volunteers who work to contribute to their community through food drives, meal trains, CPR classes, etc. She is still the president of that nonprofit today. Source

    • Barbara has been on the board of the Homeless Intervention Services of Orange County since 2021. source

    • Buckley was elected by her peers as one of two parent representatives for the YLHS School Site Council in 2014. source 

    • She was awarded with the “Golden Oak” PTSA Honorary Service Award in 2019 in connection with YLHS, and was also a recipient of PYLUSD PTSA Service Awards in 2013, 2015, and 2017. source

    • She has professional connections with Nancy Watkins, a public education advocate, former OC Board of Education candidate, and LGBTQ+ ally, through their work together on Buckley’s organization, MAD Women. 


    Social Media Links: 

    She shared her academic-style paper about trans athletes in school sports on her campaign instagram, with the caption, “What is the school board's responsibility when it comes to Transgender females in women's sports? I've done the deep dive for you. (link provided)” source


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:


    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    None Found


    Endorsed by: 

    Buckley’s endorsements page is currently filled with endorsements from local community members, rather than elected officials and organizations. source 


    Candidate in the News:

    None Found

    Public Voting Record:

    Buckley has not served in elected public office, so no public voting record is available.


    Follow the Money: 

    Buckley has not yet filed her contribution campaign finance filings yet

  • PYLUSD Area 5 Trustee Candidate


    Campaign Statement:

     “JUSTIN AGUIRRE | Parent

    It’s time to bring common-sense leadership back!

    I’m Justin Aguirre, a lifelong Placentia resident, PYLUSD graduate, and father of three children currently attending our district schools.

    For years, I have been actively involved in PYLUSD, advocating for students, parents, and our community. I’m running because I believe our schools must return their focus to what matters most: academic excellence, parental involvement, school safety, and preparing

    every student for future success.

    I will fight to protect parental rights, protect girls’ sports and spaces, keep inappropriate political ideology out of our classrooms, and ensure parents remain the primary decision-makers in their children’s education. I will demand transparency and fiscal responsibility, prioritize classroom spending, and oppose unnecessary debt and bonds that place additional burdens on taxpayers.

    I will work to expand partnerships with our local colleges. However, college is not the only path to success. We must also expand career technical education programs, including skilled trades,

    apprenticeships, and other pathways that prepare students to meet workforce demands.

    When elected, I’ll be the trustee with children currently attending PYLUSD schools. I’m personally invested in the future of our district and respectfully ask for your vote.

    www.JustinAguirreForPYLUSD.com”


    Email: None Found


    Campaign Website: https://justinaguirreforpylusd.com/ 

    Justin’s campaign website has a whole section labeled “Girls’ Sports & Spaces”. This section is a polished description of his experience over the last few years as an anti-trans activist. We will cover more of this further down. 

    Under his priorities, his site says, “The Supreme Court has made clear that parents have a fundamental role in directing the upbringing and education of their children.” Based on public comments he’s made at PYLUSD meetings, we believe he is referring to the Supreme Court ‘Mahmoud v. Taylor’. This SCOTUS ruling set the precedent that schools must allow parents/guardians of students to “opt out” of LGBTQ+ inclusive curriculum if that curriculum interferes with their religious beliefs. 

    Priorities: 

    • Academic Excellence

    • Safe Learning Environments

    • Fiscal Responsibility

    • Parent Trust and Transparency


    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • Justin has been known to Pride at the Pier for multiple years at this point, as he’s been in attendance at a number of anti-trans rallies hosted by California Family Council, a Focus on the Family associated organization with a 23 year history of anti-LGBTQ+ policy work, including their efforts to; prevent gay marriage from being legalized in California, prevent LGBTQ+ curriculum being available in schools, and most recently, their crown jewel anti-trans propaganda program, “Save Girls Sports”. 

    • Justin is known to be associated with a significant number of anti-LGBTQ extremists in Southern California. Some of these are covered in his social media section, but we can confirm that his connections with many of these individuals extends to in-person friendship. 


    Social Media Links: 


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    ***This is a very small selection of the accounts he follows from his campaign and personal instagram accounts. The full list is a fairly comprehensive collection of the major election deniers, anti-vaxx, anti-LGBTQ, and anti-public education Christian Nationalists across the spectrum, from local activists to national advocacy organizations.

    • Sonja Shaw (PYLUSD president who runs her political career on attacks against the LGBTQ+ community)

    • Beth Bourne (anti-LGBTQ extremist who stalks and doxxes trans minors, had a temporary restraining order placed against her by Davis USD because of her harassment of students and faculty)

    • Anthony Cabassa (far-right influencer who calls for Franco-style fascism)

    • Karen England (book banning activist who is highly active in CA despite living in Nashville, TN)

    • Real Impact (political arm of Christian Nationalist church Calvary Chapel)

    • Bill Essayli (Assistant Attorney General within the Trump administration with a history of targeting protesters, whose political career was launched through his partnership with Sonja Shaw to push for anti-LGBTQ+ policies in CA)

    • Erin Friday (anti-LGBTQ+ activist lawyer with a documented history of transphobic harassment, including against Pride at the Pier director and trans man Kanan Durham)

    • Manuk Grigoryan (Leader of Leave Our Kids Alone, an anti-LGBTQ+ hate group in Southern California associated with repeated acts of violence against trans activists)

    • PYLUSD Common Sense (anti-LGBTQ account)

    • PYL4Choice (anti-LGBTQ account)

    • Candy Olson (Redlands USD Trustee, anti-trans activist)

    • Jen Wiersma (Temecula Valley USD Trustee, anti-trans activist)

    • Sophia Lorey (spokeswoman for California Family Council and loud opponent of LGBTQ+ rights, including gay marriage) 

    • Protect Our Kids (CA organization seeking to ban LGBTQ+ and racial educational curriculum)

    • California Family Council (CA organization with ties to Focus on the Family, which led the Prop 8 effort to ban gay marriage in 2008 and is currently focused on anti-trans efforts) 

    • Madison Miner (Former OUSD Trustee, current chair of Orange County Moms for Liberty)

    • Teacher Freedom Alliance (anti-teacher union organization)

    • PragerU

    • Leandra Blades (PYLUSD Trustee, anti-LGBTQ+ extremist and openly supportive of ICE)

    • Corey DeAngelis (Research Fellow with the Heritage Foundation, anti-LGBTQ extremist)

    • This is a Woman Podcast (anti-trans extremist podcast hosted by Sophia Lorey)


    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • At the May 12, 2026 PYLUSD board meeting, Aguirre said, “Regarding the issue of boys being allowed in the girls bathroom, what we are witnessing in our schools is not simply a policy debate anymore. It is a gradual normalization, a slow acceptance of something many parents, students, and especially young girls know in their hearts is wrong. The girls who have spoken up have learned something painful. They will be ignored. Fathers who have raised their concerns have learned the same lesson, and mothers are being forced into a position where they tell their daughters to avoid their own restrooms and instead use office or staff bathrooms just to feel safe or comfortable. (Current Trustees) Carrie, Marilyn, and Trisha, why are the girls expected to adjust? Why are the girls expected to relocate, stay quiet, or simply get used to it? That is not equality. And for many families, the Pride flag has become a reminder that the rights of one boy are being placed above the privacy concerns of an entire community of girls.” 

      • FACT CHECK: Studies have consistently shown that the existence of laws allowing trans people to use the facilities consistent with their gender have zero impact on the safety of cisgender people, with studies covering the rate of harassment, violent crimes, sexual crimes, etc. Source 

      • FACT CHECK: Studies have consistently shown that transgender people are at much higher rate of victimization in bathrooms and other gender-specific spaces than cisgender people - both cisgender women and cisgender men. Source

      • FACT CHECK: Studies have consistently shown that the rates of violence and harassment faced by transgender people are higher in spaces where laws, policies, and rhetoric push an idea that transgender people make cisgender women and girls less safe. Source

      • FACT CHECK: Studies have consistently shown that the majority of transgender people actively avoid public bathrooms where possible out of fear of violence and harassment, leading to a higher rate of urinary tract infections, kidney infections, and other adverse medical consequences than in the cisgender population. Source

    • On the “Girls Sports and Spaces” section of his campaign website, Aguirre says, “I stood with the girls at Esperanza High School when they walked out in protest after a biological male used the girls' restroom. I stood alongside athletes from across California at Yorba Linda High School during a CIF track and field event, and I sat in the bleachers at Valencia High School as the same athlete competed against our Lady Tigers in a CIF volleyball match.” 

      • FACT CHECK: We can confirm that he was in attendance at these events. All three events were coordinated with California Family Council, the anti-LGBTQ+ organization behind both Prop 8 (the 2008 effort to ban gay marriage and the current anti-trans political campaign in CA). All three of these events were targeted at two different transgender minors who were going about their lives in accordance with California law, and who have not committed any acts of harm against their peers. 

    • At the October 21, 2025 PYLUSD board meeting, Aguirre spoke from the podium. “Although I regularly attend board meetings, this is my first time to speak. I have been silent too long. I speak tonight to support my oldest child, and only daughter, and every girl across this district who deserves fairness, safety, and respect. Superintendent and board, please protect my daughter when she is in your care. Do not let biological boys invade her bathrooms and locker rooms. Do not ask her to compete against biological boys in sports, as we now see happening at Valencia High School. Please respect my right as a parent to have a voice in my children's education. Thank you for allowing me to speak, I urge other fathers to speak up as well.” 

      • FACT CHECK: There are no trans athletes in Placentia Yorba Linda USD. Aguirre may have been referring to a trans athlete from a different school district that competed against PYLUSD athletes at a sporting event - there are fewer than 5 active trans high school athletes in CA at this time. CA law allows these minors to play on the teams that align with their gender, and school districts do not have the authority to violate that law within their own districts, much less within a different district. 


    Endorsed by: 

    • Nancy’s Picks - Nancy’s Picks (far-right voter guide in Orange County, whose criteria for endorsement include “PRO-LIFE & PROTECTIONS for the UNBORN”, “PRO-SANCTITY of HETEROSEXUAL MARRIAGE”, “PRO-PARENTAL RIGHTS in EDUCATION”, “PRO-NUCLEAR FAMILY”, “SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL and IT’S RIGHT to EXIST”, “SECURE & SEAL OUR BORDERS”, and more. 

    • Reform California - (far-right organization led by Carl DeMaio)

    • Madison Miner (Chair, Moms for Liberty’s Orange County Chapter. Her public positions and endorsements are posted at her Instagram social media site madison4oc.  Madison Miner won an Orange Unified school board seat in 2022. Voters recalled her in 2024. The L. A. Times reported that Miner was one of two conservative board members who had spearheaded policies widely opposed by advocates for LGBTQ+ youth in a recall election viewed as a local bellwether for the culture wars in education.)


    Candidate in the News: None Found

    Public Voting Record: Candidate has not held elected office before, none found


    Follow the Money: 

    Received: 

    • $3,500 from the Lincoln Club of Orange County, an explicitly anti-LGBTQ group

    • $10,000 from Linda Cone, a far-right anti-LGBTQ activist

    • $100 from Andy Falco Jimenez, far-right Christian Nationalist podcaster and close friend of Leandra Blades

    • $500 from Ben Stubbs, connected to Maria Stubbs, who ran unsuccessfully on an anti-LGBTQ platform for PYLUSD in 2024


    Donated: 

    • Aguirre donated $100 to Maria Stubbs’ PYLUSD campaign in 2024. Stubbs ran openly as a “parental rights” candidate in 2024, and was very clear about her stances in opposition to LGBTQ+ rights. Stubbs did not win that race.

  • PYLUSD Area 5 Trustee Candidate


    Campaign Statement:

    “CARRIE BUCK | Governing Board Member, Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District

    Public education is about more than reading, writing, and arithmetic. It’s about preparing students to think critically, adapt confidently, and thrive in a rapidly changing world. I will continue to build on PYLUSD’s tradition of excellence while preparing students for tomorrow.

    Under my leadership the district has pivoted from wasteful spending to responsible budgeting benefiting all students. I am proud of the progress we are achieving; strengthening

    our district’s financial future, building trust through integrity and transparency, advancing academic excellence, strengthening special education, expanding career technical education, athletics, & arts opportunities, and supporting every student.

    Our community deserves transparent, accountable governance where every decision is guided by what is best for students.

    As the daughter of two special educators, a mother of three PYLUSD graduates, and a nonprofit leader dedicated to ending youth and family homelessness, I understand students’ strengths and challenges. My record reflects a commitment to students, families, community partnerships, fiscal responsibility, and transparent, accountable governance that puts students first.

    The choices we make today will shape our students’ futures for years to come. Experience matters, so does a clear vision for the future.

    I’m asking for your vote for re-election to the PYLUSD School Board.

    www.carriebuck4pylusd.com”


    Email: carriebuck4pylusd@gmail.com 


    Campaign Website: https://www.carriebuck4pylusd.com/ 

    Buck’s campaign slogan, visible at the top of her campaign site, is “Building Stronger Schools. Creating Brighter Futures”. 

    Buck lists the accomplishments she’s proud of having achieved during her time as the incumbent in office. She lists: 

    • Strengthening Our District’s Financial Future

    • Building Trust Through Integrity & Transparency

    • Advancing Academic Excellence

    • Strengthening Special Education

    • Expanding Athletics & Arts Opportunities

    • Supporting Every Student

    Priorities: 

    • Fiscal Responsibility

    • Safe Schools

    • College and Career Readiness

    • Belonging and Access


    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • Buck is the incumbent in this race, and was first elected to the board in 2010. Source

    • Carrie is currently serving on the California Child Nutrition Advisory Council for the State Superintendent of Instruction and as a Housing and Community Development Commissioner for the Orange County Board of Supervisors. Source

    • In 2025, AB Hernandez, a SoCal transgender girl and track athlete that has been the subject of targeted hatred from the local extremists to Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and JK Rowling, competed at a track meet in Yorba Linda. Buck was there in attendance, ensuring that security was working to protect all the students, since there had been a significant social media virality about Hernandez being there ahead of the meet itself. While there, she greeted AB’s mother, spending time chatting with her and watching all of the athletes on the field compete. This gesture has made Buck the target of ire from some individuals within the PYLUSD coverage area who felt that her friendliness towards the mother of a trans athlete ran counter to their own opposition to trans athletes being able to play K-12 public school sports. Leandra Blades’, one of Buck’s fellow incumbents on the PYLUSD board, has expressed her disapproval of this repeatedly. Source - content warning for transphobia

    • You can find Buck’s candidate statement for her successful 2022 campaign here. 

    • Carrie serves as the Executive Director for the Family Solutions Collaborative, a nonprofit connected to United Way that works to aid families struggling with housing insecurity and homelessness. Prior to this role, Bucked served as the Executive Director of Homeless Intervention Services of Orange County. Source


    Social Media Links: 

    On her campaign instagram in 2025, she published a post for Pride Month with the traditional Pride Flag and the words, “Say No to Hate / Celebrate Pride Month / Stick with Love” Source


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:


    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • On her campaign website, Buck says, “A sense of belonging leads to better academic outcomes, which is why I support ALL students and have worked to expand athletic & arts opportunities, increase preschool & after school programs, and expanded support through a second family resource center.” Emphasis on “ALL” is hers. 

    • During an April 2022 PYLUSD meeting, Buck was a dissenting vote, in opposition to banning critical race theory in district curriculum. She said, “Curriculum development belongs in the hands of our educators…This (ban) is being done to fit an agenda and not wanted by the majority of our community, parents, teachers and most importantly, as you’ve seen tonight, our students.” Her vote was in the minority, and Critical Race Theory has been banned in PYLUSD schools since 2022, with unclear parameters of what qualifies as CRT. Source

    • In October 2023, the PYLUSD board passed a watered down forced outing policy. Buck voted in opposition, saying, “We’re doing this right after all of these other districts are doing it. I think it’s all tied to the other policies, which is why it sounds political.” For transparency’s sake, this was also the stance that Pride at the Pier took in our public opposition to the policy. Source 


    Endorsed by: 

    • Association of Placentia Linda Educators

    • Orange County Labor Federation

    • California School Employees Association, Chapter 293

    • Women for American Values and Ethics

    • Marilyn Anderson, PYLUSD School Board Trustee

    • Kris Erickson, Orange Unified School Board Trustee

    • Lauren Klatzer, Fullerton Elementary School Board Trustee

    • Carol Downey, Former PYLUSD Board Trustee and Former Mayor of Placentia

    • Tricia Quintero, PYLUSD Board Vice President and Teacher

    • Carrie Flanders, Brea-Olinda School Board President

    • Deana Miller, NOCROP and Brea-Olinda Unified School Board Vice President

    • Richard Barrera, Candidate for State Superintendent of California

    • Lauren Brooks, Irvine Unified School Board President

    • Andrea Yamasaki, Orange Unified Board Trustee

    • Katie McEwen, Irvine Unified School Board Trustee

    • Sara Pelly, Orange Unified School Board Clerk


    Candidate in the News:

    Public Voting Record:

    • On February 10, 2026, PYLUSD Trustee Leandra Blades introduced a resolution asking the district to explicitly affirm support for federal immigration officers alongside local law enforcement, and to state that staff should not obstruct ICE on campuses. As this was in the immediate aftermath of PYLUSD student-led walkouts in protest of ICE activity and the targeting of a PYLUSD student by ICE, there was significant backlash from the community. Buck, along with Trustees Quintero and Anderson, voted in the majority to change the language to express support specifically for law enforcement officers who work in PYLUSD schools (i.e. Resource Officers). Source Source Source 

    • In April of 2022, PYLUSD voted to ban critical race theory in the district’s curriculum. Buck was one of the dissenting votes, calling the ban politically motivated censorship. Source  


    Follow the Money: 

    • $1,456.67 from Association of Placentia Linda Educators (APLE CBS)

    • $10,659.52 from Association of Placentia Linda Educators (APLE CBS) for signs

    • $1,000 from Women for American Values and Ethics (WAVE)

    • $100 from Kristin Erickson, Orange USD Trustee with a voting record of LGBTQ allyship

    • $200 from Marilyn Anderson, current PYLUSD Trustee

Brea Olinda Unified School District

  • Brea Olinda USD School Board Area 4 Candidate (Incumbent) (Appointed)


    Candidate Statement:

    “NATALIE JOHNSON

    Appointed Governing Board Member, Brea Olinda Unified School District, Area 4

    As the current Trustee for Brea Olinda Unified School District Area 4, appointed by the Board of Education to fill the Area 4 vacancy, it has been an honor to serve the students, families, educators, and community of Brea. As both a parent of two children attending BOUSD schools and an educational leader with more than a decade of experience, I bring the perspective of someone who understands the importance of strong public schools from both the family and

    professional viewpoints.

    Since joining the Board of Education, I have been committed to thoughtful, transparent decision-making, supporting student achievement, and working collaboratively with fellow trustees, district leadership, staff, families, and the community. I remain focused on maintaining safe and welcoming schools, supporting our dedicated educators, ensuring responsible stewardship of district resources, and providing every student with the opportunity to succeed.

    I respectfully ask for your support so I can continue serving Trustee Area 4 with integrity, collaboration, and a strong commitment to excellence for all students.”


    Email: electnataliejohnson@gmail.com


    Campaign Website: https://johnson4bousd.com/

    Natalie’s campaign website leads with the words, “Focused on Students. Committed to Our Community.”

    Priorities: 

    • Student-Centered Academic Excellence (high-quality instruction, personalized learning)

    • Safe & Modern Facilities (campus safety, transparent use of Measure H bond money)

    • Inclusive & Transparent Leadership (special education, collaboration with staff, communication with families)

    • Supporting & Valuing BOUSD Staff (professional development, coaching, resources)


    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • Tagline: “Empowering Education Together.” 

    • Brea resident, BOUSD parent of two daughters, and longtime educational leader

    • Husband is a school principal in Orange County.

    • Over a decade in education. Currently an assistant director at a public charter school, overseeing and supporting special education; previously an education facilitator and classroom teacher (BOUSD press release).

    •  Education: master’s degree in Elementary Education from Biola University (a private Christian university in La Mirada).

    • Brea resident since 2019; parent of two children at Laurel Elementary. Served three years on Laurel’s School Site Council and five years as a PTO Special Education representative (Spotlight Schools).


    Social Media Links: 


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    Note: All of the accounts Johnson follows on her instagram appear to be either other electeds and officials in and around Brea (none of whom appear to be particularly involved in political battles involving marginalized people), Brea community accounts, and Brea Olinda school district accounts. 


    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • Before her appointment, she spoke during public comment at BOUSD board meetings on campus safety and fencing projects (per the district’s press release). 

    • Campaign website: Among other first-person statements, she says she believes “effective governance is built on collaboration, transparency, thoughtful decision-making” (johnson4bousd.com). Pull further quotes directly from the site.

    • Natalie responded to the OC Register’s candidate questionnaire. 

      • Question: How do you believe schools can better teach or engage students in civil discourse? How would you like to see your district tackle this issue? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)

    Answer: “Civil discourse is foundational to a healthy community. Our goal must be teaching students how to think critically, listen respectfully, and express their ideas constructively. Never telling them what to think.

    Focusing on core civic skills: We can better prepare students by strengthening non-partisan civic education, evidence-based debate, and critical thinking skills. Teaching students how to evaluate sources, analyze multiple perspectives, and communicate with mutual respect helps them navigate complex issues thoughtfully.

    Encouraging active listening: True discourse requires listening to understand rather than simply responding to win. Incorporating structured classroom discussions where students practice summarizing opposing viewpoints builds empathy and mutual respect across differences.

    Adult modeling and shared values: As a school district, leadership starts at the top. The board and district leadership must model civility, transparency, and respectful dialogue during public meetings.

    Grounding our approach in universal values of respect, intellectual curiosity, and free expression creates a safe environment where every student feels heard, valued, and empowered to contribute to our shared community.”

    • Question: How do you feel artificial intelligence is, or isn’t, safe in the classroom? In what instances should it be expanded in the classroom? What about when it should be limited? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)

    Answer: “Artificial intelligence is a powerful tool that is safe and effective when guided by strong guardrails, but harmful when permitted to replace critical thinking.

    Where AI should be expanded: AI should be integrated as an educational assistant to teach digital literacy, help students brainstorm ideas, build coding/robotics skills, and provide personalized tutoring support. It should also be leveraged to assist teachers with lesson planning and administrative tasks so they can spend more face-to-face time with students.

    Where AI must be limited: AI must be strictly restricted during direct student assessments, essay writing, and core problem-solving tasks where independent thought is evaluated. Protecting student data privacy and ensuring zero algorithmic bias are non-negotiable safety requirements.

    Our governing principle: The ultimate goal of classroom technology must always be student driven, original work. We must teach our students how to ethically navigate AI tools as modern resources without allowing technology to shortcut authentic learning, critical thinking, or academic integrity.”


    Endorsed by: 

    • Nancy’s Picks - Nancy’s Picks (far-right voter guide in Orange County, whose criteria for endorsement include “PRO-LIFE & PROTECTIONS for the UNBORN”, “PRO-SANCTITY of HETEROSEXUAL MARRIAGE”, “PRO-PARENTAL RIGHTS in EDUCATION”, “PRO-NUCLEAR FAMILY”, “SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL and IT’S RIGHT to EXIST”, “SECURE & SEAL OUR BORDERS”, and more.

    • Kate Alcala—Brea parent and former BOUSD teacher

    • Kim Sommer—Brea parent, local business owner, nonprofit board member

    • Lisa Cristea—Brea parent and Laurel PTO executive board member

    • Leah (Trybulski) Allgeie —current BOUSD education specialist

    • Mandy Burdett–—Brea parent

    • Natalie Montano–—Brea parent

    • Amy Kim–—Brea parent

    • Ana Paniagua–—Brea parent 

    • Elizabeth Ellison—Brea parent and educator

    • Monica DeMarti—Teacher


    Candidate in the News:

    •       Brea Olinda USD Board of Education Appoints Natalie Johnson as Area 4 Trustee — Spotlight Schools, April 22, 2026 (republished district press release).

    •       Newly appointed trustee Natalie Johnson sworn in — Citizen Portal, April 23, 2026.

    Public Voting Record:

    • June 11, 2026: made the motion to appoint the district’s new Administrative Director of Child Development Services (Citizen Portal).

    • July 24, 2026: absent for the closed-session votes appointing two assistant principals (passed 4-0) (Citizen Portal).


    Follow the Money: None Found

  • Brea Olinda USD School Board Area 4 Candidate


    Candidate Statement:

    “WENDY CRINER | Teacher

    My name is Wendy Criner, and I am running for Brea Olinda School Board, Area 4. My entire career has been centered on supporting our youth–in the classroom as a public school teacher, on the pool deck and the field as a coach, and at the decision-making table on the School Site Council. With your support, I’m ready to bring that experience to the school board.

    My husband and I moved to Brea over 15 years ago for its exceptional schools. Our two daughters attended Falcon Academy, Brea Junior High, and Brea Olinda High School. I believe in practical, thoughtful solutions that support student growth and foster critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and global readiness.

    As a district, we must address complex challenges responsibly. As we move forward with Measure H projects, it is vital that funds are invested with fiscal prudence to ensure safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments for all students.

    Our schools are the heart of Brea. Our community deserves a leader who understands both the classroom and local values. I am committed to protecting our investments, empowering teachers, and putting children first. I respectfully ask for your vote.”


    Email: wendycrinerforbousd@gmail.com


    Campaign Website: Candidate does not appear to have a campaign website.


    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • She is the only candidate endorsed by the Brea Olinda Teachers Association

    • Honors/Awards (source):

      • 2005 Apple of Character Award

      • 2008 Apple of Character Award

      • 2009-10 Western High School Teacher of the Year

      • 2011-12 Anaheim Union High School District EL Teacher of the Year

      • As of 2017 National Board Certified Teacher in Adolescent English Language Arts

    • Background: Her staff profile at Western High School in the Anaheim Union High School District describes her as an Orange County native who studied at UC Berkeley, earned an English teaching credential and an M.S. from Cal State Fullerton, began teaching in 1998, and has taught at Western High since 2001. It also says she has been an adjunct at Cal State Fullerton since 2005, teaching future teachers, and that she is the mother of two daughters (staff profile). 


    Social Media Links: 


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    Campaign Instagram:


    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    Source: OC Register Questionnaire

    What are the top two needs of your school district, and how are you prepared to address them? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)

    “As we are implementing the funds from Measure H approved in 2024, we need to ensure fiscal responsibility while modernizing the learning experience. As a district, we must address complex challenges with integrity to ensure these funds provide safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments for all students. Our Brea schools are the heart of our community, and our students deserve facilities that provide them with the best we can provide them. We need to ensure our oversight committee has the time and resources needed to provide the proper checks and balances to those projects.

    Another need is to provide resources and training to support the whole child. As technology advances and students are gaining access to more information, the use of electronic devices becomes critical. It is imperative that we monitor use carefully, provide learning opportunities on cyber safety, and educate our students on appropriate technology use. Furthermore, the impact of students’ mental health by technology and social media cannot be underestimated. Although the district has already dedicated funds to alleviating some of these concerns, we need to evaluate their effectiveness to ensure that we are implementing the most impactful programs with our funding.”


    Endorsed by:

    • Brea Olinda Teachers Association


    Candidate in the News:

    • OC Register Questionnaire

      • To you, what is the role of a school board in education? Is it driving policy, being involved in curriculum, something else entirely? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)

      • The school board provides oversight on items such as: program implementation, staffing, funding allocations, and school/classroom policies, to name a few. While it serves as a form of checks and balances to the functioning of the district, it is also the board members’ responsibility to ensure they have the whole picture prior to voting on decisions presented to the board. Decisions should be based on the collaborative input of district personnel, teachers, administrators, classified staff, parents, community leaders, and of course, the students. I believe wholeheartedly that we are better when we come together to share ideas, resources, and efforts.

      • As a board, we directly oversee the superintendent, her roles and responsibilities, and support her in how programs and policies will be implemented. It is then her responsibility to fulfill those needs by working with our staff within the district office, as well as each school site.

      • Finally, it is my job as a board member to maintain a pulse on the schools. I need to be present at the sites and speak to the people: administrators, teachers, classified staff, students, and parents. Staying connected to the people, their stories, and their needs, helps me determine important next steps.

    Public Voting Record:

    None found


    Follow the Money: 

    • $1,000 BOTA PAC

    • $1,000 BOTA OAC

    • $985.69 BOTA PAC

    • $1,000 BOTA PAC

      • “BOTA PAC” stands for Brea Olinda Teachers Association Political Action Committee (BOTA-PAC), ID #860724

North OC Community College District

  • North OC College District Area 1 Trustee Candidate


    Candidate Statement:

    “BARBARA DUNSHEATH | Trustee, North Orange County Community College District, Area 1

    Proven Leadership – Passionate Supporter of Community Colleges

    • History Professor.

    • Doctorate - Educational Leadership.

    • NOCCCD Board of Trustees, President 2026.

    • President, Community College League Trustee Board.

    • Chair, Community Colleges Women's Caucus.

    • President-elect, Cypress College Foundation.

    • Former Accreditation Commissioner

    Barbara Dunsheath: Vigilantly protects tax dollars from waste. Community Colleges yield the community $14 for every $1 spent. Maintains balanced budget. Ensures facilities like Cypress College STEM and Veterans’ Buildings enhance student success and serve

    the community.

    Advances academic and vocational needs of our community with superior quality and efficiency. Degrees awarded by Fullerton and Cypress College increased 3.3% last year. Building strong workforce through 5,729 credit and noncredit certificate completers. Advocate for expanding Community College Baccalaureate Degrees, Dual Enrollment, and Promise Program - Free College.

    Barbara Dunsheath’s important activities include: Her family (husband Jim, three adult children and our puppy Lally), Sunday school teacher, PTA, Girl/Boy Scouts, Habitat for Humanity, YomHashoah, Sierra Club, Daughters of Charity, OC Animal Allies, Red Cross, League of Women Voters, AAUW, California Historical Society.

    I have Bi-partisan support.

    Please contact Barbara Dunsheath for issues of concern to you: 562-344-6391 BarbDunsheathTrustee@gmail.com

    Visit website: BarbforNorthOrange.com

    I humbly request your vote. Thank you, Barbara Dunsheath”


    Email: BarbDunsheathTrustee@gmail.com


    Campaign Website: http://barbfornorthorange.com/

    Priorities: 

    • Fiscally Responsible

    • Educational Opportunities

    • Life-Long Learning

    • Inclusivity


    Any Other Interesting Info:


    Social Media Links: 


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:


    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    Barbara Dunsheath, North Orange County Community College District Area 1 candidate, 2026 election questionnaire - By Kaitlyn Schallhorn | kschallhorn@scng.com - PUBLISHED: October 5, 2026 at 1:54 PM PDT

    • Q: What are the top two needs of your college district, and how are you prepared to address them? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)

    • “Our mission at North Orange County CCD is to serve and enrich our diverse communities by providing comprehensive educational programs. We work diligently to provide relevant, accessible and academically excellent learning opportunities.

    Two needs of the district are: 

    1. Ongoing support for student success. As president of the board, I am successful when our students thrive. Students thrive when they achieve their goals. As trustee, I carefully monitor student success metrics, such as degree/certificate attainment and implement strategies that strengthen completion. Trustees must provide student support services to help them along their educational journey. We need to continue to offer: tutors, basic needs such as our food pantries, wraparound services, and mental health counseling. We need to maintain affordable college at the $46 per unit in-state cost.

    2. Ongoing fiscal prudence. As your representative, I have a fiduciary responsibility to ensure tax dollars are spent wisely. North Orange County Community College District’s financial impact on our community is $2.7 billion in added income. For every dollar invested in NOCCCD, students gain $6.90 in lifetime earnings; taxpayers gain $1.70 in added tax revenue and public sector savings; and our society gains $11.90 in added income and social savings.”


    Q: To you, what is the role of community college in education? Is it driving policy, being involved in curriculum, something else entirely? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)

    “Community Colleges provide educational opportunities for the top 100%. We are the people’s college, offering academic and vocational needs with superior quality and efficiency to 63,129 students. Cypress and Fullerton Colleges offer over 225 associate degree programs, nearly the same number of career certificates, three baccalaureate degrees, and at North Orange Continuing Education (NOCE) a variety of lifelong learning options. We offer the first drone baccalaureate degree in the western United States, certificates in artificial intelligence, as well as traditional areas of academic study. Cypress College’s nursing program has been ranked No. 1 in the nation based on license passage rate.

    North Orange County CCD offers the lowest fees — merely $46 per unit (for residents), far below the national average of over $150. College is free for two years through the Promise Program for local high school graduates who enroll full time immediately after graduation. We provide wraparound services to assist students along their educational journey — including zero textbook costs, basic-need assistance (food banks, low-cost transportation) and emergency loans through our foundations because tuition is not the only cost for attending college.


    • In October, Long Beach City College will break ground on a new student housing facility at its Liberal Arts Campus that will provide 431 total units to students. Is student housing a priority that your college should pursue? If so, explain how you intend to take on such an endeavor in a timely, cost-effective manner. If you don’t, how should your college district support students searching for affordable housing options near campus? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)

    “The high cost of housing in Orange County is a barrier for student success, and North Orange County CCD has worked diligently to offset costs. Cypress College submitteda cost-effective, shovel-ready proposal for state-funded student housing in 2024, but the state reversed its financial support for student housing.

    We (NOCCCD) have recently purchased property near both our colleges to address student housing needs. We are happy to partner with our cities, community organizations such as Pathways for HOPE and sister universities to coordinate housing solutions.

    Our foundations provide emergency funds for students unable to pay rent. I personally donate to both Cypress and Fullerton Foundations, understanding the real- life hurdles our students face. Donations support hope and resilience.

    A safe, affordable place to live is essential for our students to thrive. Supporting basic needs is a core priority of mine as trustee.” 


    • What actions would you suggest to prevent a cyberattack similar to the Canvas data breach in May? How can your district ensure students’ information is safe? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)

    • “North Orange County has in place multiple layers of protection against cyberattacks and to ensure student data is safe, including:* Utilize MFA (multifactor authentication) for student and employee accounts.* Deployed SentinelOne, an advanced Endpoint Detection and Response tool, allowing for 24/7 ongoing monitoring and risk mitigation.* Cybersecurity Awareness Training for all employees.* Fully implemented Microsoft Defender for email and endpoint protection.* Created a backup process for all IT operations for redundancy to ensure disaster recovery and business continuity.* Two dedicated cybersecurity positions centralize monitoring.* Conducted cybersecurity vulnerability testing and assessment on an annual basis with monthly phishing simulations.”


    • How do you feel artificial intelligence is, or isn’t, safe in the classroom? In what instances should it be expanded in the classroom? What about when it should be limited? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)

    “As a history professor, I see first-hand the use of AI in my classroom. Through professional development events, I have learned the most effective way to harness the potential of AI while mitigating its harm is to create guidelines regarding its use.

    The ability to generate instantly a plethora of information is now at our fingertips. The trick is to engage students to utilize critical thinking to discern credible sources and the integrity of information.

    I tell my students, “Just because somebody said something, doesn’t make it true.” AI-generated information is a great way to begin a discussion but never the definitive answer — that requires human thought.”


    • How do you believe schools can better teach or engage students in civil discourse? How would you like to see your district tackle this issue? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)
      A core value at NOCCCD is respect. We believe that all members of the district are entitled to work and learn in an atmosphere of courtesy, civility, and collegiality by nurturing a culture of open, transparent, and authentic communication, taking care to invite traditionally marginalized voices to the center.

    As a trustee, it is important to model civil discourse by respectful disagreement, focusing on facts, not personality, and active listening to different points of view.

    I would follow guidelines for civil discourse set by the League of Women Voters that begins with a thoughtful conversation.

    Our district offers a variety of convenings for students to learn about topics such as Earth Day symposium and Yom HaShoah. We set guidelines for faculty to facilitate meaningful classroom discussions that separate personal opinion from subject-area viewpoint. Freedom of speech is a core component of our district.


    • Q: What experiences and priorities do you bring to this role? What have you learned in prior leadership roles that makes you the person for the job? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)

    “My greatest experience is being a long-time resident of Cypress, where I’ve raised my family. I participated in: PTA, AYSO, Boy/Girl Scouts, St. Irenaeus, League of WomenVoters and Friends of Seal Beach Animal Care. Professionally, I have served in multiple roles at NOCCCD, statewide, as accreditation commissioner and professor.

    Community College experience is my strength.

    Currently, I am president of the California Community College Trustee Board. My focus is: trustee professional development and advocacy, including support for baccalaureate degrees at the Community Colleges.

    I also am elected for the fourth time president of the NOCCCD board. Over my tenure, I have acquired in-depth experience in budgets and finance, curriculum and construction.

    As commissioner for the accrediting agency (ACCJC), I ensured peer colleges in California, Hawaii, and the Pacific area met standards of educational quality and vigor. As a professor, I know what it’s like to be in the classroom interacting with students. I have a bird’s-eye view of student needs, struggles, and strengths.

    I hold a doctorate in educational leadership specializing in Community Colleges. While there is always more to learn, I am excellently prepared to be your Trustee.”



    • If your campaign had a mascot, what would it be and why? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)

    “The Sankofa bird. It is an African symbol of a mythical bird looking backward with the egg in its beak. It emphasizes that learning from the past is essential to moving forward. It is a sign of hope and resilience rooted in respect for ancestors and history.

    I choose this symbol to represent my lifelong service to community colleges and ongoing energy and commitment to sustaining educational quality for our students and community.”


    • Q: Bonus question: What is the best book you’ve read this year? Explain why you found it compelling.

    I am an avid reader and belong to three book clubs. I could never choose one book. Here are three: “Theo of Golden”: Teaches you to give back to the community and be a good person. “How We Learn to be Brave”: Decisive Moments in Life and Faith. How to respond with clarity and grace in tough situations. “Becoming Madame Secretary”: A historical fiction novel about Fransis Perkins, the first female Cabinet member who crafted Social Security and the Fair Labor and Standards Act while taking care of her mentally ill husband. As a hobby, I am writing a historical fiction novel, “Faithfully Yours,” based on love letters from my great-grandfather, a Chicago lawyer, to my great-grandmother, an Irish immigrant who worked next door to him as a nursemaid.


    Endorsed by: 


    Candidate in the News:

    • Nothing found but see Social Media links, especially YouTube

    Public Voting Record:


    Follow the Money: 

    • From netfile.com

      • Suzanne Chan - Ohlone College - paid to Re-Elect Barbara Dunsheath Trustee 2026 - 10/06/2026 $200.00

      • Note, only record for 2026, there are records back to 2005

  • North OC College District Area 1 Trustee Candidate


    Candidate Statement:

    “RAMA R. MALINE | State Prosecutor/Professor

    It's time for a leader who listens. Elect Rama Maline to the NOCCCD Board of Trustees.

    The NOCCCD Board has too often ignored the community it serves. I'm running to represent Cypress, Los Alamitos, Stanton, Seal Beach, Garden Grove, Westminster, and Anaheim with a more logical approach that puts students and community first.

    For nearly 30 years, I've served California as a state prosecutor, taking on organized crime and fraud, securing more than thirty published legal opinions. That same commitment to accountability and the rule of law will guide my work on the Board.

    For nearly 20 years, I've also taught legal courses, mentoring students into the workforce and law school. I know what students need: rigorous instruction, real-world skills, meaningful career

    opportunities, and a fiscally sound institution.

    As Trustee, I'll prioritize student success and workforce readiness at Fullerton College, Cypress College, and North Orange Continuing Education, insist on fiscal responsibility and transparency, and expand career and technical training.

    As former Treasurer of my statewide attorneys' association, I grew our reserves from $500,000 to over $6,000,000 — a 1,000% increase — proof I deliver results, answering only to students,

    faculty, and taxpayers.

    I respectfully ask for your vote.

    www.VoteRama.org”


    Email: rama.maline@gmail.com

    Phone: (562) 673-7437


    Campaign Website: https://voterama.org/

    Priorities: 

    • None stated on the campaign site - see Public Comments section below for survey answers.


    Any Other Interesting Info:


    Social Media Links: 

    • Campaign Facebook - Five posts all campaign related

    • LinkedIn - No posts

    • Not found on Twitter; Instagram; Treads; Bluesky; TikTok; Youtube


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    • Campaign Facebook - Following five:

      • Cerritos College

      • Cypress College

      • Orange County Register 

      • The OC Local - North Orange County, CA

      • North Orange County Community College District


    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • Rama Maline, North Orange County Community College District Area 1 candidate, 2026 election questionnaire - By Kaitlyn Schallhorn | kschallhorn@scng.com - PUBLISHED: October 5, 2026 at 1:56 PM PDT

      • What are the top two needs of your college district, and how are you prepared to address them? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)

      • Workforce readiness: The first need is program alignment with real career outcomes — credentials that translate directly into jobs, particularly in the legal, healthcare, and technical fields where local employers are actively hiring. Too often, programs stay static while the job market moves, and students end up with credits that don’t convert into employment.

    Accountability: The second need is fiscal accountability — ensuring every dollar the district spends is tied to a measurable outcome for students, not absorbed into administrative overhead that no one is required to justify.

    My approach: I’m prepared to address both because I’ve lived them from different sides of the desk. I’ve taught paralegal studies at Cerritos College since 2007, so I know firsthand what employers expect graduates to walk in the door knowing, and where our curriculum lags behind. Before I was a lawyer, I passed the CPA exam and worked as a state tax auditor, which gave me a disciplined, numbers-first approach to budgets. As trustee, I’d push for stronger industry advisory partnerships to keep programs current, and for regular, transparent budget review so every spending decision is explainable — not just to the board, but to the taxpayers and students funding it.

    • To you, what is the role of community college in education? Is it driving policy, being involved in curriculum, something else entirely? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)

    • Mission: Community colleges exist to make opportunity affordable and reachable for the students they serve. They should also vigorously support transfer pathways to four-year universities, career training that leads to real, high-paying jobs, and a genuine second or third chance for students whose paths haven’t been linear. I don’t see the trustee’s role as writing curriculum; that’s faculty expertise, and trustees who wade into it are usually working outside their competence.

    Oversight: Setting policy direction, managing the budget responsibly, hiring and evaluating district leadership, and making sure programs stay connected to what students and local employers actually need rather than what’s administratively convenient.

    My approach: I think of it much like appellate litigation, my career for nearly 30 years — you’re not re-litigating every ground-level decision, but making sure the process was sound and the institution genuinely serves the people it exists for. Trustees who overreach into curriculum decisions create confusion and resentment among faculty; trustees who disengage from budget and policy oversight are failing the actual job they were elected to do. I want to bring the same rigor I’ve applied in courtrooms for three decades to this oversight role, without ever micromanaging the classroom itself.

    • In October, Long Beach City College will break ground on a new student housing facility at its Liberal Arts Campus that will provide 431 total units to students. Is student housing a priority that your college should pursue? If so, explain how you intend to take on such an endeavor in a timely, cost-effective manner. If you don’t, how should your college district support students searching for affordable housing options near campus? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)

    • Identifying the problem: Long Beach City College’s 431-unit project reflects a real problem — housing costs are pushing capable students out of school before they finish. Whether my district should pursue a comparable large-scale build depends on honest answers about land availability and debt capacity that I don’t have yet as a candidate, and I wouldn’t promise a specific project without a real feasibility study first.

    Realistic solutions: Where a large housing development isn’t realistic in the near term, the district still has an obligation to act rather than shrug. That means formal partnerships with local cities and affordable-housing developers, emergency housing grants or short-term rental assistance for students facing sudden crisis, and a real, actively maintained resource hub connecting students to existing local housing programs rather than leaving them to search alone with a stale list of links.

    Cost-efficient solutions: Cost-effectiveness matters here — a rushed or over-leveraged housing project that strains the district’s budget doesn’t actually help students either. I’d rather see a phased approach: stand up partnerships and emergency support quickly, then evaluate a larger housing project once the real numbers are vetted.

    • What actions would you suggest to prevent a cyberattack similar to the Canvas data breach in May? How can your district ensure students’ information is safe? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)

    • The Canvas breach showed that a district’s data is only as safe as the vendors it contracts with — the vulnerability wasn’t in the district’s own servers; it was in a third-party platform everyone trusted without asking hard enough questions. As trustee, I’d push for real vendor accountability: independent security audits and strict breach-notification requirements written directly into every technology contract, not left to the vendor’s discretion or public relations timeline.

    Internally, I’d want mandatory multi-factor authentication district-wide, regular independent penetration testing rather than self-reported compliance, and a dedicated cybersecurity budget line that exists before an incident happens, not one improvised in a panic afterward. Just as important is transparency toward the people actually affected — students and employees deserve fast, plain-language notice when their information may be exposed, not a delayed, lawyer-scrubbed disclosure months later.

    My background as a career prosecutor handling sensitive cases, and as an auditor who understands internal financial controls, gives me a practical sense of what real accountability looks like in practice. It’s a system that’s actually tested, audited, and verified on a regular schedule — not just a compliance checkbox the district can point to after something has already gone wrong.

    • How do you feel artificial intelligence is, or isn’t, safe in the classroom? In what instances should it be expanded in the classroom? What about when it should be limited? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)

    • AI belongs in the classroom as a tool that sharpens student work, not a substitute for the thinking behind it. I already see its value in paralegal education — students use it to draft, research, and issue-spot faster, the same way they’ll use it in law offices right after graduation. It should be expanded wherever it builds real, transferable workplace skills: legal research, structured writing feedback, accessibility accommodations for students with disabilities, and tutoring support for students juggling jobs and family who can’t always get office hours. It should be limited wherever it substitutes for a student’s own reasoning — exams, case briefs, anywhere we’re trying to measure whether someone can think and argue like a working professional. The line isn’t the technology itself; it’s whether the student is still doing the intellectual work.

    What concerns me most right now is inconsistency — AI policy is often decided ad hoc, course by course, sometimes instructor by instructor, which isn’t fair to students trying to understand what’s actually allowed. The district needs clear, uniform guidelines developed with faculty input, so expectations are consistent and students aren’t penalized for guessing wrong. Trustees need to provide direction on this important policy ground.

    • How do you believe schools can better teach or engage students in civil discourse? How would you like to see your district tackle this issue? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)

    • I’ve spent nearly 30 years arguing before appellate courts, including at every level of the state and federal courts, where disagreement is structured, evidence-based, and still fundamentally respectful of the other side. That’s the model I’d bring to campus discourse — not avoiding hard topics out of discomfort, but teaching students how to argue a position, genuinely engage the strongest version of the opposing view, and reach a reasoned conclusion without personal contempt or attacks for whoever disagrees with them.

    I’d like to see the district invest in structured debate and moot-court-style programming across disciplines, not confined to pre-law students, so that students practice disagreement as a learnable skill rather than experience it as raw conflict to be avoided. Trustees can support this concretely by protecting faculty and students from outside political pressure, and by making sure civics and critical thinking remain embedded in general education rather than treated as an optional elective. Civil discourse isn’t taught by simply telling students to be nicer to one another. It’s taught by giving them a rigorous framework for how to disagree well, which is exactly what my legal practice has demanded of me every working day.

    • What experiences and priorities do you bring to this role? What have you learned in prior leadership roles that makes you the person for the job? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)

    • Proven experience for 30 years: I’ve spent nearly 30 years as a California deputy attorney general handling criminal trials and appeals, with more than 30 published opinions and arguments before the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and the California Supreme Court.

    I’ve also taught paralegal studies at Cerritos College since 2007, so I know community college students and faculty from the inside, not just from a boardroom seat once a month.

    Before law, I passed the CPA exam and worked as a state tax auditor, which shaped how I think about budgets, internal controls, and accountability long before I ever set foot in a courtroom.

    What I bring to this role is the combination of all three: courtroom-tested judgment under real pressure, direct classroom experience with what students actually need to get hired, and a numbers person’s discipline about where district money goes and why. Leadership in the Attorney General’s Office and in the classroom has taught me the same lesson repeatedly — results matter more than good intentions, and you owe the people you serve a clear, honest account of your decisions, especially, and most importantly, when something didn’t go the way you planned it to.

    • If your campaign had a mascot, what would it be and why? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)

    • My mascot would be a guide dog stationed at a lighthouse — two protectors working the same shift, at two different scales.

    The lighthouse does the quiet, structural work: standing watch, warning people away from the rocks before they ever ask for help. That’s the prosecutor in me — building systems, policies, and safeguards that protect people who never even know they were at risk.

    The guide dog does the personal work: walking alongside one person at a time, making sure they actually get where they’re going, safely, step by step. That’s the professor in me — the part of the job where I’m not managing a system; I’m sitting across from a single student who needs someone to actually notice them and help them get through.

    I don’t think protection only happens at the policy level, and I don’t think it only happens one relationship at a time either. It takes both. A trustee who only builds structure from a distance misses the students standing right in front of them. A trustee who only mentors individually never fixes what’s broken for everyone else. I want to be both the lighthouse and the dog leading someone safely past it.

    • Bonus question: What is the best book you’ve read this year? Explain why you found it compelling.

    • “Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI” by Wharton professor Ethan Mollick.

    I found it compelling because its central idea — that AI succeeds and fails unpredictably, so the real skill is learning to work alongside it rather than ban it or blindly trust it — matches exactly what I already see teaching paralegal studies and forces the same shift I’m now proposing for the whole district: grading students on their thinking and process, not just the polished final product.”


    Endorsed by: 

    • Nancy’s Picks - Nancy’s Picks (far-right voter guide in Orange County, whose criteria for endorsement include “PRO-LIFE & PROTECTIONS for the UNBORN”, “PRO-SANCTITY of HETEROSEXUAL MARRIAGE”, “PRO-PARENTAL RIGHTS in EDUCATION”, “PRO-NUCLEAR FAMILY”, “SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL and IT’S RIGHT to EXIST”, “SECURE & SEAL OUR BORDERS”, and more. 

    • Moms on the Ground — California parental-rights advocacy group that has worked in coalition with Moms for Liberty and other organizations promoting parental-rights and school-choice/charter-school policies. (momsonthegroundca, Moms for Liberty)

    • Reform California - (far-right organization led by Carl DeMaio)


    Candidate in the News:

    • None found

    Public Voting Record:

    • None found


    Follow the Money: 

    • From netfile.com records from 2001 through 2019 but nothing newer

  • North OC College District Area 3 Trustee Candidate


    Candidate Statement:

    “LARRY ANDRE | Business Owner

    My Top Priority, Student Success.

    High-paying skilled jobs have been leaving California. One of the best ways to bring those jobs back is to build a highly trained workforce. That begins with education.

    Not every student follows the same path. Some will earn a university degree. Others will build successful careers through career and technical education, apprenticeships, certificate programs, or workforce training. Hundreds of rewarding careers require education beyond high school, and every path deserves respect, support, and opportunity.

    Our community colleges must prepare students for college transfer and high-demand careers. This means expanding career education, strengthening partnerships with local businesses, industry, labor organizations, and providing training that leads directly to good-paying careers.

    California needs more skilled workers in construction, manufacturing, healthcare, technology, transportation, public safety, and many other essential industries. Our colleges must

    provide the knowledge, technical skills, hands-on experience, and problem-solving abilities employers need.

    As Trustee, I will work with local, state, and federal elected officials to secure funding to build modern campuses, expand career training facilities, and provide the classes, equipment, and student support services needed for success.

    Together we can build stronger students, stronger families, a stronger workforce, stronger communities, and a stronger California tomorrow.”


    Email: not found


    Campaign Website: https://andrefornorthoc.com/ 

    Priorities: 

    • Student Success

    • Smart Budgeting

    • Foster A Safe, Open Environment


    Any Other Interesting Info:

    From LinkedIn - Experience

    • Adjunct Instructor - Santa Ana Community College · Part-time

      • Jan 2018 - Present · 8 yrs 10 mos

    • Company Owner - Masonry & Tile Tool   www.groutbags.com  www.groutstop.com

    • Owner - Masonry & Tile Tool · Full-time

      • Jun 1978 - 2024 · 45 yrs 8 mos

    From LinkedIn - Education

    • = [NOTE that is not a mistake, it appears Larry has removed the name] - Bachelor's Degree, Pastoral Studies - 1995 – 1999

    • -  [NOTE that is not a mistake, it appears Larry has removed the name] - Associates Degree, Business Administration and Management, General - 1972 – 1974

    • From LinkedIn - Volunteering

      • Construction Services - Berea Baptist Missions, Inc. Rancho Sordo Mudo - 1992 – Present


    Social Media Links: 

    • Personal Facebook - regular posts, mostly resposting with some personal items generally aligning with right-wing talking points - examples like: 

    • Personal Twitter - Posts consistent up to July, 2024 - Posts and reposts are strongly right leaning - examples:

      • Jul 14, 2024 - “Morning Joe, you are responsible along with the other leftist news organizations, you ginned this up, how your are proud of yourself. Special spot in hell for evil like you. I am a Kennedy supporter. @JoeNBC”

      • Dec 3, 2022 - “@robreiner Has become a slave to his hatred of Donald Trump. Get a life. But the Hunter Biden laptop that was suppressed by the media, not concerned at all.”

    • Personal Instagram - Posts from 2019 through August 2026 are mostly pictures of pets and flowers with a racist and anti-vax joke sprinkled in:

      • May 3, 2023 - meme of Munsters family with text “THAT ONE FAMILY MEMBER WHO REFUSED THE VACCINE”

      • December 30, 2022 - picture of a racially insensitive joke based on a person’s access

    • Personal Threads - Posts starting in 2024 with a link to an anti-trans article and others referenced below through to now mostly about pets.

      • 04/20/24 - link to anti-trans article “The Trans Reckoning Is Here | RealClearPolitics”

      • 01/20/25 - “Biden has dementia, likely mid-stage dementia. The earmark of dementia is incapacity to make decisions of legal importance. Now is the time to challenge the pardons, commutations, give aways, and decisions of Biden. Important because our Republic is at stake.”

      • 09/10/25 - “CHARLIE KIRK WAS MURDERED TODAY AND SOME ON THE LEFT CHEERED. THEY BELIEVED THEY SILENCED THE CONSERVATIVE YOUTH MOVEMENT.
        The colleague is now—Fight, fight, FIGHT
        Organize, organize, organize”

    • LinkedIn - 

      • First post on May 31, 2016 is a comment of Charlie Brown’s “wha, wha, wha” sound when adults are talking on a post by Hillary Clinton, with a small number of comments over the years after

      • Second LinkedIn - Instructor at Long Beach City College - No posts

      • Third LinkedIn - Adjunct Instructor at Santa Ana College - No posts

    • Not found on Bluesky; TikTok; YouTube


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:


    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    The outcomes for student success are my top priority. Some students are on an academic path, while other choose vocational education, apprenticeships, certificates, or other classes designed to help students obtain high-paying careers

    Students first. Positive student outcomes. Fair pay for instructors that takes into consideration their education, their needs, and their commitment to the NOCCCD and their sacrificial giving to their students.

    As a retired college instructor who taught vocational education, I understand the value of both academic and career education. I am prepared to bring that experience to the Board and keep the focus where it belongs: students first and preparing them for a successful future.

    To you, what is the role of community college in education? Is it driving policy, being involved in curriculum, something else entirely? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)

    For a large percentage of students seeking higher education, community colleges offer a world-class education at a low cost. Plus, community colleges offer a wide range of educational opportunities that allow students to work while attending college.

    The needs of the students and the community at large should be the driving factors for policy and curriculum. We need to move away from the misguided belief that only college-educated students can obtain high-paying careers. About 50% of high school graduates seek careers in some type of vocational field.

    Since middle schools and high schools have not offered meaningful vocational education opportunities for many decades, training for many careers was removed, and those students have been underserved and neglected in favor of the academic-path student.

    My goal is to make sure community colleges continue to provide opportunities for both paths. Academic education and vocational education are both important, and both can lead to successful, high-paying careers.

    In October, Long Beach City College will break ground on a new student housing facility at its Liberal Arts Campus that will provide 431 total units to students. Is student housing a priority that your college should pursue? If so, explain how you intend to take on such an endeavor in a timely, cost-effective manner. If you don’t, how should your college district support students searching for affordable housing options near campus? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)

    I believe student housing is important, but we should first look at why students need housing and how we can help them through short-term programs, vocational education, preparing them for work and to become self-sufficient.

    Many students at community colleges pursue an academic path because they have not established a viable path forward to receive the career education that could lead to a high-paying career. Career-path education is often short-term. For example, training for custodians might be completed within two weeks, with the student earning a certificate demonstrating their skills. Other career training, such as welding or cosmetology, might be completed in a two-year program.

    Housing needs could be lessened when academic and career-path students can receive diplomas or certificates quickly and enter the workforce in a high-paying career after completing an academic path or a short vocational training program.

    If on-campus short-term housing were offered to students, I believe a path forward and a successful outcome for the student should be established before offering housing, which includes measurable goals that would drive student success.

    What actions would you suggest to prevent a cyberattack similar to the Canvas data breach in May? How can your district ensure students’ information is safe? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)

    Reevaluate current security protocols, determine if the protocols need updating and take appropriate steps to correct deficiencies. Establish a robust login protocol and install state-of-the-art security software to protect students’ data. Additionally, purge the system of former students to keep the database up to date and lessen the chances of a data breach.

    How do you feel artificial intelligence is, or isn’t, safe in the classroom? In what instances should it be expanded in the classroom? What about when it should be limited? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)

    Artificial intelligence should have limited use in the classroom and in the completion of homework. One way to resolve this is to have students complete in class with pen and paper and compare their in class work to their homework. Use software to determine if homework was completed with AI resources.

    How do you believe schools can better teach or engage students in civil discourse? How would you like to see your district tackle this issue? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)

    I am a believer in the First Amendment and the peaceful use of freedom of speech. Peaceful is the key word. As long as discourse is peaceful, no violence or intimidation or denial of others’ rights, the discourse can continue. If the discourse is violent, intimidating or denying others their rights, and if the participants refuse to cooperate, then steps should be taken to return the event to civility.

    What experiences and priorities do you bring to this role? What have you learned in prior leadership roles that makes you the person for the job? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)

    I have been a college instructor for 12 years, and I have owned businesses for over 50 years. My priorities are successful student outcomes that are measurable and quickly prepare students for success in the real world.

    If your campaign had a mascot, what would it be and why? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)

    A collage of careers that represents opportunities through an academic path, and the other half of the collage, careers that represent the programs offered on the non-academic path.

    Bonus question: What is the best book you’ve read this year? Explain why you found it compelling.

    “When Things Fall Apart, Heart Advice for Difficult Times” by Pema Chodron. My partner of 12 years passed away in the spring of 2026, and this book helped me address the grief, anger, loneliness and difficult days that follow the death of a partner.


    Endorsed by: 

    • Nancy’s Picks - Nancy’s Picks (far-right voter guide in Orange County, whose criteria for endorsement include “PRO-LIFE & PROTECTIONS for the UNBORN”, “PRO-SANCTITY of HETEROSEXUAL MARRIAGE”, “PRO-PARENTAL RIGHTS in EDUCATION”, “PRO-NUCLEAR FAMILY”, “SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL and IT’S RIGHT to EXIST”, “SECURE & SEAL OUR BORDERS”, and more. 

    • Moms on the Ground — California parental-rights advocacy group that has worked in coalition with Moms for Liberty and other organizations promoting parental-rights and school-choice/charter-school policies. (momsonthegroundca, Moms for Liberty)

    • Reform California - (far-right organization led by Carl DeMaio)


    Candidate in the News:

    • Nothing found

    Public Voting Record:

    • Nothing found


    Follow the Money: 

    • From netfile.com

      • Larry Andre - paid to Larry Andre - 10/16/2026 $8,000.00

      • Larry Andre - Paid to Andre for North OC Community College 2026 - 10/16/2026 $8,000.00

        • NOTE: This is indicative of Larry self-funding his own campaign. 

      • Note - there are also records for 2013 back to 2010

  • North OC College District Area 3 Trustee Candidate


    Candidate Statement:

    “CHLOE SERRANO | Education Policy Advisor

    My experience working with community colleges, public policy, and local government will help guide our district through the challenges facing higher education while keeping students at the center of every decision.

    As your community college trustee, I will work to:

    • Expand workforce development and career education programs that prepare students for well-paying careers while strengthening partnerships with local employers.

    • Address declining enrollment by reaching out to former students, adult learners, and working families, making it easier to return to college and complete a degree or certificate.

    • Support student success by expanding academic support, transfer opportunities, mental health resources, and basic needs programs that help students stay enrolled and graduate.

    • Champion first-generation college students by improving access to counseling, financial aid, and mentoring so every student has the opportunity to succeed.

    • Strengthen services for veterans by supporting programs that help them transition to college, earn credentials, and enter the workforce.

    • Ensure the district remains financially responsible while maintaining high-quality instruction and preparing students for the changing workforce of tomorrow.

    As a UCLA graduate, former Fullerton College Student Trustee, and California higher education policy advocate, I have dedicated my career to expanding educational opportunity and helping students succeed.”


    Email: serrano4nocccd@gmail.com 

    Phone: (714) 555-0148


    Campaign Website: https://chloeserrano.com/ 

    Priorities: 

    • Affordable Pathways

    • Student Support

    • Career Readiness

    • Transparent Leadership


    Any Other Interesting Info:

    From LinkedIn - Experience

    • Social Media Assistant - When We All Vote

      • Sep 2026 - Present · 2 mos

    • Local Leader Fellow - She Should Run

      • Sep 2026 - Present · 2 mos

    • City of Buena Park - Part-time · 3 yrs 2 mos

    • Chairperson of the Community Development Block Grant Committee

      • Jan 2026 - Present · 10 mos

    • Community Development Block Grant Committee Member

      • Sep 2023 - Present · 3 yrs 2 mos

    • State Policy Manager - What We All Deserve · Part-time

      • Sep 2025 - Present · 1 yr 2 mos

    • Website and Branding Intern - Kaya Press · Internship

      • Mar 2026 - Jun 2026 · 4 mos

    • Program Associate - UCLA Labor Center · Part-time

      • Jan 2026 - Jun 2026 · 6 mos

    • Ambassador - Advocates for Youth · Freelance

      • Oct 2025 - Jun 2026 · 9 mos

    • Smart Justice Fellow - Michelson 20MM Foundation · Part-time

      • May 2025 - Mar 2026 · 11 mos

    • Communications & Social Media Assistant - UCLA Asian American Studies Center · Part-time

      • Sep 2025 - Jan 2026 · 5 mos

    • Immigration Rights Research Intern - Brave New Films · Internship

      • Sep 2025 - Dec 2025 · 4 mos

    • Americans United for Separation of Church and State - 1 yr 3 mos

    • National Youth Organizing Fellow

      • Sep 2024 - Aug 2025 · 1 yr

    • Social Media Intern

      • Jun 2024 - Aug 2024 · 3 mos

    • Digital Media Intern - UCLA Alumni Association · Part-time

      • Feb 2025 - Jul 2025 · 6 mos

    • Editorial Intern - Ms. Magazine · Part-time

      • Sep 2024 - Dec 2024 · 4 mos

    • Co-Founder & Executive Director - Melanated Youth · Part-time

      • Sep 2020 - Dec 2024 · 4 yrs 4 mos

    • Digital Intern - California Democratic Party · Part-time

      • Jun 2024 - Aug 2024 · 3 mos

    • Political Intern - New American Leaders · Internship

      • May 2024 - Aug 2024 · 4 mos

    • Joe Kerr for Congress - Self-employed · 3 mos

    • Canvasser

      • Jun 2024 - Jul 2024 · 2 mos

    • Call Time Assistant

      • May 2024 - Jul 2024 · 3 mos

    • National Youth Policy Fellow - The Gathering for Justice · Internship

      • Feb 2023 - Jul 2024 · 1 yr 6 mos

    • North Orange County Community College District - 1 yr

    • Student Representative District Consultation Council 

      • Oct 2023 - May 2024 · 8 mos

    • Student Trustee

      • Jun 2023 - May 2024 · 1 yr

    • Fullerton College - 1 yr 9 mos

    • Chair of Athletics Task Force

      • Oct 2023 - May 2024 · 8 mos

    • Student Representative APIDA (Asian Pacific Islander Desi American) Advisory & Support Team

      • Nov 2022 - May 2024 · 1 yr 7 mos

    • Chair of Safe Speech Task Force

      • Nov 2022 - May 2024 · 1 yr 7 mos

    • President of Associated Students

      • Sep 2022 - Jun 2023 · 10 mos

    • Phone Banker - City of Fullerton · Part-time

      • Oct 2022 - Nov 2022 · 2 mos

    • Student Intern - Young Legislators Program for Sharon Quirk Silva · Internship

      • Feb 2022 - Jun 2022 · 5 mos

    • Spring Intern - Blue Future + the Youth Progressive Action Catalyst · Internship

      • Feb 2022 - Apr 2022 · 3 mos

    • Co-North Regional Director - Orange County Voter Empowerment Coalition · Part-time

      • Sep 2019 - Dec 2021 · 2 yrs 4 mos

    From LinkedIn - Education

    • UCLA - Bachelor of Arts - BA, Asian-American Studies 

      • Sep 2024 – Jun 2026

    • Fullerton College - Associate's degree, Ethnic Studies

      • Aug 2022 – May 2024

    • Fullerton Union High School

      • High School Diploma

    From LinkedIn - Volunteering

    • Member - Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA)

      • Jan 2026 - Present · 10 mos

    • Member - Democratic Party of Orange County

      • Aug 2026 - Present · 3 mos

    • Chapters Committee Member - Public Interest Law Association

      • Aug 2025 - Jun 2026 · 11 mos

    • Mentor - Americans United for Separation of Church and State

      • Sep 2025 - May 2026 · 9 mos

    • Student Ambassador - FIIRE - Filipinos in Institutional Real Estate

      • Sep 2024 - Sep 2025 · 1 yr 1 mo

    • Pilipinx Advancing Leadership Success Intern - UCLA Pilipino Council of Mabuhay Collective (PCMC)

      • Jan 2025 - Apr 2025 · 4 mos

    • Volunteer - Pathways of Hope

      • Aug 2023 - May 2024 · 10 mos

    • Partnerships Volunteer - Polluters Out

      • Jun 2021 - Mar 2022 · 10 mos

    • Debate Coach - Beatty Middle School

      • Oct 2021 - Oct 2022 · 1 yr 1 mo

    • Judge - Orange County Debate League

      • Sep 2019 - May 2023 · 3 yrs 9 mos

    • Campaign Volunteer - Congressman Gil Cisneros

      • Sep 2019 - Jun 2021 · 1 yr 10 mos

    • Volunteer - March For Our Lives

      • Feb 2017 - Jul 2017 · 6 mos


    Social Media Links: 


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:


    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    Meet the Candidates Chloe Serrano - FC Hornet Media - Oct 21, 2026


    Chloe Serrano, North Orange County Community College District Area 3 candidate, 2026 election questionnaire - By Kaitlyn Schallhorn | kschallhorn@scng.com - PUBLISHED: October 5, 2026 at 2:09 PM PDT

    What are the top two needs of your college district, and how are you prepared to address them? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)

    The district’s first major need is improving student access, persistence, and completion. Too many students face barriers involving cost, housing, food insecurity, transportation, course availability, and confusing pathways to transfer or a degree or certificate.

    The second need is maintaining long-term fiscal stability while responding to changing enrollment and workforce needs. The district must use public funds responsibly, protect high-quality instruction and student services, and expand programs that prepare students for transfer and well-paying careers.

    To you, what is the role of community college in education? Is it driving policy, being involved in curriculum, something else entirely? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)

    Our state has 73 community college districts with 116 colleges serving over 2 million students, many the first in their families to earn a college degree. Community colleges are the most accessible entry point to higher education. They provide pathways to university transfer, career preparation, lifelong learning, and economic mobility while serving students at every stage of life. When we see the successes of our alumni in the community, we see the transformational results.

    The board’s role is to establish policy, approve budgets, set district priorities, hire and evaluate the chancellor, and ensure accountability to students and the public.

    In October, Long Beach City College will break ground on a new student housing facility at its Liberal Arts Campus that will provide 431 total units to students. Is student housing a priority that your college should pursue? If so, explain how you intend to take on such an endeavor in a timely, cost-effective manner. If you don’t, how should your college district support students searching for affordable housing options near campus? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)

    Cypress College is currently working on a student housing project that includes “two buildings connected by a covered glass-walled bridge and with 164 parking spaces that would be located in the temporary lot east of the baseball field (Lot G).” 53% of students in the North Orange County Community College District (NOCCCD) are classified as economically disadvantaged (low-income). As trustee and someone who has experienced food insecurity, I would work with the Basic Needs Centers and food banks in the district and look forward toward strengthening the amazing partnership with Pathways of Hope at NOCE and Cypress.

    What actions would you suggest to prevent a cyberattack similar to the Canvas data breach in May? How can your district ensure students’ information is safe? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)

    As a trustee, I would not presume to have every operational answer. My role would be to ask informed questions, listen to students, faculty, classified professionals, administrators, labor partners, and community employers, and evaluate recommendations using evidence. In the event of a cyberattack or breach of data, I would work with and trust the district’s IT. I would also emphasize the importance of training the next generation with our curriculum programs when it comes to digital safety and internet privacy.

    How do you feel artificial intelligence is, or isn’t, safe in the classroom? In what instances should it be expanded in the classroom? What about when it should be limited? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)

    As a trustee, my personal opinion about AI should not determine district policy or classroom practice. Policy should be developed through shared governance and informed by faculty expertise, student perspectives, legal requirements, privacy and cybersecurity professionals, and evidence about educational outcomes. Faculty should retain appropriate authority over how AI is used in their courses and assignments.

    It should be limited when it compromises student privacy, produces biased or unreliable information, replaces meaningful learning, undermines academic integrity, or creates inequities between students. Students should also understand when AI is permitted, how to cite its use, and how to evaluate its accuracy.

    How do you believe schools can better teach or engage students in civil discourse? How would you like to see your district tackle this issue? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)

    I would like NOCCCD to support a districtwide culture of civic engagement while respecting faculty authority over curriculum and instruction. The board can establish clear expectations protecting free expression, academic freedom, and student safety. Our district already supports voter education, candidate and public forums, and encourages partnerships with nonpartisan civic organizations like the League of Women Voters. When I was involved with Associated Students, we developed a resolution on hate speech.

    What experiences and priorities do you bring to this role? What have you learned in prior leadership roles that makes you the person for the job? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)

    I am prepared to set clear policy priorities, insist on measurable outcomes and transparent budgeting, and hold the chancellor accountable for implementing the board’s direction.

    Effective trustees govern collaboratively while keeping student success and the public interest at the center of every decision.

    If your campaign had a mascot, what would it be and why? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)

    Drawing upon my Filipino and Korean ethnicities, my mascot would be the carabao or Siberian tiger. In Filipino culture, the carabao represents hard work, patience, and strength in service to the community. It does not need to be the loudest animal to make an important contribution. Siberian tiger is the national animal of South Korea and a profound cultural symbol representing guardian strength, courage, resilience, and good fortune.

    Bonus question: What is the best book you’ve read this year? Explain why you found it compelling.

    “All About Love” by bell hooks is my favorite book this year. The book grounded my belief that love is action-oriented, service-oriented, and ethical. I learned that love is not a short-term feeling, but a conscious, disciplined action of care, respect, and responsibility. The book gave me a great opportunity for me to reflect on what my love for my community means and what kind of conscious and intentional leader I want to continue growing to be.


    Endorsed by: 

    • From Campaign Site

      • Democratic Party of Orange County

      • Orange County Young Democrats

      • New American Leaders Action Fund

      • United Faculty

      • Planned Parenthood OCSB

      • Adjunct Faculty United


    Candidate in the News:

    • North Orange County community colleges deny Pride flag ban amid public pushback - By Hugo Rios Aug 4, 2023

      • “In contrast to recent decisions of local city officials and school boards banning symbols of the LGBTQ+ community in Orange County this year, the North Orange County Community College District will continue to wave Pride flags at both of their college campuses.”

      • “The resolution would have banned public displays of the Pride flag at Fullerton College and Cypress College. Community members who were primarily against the ban packed the meeting room and watched as the rule failed to proceed due to lack of a second after the motion was made.”[...]

        • [text on image] “Chloe Serrano, student trustee for Fullerton College, displayed a Pride flag before Tuesday's board meeting in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.”

      • [...] “Similarly, Cypress College student trustee Jesus Ramirez and Fullerton College student trustee Chloe Serrano confirmed that pushback was mainly student-led and began roughly a week before the meeting. “

      • “Ramirez highlighted that students needed the opportunity to provide feedback and was shocked by the quickness of trustee Bent to push an unpopular policy.”

      • “In a joint statement regarding the resolution by the Fullerton College Faculty Committee and trustee Serrano, “This is an attempt to establish a flag policy without collegial consultation. In fact, discussions between students, faculty, staff, and administration are already underway and the development of a flag raising policy with full participation of all stakeholders is planned for the start of the fall 2023 semester.” “

    Public Voting Record:

    • None found, has not held office


    Follow the Money: 

    • From netfile.com

      • Chloe Serrano for NOCCCD Trustee 2026 - paid to Chloe Serrano - Reimbursement for Campaign Expenses - 10/17/2026 $0.00 

      • Chloe Serrano for NOCCCD Trustee 2026 - paid to Democratic Party of Orange County - PDI Access 10/16/2026 $1,052.00

      • Chloe Serrano for NOCCCD Trustee 2026 - paid to Chloe Serrano - Reimbursement for Campaign Expenses 10/13/2026 $1,086.61

      • Chloe Serrano for NOCCCD Trustee 2026 - paid to COGS South Signs - 10/13/2026 $2,184.76

      • Leo Medrano - paid to Chloe Serrano for NOCCCD Trustee 2026 - 10/12/2026 $100.00

      • United Faculty North Orange County Community College District (NOCCCD) Political Action Committee (PAC) - paid to Chloe Serrano for North Orange County Community College District Trustee 2026 - 10/09/2026 $25,000.00

      • United Faculty North Orange County Community College District (NOCCCD) Political Action Committee (PAC) - paid to Chloe Serrano for NOCCCD Trustee 2026 - 10/09/2026 $25,000.00 

      • Chloe Serrano for NOCCCD Trustee 2026 - paid to IMPACT Posting - Sign Posting Services 10/09/2026 $1,200.00

      • American Federation of Teachers COPE Local 6106 - paid to Chloe Serrano for North Orange County Community College District Trustee 2026 - 10/06/2026 $10,000.00

      • American Federation of Teachers COPE Local 6106 - paid to Chloe Serrano for NOCCCD Trustee 2026 - 10/06/2026 $10,000.00

      • Chloe Serrano for NOCCCD Trustee 2026 - paid to McIntyre & Barcelona, LLC - 10/06/2026 $400.00

      • Chloe Serrano for North Orange County Community College District Trustee 2026 - paid to Chloe Serrano - Reimbursement for Campaign Expenses 09/19/2026 $1,086.61

      • Jane Chon - paid to Chloe Serrano for North Orange County Community College District Trustee 2026 - 09/15/2026 $150.00

      • Chloe Serrano for North Orange County Community College District Trustee 2026 - paid to McIntyre & Barcelona, LLC - 09/02/2026 $300.00

      • Nicola Dedmon - paid to Chloe Serrano for North Orange County Community College District Trustee 2026 - 08/18/2026 $100.00

      • Jodi Balma - paid to Chloe Serrano for North Orange County Community College District Trustee 2026 - 08/18/2026 $300.00

      • Chloe Serrano - paid to Chloe Serrano for North Orange County Community College District Trustee 2026 - 08/17/2026 $450.00

      • Chloe Serrano - paid to Chloe Serrano for NOCCCD Trustee 2026 - 08/17/2026 $0.00

      • Chloe Serrano for North Orange County Community College District Trustee 2026 - paid to Democratic Party of Orange County - Endorsement Fee - 08/04/2026 $100.00

      • Chloe Serrano for North Orange County Community College District Trustee 2026 - paid to Orange County Registrar of Voters - 07/20/2026 $986.61

  • North OC College District Area 6 Trustee Candidate


    Candidate Statement:

    “JEFFREY P. BROWN | NOCCCD Boardmember/Engineer

    Community colleges have never been more important. NOCCCD provides low-cost education to nearly 56,000 students, including returning veterans, displaced workers needing new skills, young adults preparing for university transfer, and residents of all ages who value education to improve their lives.

    As your trustee, I focus on long-term effectiveness and fiscal responsibility. Community colleges belong to you, the public. A trustee's primary role is to represent and protect your interests

    while ensuring an excellent education for students. I have been an independent voice, asking hard questions and insisting on accountability. I am not any group’s "special interest” candidate.

    Trustees oversee a $574,000,000 construction bond and a $306,000,000 annual budget. As a Registered Professional Engineer, I have the expertise needed to ensure that we receive the

    most benefit for each tax dollar spent.

    My wife, two daughters, and I attended Fullerton College, and I have been a local homeowner for 46 years. In addition to Master's degrees in Engineering and Public Administration, I have over 45 years' experience in project management, taught in public schools, and served as a Director for two nonprofit organizations.

    I want to continue my service to you and would appreciate your vote.

    www.Jeff-Brown-Trustee.com

    JBrown@nocccd.edu”


    Email: JBrown@nocccd.edu


    Campaign Website: https://www.jeff-brown-trustee.com/

    Brown has the following tabs on his campaign website; “Home; Who I Am; What I Believe; Priorities and Promises; Endorsements; Campaign Finances; Spanish; Contact”. 

    This is the first time we’ve ever seen a candidate explicitly include their campaign finances on their website.  

    Priorities: 

    • “Fulfill a trustee's fundamental responsibility of protecting the public interest in all decisions. 

    • Meet student educational needs, evaluating every decision as it contributes to student success and focusing on factual evidence.

    • Maintain NOCCCD's financial health with prudent, conservative, responsible budgeting decisions, taking into account both short-term and long-term needs and priorities.

    • Ensure NOCCCD engages in robust and visionary planning to keep our educational programs relevant and focused on the needs and goals of our students and our community.” 

    He also lists three promises: 

    • “I promise never to sacrifice the public's interest to gain favor with one special interest group.                    

    • I promise to be diligent in insisting on accountability, openness, and effectiveness, asking hard questions when necessary.

    • I promise to continue supporting the open enrollment vision of community colleges to serve all parts of our community.”


    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • Brown is the incumbent in this seat. 

    • Brown was appointed to this seat in 2002. (x) 


    Social Media Links: 

    • None Found


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    • None Found


    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • Jeff has a “What I Believe” page on his website, where he says, “I have been personally involved in California community colleges since I was 15 years old and enrolled in a 7:00 a.m. college mathematics class. My mother was an RN who also taught nursing at our local community college. During the past 40 years, my entire family has attended NOCCCD colleges.

    Other trustee candidates run for multiple public offices, trying to get elected to whatever seems available. They don't care what the position is, only whether they can get it. Their interest is themselves.

    I believe in the mission and value of community colleges, and this belief is reinforced at every graduation I attend and by every student success story I hear.

    At NOCCCD, we provide high quality education and vocational training to nearly 56,000 students from all walks of life. The needs we are meeting are continually expanding, and we are constantly asked to do more with less. But NOCCCD faculty, staff, and administrators rise to the challenge every day.

    As a trustee, I focus on fiscal responsibility and educational effectiveness. Community colleges belong to the public, and a trustee’s role is to represent and protect the public’s interests while ensuring an excellent education for students.

    Financially, trustees are to make prudent, conservative, responsible decisions in the best interests of the public and of all NOCCCD, not favoring any special interest group and considering both short-term and long-term goals and priorities.

    Academically, trustees should hold administration accountable for identifying and meeting educational needs, allocating resources based on demonstrated effectiveness and necessity.” (x) 


    Endorsed by: 

    • Jeff’s campaign website has the following language under his “endorsements” page. “As a public official, I have been asked to endorse other officials and candidates I have never met nor even talked to. Such people believe voters are impressed by long lists of endorsements, regardless of whether those endorsements mean anything. I give voters more credit than that. 

    Do you doubt that endorsements are meaningless? Simply compare the lists of their endorsers by the other candidates. How many times do two of them claim endorsements from the SAME PERSON?? (Hint: it’s more than once or twice…) They’re just hoping you don’t notice this attempt to scam you as the hoax it is.

    Are endorsements by political parties any better? I was invited to ask for a party endorsement. Did my views on important issues matter? Apparently not as much as the $100 I would have to pay to get the endorsement. Was I surprised? Yes, though maybe I shouldn’t have been. Was I disgusted? Yes, absolutely.​

    Early in my service as a trustee, I made a deliberate decision not to request endorsements, and I have continued that policy. I have received unsolicited expressions of support from people inside and outside of NOCCCD, but I have not publicized the specifics of them. I am deeply appreciative of everyone who believes in the value of my service as a trustee, but you can be certain that if any person or group chooses to endorse me, it was on their own initiative, not because I asked them to do so.” 

    • CONTEXT: Of the three people challenging Brown for this seat, two of them are Democrats. Jesus Silva is former Fullerton mayor and the husband of sitting CA Assemblywoman Sharon-Quirk Silva, and Paulette Chaffee is the wife of sitting OC Supervisor Doug Chaffee. 


    Candidate in the News:

    Public Voting Record:

    • None Found


    Follow the Money: 

    • Jeffrey has the following language on his endorsements page; “My approach to campaign finances is simple. I don't ask anyone for donations. Ever. Period.

    I am not obligated or expected to reward anyone's monetary support with actions or decisions that favor their priorities, businesses, or group members.

    My priority is the public interest and the students of NOCCCD. No one buys me or my service as a trustee.” (x) 

    • Jeffrey does not appear to have any campaign contribution filings publicly available, which either means they just haven’t been filed yet, or he really doesn’t collect contributions.

  • North OC College District Area 6 Trustee Candidate


    Candidate Statement:

    “PAULETTE CHAFFEE | Educator/Nonprofit Boardmember

    My name is Paulette Chaffee, and I've dedicated much of my life to improving public education in North Orange County. I'm running for College Board to expand access to higher education and advocate for our students, as I believe firmly in both the power of education and the potential of our students.

    I'm a mother, educator, attorney, and longtime community leader who has been active in dozens of local organizations. I'm also a former public school teacher and speech therapist with decades of experience in our schools. I grew up in Fullerton, raised my children here, and have deep roots in our community.

    As your trustee, I'll work to:

    Increase job-training programs.

    Make transferring easier.

    Improve counseling programs.

    Support and enhance programs for our veterans.

    Responsibly manage the district's budget and precious tax dollars.

    I currently serve on the North Orange County Community College District's Oversight Committee where I work to ensure our tax dollars are being appropriately spent. I've also raised scholarship funds for Fullerton College students.

    Our community colleges are centers of opportunity, and I am committed to seeing them thrive. I'm honored to be endorsed by many local leaders, and I would be honored to receive your vote.

    Learn more at www.paulettechaffee.com.”


    Email: Paulette has a contact form on her campaign website.


    Campaign Website: https://www.paulettechaffee.com/

    Priorities: 

    • Paulette doesn’t list her priorities on her campaign website, but she does state in her “about me”, that she is running “to expand access to higher education locally and serve as a responsive and effective advocate for the district’s students.”


    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • Paulette is married to OC Supervisor Doug Chaffee. 

    • She ran for the OC Board of Education in 2022, but did not win. 

    • On April 11, 2022, she attended a rally in support of Ukraine, although the posts she made about it don’t specify location or who organized it. (x)

    • On February 22, 2022, she attended a Global Hope 365 event that advocated for the End Child Marriage and Human Trafficking. (x)


    Social Media Links: 


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    • Trustee Gina Clayton-Tarvin (Progressive, Ocean View School District Trustee)

    • Aliso Niguel Democratic Club

    • Anaheim Democrats

    • Democratic Party of OC

    • Supporters of Public Education

    • Democratic Women of South Orange County

    • Placentia PD

    • Bike Fullerton

    • California Young Democrats Latine Caucus

    • Woman's Club of Fullerton

    • Ashleigh Aitken

    • O.C. Supervisor Doug Chaffee

    • Haven for Hope

    Paulette also follows a number of roller derby accounts from her personal Instagram accounts. We just thought that was interesting. 


    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • On her personal instagram on August 26th, she posted, “Today, August 26, is Women’s Equality Day! This day commemorates the 19th Amendment which was certified in 1920 and gave women the right to vote.” (x)

    • The OC Register asked Paulette, “How do you feel artificial intelligence is, or isn’t, safe in the classroom? In what instances should it be expanded in the classroom? What about when it should be limited?” She replied, “AI is a tool that can be used by faculty in the classroom. Faculty should be given paid training sessions on the use and potential misuse of AI. The district should protect the personal data of students, faculty, and staff. AI should not be used to cheat, and policies should be implemented to reject work by students that is solely AI-generated.” (x)


    Endorsed by: (abridged for brevity)

    • Doug Chaffee, Orange County Supervisor

    • Lou Correa, U.S. Representative

    • Derek Tran, U.S. Representative

    • Tom Umberg, California Senator

    • Josh Newman (Ret.), California Senator

    • Avelino Valencia, California Assemblymember

    • Vicente Sarmiento, Orange County Supervisor

    • Gaddi Vasquez, former US Ambassador to the UN for Food and Agriculture

    • Connor Trout, Buena Park Councilmember

    • Carrie Buck, Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District Trustee

    • Nick Berardino, President of the Veterans Alliance of Orange County (VALOR)

    • Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs (AOCDS)

    • Dan Hughes (ret), Fullerton Police Chief

    • Bobby McDonald (emeritus), CA Community College Board of Governors


    Candidate in the News:

    Public Voting Record:

    • None Found


    Follow the Money: 

    • Paulette put $25,000 of her own money down to self-fund this campaign. 

    • Her husband, OC Supervisor Doug Chaffee, also contributed $25,000.

  • North OC College District Area 6 Trustee Candidate


    Candidate Statement:

    “JESUS SILVA | AGE: 62 | Teacher/Business Owner

    I have dedicated my career to uplifting the lives of students and improving our community.

    First, as a teacher for Fullerton School District’s Nicolas Junior High School, where I taught math for over two decades.

    Then as a Fullerton City Council Member and Mayor, where I addressed homelessness, invested in roads, and helped neighborhoods during the unprecedented challenges of COVID.

    I am running for the North Orange County Community College District Board to use my unique educational and civic experience to ensure that everyone has access to high-quality and affordable education.

    On our Community College Board, I will focus on providing students with the resources needed to earn an associate’s degree, further their education by transferring to a four-year college, or begin their professional career.

    I will increase training programs, workforce development, student housing and partnerships with the private sector, trade associations & municipalities.

    I am honored to be endorsed by Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva, Congressmembers Lou Correa & Linda Sanchez, State Senator Tom Umberg, Assemblymember Avelino Valencia, Orange County Supervisors Katrina Foley & Vince Sarmiento, hardworking union families, and many more school board members, elected officials and community leaders.

    I hope to earn your support as well. With your vote I will be a Board member who opens doors, creates opportunities, and speaks for all of North Orange County.

    JSilva4CommunityCollege.com”


    Email: None Found


    Campaign Website: https://jsilva4communitycollege.com/

    Priorities: 

    • Ensure students have the resources to earn a certificate program and/or degree so they can secure employment or transfer and seek higher education.

    • Increase middle skills training programs and partnerships with the private sector, trade associations & municipalities.

    • Increase middle skills training programs and partnerships with the private sector, trade associations & municipalities.


    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • Jesus is married to Sharon Quirk-Silva, the Democratic Assemblywoman for the 67th district, which includes areas across Anaheim, Buena Park, Cypress, Fullerton, La Palma, and portions of LA county. (x)

    • He is the Former Mayor of Fullerton, serving on the council between 2012 and 2022. (x)

    • Jesus is a teacher in Fullerton School District, having taught in the district since 1999. 

    • In 2020, he supported a fundraiser for Pathways of Hope, a local organization that supports community efforts to provide access to food, shelter, and housing to those experiencing hunger and homelessness in North Orange County. (x)

    • He was born in Chihuahua, Mexico, and emigrated to the United States at six years old, becoming a citizen in 1987. (x)


    Social Media Links: 


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    • None Found


    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • Jesus went on “Chamber Talk”, a nonpartisan internet talk show sponsored by the North Orange County Chamber of Commerce, to talk about his 2026 campaign for this seat. In it, Jesus discussed; 

      • Apprenticeships, skilled trades, and partnerships with local employers

      • Student housing, food insecurity, and support for working parents

      • University transfer pathways, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship

      • Childcare, community programs, and student engagement

      • Trustee responsibilities, advocacy, and term limits

    You can find the full 49-minute long episode here.


    Endorsed by: 

    NOTE: This is an abridged list for brevity. You can find the full list here. 

    • Orange County Labor Federation

    • Fullerton Elementary Teacher Association

    • Fullerton Secondary Teacher Organization

    • International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 36

    • International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Local 5

    • Laborers International Union of North America Laborers Local 652

    • Southern California District Council of Laborers

    • Teamsters Joint Council 42

    • UA Journeymen & Apprentices Local #250

    • Democratic Party of Orange County

    • Orange County Young Democrats

    • Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley

    • Orange County Supervisor Vince Sarmiento


    Candidate in the News:

    Public Voting Record: 

    • While on the Fullerton city council, he voted to retain the Fullerton Fire Department and to move forward with negotiations with their union, cancelling plans to switch over to the OC Fire Authority. This vote saved the city approximately $5M, although there was concern about the understaffed levels of the FFD. (x)

    • While on the Fullerton city council, he voted in favor of creating inclusionary housing policies that force developers to account for low income housing in their proposals. (x)


    Follow the Money: 

    • $500 from Jesse Caloza, candidate for CA State Assembly District 52 (East Los Angeles area)

    • $5,000 from U.A. Plumbers & Steamfitters Local Union no.582 PAC (ID# 890440)

    • $1,500 from IUPAT Political Action Together Legislative Education Committee

      • NOTE: IUPAT stands for International Union of Painters and Allied Trades

    • $250 from Frank Reyes for College Board 2024 (ID# 1444433)

    • $250 from Juan Garza, Public Relations with Six Heron LLC

      • NOTE: Six Heron LLC is a public affairs and government relations consulting company, founded by Juan Garza

    • $250 from Ezra Garrett, executive with Oportun

      • NOTE: Oportun is a loan company

    • $15,000 from Sharon Quirk-Silva for Assembly 2024 (ID# 1456932)

      • NOTE: Sharon Quirk-Silva is married to Jesus


  • Candidate Statement:

    “ZONYA TOWNSEND | Educator/Parent/Nurse

    Education changed the course of my life, and I believe every student deserves that same opportunity to discover their potential and build a brighter future through education. Higher education opened doors I never imagined, leading to a lifetime of service, leadership, and a passion for helping others succeed.

    For more than 30 years, I have served as a Registered Nurse, Nurse Manager, Adjunct Clinical Nursing Professor, educator, and mentor. From teaching middle school science and health to preparing future nurses and investing in young people through church and community programs, I have seen firsthand how education transforms lives.

    My commitment extends beyond the classroom. As a Fullerton Public Library Trustee, nonprofit board member, and president of a statewide professional nursing organization, I have developed the leadership, governance, financial stewardship, and collaborative decision-making skills needed to serve our community effectively.

    As your North Orange County Community College District Trustee, I will champion academic excellence, career and technical education, workforce readiness, university transfer opportunities, strategic planning and responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources. I will listen thoughtfully, lead with integrity, and always put students first.

    It would be an honor to earn your trust and your vote!

    Zonya Townsend

    Please visit my website at Zonya.org”


    Email: zonya@voicesfortruth.us 


    Campaign Website: https://zonya.org/

    Her campaign website is at least somewhat made by AI, with the majority of the graphics being AI-generated. Towards the bottom of the homepage, she has a photo of American flags planted in the grass, and another photo of a graduation taking place at Cypress College in front of the Campanile tower. 

    On her “Zonya’s principles” page, she links two videos, one of the Declaration of Independence, and the other of the US Constitution.

    Priorities: (These are pulled from an AI-graphic on her “Zonya’s principles” page, which show her at a desk overlooking the beach with a California-Spanish Mission on the other side.)

    • Student Success

    • Community Focused

    • Fiscal Responsibility

    • Workforce Readiness

    • Academic Excellence


    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • Zonya is the lone conservative running in this race, with three other candidates (the incumbent Jeff Brown, and two challengers, Jesus Silva and Paulette Chaffee) causing concern among some progressive voters, as Marcy Fry writes in an editorial for the Fullerton Observer, “Opinion: Fullerton Voters – Don’t Split Our Vote!”. We know this is a long page, but we highly recommend reading everything we have to share here about Zonya Townsend to understand who she is, as her public-facing campaign materials seem to obfuscate her values and involvement in Christian Nationalist movements at a leadership level. 

    • Zonya used to be a Central Committee member for the Orange County Republican Party. She ran again in 2024, but came in 9th, with only six available spots. (x) (x) 

    • In 2021, she was identified as the President of the Fullerton chapter of the California Republican Assembly in a post in the Fullerton Republican Assembly Facebook group. (x)

    • In 2011, she attended an OC GOP event at Rogers’ Gardens in Newport Beach with then-Texas governor and anti-abortion advocate Rick Perry as a special guest, and identified herself as the Secretary for the OC Republican Party. (x) 

    • In 2015, she identified herself as the President of the organization Nurses For Ethical Standards - this small organization is not a union, but specifically a lobbying arm of the Christian Nationalist movement, opposing reproductive freedom, supporting the right of healthcare workers to deny care to patients if it violates their religious belief systems, opposing end-of-life legislation, opposing childhood vaccine mandates, and opposing embryonic stem cell research. (x)

      • According to some limited campaign finance filings, she’s a Perioperative Registered Nurse at St. Jude Medical Center. 

    • At a 2015 OC GOP Central Committee meeting, she proposed delaying Young Kim’s early endorsement, citing her vote on SB 277, the vaccination bill, preferring a later endorsement. She stated many Democrats left their party over SB 277. Townsend argued the OC GOP resolution was contrary to Kim’s position. She criticized Kim for speaking on the Assembly Floor in favor of SB 277. (x) 

      • NOTE: California Senate Bill 277 (SB 277), signed into law on June 30, 2015, and effective July 1, 2016, eliminated personal belief and religious exemptions for required childhood vaccinations in California. (x)

    • In the same 2015 OC GOP Central Committee meeting where discussions were being held over the potential endorsement of Assemblywoman Ling-Ling Chang, Zonya Townsend asked Chang’s position on abortion and Planned Parenthood. (x) 

    • The OC Register identified Townsend as an “anti-abortion activist” in an editorial by Martin Wisckol. (x) 

    • In 2013, Townsend traveled to Texas for a Right to Life convention, where then-governor Rick Perry criticized Texas lawmaker Wendy Davis, who had completed a record-setting filibuster in an effort to protect reproductive freedom in the state. In an interview with the Toronto Star, Townsend said she agreed with Perry’s criticism of Davis. (x)

    • Zonya is a board member and employee of La Habra Life Center, an anti-abortion organization and crisis pregnancy center - a center designed to convince pregnant people to carry their pregnancies to term, usually with the goal of intercepting people who are considering an abortion for whatever reason. (x) (x)

    • She’s an organizing member of Informed Parents of California, a far-right group that is deeply involved in orchestrating the rise in anti-sex education, anti-LGBTQ hysteria across California directed towards school boards, starting in earnest in SoCal in 2023. (x)

    • Zonya is a ministry leader in Calvary Chapel La Habra’s ‘Voices of Truth’ ministry. Calvary Chapel is an extreme right-wing Christian Nationalist church network, with significant involvement in politics, both in SoCal and further out. The following language is taken directly from the webpage for this ministry. (x) 

    “Voices For Truth is a ministry of Calvary La Habra focused on equipping our church to be biblical citizens, and to care for those without a voice. 

    We desire to be a Voice for Truth in our Church and in the public square. As believers, we are to be salt and light in the world, a commission we must take seriously.

    We accomplish this goal by focusing on 4 main areas that allow us to have a significant Voice For Truth. 4 Areas of Focus:

    • #1 In the World (The Pre-born): We believe in the sanctity of human life, and that every human being has inherent dignity and worth. The value of human life is unconditional because God, the Author of life, has created all humans in His image and likeness.

    • #2 In The World (School-age Children in Public Schools): Designed to help parents learn from experts, and take an in-depth look at issues facing children and parents in our local school districts.

    We receive help from Karen England, President of Capitol Resource Institute, and host of “Kitchen Table Activist." She explains the real truth behind “Book Banning,” exposing the already present, sexually explicit books on the shelves of school and classroom libraries, and gives us the tools to take action!

    • #3 As Biblical Citizens (Election Responsibility): Voter guides, Ballot collection, Understanding propositions, Voter Registration help

    • #4 As Biblical Citizens (Legislative & Social Updates): Legislation & Action Alerts: There are thousands of bills being introduced every year in California.  We help you stay up to date with state and federal legislation. 

    We will provide timely action alerts that notify you when to take simple and effective action.


    Social Media Links: 

    On November 5th, 2024, Zonya updated her Facebook profile picture, with the caption, “Our Heavenly Father has entrusted us to stand firm on Biblical Values”. (x)

    On October 1st, 2024, she posted a meme to her Facebook that said, “It’s no longer Republicans vs. Democrats. It’s America vs. Communism. And that’s a battle we must win.” (x) 

    On March 15, 2024, she posted a meme to her Facebook that said, “The Church is not an audience to be entertained, it’s an Army to be empowered.” (x)

    On January 28, 2024, she posted a meme to her Facebook that said, “This is not a democracy, it’s a constitutional republic.” (x)

    On December 7, 2023, she posted a meme to her Facebook that said, “We live in a day where Biblical Truth is considered hate Speech, even to those who profess Christ. It is loving to speak the Truth no matter how much it may hurt the hearer.” (x)


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    This is an extremely small sample, abbreviated for brevity. 

    • Townsend follows a number (at least 13 that we counted) of Flat Earth Facebook pages, including; 

      • Flat Earth Life 

      • Flat Earth Exposed

      • Flat Earth Theory

      • Flat Earth is Truth?

      • Flat Earth Doctrine

      • Flat Earth Facts

      • Flat Earth International Conference

    • Gracey Van Der Mark (HB City Councilmember within the same pro-book banning and anti-LGBTQ Calvary Chapel circles at Zonya)

    • Donald Trump For President

    • Matt Walsh (far-right commentator who has openly called for the eradication of trans people)

    • Politi-Bible

    • Freedom Watch USA

    • Blue Lives Matter

    • Moms For Liberty OC

    • Take Back the Classroom

    • Sonja Shaw (CVUSD Board President, CA Superintendent of Public Instruction candidate, extremely anti-LGBTQ)

    • Brenda Lebsack (SAUSD Board member, professional anti-LGBTQ activist)

    • Rebecca Friedrichs (Among other things, the Founder of For Kids and Country, a Christian Nationalist organization that guides parents from removing their children from public schools to protect them from ‘indoctrination’)

    • Madison Miner (Chair, Moms For Liberty OC)

    • Karen England (Professional Book Banning Activist)

    • Denise Aguilar (far-right extremist, co-founder of the Freedom Angels)

    • Gina Gleason (Director of Real Impact, the political wing of the openly Christian Nationalist Calvary Chapel church network)

    • Anthony Cabassa (far-right activist who openly calls for Franco-style fascism in America)

    • Benny Johnson (far-right activist who called for the FBI to ‘kick down doors’ and start arresting trans people at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest in 2025)


    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • On March 24, 2026, Zonya posted on Facebook an AI-generated event flyer for a “Voices for Truth, Equipping Biblical Citizens” event with Raul Ortiz, candidate for CA Assembly District 64, and Bertha Manzanares, candidate for school board. She captioned it, “Patriots cannot afford to remain on the sidelines....it's past time to be involved in every sphere, especially in civic life.  Our six-week US Constitutional Class journey made one thing clear: good governance requires an informed, engaged, and morally grounded people, and that responsibility is ours. Join us this Thursday at our monthly fellowship meeting as we take the next step in action. We'll hear from Rev. Raul Ortiz, candidate for Assembly District 64, and Bertha Manzanares, candidate for La Habra School Board....leaders stepping forward with conviction and principle. Even if they are not in your immediate district, supporting righteous leadership at every level matters. Your voice, your presence, and your participation are essential in this moment. Come be equipped, encouraged, and ready to stand for truth in our communities.@Raul For Assembly  @Bertha Ayala-Manzanares” (x)

    • Zonya was a part of a sit-down conversation with Gina Gleason, Director of Real Impact, and Karen England, professional book-banner and Executive Director of Capital Resource Institute. Both of these women are part of the leadership of the political Christian Nationalist movement in America. The conversation was about abortion, which is Zonya’s real focus within the Christian Nationalist political movement, and was essentially an hour long propaganda piece. Towards the end, Zonya said, “What you think about what the church should be doing, well, I think the condition we're at, I mean, we are to be salt and light. And the light, we have to expose—that's what we're doing right now. We're exposing the darkness, we're exposing the confusion as darkness. So we're exposing, we're telling Truth.

    Jesus Christ said, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life.' The truth is a person. So we are sharing the truth because, you know, our Lord, He loves all of us, but He expects that special relationship, you know, with us.

    And I think that the churches need to do exactly what, you know, this church is doing, and that is just speak the truth and have courage. You know, one day we're going to be accountable to our Creator, and we're going to be standing before Him. And we're going to, like, boy, I don't want to stand there and, you know, thinking I didn't have the courage. I mean, I care more about, you know, what God has to say.

    But I think that, as all the church(es), I know many of them think, 'Oh, we can't speak out because of the tax exempt (status), we can't.' You can. Pastor Jack (Jack Hibbs, Lead Pastor at Calvary Chapel and Founder of Real Impact) has been one—I mean, he pushes that envelope. And you know what? They don't know how to handle courage, because they think we're dummies. They really do. They think we can't read this by ourselves, they think we can't interpret it, they think that we don't have the ability to logically process this, you know? But they're wrong. I think we need—we're going to show them with God's help." (x) 

    • Zonya campaigned for the OC Board of Education in 2016, running partially on the platform of removing wireless technology from schools, which was, at the time, a major Calvary Chapel talking point. She said at an OC Board of Education meeting, "Evening. My name is Zonya Townsend, and I'm a candidate for the Orange County Board of Education District 4, and I come to you today, um, as a mom, as a registered nurse, and as a concerned citizen.

    I have, um, an article that I submitted to Mr.—Mr.—what? I submitted the article, I guess it went all the way down, okay. And this is regarding, um, Dr. Ronald Powell, and he has a message to schools and colleges about wireless devices and health. And obviously, as a registered nurse, I'm really concerned about this, and I became aware of this issue just this last year.

    Um, first of all, let me go ahead and give you a little bit of a background so you know who he is, and don't—that he's just, uh, a fly-by-night. So, um, Dr., uh, Powell, he's a retired U.S. government scientist, a PhD [in] applied physics [from] Harvard University in 1975. During his government career, he worked for the Executive Office of the President, the National Science Foundation, the National Institute of Standards and Technology. And those—for those organizations, he respectively addressed federal research and development program evaluation, energy policy research, and measurement development supportive electronics. His bio goes on and on and on, but I just kind of wanted to give you a taste of what he's about. Has, um, this is really concerning.

    A little bit of a background: um, obviously wireless devices transmit information using radio frequency or microwave radiation. The international biomedical research community has been studying the biological impact of such radiation for decades, but more intensely in these last years. So there's been thousands of peer-reviewed studies published by the biomedical research journals that have contributed to understanding of this impact. There are many serious biological effects that have been found that immediate responsive action is warranted. And this is what has gotten me all of a sudden. It hit me that this, um—this is what's going on, and very few of us know what's going on. The crisis of this. So it's a 21st-century crisis.

    So basically, we all have had either EKGs or ECGs, and you know that they're all electrical conductivity for the body, the brain, or the heart. Well, these—um, these—the levels of man-made radio frequency microwave radiation in our environment are increasing exponentially and already may exist by many orders of magnitude [above] the levels of which all life on Earth has evolved. So simply stated, we're just drowning in a, um, radio frequency microwave radiation sea.

    So my concern comes because, um, of the—uh, our high—our schools. They are not all—they're wireless or they're, you know, not hardwired. And I really would like for you, the board, since it is our, um, responsibility as parents, educators, health professionals, to just take—take note. Just—we know that because of the advertisements and the government, um, economic powers, the political powers of these, uh, profitable wireless industries, they've enabled them to, um, dominate the public dialogue. Well, anyway, I just wanted you to just take note of that. Thank you very much for giving me this opportunity. Thank you very much.” (x) 

    • Zonya responded to the Real Impact candidate questionnaire. Real Impact is the 501(c)4 political wing of Calvary Chapel, founded by Jack Hibbs, one of the major leaders of the Christian Nationalist movement in Southern California and member of the Donald Trump inner circle. Following are the questions and answers. 

      • Question: “What is your position on removing books and materials that contain pervasive vulgarity or explicit sexual content from school libraries?”

      • Answer: “I support removing books and materials containing pervasive vulgarity or explicit sexual content that is inappropriate for students, while preserving age-appropriate materials that address legitimate scientific or medical topics.”

      • Question: “What is your position on allowing students to access restrooms, locker rooms, and showers based on gender identity or expression?”

      • Answer: “I support teaching biological sex accurately, that boys are male and girls are female therefore each deserve their own private rest rooms, locker rooms and showers no matter how they identify.”

      • Question: “What is your position on allowing biological boys to participate in on girls' sports teams?”

      • Answer: “I oppose allowing biological boys to participate on the girls sports teams. The science is clear XX or XY and no way to change that.”

      • Question: “What is your position on requiring that parents to be notified when their minor child uses school-based healthcare facilities or services?”

      • Answer: “I support parental notification and involvement when a minor receives healthcare services through a school”

        • FACT CHECK: Minors are not receiving healthcare services through schools. 

      • Question: “What is your position on the constitutional right of parents' to be promptly notified by the school if their child requests or engages in a social gender transition such as a change of name, pronouns, or facility use while at school?”

      • Answer: “I believe parents have the primary responsibility for their children and should be promptly notified by the school if a minor requests or engages in a social gender transition, including changes to name, pronouns, or any type of facility use.”

      • Question: “What is your position on allowing education funds to follow a student based on a parents' choice of education for their child?”

      • Answer: “I support allowing education funds to follow the student, giving parents greater choice in their child's education and encouraging schools to compete for students through excellence and accountability.”

      • Question: “What is your position on requiring a parental opt-in for student surveys and questionnaires in schools?”

      • Answer: “I support requiring parental opt-in before students participate in school surveys or questionnaires, particularly when they involve personal, sensitive, or family-related information.”

      • Question: “The CA Constitution places no limits on abortion. How will you use your position to foster a culture that values babies and children in CA?”

      • Answer: “I believe every human life has inherent value and should be protected. In my position, I will support policies that protect children, strengthen families, and ensure every student is treated with dignity and respect.”

      • Question: “What is your position on the tradition of allowing invocations (prayers) at the beginning of school board meetings?”

      • Answer: “I support allowing voluntary invocations at the beginning of school board meetings, consistent with the Constitution and applicable law.” 

    • Zonya posted an event advertisement flyer she made on her Facebook page on October 12, 2025, advertising, “You’re Invited: A Night of Inspiration, Action, and Advocacy with School Board Trustee Brenda Lebsack”.  The event description went on, “Why Parents Must Be Involved in Education - Now More Than Ever: As culture shifts and classrooms become battlegrounds for values, Christian parents can no longer remain silent or sidelined. Join us for a powerful evening with Brenda Lebsack, a bold leader who stands up for truth, transparency, and the well-being of our children. Why Your Voice Matters:

      • Age-inappropriate, sexually explicit content is making its way into school libraries and classrooms—even at the elementary level.

      • Parental rights are being ignored or undermined in decisions affecting your child's moral and spiritual development.

      • Biblical values are being sidelined while agendas that conflict with Christian beliefs are promoted as "inclusive" or "progressive."

      • God calls parents—not schools—to be the primary educators of their children's hearts, minds, and souls.

      • Silence is no longer an option. Now is the time to get informed, speak up and take action in love and truth. 

    Come be Equipped. Be Encouraged. Be a Voice. This is More than a Meeting—it's a Movement. For questions please contact Zonya@VoicesForTruth.us”  (x)

    NOTE: Santa Ana USD Trustee Brenda Lebsack has been censured by her fellow trustees on the dais for her repeated offensive and discriminatory language towards the LGBTQ community. 


    Endorsed by: 

    • Nancy’s Picks - Nancy’s Picks (far-right voter guide in Orange County, whose criteria for endorsement include “PRO-LIFE & PROTECTIONS for the UNBORN”, “PRO-SANCTITY of HETEROSEXUAL MARRIAGE”, “PRO-PARENTAL RIGHTS in EDUCATION”, “PRO-NUCLEAR FAMILY”, “SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL and IT’S RIGHT to EXIST”, “SECURE & SEAL OUR BORDERS”, and more. 

    • Moms on the Ground — California parental-rights advocacy group that has worked in coalition with Moms for Liberty and other organizations promoting parental-rights and school-choice/charter-school policies. (momsonthegroundca, Moms for Liberty)

    • Reform California - (far-right organization led by Carl DeMaio)


    Candidate in the News:

    Public Voting Record:

    • As a Trustee of the Fullerton Public Library in 2016, she opposed the selling off of the Hunt Library, advocating for it to instead be re-opened as a children’s library. (x)


    Follow the Money: 

    NOTE: There is limited publicly available information about Zonya Townsend’s campaign contributions, which is highly unusual. We know that she has some extremely large signs in the district she is campaigning in (which are not cheap), and it’s not the first time she’s campaigned. She also is known to be a significant contributor to the campaigns of other Republicans in Orange County. 

    • She contributed $150 to the campaign of Kongkosonkichkan for Pomona USD Trustee Area 4 2026. 

    • She contributed $100 to the campaign of Bertha Manzanares for La Habra School Board 2026.

    • She contributed $200 (in two separate transactions) to the campaign of Tim Shaw for Supervisor 2026.

    • She contributed $100 to Reform Orange County, the OC chapter of Carl DeMaio’s far right Reform California

  • North OC College District Area 3 Trustee Candidate


    Campaign Statement:

    “PAUL GONZALES 

    Staff Specialist/Businessman 

    I have been a resident of Orange County for 45 years and local small business owner for the past 35 years. I live in Buena Park with my daughters Paulina, attending Chapman University and Emily, attending Kennedy High School. I am currently employed by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office and have been working there for over 25 years. I am a graduate of California State University Long Beach with a degree in Public Administration and have applied it to my profession as a Safety Representative for Orange County, looking after the safety and well-being of many employees. 

    I have served as a Member of the Buena Park Planning Commission for over 8 years and Member of the Buena Park Traffic Commission for 8 years. I am a Tier II Volunteer for the Anaheim Union High School District, working with the Walker and Kennedy High School Show Choirs. 

    I am also a small business owner working for over 35 years at the Cypress College Swap Meet selling watch batteries and bands on Saturdays and Sundays. 

    Our community colleges are a tremendous benefit to our residents seeking further education, enhancing job training skills, and offering career changing pathways. I’ll work hard to ensure our colleges stay ahead of the rapidly changing demands of today’s society. 

    I sincerely appreciate your vote! 

    Website: www.gonzales4trustee.org”


    Email: gonzales4assembly@gmail.com


    Campaign Website: https://gonzales4trustee.org/ 

    Priorities: 

    • Artificial Intelligence AI

    • Career Training

    • University Education

    • Fiscal Responsibility


    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • NOTE: In research, we found that Paul was referred to as both “Paul Gonzalez” and Paul Gonzales” in a few different places, but we confirmed that all of the research below is referring to THIS Paul. There is another Paul Gonzales/Gonzalez in politics in San Bernardino as well. 

    • Had run for CA State Assembly 67th district in the 2026 Primary - here is the campaign statement (PDF)

    • From webarchive.org capture of Paul’s 2026 Primary Campaign site Issues:

      • Stop the war in Iran!

      • Stop the indiscriminate ICE raids!

      • Stop the Russian Invasion of Ukraine

      • Get the U.S. Military out of the Strait of Hormuz

      • Restore funding to Medical Recipients

      • Increase funding for Education

      • Make Housing More Affordable


    Social Media Links: 

    • Not found on: Facebook; Twitter; Instagram; Threads; Bluesky; TikTok; Youtube; LinkedIn


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    • Not found on: Facebook; Twitter; Instagram; Threads; Bluesky; TikTok; Youtube; LinkedIn


    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    Paul Gonzales, North Orange County Community College District Area 3 candidate, 2026 election questionnaire - By Kaitlyn Schallhorn | kschallhorn@scng.com - PUBLISHED: October 5, 2026 at 2:07 PM PDT

    • What are the top two needs of your college district, and how are you prepared to address them? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)

      • First, our college district needs to be fiscally responsible, knowing that state and federal dollars geared toward education can vary dramatically according to the political party in office. We need to align our programs with the demands of an ever-changing workforce and engage more private program funding in the form of grants and donations from those corporations and entities that will benefit from a well trained workforce.

      • Second, we need to ensure that those students following a path to universities are able to complete their curriculum while also working full or part-time to support themselves during their community college education.

    • To you, what is the role of community college in education? Is it driving policy, being involved in curriculum, something else entirely? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)

      • I believe the word “community” best describes the role that our community colleges have in our lives. Our first priority is to ensure that those students who are on their way to universities have all of the tools and support they need to further their education.

      • Also, community colleges should provide a pathway for working adults to enhance their education and workforce skills to obtain more job opportunities. Times are changing along with the needs of today’s workforce, so community colleges are the first opportunity to stay ahead of the changes in technology and job training.

    • In October, Long Beach City College will break ground on a new student housing facility at its Liberal Arts Campus that will provide 431 total units to students. Is student housing a priority that your college should pursue? If so, explain how you intend to take on such an endeavor in a timely, cost-effective manner. If you don’t, how should your college district support students searching for affordable housing options near campus? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)

      • I applaud the coalition of government entities that came together to create affordable housing for Long Beach students. Long Beach is much different than North Orange County since Long Beach has a much larger population and a single college district that would benefit from this housing project with support from the city of Long Beach. It would be extremely difficult to duplicate a housing project here in North Orange County since the funding required and the land availability would be extremely difficult to create.

      • Community colleges can participate in local affordable housing projects and initiatives by providing students with the information needed to participate in ongoing, continuous information sharing.

    • What actions would you suggest to prevent a cyberattack similar to the Canvas data breach in May? How can your district ensure students’ information is safe? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)

      • Today’s computer-oriented society provides more opportunities for cyber criminals to perform destructive and costly attacks. In order to prevent cyberattacks, I would ensure the community college staff and students take mandatory IT training on how to avoid those attacks, what to look for, and how to report to responsible parties. I would ensure that anyone associated with the district who has computer system access utilizes multi-factor authorization for each sign-on. Aside from the training and access requirements, I would ensure the Information Related Departments are provided with the funding and personnel to update and utilize the most up-to-date software available to prevent unauthorized access to our computer systems.

    • How do you feel artificial intelligence is, or isn’t, safe in the classroom? In what instances should it be expanded in the classroom? What about when it should be limited? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)

      • The use of artificial intelligence and its effect on today’s and tomorrow’s society is overwhelming! In the working environment, AI will change the way our workforce operates, and which jobs will depend on AI and which jobs will be reduced or eliminated depending on our utilization of AI. In the classroom, AI should only be used by staff and students in very limited occasions — perhaps in creating a bar graph or searching for scientific medical information. These are time-saving tools that can assist students in time management and will be utilized in their professional careers long after attending community colleges. All other uses of AI in the classroom should be restricted.

    • How do you believe schools can better teach or engage students in civil discourse? How would you like to see your district tackle this issue? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)

      • I believe that schools should teach the history and reasoning behind each and every conflict that occurs in today’s and previous societies. Knowing that there are two sides to every story and listening to both sides expands our ability to tolerate and accept those who are different from us. Our classes should be taught without bias and provide students with tools to engage in non-confrontational discussion. Aside from the educational process of civil discourse, the family process should take responsibility in creating thoughtful, accepting and tolerating members of society. Parents should be the standard-bearer of civil discourse in raising great students who have the ability to truly understand how this world works!

    • What experiences and priorities do you bring to this role? What have you learned in prior leadership roles that makes you the person for the job? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)

      • I believe that education and the opportunity it provides us are the great equalizer in creating chances for less fortunate students to create and obtain better job opportunities. For myself, I graduated from California State University Long Beach and studied public administration. I was a member of a Traffic Commission and Planning Commission for the city of Buena Park, gaining tremendous understanding about how municipal agencies work. I have also worked in administration for over 25 years for the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, where I learned more about government and how it works and how it benefits the Orange County community.

    • If your campaign had a mascot, what would it be and why? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)

      • I would surely choose an eagle as a mascot! The reason is the eagle’s tremendous ability to see great distances. When elected as a trustee, I hope to see all aspects of community college life and how it affects and interacts with the local residents. I also hope that vision gives me the insight to anticipate which direction changes within our society will affect us and how to navigate those changes and create a positive future.

    • Bonus question: What is the best book you’ve read this year? Explain why you found it compelling.

      • I must apologize for not reading any books this year. Most of my time is spent writing and creating safety-related documents and training for the County of Orange. I’ll get back to reading soon.


    NOTE: This is regarding Paul’s Primary 2026 run for 67th District Assembly Person

    Selected from the questions:

    • “There have been numerous efforts made in the state legislature to curtail federal immigration enforcement in California, from prohibitions on agents wearing masks to banning federal officers from future employment in a public agency. Do you see any area where the state could better protect its residents from the federal government’s widespread immigration crackdown? Would you prefer the state work more hand-in-hand with the federal government on immigration? Where does the role as a state legislator fall into your beliefs here? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

    • The ICE raids in California have brought fear to all residents. Yes, the masks are imposing, but are only worn for the safety of the officers, as in other undercover or special assignments. Banning federal officers may be a well-intentioned proposition, but does violate the individual’s ability to engage in contracts and may be creating a legal basis for contractual interference and legal ramifications imposed on a municipality with a representative hiring agency suffering the liability.

    • The federal government is solely responsible for problems associated with immigration and very little on a legislative basis to counteract those immigration enforcement issues. We can organize peaceful protests targeting localities where enforcement action is active, but cannot interfere with the agencies’ jurisdictional activities. I will not tolerate a local police agency working alongside the ICE raids, with crowd control the only exception to their participation. These random raids on the residents of California are uncalled for and not acceptable in any form, but the apprehension of the criminal element on specifically targeted individuals with a judicial warrant will make our neighborhoods safer.

    • We can’t legislate our way out of this mess, but we can organize peaceful protests and make our protests heard by engaging with our legislators in both houses of the U.S. Congress!”



    Endorsed by: 

    • None found


    Candidate in the News:

    • These 3 Orange County Assembly races are ones to watch in the 2026 June primary election - By Kaitlyn Schallhorn | kschallhorn@scng.com - PUBLISHED: May 27, 2026 at 7:00 AM PDT | UPDATED: May 27, 2026 at 7:27 AM PDT

      • NOTE: This is regarding Paul’s Primary 2026 run for 67th District Assembly Office

      • “Aside from Briceño and Pulido, Democrats Paul Gonzales, a Buena Park resident who works for the Orange County Office of the District Attorney, and Artesia Councilmember Ali Taj are vying for the seat. ”

      • “The other three candidates did not raise nearly as much: Gonzales reported bringing in $5,900 his year, Morales $5,625 and Ayub just over $1,700.”


    Public Voting Record:

    • None found, has not held elective office


    Follow the Money: 

    • From netfile.com - None found for current year, large number of results from 2025 and back, but due to the common name, cannot be certain these are from the same Paul

38th District, House of Representatives

Due to bandwidth limitations, our fully volunteer team will not be able to cover all of the legislative races in this guide. Thank you for understanding, and please check out the local races we did cover.

41st District, House of Representatives

Due to bandwidth limitations, our fully volunteer team will not be able to cover all of the legislative races in this guide. Thank you for understanding, and please check out the local races we did cover.

59th District, CA State Assembly

Due to bandwidth limitations, our fully volunteer team will not be able to cover all of the legislative races in this guide. Thank you for understanding, and please check out the local races we did cover.

Municipal Water District of Orange County

  • Municipal Water District of OC Division 2 Candidate


    Candidate Statement:

    “LARRY D. DICK | Director Division 2, Municipal Water District of Orange County

    Clean, reliable and affordable water doesn't just happen, it takes experienced leadership. As Division 2 Director on the Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC) Board and currently serving as Board President, I remain devoted to developing reliable

    and economical supplies of safe, high quality drinking water for our

    communities.

    For twenty years I represented Orange County as a Director of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MET), serving 19 million Californians.

    During my service on MET and MWDOC my top priorities were water quality and reliability, alongside environmental stewardship and water sustainability. Our region faces real challenges ahead: Uncertainty in Colorado River negotiations, growing impacts of climate change and continuing issues on the State Water Project, all requiring experienced leadership.

    My experience extends across the water community, including the Executive Committee of the Special Districts of Orange County, member of the Water Advisory Committee of Orange County including two terms as President and a member of the Executive Committee of the Urban Water Institute.

    I ask for your support in continuing this important work by casting your vote for me. Thank you for your consideration.

    Respectfully

    Larry Dick”


    Email: None Found


    Campaign Website: Larry does not appear to have a campaign website. All sources appear to lead to his official webpage on the OCMWD platform, which is not a campaign website. 

    Priorities: 

    • None Found


    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • Larry is an incumbent, having been first elected in 2000, 26 years ago.  Prior to becoming a board member on the OC Municipal Water District, he served for several years on the Serrano Water District and SWD Recreation, Inc. 

    • He’s on the board of directors at the OC Taxpayers Association - an organization that consistently aligns itself with and funds the campaigns of conservative candidates across Orange County, including candidates with openly anti-LGBTQ stances. This is not a 100% track record, as they’ve also supported moderate Democrats for office, but a general trend. 

      • In general, the OC Taxpayers Association is fiscally conservative and business-focused, not overtly anti-LGBTQ. That said, candidates running on anti-LGBTQ or anti-immigrant, etc platforms, have not shown to be a line in the sand for the organization. 

    • Larry endorsed AJ Ricci for Orange City Council. AJ is a conservative candidate who donated his own funds to the explicitly anti-LGBTQ slate of candidates running for Orange USD. (x)

    • In 2014, Dick held a campaign event for his re-election with hosts Ken Calvert (U.S. Congressman, Republican, deeply anti-LGBTQ, anti-POC, anti-woman voter record), Bob Huff (Fmr. Senate Republican Leader), Fred Whitaker (Fmr. Chair of the OC GOP, openly spoke about using transphobic propaganda in school board races to convert voters), and ‘special guest’ Kenneth L. Khachigian, Esq. (Former Senior Advisor to President Ronald Reagan). (x)

    • Larry’s campaign posts on his social media appear to be largely AI-Generated. 

    • His campaign treasurer is Lysa Ray Campaign Services, which has also worked on the unsuccessful gubernatorial campaign for Travis Allen, who is considered to be "California's Trump." He has used the slogans "Take Back California" and "Make California Great Again" for his campaign. She also was the campaign treasurer for OC District Attorney Todd Spitzer, and was involved in a minor campaign finance controversy, where she took the blame for incorrectly filed financial information. And perhaps most importantly, Lysa Ray, who was compensated as a campaign strategist for this campaign, served as County Supervisor Andrew Do’s treasurer during the events that led to his current downfall and FBI investigation for financial corruption. Lysa Ray is representing anti-LGBTQ school board candidates and other conservative candidates up and down SoCal this election season, as well as the last election season. 


    Social Media Links: 


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    • OC Around the Table

    • Karl Seckel (his fellow Trustee, District 4, endorsed by OC Huddle)

    • Congressman Ken Calvert (Republican, voter record of opposition to LGBTQ rights, reproductive freedoms, any kind of regulatory control on ICE, etc)


    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • Dick responded to the OC Register’s candidate questionnaire:

      • Question: Tell us what your No. 1 priority is for this office, should you be elected.

      • Answer: “The goal is to continue to ensure that our water is safe, reliable, and abundant during all conditions and delivered in a cost-effective way to the residents of Orange County.”

      • Question: What does this department do for citizens? What do you view as its most important role for residents, and why? 

      • Answer: “MWDOC provides a significant portion of the Orange County water supply, which is imported from the Colorado River or the State Water Project.

    The department acts as a planning agency for Orange County water, offers water savings programs, facilitates leak detection services, and provides water emergency response efforts. We facilitate education programs for public and private schools. Most importantly, we regularly bring more money into the county, through grants and outside funding, than we cost our citizens.”

    • Question: Your neighbors may not be so familiar with this office on their ballot. How would you promote more general knowledge of the district and the importance of its work?

    • Answer: “The best way to promote the activities and value of MWDOC to the residents of OC is through outreach. I regularly speak at Rotary, Lions, and Chamber events on the services MWDOC provides, along with water supply reports. I would also encourage the public to visit our website as well as attend any one of our committee or board meetings to learn about the activities of the district.”

    • Question: What experiences and priorities do you bring to this role? What have you learned in prior leadership roles that makes you the person for the job?” 

    • Answer: “For over 20 years, I represented Orange County as a director of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MET), serving 19 million Californians. During my service on MET and MWDOC, I served as senior delegate, and my top priorities were water quality and reliability, alongside environmental stewardship and water sustainability.

    Our region faces real challenges ahead: uncertainty in Colorado River negotiations, growing impacts of climate change and continuing issues on the State Water Project, all requiring experienced leadership.

    My experience extends across the water community, including the executive committee of the Special Districts of Orange County, membership on the Water Advisory Committee of Orange County including two terms as president), and membership on the executive committee of the Urban Water Institute. I have learned that public service is rewarding and at times challenging. Sometimes there are no perfect answers, only the best answer to the current issue. At all times, the top priority is to provide safe and reliable water supplies.”

    • Question: What will you do to establish trust with your community that you will tackle this job well?

    • Answer: “It would be my hope that I have earned the trust of our community. I have served in leadership at our church, Rotary, the Santiago Canyon College Foundation Board, and the Chambers of Commerce in Orange and Garden Grove. I have always held sacred the trust given to my stewardship of assets, both fiscal and physical, as well as the importance of maintaining the good reputation of the organizations with which I am involved.”

    • Bonus question: What is the best book you’ve read this year? Explain why you found it compelling.

    • Answer: Declined to answer.


    Endorsed by: 

    • John Moorlach, Former State Senator. (Moorlach is a former state legislator out of Irvine, who received praise during his time in office from anti-LGBTQ hate group California Family Council for his reticence to support Concurrent Assembly Resolution 99 in 2019, which, among other things, urges religious leaders to counsel on LGBTQ matters from a place of love and compassion, while recognizing the psychological and emotional harms associated with conversion therapy.) (x) (x)

    • Nancy’s Picks - Nancy’s Picks (far-right voter guide in Orange County, whose criteria for endorsement include “PRO-LIFE & PROTECTIONS for the UNBORN”, “PRO-SANCTITY of HETEROSEXUAL MARRIAGE”, “PRO-PARENTAL RIGHTS in EDUCATION”, “PRO-NUCLEAR FAMILY”, “SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL and IT’S RIGHT to EXIST”, “SECURE & SEAL OUR BORDERS”, and more. 

    • Dick does not have a campaign website listing his endorsements as far as we could tell. 


    Candidate in the News:

    Public Voting Record:

    • None Found


    Follow the Money: 

    • $1,000 from Townsend Public Affairs Inc (a Newport-Beach based lobbying firm whose campaign donations seem to span the political spectrum)

    • Larry’s own political campaign contributions to other candidates appear to be somewhat bipartisan.

  • Municipal Water District of OC Division 2 Candidate


    Candidate Statement: None Found


    Email: None Found


    Campaign Website: None Found - but you can find his campaign website for his presidential campaign here. 

    Priorities: 

    • None Found


    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • Armando is a perennial candidate who shows up on ballots most election cycles.. Here’s his “Armando for President” campaign website. (x) 

    • His rhetoric is far right sprinkled with a handful of left rhetoric. He is in favor of a forced birthing policy and claims ‘Kamala supports abortions that kill babies’. Says ‘she is married to a Zionist Jew’. We are choosing not to promote these views by linking directly to his social media, but it can be found if you search for it.  

    When the attempt to recall Newsom took place he put his name into the hat for Governor. His old governor website says: “FUTURE POLITICAL GOAL: Democratic Political Party Nomination for President of the United States of America as a historical vote to be the First Latino President in the advancement of Racial Equity & Inclusion 2024.”

    • In Orange County, he’s also run for the OC Board of Education and the Orange County Municipal Water Board. 

    • He has made a number of posts on his Twitter account representing; Bibi Netanyahu as Hitler, the Israeli flag with the swastika, while acknowledging the genocide of the Palestinian people. 


    Social Media Links: 


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    • None Found


    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • The following is the full essay on his campaign page for his 2028 Presidential Run (separate from his 2024 Presidential Run). “I am Armando "Mando" Perez-Serrato and I will be running for President of the United States of America in 2028 as I did in 2024. I will be running as a working-class Democratic candidate.

    In 2024, I had the foresight and courage to run against Biden and the Democratic Establishment because I knew they were going to lose and they did. If you want to win in 2028 #VoteMando.

    For 2028, the Democratic Establishment will abandon democracy yet again by Anointing Gavin Newsom and he will lose just like Kamala. They both have the same policies, come from the same place, and believe in the same things that have resulted in Catastrophic results here in California. They both destroyed San Francisco together, they both destroyed California together and now they both want to destroy America together. 

    Voters in swing states will not vote for them because they don't want their state to turn into California. Here in California Gavin Newsom and Kamala Harris are responsible for making crime legal, rent/ mortgage is the highest in the country, highest taxes, highest grocery/gas prices, taxpayers paying for transgender surgeries, open borders, Billions in fraud of tax payer money and a homeless apocalypse. Men especially, younger men 18-35 and Latinos will not vote for Gavin Newsom or Kamala Harris as proven in 2024.

    The Democratic Party needs new, younger and dynamic candidates like me that put the working class first. Latino Voters will decide who becomes President in 2028. 

    I am the perfect Latino candidate that can win in 2028 by achieving National Latino support, obtaining more votes from men and the idea of electing the "First" Latino President will create excitement in the electorate. Voters will want to be part of something historical similar to what happened with Obama. I am seeking your endorsement and support to be a Nationally Recognized Presidential Candidate to win in 2028 or be selected for Vice President. 

    We already had a Black President and Vice President so that is no longer new or a novelty and as seen in 2024 Black people are not enough to vote in a Democrat, so if you want to win in 2028 you need to support a Latino and White candidate combination. It's time for Black people to support Latinos to become President or Vice President. Latinos have already helped Obama and Kamala be elected. Democrats if you want to win in 2028 #VoteMando.

    Thank You, MANDO” (x)

    • During his 2021 gubernatorial campaign, the LA Times asked him how he would direct the state to handle ICE if he won. Armando replied, “Immigration and Customs Enforcement is the sole responsibility of the federal government and the president of the United States. As a member of the Latino community my goal is to bring awareness to the border crisis that the Biden/Harris administration created!” (x)

      • NOTE: In April 2026, he posted on his Twitter account a sign that said ‘Mando for US Congress, No Trump No ICE’. 


    Endorsed by: 

    • None Found


    Candidate in the News:

    Public Voting Record:

    • None Found


    Follow the Money: 

    • None Found

  • Municipal Water District of OC Division 2 Candidate


    Candidate Statement:

    “BOBBY LAPOINTE | Retail Investor

    As a husband, father of three, Army veteran, and longtime Orange County resident, I understand public service begins with responsibility. I am running for Division 2 Director of the Municipal Water District of Orange County to help secure safe, reliable, affordable water for our communities.

    My Army work in information technology and network security taught me to protect critical systems, evaluate risks, and respond under pressure. I earned bachelor’s degrees in History and Women and Gender Studies from California State University, Fullerton, along with associate degrees in Mathematics and Nutrition from Fullerton College. My education has been rooted in community needs—combining analytical thinking, health, and social understanding to better serve the public. As a retail investor managing my investment business, I evaluate risk, scrutinize costs, plan for the long term, and understand every dollar must serve a

    purpose.

    I will apply those skills to protecting groundwater, strengthening infrastructure, expanding water recycling, improving wildfire preparedness, and reducing dependence on imported water. I will

    ask questions, explain decisions openly, and treat public money with care.

    I will bring integrity, judgment, financial discipline, and a commitment to dependable water for every community I serve. Thank you for your consideration.”


    Email: bobby@lapointe2026.com 


    Campaign Website: https://lapointe2026.com/

    Bobby has this quote on his campaign website, “The Greatest Way You Can Thank A Veteran For Their Service Is By Being Civically Active And Vote.”

    Priorities: 

    • Lead On Data Centers Instead Of Reacting To Them

    • Write Policy For The River We Actually Have

    • Harden Our Infrastructure Against Attack

    • Treat This As A Policy Job, Because It Is One

    • Protect The Water That Fights Our Fires


    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • Bobby actively reached out to Pride at the Pier to ask about our guide and about the pledges we sent to candidates in 2024. We did not actively send those pledges out in 2026 due simply to bandwidth limitations, but because he asked about it, we sent the ‘Do No Harm’ pledge to him for review. He agreed almost immediately to take the Pledge. 

    That pledge a commitment to uphold principles of inclusivity, equity, and respect. This pledge is a crucial step in ensuring that our community remains a welcoming and supportive place for all individuals, regardless of their background or identity. 

    “The Do No Harm Pledge includes the following commitments:

    • Acknowledgement of the Separation of Church and State: Affirmation of the importance of maintaining a clear separation between religious beliefs and public policy.

    • Open Dialogue with the LGBTQ+ Community: Commitment to seeking out and engaging in open and respectful dialogue with members of the LGBTQ+ community in your role.

    • Prioritizing Safety, Dignity, and Equity: Pledge to prioritize the safety, dignity, and equity of all constituents, including marginalized communities.”

    • Bobby endorses a ‘third path’ with data centers. His campaign website points out that there are already two data centers in Orange County (one in Anaheim, one in Irvine), and suggests that rather than banning data centers entirely or allowing them all in, that we take a ‘third path’; “There is a third option: lead. Tech companies need our land, workforce, resources, and markets to build and promote their products. That is leverage. We should use it rather than surrender it. How do we do that?

    By planning early. I propose a regional Orange County Data Center Water Suitability Study to identify factors that influence data center construction across the entire county, such as water availability and reliability, access to non-potable water, locations of culturally and spiritually significant tribal sites, and more.

    Looking out ten years, twenty years, and beyond, I want us to be able to say that we met this moment, and the presence of data centers in our communities led to the development of reliable water infrastructure that can serve our needs for generations to come.” Read the full context of his statements here.

    • He received his Bachelor of Arts (BA, Women and Gender Studies) from Cal State Fullerton in January 2025, having gone back to school later in life. 

    • Bobby is a veteran, having served as a sergeant in the US Army with a deployment to Iraq. 


    Social Media Links: 


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    NOTE: This is a very incomplete list. We have many mutuals with Bobby, these are just a handful.

    • Pride at the Pier

    • Carl Blankenhorn (progressive candidate for Fountain Valley School District)

    • Alex Mohajer (openly LGBTQ Irvine commissioner, fmr. Candidate for State Senate, fmr. President of the Stonewall Democrats)

    • Orange Coast Huddle

    • OC Young Democrats

    • OC Indivisible

    • The Charty B (partner of Pride at the Pier, tracks extremists across California politics)

    • The Feminist Uprising

    • LGBTQ Center OC

    • Mission Viejo Pride

    • WAVE

    • You Belong Outdoors and Beyond (partner of Pride at the Pier, trans-led hiking group)

    • Long Beach Rapid Response Network

    • Supporters of Public Education

    • Orange County Working Families Party


    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • On his campaign website, Bobby says, “The Colorado River is drying up, and the policies we run on were written for a river that still had water in it.

    How much water Orange County imports depends entirely on where you stand. In north and central Orange County, 19 cities and agencies serving 2.5 million people pump about 85 percent of their demand from the groundwater basin and import the remaining 15 percent. In South Orange County, roughly 600,000 people rely almost entirely on imported supply, and in a drought some districts run at 100 percent imported. MWDOC is the agency that buys that imported water and sets the terms our 28 member agencies work under. Which means the decisions made at this board, covering supply contracts, conservation, recycling, and who gets to draw on the system, are the decisions that determine what happens here when the imported supply gets tighter.

    I'm running because those decisions are arriving faster than the board is prepared for them, and because we should be the ones making them rather than waiting to be handed the results.” 

    • Lapointe responded to the OC Register’s candidate questionnaire:

      • Question: Tell us what your No. 1 priority is for this office, should you be elected. 

      • Answer: "My top priority is making sure Orange County has a plan for less imported water, because our local supply depends on imported water too.

    About two-thirds of the county’s water comes from the groundwater basin under north and central Orange County. That basin is managed, not unlimited. OCWD caps how much agencies may pump, currently at 85% of demand, and refilling it takes recycled water, captured storm flow, and purchased imported water. When imported supply tightens, both halves of our portfolio tighten together.

    The rules on the Colorado River just changed. The seven basin states failed to agree, so in August the federal government imposed its own framework and issued guidelines covering only 2027 and 2028. The long-term allocation is unresolved, and the next MWDOC board will serve while it is decided.

    MWDOC does not negotiate that alone, but it appoints four of Orange County’s representatives to Metropolitan’s board. Making sure Orange County is heard in that room is the most consequential thing this seat does.”

    • Question: What does this department do for citizens? What do you view as its most important role for residents, and why?” 

    • Answer: “Most residents will never interact directly with the Municipal Water District of Orange County, yet its work affects something they depend upon every day. It is a low-visibility but high-impact position.

    Its most important role is simple: When you turn on the tap, safe water should be there, and the bill should be one a family can absorb. Every dollar MWDOC spends flows through your local agency and onto your bill, so cost discipline isn’t separate from reliability; it’s a cornerstone of it. Achieving that requires more than technical expertise. A director must be a coalition builder.

    Orange County’s water future depends on cooperation among local water agencies, cities, regional partners, state and federal governments, community stakeholders and people with competing priorities. No single agency can solve these challenges alone.

    A director’s job is governance: listen to technical experts, scrutinize costs, ask difficult questions, build consensus where possible and advocate effectively for the people we represent.”

    • Question: Your neighbors may not be so familiar with this office on their ballot. How would you promote more general knowledge of the district and the importance of its work?

    • Answer: “MWDOC has run one of Southern California’s oldest water education programs since 1973, reaching about 70,000 students a year. The district isn’t silent. But its outreach reaches children, while the people paying the bills and casting the votes are adults.

    I’d close that gap three ways.

    First, use the channel residents already open: their water bill. MWDOC doesn’t bill anyone directly, but its 27 member agencies do. A short annual insert saying where your water came from, what it cost, and what’s coming would reach nearly every household. Not only in English and Spanish, but in Vietnamese, Korean, and Chinese. Orange County is federally required to print ballots in those four languages. Water bills deserve the same standard.

    Second, show up in person. City councils, chambers, and neighborhood groups all take public comment. A director who appears at 10 of those a year does more than any brochure.

    Third, make the board’s own work legible. Agendas that explain items in ordinary language instead of acronyms, and rate changes explained before they take effect, not after.

    And measure it. If outreach doesn’t change what residents can tell you about their water, it’s marketing, not education”

    • Question: What experiences and priorities do you bring to this role? What have you learned in prior leadership roles that makes you the person for the job?

    • Answer: “I served as an Army Sergeant and deployed to Iraq. I learned leadership where failure was not hypothetical, where the job was to stay calm, make decisions with incomplete information, and the expectation to keep my team working when conditions turned bad.

    Droughts, earthquakes, pipeline failures, and cyberattacks do not arrive on a convenient schedule. Plans that have never been stress-tested tend to be binders no one has opened.

    My priorities are: First, treat cybersecurity as core infrastructure, not an IT line item. Water systems are a documented target. Second, plan honestly for a smaller Colorado River rather than assuming past allocations hold. Third, set policy on large industrial water users, including data centers, before that demand arrives.

    I studied history and women and gender studies at Cal State Fullerton, shaping how I approach leadership. History teaches you to think beyond the next election, to ask what a decision will mean decades from now. Women and gender studies teaches you to ask an equally important question: Who is missing from the room, and who will bear the consequences of the decision? On a board that sets rates and makes infrastructure decisions affecting millions of people, both are practical skills.”

    • Question: What will you do to establish trust with your community that you will tackle this job well? 

    • Answer: “Trust is built by being specific and then being checkable.

    I am not going to promise to lower your water bill. No single director controls rates, and a candidate who tells you otherwise is either misinformed or counting on you not to check.

    What I can promise is how I will operate. I will explain my votes in public, in plain terms, before they are cast and not after. When I do not know something, I will say so and then go find out, rather than repeating staff language I do not understand. And I will show up where residents already are instead of waiting for them to find a board meeting in Fountain Valley.

    I would rather be judged on a record than a slogan. If elected, I will publish what I said I would work on and report annually on whether I did it. That is an uncomfortable standard, which is the point.

    What I bring is the Army’s discipline and leadership training, the foresight history teaches about decisions that outlast the people who make them, and the passion to build an argument and carry it into a room where it is not welcome.”

    • Bonus question: What is the best book you’ve read this year? Explain why you found it compelling.

    Answer: “The best book I have read this year is ‘Let’s Call Her Barbie’ by Renée Rosen.

    It came to me through one of the book clubs I belong to, and it was exactly the kind of book I did not know I needed. I read a lot of heavy material. Policy, history, institutions, and long explanations of how things went wrong. This was joyful, but I still came away having learned something.

    Rosen uses historical fiction to tell the story of Ruth Handler, Mattel, and the team that created Barbie. In the 1950s, when dolls marketed to girls largely encouraged them to imagine themselves as mothers, Handler pushed the radical idea of an adult woman doll who could represent a future instead. The book follows the resistance, personalities, arguments, and persistence behind what became one of the most recognizable toys in the world. Underneath all that pink, it is really a story about moving an organization that has already made up its mind, and about who gets listened to. Not a bad thing to read before running for a board seat.

    You get a few looks reading a bright pink Barbie book in public as a grown man. By page 30, you stop noticing.”


    Endorsed by: 

    • OC Indivisible

    • OC Democrats

    • Viet Dems of OC


    Candidate in the News:

    Public Voting Record:

    • None Found


    Follow the Money: 

    • Bobby’s campaign contributions are not yet publicly available

  • Municipal Water District of OC Division 2 Candidate


    Candidate Statement:

    “MIKE MARKUS | Water Resource Engineer

    Orange County’s imported water supply is growing more expensive and less dependable. Hundreds of millions of dollars are being wasted on projects supported by the MWDOC Board that are destined to fail. I will stop wasteful spending and bring practical solutions to help solve our water issues.

    I dedicated 35 years to serving the Orange County Water District, leading the organization as its General Manager for 16 years. During that time, I built the world's largest water reuse project,

    the Groundwater Replenishment System, and developed the first program in the nation to remove PFAS from groundwater, saving over 200 Orange County water wells from closure. These projects provide long-term reliable water supplies while protecting human

    health.

    I am an Engineer, not a politician. I have built my career in sound science and fiscal accountability. I am running because I have real experience building and managing large infrastructure projects. I know what water projects should cost, which questions to ask and understand when the numbers don’t add up. I will hold every MWDOC decision to a high standard and make sure ratepayers get what they pay for.

    I respectfully ask for your vote. I would be honored to serve you.”


    Email: None Found


    Campaign Website: Candidate does not appear to have a campaign website

    Priorities: 

    • None Found


    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • Mike has decades of experience as an employee of MWDOC, starting as a construction manager in 1988 and retiring in 2024 after being a General Manager since 2007.

    • Mike spoke to Youtube channel Aquatech in 2020 about his involvement in the creation of MWDOC’s Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS). Watch it here.

    • Mike is a client of the Loren lillestrand Consulting executive training program. (x)


    Social Media Links: 

    • Linkedin


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    • None Found


    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • In a MWDOC regarding his 2024 retirement, Mike said, “It has been an absolute privilege to lead an organization that is a global leader in its industry (...) From groundwater management to water recycling and water quality, OCWD has driven innovation and set the gold standard for many projects and programs. This is a testament to the board and the dedicated staff who work to fulfill our mission to provide a safe, reliable water supply.” (x)

    • Markus responded to the OC Register’s candidate questionnaire:

      • Question: Tell us what your No. 1 priority is for this office, should you be elected. 

      • Answer: “My No. 1 priority is to cut wasteful spending and support projects that will result in the lowest cost of water to the customer.”

      • Question: What does this department do for citizens? What do you view as its most important role for residents, and why? 

      • Answer: “MWDOC represents the citizens of Orange County at the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD), which is the regional wholesaler of water imported from Northern California and the Colorado River. MWDOC’s most important role is to make sure that MWD develops policies and projects that provide the most cost-effective solutions to our water challenges.”

      • Question: Your neighbors may not be so familiar with this office on their ballot. How would you promote more general knowledge of the district and the importance of its work?

      • Answer: “I would try to drive people to the MWDOC website (www.mwdoc.com) and make improvements to the website to explain where their water comes from. This could be done by putting a notice in with the water bills and having a link on the water retailer’s website to the MWDOC site. I would also promote emailing a monthly MWDOC newsletter to all water customers.”

      • Question: What experiences and priorities do you bring to this role? What have you learned in prior leadership roles that makes you the person for the job? 

      • Answer: “I was born and have lived in California my entire life. I graduated from Villa Park High School, received an undergraduate degree (Cal Poly Pomona) and a graduate degree (USC) in civil engineering. I spent 35 years working at the Orange County Water District (OCWD), with the last 16 years as its general manager. While at OCWD, I managed and built the world’s largest potable reuse project that produces 130 million gallons of water per day. I uniquely understand the water challenges facing Orange County and the state of California and am not afraid of asking tough questions and solving complex issues.”

      • Question: What will you do to establish trust with your community that you will tackle this job well?

      • Answer: “I will actively engage my retail water agencies and listen to their concerns. I will also host monthly community meetings for any member of the public to explain what is happening at MWDOC and MWD and answer any concerns they may have. I am not a politician; I’m a respected water professional who has devoted his entire career to water. Google me.”

      • Bonus question: What is the best book you’ve read this year? Explain why you found it compelling.

      • Answer: “‘Water 4.0’ by David Sedlak. Great book.”


    Endorsed by: 

    • None Found


    Candidate in the News:

    Public Voting Record:

    • None Found


    Follow the Money:

County Assessor

The county assessor acts like Orange County’s head bookkeeper, making sure all the money is handled correctly. The assessor take care of paying the bills and the workers, keeping track of all the money coming in, and writing the final reports on how the county spent its budget.

  • *Information as of our June 2026 Primary Guide*Campaign Statement:

    “CLAUDE PARRISH

    My commitments upon taking office were:

    To, eliminate waste. Since 2015 I returned $17,039,843 in funds from my office budget to the County by carefully monitoring expenses. To, continue to extend the deadline for tax appeals from September 15th to November 30th. Now taxpayers have an additional 75 days to file appeals. To, complete each year the Property Tax Roll on time, a first since my election in 2015.

    To, create a Taxpayer Advocate office. Now we have “A Public Defender for the Taxpayer” to assist taxpayers with property tax problems. The Advocate’s office has helped more than 10,800 taxpayers since its inception. Established a Business Tax Resolution Specialist in 2024. 

    Over 400 taxpayers have been assisted with business property and vessel assessment issues. To, establish a South County satellite office. We now have, in Mission Viejo City Hall, a rent-free office. To, allow taxpayers all lawful exemptions and exclusions that they are qualified for, without undue bureaucratic delays. To, reduce appeals from 19,507 in 2015 to 8,027 due to more accurate valuations. To protect Proposition 13. Having always maintained an open-door policy, you may call me (714) 834-2734. 

    I respectfully ask for your vote.”

    Email: cparrish9@cox.net / ocassessor@asr.ocgov.com 

    Phone: (714) 834-2734

    Campaign Website: http://www.claudeparrish.com/

    Claude listed the following priorities on his campaign website:

    • Extend the deadline for tax appeals from September 15th to November 30th, giving taxpayers an additional 75 days to file appeals.

    • Create a Taxpayer Advocate Office to assist taxpayers with filing assessment appeals and navigating California’s complex tax laws.

    • Establish a south county satellite office in existing county office space, with current local employees, at no additional cost to taxpayers.

    • Allow taxpayers all lawful exemptions that they are qualified for without undue bureaucratic delays.

    • In many instances, due to the over billings and errors of the current Assessor, our County had a record high of 25,080 property tax appeals work load in one year. These appeals negatively impact property owners, small business, and seniors, Claude Parrish will bring accuracy and fairness to the process.

    • This website was not online in early April, during which time he was interviewed by the LAist, who also asked him about his priorities. Per that article, “What are some of your priorities if you are re-elected? “Main priority is I am available, which is unusual for an elected official,” Parrish told LAist. “You call me and you got me, and that’s just about impossible. When I try to call congressmen, assemblymen, mayors, councilmen, I can never get them. But you got me right away.” He added that he would like to give employees in the Assessor’s Office a wage increase. “They don’t get enough money, and they didn’t raise the money for two years, and this is wrong,” he said. “I can’t take money out of my pocket and pay them.” Parrish added that he would like to maintain the department’s standards and make sure property taxes do not go up by more than 2%.

    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • Claude faced a workplace misconduct investigation during his time as assessor that found he violated gender discrimination and retaliation policies and harassed a subordinate over her medical disability. According to the assessor’s filings, Claude; 

      • “Downplayed the employee’s chronic medical condition as a “tummy ache”

      • Shared her private medical information with coworkers

      • Regularly commented on her diet

      • Told her to stop taking her prescribed medication 

      • Made her “drink baking soda mixed with tap water to ‘fix’ her medical condition””

    • In addition to the investigations into workplace ableism, the report, filed in 2023, found in favor of his employees’ complaints. Per the LAist, “It is more likely than not that Parrish routinely refers to male employees as ‘Mr.’ and female employees by their first name, based on their gender,” the investigation found. “The cumulative effect of Parrish's practice of using formal, deferential means of addressing men, while using informal, casual means of addressing women serves to highlight a subservient relationship between such employees, based on their sex.”

    • In the aftermath of the Tustin Hangar Fire (RIP that piece of Orange County History), Claude found himself in the midst of a small scandal, as he sent notices to 23,000 homeowners who were still dealing with pollution fears in the area, asking them to submit forms for to have the value of their homes re-evaluated, without communicating with the City of Tustin first. Per the LAist, “Tustin’s mayor, Austin Lumbard, lambasted the decision to send out the notices without notifying the city as it can cause ‘unnecessary alarm.’”

    • His most recent elected position prior to this was as a councilmember on the Lake Forest City Council, where he was recalled by a 49% margin in 2018 after multiple terms.  The recall election only brought in 17.5% voter engagement.  Supporters of the recall were displeased with his decision to increase residential zoning in the city.

    Prior Positions / Experience:

    • Former Vice-Chairman of the State Board of Equalization, Third Equalization District

    • Served as a Los Angeles County Insurance Commissioner. 

    • Appointed as Vice President of management by a large real estate trust where he was in charge of managing properties in excess of 450 million dollars.

    • Supervised the management of ABC’s Entertainment Center and West Coast Corporate Headquarters in Century City. 

    • Held positions in management, finance and the securities industry.

    • A District Committeeman for the Los Angeles Area Council of Boy Scouts of America

    • Treasurer of the Los Angeles County Republican party

    • Corporate Controller of a securities firm.

    • Holds a degree in accounting and graduated from college Summa Cum Laude.

    • Claude highlights in his campaign media quotes from letters received from President Ronald Reagan in 1984 and Governor George Deukmejian in 2014.

    Social Media Links: 

    • No presence on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram

    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    • No presence on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram

    Endorsed by:

    • Republican Party of Orange County 

    • California College Republicans

    • List of Endorsements on Parrish’s Campaign Website

    • From campaign website:

      • Orange County Republican Party (Unanimous)

      • Howard Jarvis Tax Taxpayers Association

      • California Republican Assembly (Unanimous)

      • National Tax Limitation Committee (Unanimous)

      • Orange County Register

      • ATLAS Political Action Committee

      • 35th Governor of California, George Deukmejian

      • Lieutenant Governor, Ed Reinecke, (retired) (served under Governor Reagan)

      • Law School Professor/Journalist, Hugh Hewitt

      • Congressman, Dana Rohrabacher

      • Congressman, Darrell Issa

      • Congressman, Tom McClintock

      • National Republican Committeeman for California, Shawn Steel

      • State Board of Equalization Member, Michelle Steel

      • State Board of Equalization Member, Bill Leonard, (retired)

      • State Senator, Mimi Walters

      • State Senator, Dick Ackerman, (retired)

      • State Assemblyman, Tim Donnelly

      • State Assemblyman, Don Wagner

      • State Assemblywoman, Diane Harkey

      • Orange County Clerk Recorder, Hugh Nguyen

      • Former Assessor candidate, Jorge O. Lopez

    • Other Endorsements - http://www.claudeparrish.com/endorsements/ 

    Candidate in the News:

    Public Voting Record: 

    • Nothing found

    Follow the Money: via the link

  • *Information as of our June 2026 Primary Guide*

    Campaign Statement:

    “JANET KEO CONKLIN AGE: 55

    Councilwoman/Businesswoman

    My family fled Cambodia in 1975 with nothing, seeking political asylum and opportunity in America. My father and brother, (Army, Veteran Foreign War), both patriots, defended our nation through military service. Today, I carry their legacy forward as a City Councilwoman, small business owner, realtor, veterans advocate, and mom. I keenly understand the needs of renters, homeowners and business-owners through my real estate broker experience and as Founder of La Palma's Chamber of Commerce. 

    On the city council, I champion public safety, economic development, transparency, and common-sense policies that keep our city thriving. As your Assessor, I'll ensure every homeowner and renter knows their rights. I'll guide families through Prop 13 and Prop 19 rules, helping them preserve their low tax bases and keep their homes. I'll protect vulnerable populations from unfair valuation spikes while expanding opportunities for middle-income families, younger buyers, and first-time homeowners. I'll modernize Assessor technology to make the office more efficient, saving taxpayers millions. I’ll also implement strict protocols safeguarding your personal data from breach & unauthorized access.

    I'm running to bring fairness and transparency to property assessments—helping families make their American Dream a reality. Join me. Learn more at janetforassessor.com. Contact me at janet4assessor@gmail.com. 714-595-1096”

    Email: janet4assessor@gmail.com

    Campaign Website: https://www.janetforassessor.com/

    • Janet leads her website with the following priorities; “Fair Assessments. Clear Guidance. Accountability.”

    Any Other Interesting Info:

    Prior Experience:

    • Councilmember, City of La Palma. There have not been any LGBTQ+ related items on the city council agendas for La Palma as far as we could find. 

    • Secretary/Treasurer of the Women’s Caucus in League of California Cities for 2024-2025

    • Business Owner - Licensed Real Estate Broker - Self-employed

    • Community Advocate

    Education: 

    • UC Irvine - Bachelor of Arts - BA, Political Science, Government, Policy, and International Economics 

    Social Media Links: 

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janetkeoconklin4assessor / https://www.instagram.com/janetkeoconklin/ (private)

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janet.keoconklin/

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/janet4assessor / https://twitter.com/JanetKeoConklin 

    Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@janetKeoConklin

    Threads: https://www.threads.com/@janetkeoconklin 

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janetconklin/ 

    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    • Twitter (campaign account)

      • City of Irvine @City_of_Irvine

      • Teamsters  @Teamsters

      • City of Laguna Beach @lagunabeachgov

      • City of Santa Ana @CityofSantaAna

      • City of Tustin @CityofTustin

      • Great Park @yourgreatpark

      • Orange Police Department (California) @CityOfOrangePD

      • NAR Research @NAR_Research

      • OCFA @OCFireAuthority

      • Irvine Police Department @IrvinePolice

      • City of Huntington Beach @CityofHBPIO

      • OC Fire Watch @OCFireWatch

      • City of Costa Mesa @CityofCostaMesa

      • Voice of OC @VoiceofOC

      • CA ASSN OF REALTORS® @CAREALTORS

      • National Association of REALTORS® @nardotrealtor

      • OC Parks @OCParks

    • Twitter (personal account)

      • Michael Trujillo @mikehtrujillo

      • Janet for Assessor @janet4assessor

      • Asm Phil Ting @AsmPhilTing

      • City of La Palma @CityofLaPalma

      • Lorelei Lachman @LoreleiLachman

      • Elon Musk @elonmusk 

      • Real Estate Law @LegalRealEstate

      • Luxury Real Estate @propgoluxury

    • Instagram (campaign account)

      • loscerritosdems Los Cerritos Democratic Club of LA—OC

      • vfw7243hawaiiangardens VFW Post 7243 Hawaiian Gardens

      • ivcdems Irvine Valley College Democrats

      • ocgov County of Orange

      • stephanieoddoforlagunaniguel Stephanie Oddo, Laguna Niguel Council Member

      • joni_ricks_oddie Dr. Joni Ricks-Oddie

      • vietdems Vietnamese American Democratic Club

      • katieliaa 𝒦𝒶̨𝓉𝒾𝑒̨ ꫂ ၴႅၴ

      • charliechenyl Charlie Chen

      • michaeljluellen Michael Luellen II

      • councilmemberbettymartinez Councilmember Betty Martinez Franco

      • ngpcalifornia Next Gen Politics California.

      • ochttf Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force

      • alisonigueldemocraticclub Aliso Niguel Democratic Club

      • democraticwomenofsouthoc Democratic Women of South Orange County

      • liu4irvine Melinda Liu

      • lacassessor Assessor Jeff Prang

      • emmy_donnelly15 ᓚᘏᗢ mêœw

      • voteryanpham Ryan H. Pham

      • fullertoncollegedems Fullerton College Democrats

      • democraticpartyofoc Democratic Party of OC

      • votedanrocha Dan Rocha

      • votearestegui Ariana Arestegui

      • votehelentran Helen Tran

      • coalitionpac Coalition PAC

      • democraticclubofseal Democratic Club of Seal Beach

      • nbwdc NBWDC

      • giovannichavezoc Giovanni Chavez

      • davemin_ca Dave Min

      • missenergyhealer Janice Joy

      • chrisduncanca Chris Duncan

      • demsofnoc Democrats of North OC (DNOC)

      • councilwoman_janetkconklin

      • collegedems.uci College Democrats at UCI

      • fionamacpa Fiona Ma

      • letitiacclark Dr. Letitia Clark

      • occ_dems College Democrats at OCC

      • george1ely Councilman Jorge Herrera Ávila

      • official.g.d.new.win 阮杜福 - G Nguyen

      • frank_yokoyama Frank Aurelio Yokoyama

      • pulidoforassembly Mayor Pro Tem Mark E. Pulido

      • cahsdems California High School Democrats

      • thomaswongsgv Thomas Wong

      • tsorey Therese Sorey

      • ryanhpham Ryan Pham

      • adino291 Arnel Dino

    • Instagram (personal account) following 424

    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • Nothing significant found beyond campaign messaging and general platitudes 

    Endorsed by: 

    According to the list at https://www.janetforassessor.com/endorsements, Conklin is endorsed by:

    • Derek Tran

    • Fiona Ma

    • Bob Archuleta

    • Victor Sarmiento

    • Sharon Quirk Silva

    • Frank Aurelio Yokoyama

    • Joyce Ahn

    • Letitia Clark

    • Chris Duncan

    • Leo Medrano

    • Connor Traut

    • David Penaloza

    • Ariana Arestegui

    • Carlos Fracno

    • Natalie Rubalcalva

    Candidate in the News:

    Public Voting Record:

    Follow the Money: via the link

Superintendent of Public Instruction

The State Superintendent of Public Instruction oversees the rules for all California schools and decides what students are taught in their classrooms. They can support queer students by making sure they see themselves in their school books and can use the right names and bathrooms, but they could also cause harm by removing inclusive lessons or allowing rules that take away a student's privacy.

  • *Information as of our June 2026 Primary Guide

    ***PRIDE AT THE PIER CONTENT WARNING: 

    • THIS ELECTION GUIDE FOR SONJA SHAW INCLUDES MANY EXAMPLES OF TRANSPHOBIA AND HOMOPHOBIA FROM THIS CANDIDATE, AND MAY BE UPSETTING FOR SOME. 

    • The information in this guide is a very small percentage of the homophobic and transphobic actions and statements made by this candidate.

    • Statements made by this candidate are rife with misinformation. We are simply sharing to educate voters on the stances of this candidate and what they have been quoted as saying by other sources. Please check all sources for cited information.

    Campaign Statement:

    “California's public schools are failing our children. Fewer than half can read or write at grade level. Girls' sports are under attack, with female athletes losing medals and scholarships. Many even change in their cars before practice because they feel unsafe in locker rooms. This is unacceptable. As a mother of two daughters, I was elected President of the Chino Valley Unified School Board because parents demanded change. We delivered. When I took office in 2022, our district faced the same problems seen across California: poor grades, declining test scores, political distractions in classrooms, and girls losing fairness and privacy. We chose a different path. We refocused on reading, writing, and math. Protected girls' sports and private spaces. Cut bureaucracy. Directed resources back into classrooms, where they belong. The results were undeniable. Student outcomes improved, and independent research recognized our district as a model for post-COVID academic recovery. That success didn't come from Sacramento mandates. It came from parents who linked arms and stood up for common sense. As State Superintendent, I will bring that same leadership statewide. I will be an independent advocate for students and families, not political insiders. My plan is simple: restore high academic standards in reading, writing, and math; protect Title IX, ensuring fairness and safety for girls; give parents a real seat at the table; support excellent teachers; and cut wasteful bureaucracy. The blueprint exists at the local level. We've proven it works. Let's deliver results for every California student. Learn more at ShawForCA.com.

    6939 Schaefer Avenue, Suite D #119Chino, CA 91710Tel: (949) 495-1310E-mail: info@shawforca.comX: @realSonjaShawInstagram: @SonjaShaw2026 “

    Email: info@shawforca.com

    Campaign Website: https://shawforca.com/

    • Shaw’s website leads with “Fix Our Schools. Protect Our Kids.”

    Under “issues” on her website, she lists the following; 

    • Protect Our Daughters

    • Fix Our Schools

    • Put Families First

    Under the “Protect Our Daughters” section, she goes on to say; “Policies allowing boys to undress in girls' locker rooms and play on their sports teams undermine fairness and safety. Our daughters deserve to compete on equal terms, not lose opportunities to biological males. They should feel secure in private spaces, not exposed by decisions made without parental consent. Sacramento's disregard for families fuels this injustice, prioritizing ideology over common sense. Classrooms are becoming battlegrounds for radical agendas, pushing divisive content that overshadows core education. Proven leadership has already restored balance in local districts. California's schools need this approach statewide to safeguard girls' opportunities, prioritize parental rights, and ensure education focuses on learning, not politics.” 

    ***Pride at the Pier note - transgender athletes in CA (of which there are very few, hardly enough to fill a single classroom) - are not undressing in girls’ locker rooms with other girls. This is a fearmongering tactic and misrepresents the reality that transgender students are in greater danger of being harmed than they are of harming others. 

    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • Sonja Shaw is a proud, documented anti-LGBTQ+ activist who has an extremely long record of standing with transphobic and homophobic extremists. She has participated in the doxxing and stalking of transgender youth, and has run her entire campaign, as well as her time as president of the Chino Valley Unified School District, as a transphobe who seeks to make schools less inclusive of queer youth. This is not a biased or partisan take - it’s something she’s proud of. 

    Social Media Links: 

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SonjaShaw2026

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/realSonjaShaw

    On Instagram and Twitter, she often collaborates with anti-trans activists across the region to encourage the harassment of transgender youth. As recently as May 4th, she posted an event advertisement from an anti-trans group encouraging people to attend a high school sporting event in Orange County in order to harass and bully the single transgender athlete expected to be there. We will not be sharing that post as we don’t want to make it any easier to locate and doxx this child, but it is on her Instagram. 

    She published a video post on April 27 with Anti-Trans extremist “Billboard Chris” Elston. She said, “California politicians are pushing misguided and dangerous gender ideology on our kids. I am a mom running for State Superintendent here in California to protect our sons and daughters.” She then turned the camera to Chris, who said, “Hi everybody, I’m Chris, from the lovely communist country of Canada, and I travel the world raising awareness of what is undoubtedly the greatest child abuse scandal in modern medicine history. The practice of trying to change the sex of children with puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones and surgeries, and I can tell you, of all the amazing people I have met world-wide, number one in America is right here, Sonja Shaw. No one will fight harder to protect your kids than this woman.” 

    She collaborated on a post with Christian Nationalist organization Salt and Light OC, a selfie video with Moms For Liberty. There was a peaceful protest held outside of the event. Sonja, filming in selfie mode, exited the building to confront the protesters, where she smiled sarcastically and said, ‘Yay! Look at my new friends! (...) This is what we have to deal with in California.” As the crowd chanted “Trans Rights are Human Rights”, she continued, referring to the protesters, “They tell kids they’re born in the wrong body! We tell them that they are beautiful the way they were made.” A man holding a sign that said “Trans Rights are Human Rights | Diversity is the one thing we ALL have in common” said something inaudible on the camera to Sonja, and she replied to him, “Yeah, we know you’re focused on the children! And you shouldn’t be, sir! (....) The tolerant, loving crew… Why don’t you tell everyone why you hate us so much? Why do you hate moms?” she asked the man with the sign, who introduced himself as Cameron Tennyson, and that he is running for Congress. She asked him why he was there, and he said because he believed kids should be free - she interjected and said, “Free to be what? So you can cut off healthy body parts and it's okay?” He said that wasn’t up to him. She later went back inside, saying, “This is the craziness. This is why we fight so hard, because THEY want to be in charge of YOUR children. Right? No. We say no. Over our dead bodies. They are freaking psychos. No offense, but I mean, come on. THAT (referring to the protesters and Cameron Tennyson) wants to take over and be in charge of parents’ rights? This is what we’re dealing with, guys, wake up California! It’s not radical to be a mother or father here! It’s radical what they’re doing to kids!”

    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook: (This is a small cross-section of a much longer list)

    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • The mother of a transgender athlete sent Sonja Shaw a cease and desist letter after Shaw repeatedly doxxed her child from a public platform. Shaw ripped this letter up on camera on the dais during a CVUSD board meeting in March of 2025, saying, “...a boy is stealing these opportunities from girls, because that’s the truth. If you don’t like it, I’m sorry, I also have first amendment rights, and I will never shut up in regards to that, so this cease and desist? (At this point she held up the letter and ripped it in half.) That’s how I feel about that, cease and desist.” 

    • In April of 2024, she challenged the sole member of the CVUSD board who did not join her efforts to harass trans students, saying during a meeting, “These are girls, and until this day - Mr. Bridge, can you answer a question? Are you okay with a twelve-year-old seeing male’s penis in the bathroom? Are you okay with a male going on a girl’s softball team and taking away those opportunities for that girl? So just because you may have not heard it, it does happen here. Do the right thing.”  

    ****Note from Pride at the Pier: In case it needs to be spelled out, if you’re seeing the genitalia of other people in the bathroom, you’re the one violating the privacy of other people. Additionally, there have not been any verified reports of trans students in California (of any gender) willfully exposing themselves to their peers. This is a fear-mongering tactic that is not rooted in any truth. 

    • Shaw had current Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond thrown out of a CVUSD meeting by police after he came to defend the rights and dignity of trans students in the district. On the agenda - forced outing policies, requiring teachers to out any trans student to their parents or face discipline, regardless of the students’ consent. As the chaos was unfolding, Shaw said to Thurmond, “You’re in Sacramento proposing things that pervert children.”

    Endorsed by: (This is an incomplete list, a cross-section. Click the link for the full list.)

    • California College Republicans

    • OC Register

    • Chad Bianco

    • Steve Hilton

    • Riley Gaines (anti-trans activist and far-right commentator)

    • Howard Jarvis Taxpayer Association

    • Moms for Liberty

    • Reform California

    • Ken Calvert, CA legislator

    • Leticia Castillo, CA legislator

    • Diane Dixon, CA legislator

    • Laurie Davies, CA legislator

    • Bill Essayli, fmr. CA legislator and current Trump DOJ US Attorney in LA

    • Kate Sanchez, CA legislator who pushed to ban trans girls from CA sports

    • Don Wagner, OC Supervisor who voted to ban the Pride Flag

    • Tony Strickland, CA Legislator and fmr. HB City Councilman who voted to ban the Pride Flag

    • Dr. Ryan Bent, NOCCCSD Trustee who attended an anti-trans walkout at an OC school in 2025

    • Corey A. DeAngelis, popular Christian Nationalist figure

    • Michael Gates, fmr. HB City Attorney who was removed from his position in the Trump DOJ after complaints that he created a hostile work environment for women

    • Sophia Lorey, anti-trans activist and paid consultant at the CA Family Council

    • Jessica Tapia, anti-trans activist 

    • Leandra Blades, PYLUSD Trustee who has repeatedly pushed anti-LGBTQ agenda items, as well as a school board resolution to support ICE and DHS

    • Brenda Lebsack, SAUSD Trustee who tried to remove suicide hotline signs from Santa Ana schools because the hotline worked with the Trevor Project

    Candidate in the News:

    Public Voting Record:

    • Shaw was a key witness in the committee hearing opposing AB 1578, which would require local and state officials to take regular anti-hate speech training. Her argument against it was that she wanted to continue to perpetuate anti-trans hate speech, and argued that said anti-trans hate speech wasn’t actually hate speech at all. 

    • Shaw was a key witness in the committee hearing AB 1955, which would prevent school districts from requiring teachers to forcibly out students. Her argument was that this was a violation of parents’ rights. 

    • Shaw’s time as president of the Chino Valley USD has been filled with a number of significant anti-LGBTQ+ agenda items, including book bans, forced outing policies, and policies against the equitable access for trans students in the district. She’s also been involved in a number of lawsuits against the state of California for these matters, which have required votes to go through the school board to initiate. 

    Follow the Money: Shaw appears to have not filed her recent campaign finances, as we have very little reported filings for this current campaign available to us, outside of; 

  • *Information as of our June 2026 Primary Guide*

    Campaign Statement:

    It is an honor to serve as State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond's Senior Advisor, and to be endorsed by the California Teachers Association (CTA), representing 300,000+ classroom teachers, nurses, counselors and educators. California Teachers of the Year Tammy Reina and Zenaida Rosario: "We trust Richard to fight for our students and educators. He has delivered for 18 years!" As President of San Diego Unified School District, the state's 2nd largest, I transformed a district in crisis into a national model of success. Among all large urban districts, we now rank Number 1 in Reading and Math on "The Nation's Report Card." In California, we're First in Reading, Math, Science, Graduation Rates and College/Career readiness. We've achieved success by cutting waste and bureaucracy, and investing directly in our students, families and educators. I successfully asked voters 4 times to replace 60 year old buildings with state-of-the-art, environmentally sustainable schools. We increased educator salaries by 40%, provided full family healthcare and created thousands of affordable homes for our families and educators. I've fought to protect students from the heartless Trump administration: keeping ICE out of our schools, standing up for LGBTQ students, and testifying before Congress against Trump's drastic cuts to education. I am endorsed by those most responsible for student success—from the classroom teachers of CTA to the school principals of United Administrators of Southern California, and Cindy Marten, President Biden's Deputy Secretary of Education. Current Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond: "Richard Barrera's track record of student success is unmatched. That's why I asked him to join us at the California Department of Education. That's why I support him in this election." BarreraforEdu.com

    Email: rbcoi@yahoo.com

    Campaign Website: https://www.barreraforedu.com/

    Priorities from campaign website:

    • Build a Strong, Sustainable Teacher Pipeline

    • Expanding early childhood education

    • Secure, sustainable funding for stronger schools

    • Empowering communities to find their schools - because our kids can’t wait

    • Making housing affordable for educators

    • Building schools where every student belongs

    • Prioritizing mental health in every school

    • Delivering equity: Real opportunities for every student

    Other Interesting Info:

    Social Media Links: 

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577254612647

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richardbarrera2026

    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-barrera-2079723a9/ 

    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    • CA Democrats

    • Equality CA

    • San Diego Building Trades

    • Our Schools USA & Capo USD

    • Stone Wall Dems

    • SF League of Pissed Off Voters

    • San Diego Youth Services

    • ACLU NorCal

    • 1st Gen Scholars

    • Jewish Family Services San Diego

    • The Cesar Chavez Foundation

    • CA Teachers Association

    • United We Dream

    • Feeding San Diego

    • Tony Thurmond

    • Congressional Hispanic Caucus

    • CA Legislative LGBTQ Caucus

    • CA Legislative Women’s Caucus

    • Congressional Black Caucus

    • Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club

    • NAACP San Diego

    Candidate’s Public Comments: (The following are taken from interviews with Barrera conducted by news agencies; find these links below)

    • ‘Like the other candidates, Barrera opposes Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposal to restructure the California Department of Education under a governor-appointed education commissioner. The state superintendent would no longer manage the department. “It’s undemocratic to take responsibility and authority away from the person that the voters are electing to improve schools,” Barrera said. “In practical terms, there is no reason to assume a governor would do a better job at appointing the people to run CDE than a state superintendent would.”’

    • When asked about how he would manage engagement with the Trump administration, which has been antagonistic to LGBTQ+ students, “My track record at San Diego Unified, going back to the first Trump administration, has been to help lead the way to protect all of our students, whether that’s our immigrant students or LGBTQ students. We’ve put policies in place, strategies in place and connected families to community-based resources to push back at that. The president of the United States is choosing to act in an unlawful way and in a way that picks on certain groups of people, to advance his own political agenda, and there’s no room for putting our head down and hoping, “Well, if we just go along with a little bit of it, maybe we won’t be targets.” There’s just no room for that. You’ve got to stand up. We’ve got to fight back in every way possible, including in court. The fact that Trump is using federal education resources as leverage to try to get both the state and local school districts to capitulate to his agenda is all the more reason for us to go and raise that revenue ourselves. The people in this state who are going to benefit from his tax cuts have a responsibility also to make sure that we’ve got the resources we need so that we’re not vulnerable to his threats. We should make sure that we’ve got, you know, the resources ourselves so that we can’t be held hostage. But we should go further and say, and by the way, the federal government should be doing a lot more than it ever has. The federal government has always under invested in education. Special education is the perfect example. The kind of investment we saw during COVID, that was the investment we always needed for schools.”

    • When asked about AI, he replied, “I think the real question is, is the use of AI in writing dumbing things down to the point where students are becoming poorer writers and thinkers because they’re relying on a machine to do that for them? … Or is it something that’s assisting with the grinding grunt work of writing that allows you to get more depth? (...) My guess is these particular tools could go either way and probably do go either way.” 

    • When asked how he would serve vulnerable populations, he said, “California has to protect students in ways that are real at the school level. In San Diego Unified, we treat immigration enforcement as a student safety and trust issue. We train staff, protect student privacy and keep campuses focused on learning so families stay connected to schools. That should be the statewide standard. For LGBTQ+ students, the state should insist on safe school climates and enforce nondiscrimination protections consistently. For students with disabilities, the law is clear: Services are not optional, and districts need both oversight and support to deliver them. When the federal government threatens to withhold funding from our schools unless we abandon protections for students, I will challenge unlawful actions and make sure districts do not retreat out of fear. The state’s job is to make sure students are safe, included and able to learn.”

    • ‘Richard Barrera, vice president of SDUSD’s Board of Education, argued that the recent raid by Immigration and Customs Enforcement at South Park’s Buona Forchetta, located a block and a half away from a district school, was an “attempt to strike fear into the hearts of (SDUSD) families.” He described how parents were forced to pick up their students from the back of the school in order to shield them from what was happening nearby. “We don’t ignore the reality that when the federal government decides it no longer is going to have schools under safe haven status, what that does is provokes fear in our communities,” Barrera said. Barrera added that the district will never ask students and families about their immigration status or allow immigration officials to enter the district’s campuses or access student records without a federal judicial warrant.’ source

    Endorsed by (click link for full list): 

    • Current California State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond

    • Congressman, Juan Vargas

    • State Senator, Art Torres (Ret)

    • Former LA Unified Board President, Former Member of the Assembly, Jackie Goldberg

    • Chair of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, Terra Lawson-Remer

    • Los Angeles Unified School Board Trustee,  Rocio Rivas

    • Vista Unified School Board Member Cipriano Vargas

    • San Diego Community College Board Trustee, Craig Milgrim

    • Deputy Secretary of Education, Former SD Unified Superintendent, Cindy Marten

    • (UASC) United Administrators Southern California

    • California Teachers Association (CTA)

    • United Domestic Workers (UDW)

    • Administrator’s Association of San Diego

    • San Diego Building Trades Council

    • San Diego Unified Police Officers Association

    • United Taxi Workers of San Diego

    Candidate in the News:

    Follow the Money:

    • $19,800.00 from United Domestic Workers of America Action Fund

    • $19,600.00 from California Teachers Association/association for Better Citizenship

    • $7,259.83 from Van Pelt Construction Services

    • $3,588.19 from Architects Mosher Drew

    • $2,500.00 from Sheet Metal Workers Local 206 PAC

    • $2,500.00 from Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation

Attorney General

As the state’s chief legal officer, the attorney general can file lawsuits against the federal government to block policies they believe overstep legal boundaries or infringe upon the civil rights of their residents. This power serves as a critical check and balance, allowing states to defend their own laws and protect vulnerable communities from federal actions they deem unconstitutional.

  • *Information as of our June 2026 Primary Guide

    Incumbent, running for CA Attorney General

    Campaign Statement, if any: None Found

    Email: None Found

    Campaign Website: https://robbonta.com/

    Bonta’s campaign website leads with; “Justice for all. Attorney General Rob Bonta is running for re-election to protect our freedoms, defend our democracy, and stand up to abuse of power wherever it appears. The fight is far from over — but together we’ll keep standing up to stop unlawful power grabs by the federal government, defend our immigrant communities, protect reproductive freedom, hold greedy corporations accountable, keep our communities safe from gun violence and fentanyl trafficking, safeguard our environment, and so much more.”

    Any Other Interesting Info:

    Rob Bonta worked with Equality California to launch the first-ever State of Pride report and forum, tracking and advocating for the progress of LGBTQ+ rights in California. Source

    During the current Trump presidential administration, Bonta has led or co-led over 60 lawsuits against the Trump administration on behalf of Californians.  A small sample of these includes: 

    Bonta has also been involved in lawsuits and legal responses against California-based entities in efforts to defend LGBTQ+ rights. A small sample includes: 

    • California v. Chino Valley Unified: Sued to block "forced outing" policies that required schools to notify parents of a student's gender transition. The case ended in early 2025 with the district rescinding the policy.

    • Mirabelli v. Bonta: Defending California’s SAFETY Act, which protects student privacy. The U.S. Supreme Court issued an emergency ruling in March 2026 temporarily allowing parents to receive gender identity information, but Bonta continues to litigate the full merits of the case.

    • California v. Rady Children’s Health (2026): Sued Rady for closing its gender-affirming care clinic. Bonta alleges the closure violates the 2024 merger agreement with CHOC, which legally required Rady to maintain specialty services through 2034.

    • California v. City of Huntington Beach: Challenged local ordinances that banned the Pride flag on public property and restricted LGBTQ+ books in libraries, arguing they violate the Unruh Civil Rights Act.

    • Temecula Valley Unified Investigation: Initiated civil rights actions to stop the school board from banning LGBTQ-inclusive curriculum and implementing discriminatory notification policies.

    • California v. Trump (PREA Protections): Leading a multi-state effort to block federal attempts to remove Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) protections that specifically safeguard transgender individuals in custody.

    Social Media Links: 

    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • When interviewed by ABC 30 Action News at the first ever State of Pride event in San Francisco, Bonta said, “I'm proud to stand and serve in a state that stands with our LGBTQ community (...) The stakes are high, the attacks are disgusting, the targeting is strong, now more than ever we need each other”.   

    • At the same event, he was quoted by Vanguard News Group as saying, “It is more important than ever that we recommit ourselves to the ongoing fight for equality, safety, and inclusion.” Source

    • Bonta lambasted the treatment of human beings at the ICE concentration camp in California City, saying, “My team has seen and heard first-hand the dangerous conditions at California’s newest detention facility — conditions that violate ICE’s own standards. I implore DHS to take action to address these serious issues”. The full letter he sent to the Department of Homeland Security can be found here.

    Endorsed by: (This is an incomplete list, a cross-section. Click the link to see them all)

    • Orange County Democratic Party

    • Gavin Newsom, Governor

    • Malia Cohen, California State Controller

    • Dr. Shirley Weber, California Secretary of State

    • Senator Adam Schiff

    • Senator Alex Padilla

    • Senator Cory Booker

    • Rep. Robert Garcia

    • Rep. Pete Aguilar

    • Rep. Gil Cisneros

    • Rep. Ro Khanna

    • Rep. Dave Min

    • Rep. Mike Levin

    • Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson

    • Riverside Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson

    • Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee

    • Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California

    • Teamsters California

    • California Teachers Association (CTA)

    • Sierra Club CA

    • California Environmental Voters

    • Dolores Huerta

    • Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California

    • Smart Justice CA

    • Equality California

    • California Medical Association

    • Courage Campaign

    • Stacey Abrams

    • David Hogg

    • Elise Joshi

    • Jane Fonda

    Candidate in the News:

    Follow the Money: 

    The filing deadline for campaign finance documents has not yet passed, so we don’t have his most recent donations to review. These are mostly from late 2025.

    • $500 from the Alan Wong for Supervisor 2026 campaign 

    ***Note: When candidates for office terminate their campaigns, they have to redistribute the donations they receive in a handful of legal ways, including donating to another campaign.

    • $19,600 from the California Teachers Association/Association For Better Citizenship

    • $3,500 from the United Association of Journeymen & Apprentices of the U.S. & Canada Local 447 Federal PAC (Fed PAC ID # C00320218)

    • $500 from the Berkeley Firefighters Association Local 1227 Political Action Committee

    • $1,000 from the San Jose Firefighters, IAFF Local 230 Political Action Committee

    • $5,000 from the Sacramento Area Fire Fighters Local 522 Political Action Committee

  • *Information as of our June 2026 Primary Guide*

    ***PRIDE AT THE PIER CONTENT WARNING: 

    • THIS ELECTION GUIDE FOR MICHAEL GATES INCLUDES MANY EXAMPLES OF TRANSPHOBIA AND HOMOPHOBIA FROM THIS CANDIDATE, AND MAY BE UPSETTING FOR SOME. 

    • The information in this guide is a very small percentage of the homophobic and transphobic actions and statements made by this candidate.

    • Statements made by this candidate are rife with misinformation. We are simply sharing to educate voters on the stances of this candidate and what they have been quoted as saying by other sources. Please check all sources for cited information.

    Campaign Statement, if any: 

    “Michael E. Gates | REPUBLICAN

    California families deserve to be safe again. Crime is rising, homelessness is out of control, fraud with taxpayer dollars is rampant, and our children—especially young girls—are not being protected. The Office of Attorney General should be focused on enforcing the law and keeping families safe, not playing politics. I'm a husband and father of five, and like every parent, I want our children to grow up in safe communities. That's why public safety has always been my top priority. As the City Attorney for Huntington Beach, I fought for the people. I created a city criminal prosecutor program that prosecuted quality-of-life crimes and reduced crime by double digits. We proved that when the law is enforced, communities thrive. As Attorney General, I will make crime illegal again by prosecuting all crimes, including enforcing Proposition 36, and use the law to address homelessness by holding criminals accountable while getting people off our streets and into treatment. I will stand up for police, support law enforcement and defend them when they are unfairly attacked. I will also bring proven programs that lowered crime and homelessness in Huntington Beach to cities across California. I will aggressively prosecute fraud and corruption in Sacramento, protect parents' rights, enforce laws that keep boys out of girls' sports and support Voter ID. This is a serious office. I will fight for everyday Californians and bring accountability and safety back to California. Learn more at www.Gates4AG.com.”

    Email: info@gates4ag.com 

    Campaign Website: https://www.gates4ag.com/ 

    Gates’ website leads with the following phrase; “Safe families, safe communities. As our next Attorney General, Michael Gates will fight for what matters most: our families, our communities, and our safety.”

    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • In 2025, Gates was hired to work in the Trump administration as a Deputy U.S. Attorney, during which time he - by his own testimony - pursued investigations against transgender individuals and those who support them, as well as investigations into so-called voter fraud. We’ll quote him further down on that. 

    • However, his time in the administration lasted approximately ten months before coming to an end.  The OC Register - known for its conservative bias - reported in November 2025 that Gates was fired from the administration “for cause”, based on records requests. Interviews the Register conducted revealed that there had been complaints against Gates by his colleagues that he had created a hostile work environment for women.  Per the Register, “He allegedly had a “consistent pattern” of referring to female colleagues by derogatory and demeaning names, the source said, and complained about the employment of a woman who was pregnant”.

    • Gates denied the entire story, asserting that he had chosen to resign from the Trump Administration because he was homesick, and that any negative word about him from his former colleagues was merely because they were angry that he resigned. 

    Social Media Links: 

    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    ***Note: The term “fascist” here is not hyperbole, but in fact a term used in its specific definition; this restaurant’s owners use their platform to call for the arrest of politicians, “re-education camps” for anyone to the left of them (including some Republicans), and the use of the United States military to violently occupy places like New York and California to install martial law and military tribunals for protesters.

    • Julie Hamill, a lawyer affiliated with the CA Policy Center and anti-trans activist

    • (Twitter) Rick Leventhal: Host of the Leventhal Report on NewsMax

    • (Twitter) Sophia Lorey: Anti-trans activist and paid consultant at the CA Family Council

    • (Twitter) Nick Shirley

    • (Twitter) Reform CA

    • (Twitter) Spencer Pratt

    • (Twitter) Nicki Minaj

    Candidate’s Public Comments: 

    ***Note: Statements made by this candidate are rife with misinformation. We are simply sharing to educate voters on the stances of this candidate and what they have been quoted as saying by other sources. Please check all sources for cited information.

    • In an event at Basilico’s, an openly fascist Italian restaurant in HB known for its extreme politics, Gates spoke to attendees about what he was accomplishing in his role in the Trump administration. “...We’re fighting all that reverse discrimination as well. Defending women, getting men out of women’s sports. When it comes to all the transgender bullshit, we - we are fighting, we are fighting all that transgender, all the mutilization of children, we are fighting that. But what I am happy to report, is, you know, close to my heart, is that I am, I’m privileged to be able to fight a lot of the election integrity irregularities. So, I got a number of cases right now.”

    • In Gates’ statement about being hired by the Trump administration, he said, “I am profoundly humbled and honored for this opportunity to serve the American people at a time like this - to advance President Trump's "America First" agenda, fight to restore law and order throughout the country, and fight to restore faith in the Nation's justice system.”

    • Via his twitter, post dated April 24th 2026: “(Rob Bonta) sued Children’s Hospitals to FORCE trans surgeries on MINORS and he fought for SECRET trans grooming in schools by teachers! (...) Sicko!”

    • Via his twitter, post dated March 28, 2025, he posted about the Federal Government investigating CA over AB 1955, a law that prevents school districts from requiring teachers to forcibly out students to their parents. He said, “Going on offense against California’s unconstitutional AB 1955 - a law that inserts State educators in the parent child relationship on gender issues. Proud of DOE for fighting to protect families by combatting State overreach! (US Flag Emoji, US Flag Emoji, US Flag Emoji)”

    • When asked his take on the Attorney General’s responsibility to the homelessness crisis, Gates replied, “...cities cannot simply allow dangerous encampments to grow or refuse to address conditions that threaten public safety and quality of life. On homelessness, I believe enforcement and treatment must go together. Anti-camping laws matter because public spaces should be safe and usable for everyone.”

    Endorsed by: (For the complete list, click the hyperlink)

    • California Republican Party

    • Lincoln Club of Orange County

    • Patriots4Freedom-San Diego

    • California Rifle & Pistol Association

    • American Independent Party of California

    ***Note: American Independent does not mean No Party Preference. AI is a far-right party.

    • California Parents Union

    • California Cities for Local Control

    • The Israeli-American Civic Action Network (ICAN)

    • Don Wagner,Orange County Supervisor

    • Janet Nguyen, Orange County Supervisor

    • Hugh Nguyen, Orange County Clerk-Recorder

    • Shari Friedenrich, Orange County Treasurer

    • Claude Parrish, Orange County Tax Assessor

    • Sonja Shaw, CVUSD Board President and anti-trans extremist

    • Steve Knoblock, Mayor Pro Tem of San Clemente who tried to institute an abortion ban in the city

    • Steve Hilton, Candidate for Governor of California

    • Mike Munzig, Mayor Pro Tem Aliso Viejo who tried to institute a Pride Flag ban

    • All members of the Huntington Beach City Council

    • Don Barnes, Orange County Sheriff

    • John Zanoni, Fresno County Sheriff

    • Donny Yongblood, Kern County Sheriff

    • Michael Boudreaux, Tulare County Sheriff

    Candidate in the News:

    Public Voting Record:

    Not applicable

    Follow the Money:

    • $9,800 from the Newport Beach Police Association Political Action

    • $5,900 from the campaign fund for Chad Williams for City Council 2024

    ***Campaign Finance Filings for this race are still being processed, so this is an incomplete list.


Secretary of State

The California Secretary of State serves as the state's chief elections official and oversees the formal registration of businesses and non-profit organizations. In addition to managing the state’s historical archives, they protect civil rights by expanding voter access and ensuring that every Californian can participate in a secure and transparent democratic process.

  • *Information as of our June 2026 Primary Guide

    Campaign Statement:

    “Shirley N. Weber | DEMOCRATIC

    I will never give up on protecting your voting rights. We are not in normal times. We need strong leaders to stand up and fight for what is right and just. I was born in the Jim Crow south to sharecroppers who couldn't vote. California welcomed us with open arms and has been my home ever since. My parents cast their first votes here and even used our family living room as a polling place. America is the only country in the world where within one generation a family can go from Jim Crow disenfranchisement, to administering elections in the largest state in the nation. We've come so far, and I've seen it firsthand. However, there are people that want to roll back that progress. They want shorter polling hours, fewer days to vote and the removal of vote-by-mail ballots. Some of them have even threatened the lives of election officials when their preferred candidate loses. This behavior will not be tolerated in California. As Secretary of State, 28 statewide and special elections were successfully held. When our voting rights were under attack, I fought for us in the courts, and won. I've been a transparent leader because trust is everything. Every eligible Californian should register to vote and cast their ballot whether we agree politically or not. I will continue to fight to make sure that nothing stands between you and the ballot box. Vote Dr. Shirley N. Weber for Secretary of State. Visit www.DrShirleyWeber.com to learn more.

    E-mail: info@drshirleyweber.comFacebook: facebook.com/ShirleyWeber4SOSX: x.com/drweber4ca”

    Email: info@drshirleyweber.com 

    Campaign Website: https://drshirleyweber.com/

    Priorities listed on her website: 

    • A Defender of Voting Rights

      • Restoring Trust and Transparency:

      • Encourage Californians to Vote:

    She goes on to say on her campaign website’s main page, “Voting Rights Are Under Attack –

    Dr. Weber Is Our Defender.  In her first year as Secretary of State, Dr. Weber has already overseen a safe, secure, and seamless statewide election, and solidified California’s reputation as a national leader on strengthening the right to vote for every community. She’s also worked with the Governor and state legislature to make California a permanent, universal vote-by-mail state.”

    Some of the experiences she has listed on her website include: 

    • Protecting poll workers and election officials

    • Authored legislation to extend and ensure the right to vote for parolees

    • Fought for legislation on education, civil rights, public safety, food insecurity, protections for persons with disabilities, and voting rights

    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • In an interview with CalMatters, Weber said she has focused on expanding voter outreach to rural corners of California and encouraging voter registration on high school and college campuses — something she said she would continue to focus on in her second term if she is re-elected.

    • For those who followed the city of Huntington Beach’s efforts to pass Voter ID laws for polling places within the city, Weber worked with current Attorney General Rob Bonta to successfully sue the city over this effort, and prevent Voter ID laws within the city that would have violated CA state laws. 

    • Prior to her time in government, Weber served as a professor at San Diego State University and at California State University at Los Angeles and Los Angeles City College. Source

    • Weber faced criticism from some disability advocate groups who sued the state over what they felt were barriers to voting accessibility. Source

    Social Media Links: 

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShirleyWeber4SOS 

    Campaign Twitter: https://x.com/drweber4ca?s=21

    Personal Twitter: https://x.com/drshirleyweber?s=21 

    (Defunct) Instagram for an earlier legislative race: https://www.instagram.com/asmshirleyweber/

    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    • JD Vance (This is the “Vice President” account, so we’re unsure if she specifically followed Vance or if this is an account she followed prior to the current administration)

    • Barack Obama

    • Kamala Harris

    • Beyonce

    • (Twitter) Sharon Quirk-Silva

    • (Twitter) Rob Bonta

    • (Twitter) CA Legislative Women’s Caucus

    • (Twitter) Jennifer Siebel Newsom (Spouse of Gavin Newsom)

    • (Twitter) Vote America

    • (Twitter) California Black Media

    • (Twitter) National Women’s Political Caucus California (Pro-Choice Caucus)

    • (Twitter) Alliance For Youth Action

    • (Twitter) VoteRiders (Organization to help voters navigate Voter ID laws)

    • (Twitter) UCLA Black Project

    • Emerge CA (An organization that trains women to run for office)

    • California Faculty Assoc. 

    • Equal Justice Society

    • The King Center (MLK Jr. Memorial)

    • Yes on Prop 16 (Repeals the ban on affirmative action at Public Institutions)

    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • In response to criticisms about the slow process of counting votes in the 2024 election, Weber said, “I know the value of being fast for some folks (...) For me, accuracy is far more important.”

    • On protecting personal voter information from the Trump administration, she said, “If we were giving (voter information) away like candy, who would trust us … to protect their records?”

    • In an interview with the LA Times regarding the Huntington Beach City Council’s efforts to push through Voter ID laws, Weber said, “I will continue to uphold my promise to Californians to protect our democracy, and I will continue to challenge this administration’s disregard for the rule of law and our right to vote.”

    • During an event commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act where Weber was a guest speaker, she said, “When the president wanted to offer Martin Luther King all kinds of other things. They wanted him to have a housing act. They wanted him to have a poverty act. They wanted him to do all of these other things. But they never wanted to offer him the voting rights act. And King rejected all of those in 1964 because he understood the power of voting and the importance of making it possible for all people in this nation to be able to vote because that was their voice, that was their power, that was their expression. And so, as we have tried in this office as Secretary of State to make sure that we bring forth a number of things that people have forgotten, I discovered that a lot of folks don't know much about the Voting Rights Act of 1965. They thought it granted people the right to vote when it did not. They already had the right to vote, but they had to secure the vote. They had to make sure that people had access to it and they were not denied their opportunity to vote. (...) And so now, this is the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. (...) When I took office a few years ago, I came to realize, as I pointed out to the governor and others, that this is going to be a critical period in our lives because we've all had an opportunity to vote. We've had this wonderful experience in this nation, and we knew that voting was under attack. And the question was always, are we as strong as our ancestors? Are we able to fight like they fought to maintain the right to vote and to exercise that right in going to the polls? So, we want to remind folks of what it means to be what the Voting Rights Act of 1965 did and those who were part of it, who lived through it and who understood why it was so very important for us to have it.”

    Endorsed by: 

    •  Orange County Democratic Party

    • Rob Bonta, Attorney General

    • Fiona Ma, State Treasurer

    • Malia Cohen, Controller

    • Ricardo Lara, Insurance Commissioner

    • Tony Thurmond, Superintendent of Education

    • Cecilia Aguiar Curry, Assemblymember

    • Blanca Rubio, Assemblymember

    • Dr. LaShae Sharp Collins, Assemblymember

    • Buffy Wicks, Assemblymember

    • Akilah Weber, MD, State Senator

    • California Professional Firefighters

    • Steamfitters & Refrigeration UA Local 250

    • California Federation of Teachers

    • AFSCME

    • UDWA/AFSCME Local 3930

    • CA State Council of Laborers

    • Democratic Party of the San Fernando Valley (DPSFV)

    • California Women’s List

    • Professional Engineers in California Government (PECG)

    • AFSCME District Council 36

    • California State Retirees

    • California YIMBY

    • SEIU

    • SEIU 1000

    • Westside Young Democrats

    • Democratic Women’s Club of San Diego

    • San Diego Democrats for Equality

    • Avance Democratic Club

    • Fallbrook Democratic Club

    • Association of California State Supervisor (ACSS)

    • NWPC California

    • California Teachers Association

    • California Donor Table

    • Communications Workers of America

    • Jane Fonda Climate PAC

    • Alice B. Toklas LGBTQ Democratic Club

    • Santa Barbara Women’s Political Committee

    • Central City Democrats

    • California Nurses Association

    • Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California

    • SFWPC

    • Stonewall Young Democrats

    • Black Women’s Collective PAC

    • Chino Valley Democratic Club

    • Bernal Heights Democratic Club

    • Iranian American Democrats of California (IADC)

    • ILWU Southern California District Council

    • California Black Women’s Collective PAC

    • Contra Costa Young Democrats

    • San Francisco Latino Democratic Club

    Candidate in the News:

    Public Voting Record:

    • During her time in the state legislature, Weber received an “A” score from People’s Courage, who rate legislators based on how likely they are to cave to corporate lobbyist interests. 

    • Weber championed AB 392, a bill that called for police reform by redefining the standard for police use of deadly force from "reasonable" to "necessary”.

    • Weber was one of 14 legislators to receive a score of “100” from the ACLU during her time as a legislator.

    • Weber authored AB 3121, which establishes the “Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans” to summarize existing evidence of the institution of slavery that existed within the United States and the colonies and to recommend, among other things, the form and mode of compensation that should be awarded to descendants of people who were enslaved.

    Follow the Money: There is limited campaign finance reporting available for this race so far, but we did find this: 

    • $19,600 from the California Teachers Association/Association For Better Citizenship

  • *Information as of our June 2026 Primary Guide*

    Campaign Statement, if any:

    “Donald P. (Don) Wagner | REPUBLICAN

    As Secretary of State, I will restore Californians' trust in our election system and protect every eligible voter's fundamental American right to participate in our democracy. California's election system is broken. Thirty-six states and most democratic nations require voters to establish their identities at the polls. California does not. Election security is so weak at least one dog was registered to vote in California—and had its vote counted! While other large states can finish vote counts and announce results on Election Night, California takes 30 excruciating days. We are usually the last state in the country to stop counting and report final results. That's embarrassing and unacceptable. You deserve an excellent election system that is secure, efficient, accurate, and accessible to eligible voters only. As Secretary of State, I will work to institute common-sense reforms including: 1) Require Voter ID at the polls; 2) Require mail ballots to be returned by Election Day; 3) Prohibit “ballot harvesting” by paid canvassers. The Secretary of State also has a role in fixing California's business climate. The office must be modernized and made business friendly. As Secretary of State, I will fight against bad business policies that make California unaffordable and drive away our families, friends, and employers. I have the experience to deliver. I have served as a member of the California Legislature, Mayor of lrvine, Orange County Supervisor, and owned my own business. I pledge to protect your vote as Secretary of State. Learn more at WagnerforCalifornia.com.

    4100 MacArthur Blvd., Ste. 310Newport Beach, CA 92660Tel: (714) 785-5949E-mail: donwagner@WagnerForCalifornia.comWagnerForCalifornia.com”

    Email: donwagner@WagnerForCalifornia.com

    Campaign Website: https://wagnerforcalifornia.com/ 

    Don’s website leans hard into dog-whistles about the conspiracy that voters who are ineligible to vote are fraudulently voting. His website leads with this statement; “Californians deserve an excellent election system that is secure, efficient, accurate and accessible to every eligible voter.  I will make sure that every eligible voter can participate in our democracy while also protecting the security of elections by ensuring that only eligible voters cast ballots.”

    His priorities listed are: 

    • Only eligible voters cast ballots

    • Elections are secure, efficient, accurate, and accessible

    • The Secretary of State's business division is "small-business friendly"

    He also has on his website’s main page, “Don Wagner fully supports the Voter ID initiative that will soon be gathering signatures to go on the ballot in 2026!”

    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • Wagner, currently on the OC Board of Supervisors, voted in 2023 to ban the Pride Flag from county properties, openly acknowledging that the agenda item was specifically about the Pride Flag, which he called “divisive”. 

    • The Irvine Tolerance Coalition posted on Instagram a critique of Wagner, stating, “guess who’s back? On Aug. 26, Supervisor Don Wagner helped slide his old pal Christina Shea onto the OC Older Adults Advisory Commission — with a term that just happens to match his. Coincidence? Or a soft launch for Shea’s next political play? Let’s not forget: Shea’s record includes pushing anti-LGBTQ+ policies and leading the ugly fight for Measure N. Now, with a new appointment, and cryptic “recall” posts, she looks less like a seniors’ advocate and more like someone staging a comeback. Irvine deserves better than recycled hate politics.” ***Note: We are sharing this perspective as opinion from another source, not face.

    • Wagner expressed support for OC Sheriff Don Barnes when Barnes was criticized for collaborating with ICE, which is illegal under CA state law. Per the LA Times, “Supervisor Don Wagner pointed out that the 226 inmates who were referred to ICE constituted a small part of the more than 48,000 bookings that occurred in the jail last year. “The sheriff is to be saluted,” Wagner said, “not condemned for the very judicious use of his power that he’s outlined today.”

    Social Media Links: 

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DonWagnerCA/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donwagnerca/

    Wagner’s OC Supervisor Instagram has a handful of posts celebrating holidays, including Good Friday, Easter, Passover, and Cinco De Mayo.

    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    • Wagner does not follow anyone on Instagram

    • On Facebook, Wagner’s following list is limited to his elected peers (bipartisan), local government bodies, and a handful of local nonpartisan organizations.

    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • Wagner was given a questionnaire by the OC Register for this campaign. The news article led with the statement, “Questionnaires may have been edited for spelling, grammar, length and, in some instances, to remove hate speech and offensive language.” Some of Don’s comments are as follows: 

    • “I would also ask the legislature to remove the COVID-inspired mailing of ballots to everyone on the cluttered voting rolls. Having so many ballots out there, coupled with bloated voting rolls, allows for the possibility of interference and illegal influence over our elections. And even if such interference is not happening, the widespread perception of such interference undermines confidence in the system.”

    • “The mailing of ballots to every name on the bloated voting rolls, the extremely long “cure and correct” period and the 30-day counting period before certification are a few examples of changes to election laws that have led to widespread distrust. The secretary of state should have argued against those changes and worked to undo them rather than being a cheerleader for them. As secretary of state, I will work to undo these state election laws to restore transparency and trust.”

    • When asked about increasing accessibility, he said, “I do not believe typical Sacramento “one size fits all” mandates are necessary to increase accessibility. Local problems can and should be solved by working with, and having respect for, the local officials trying to solve the problem.”

    • When asked about Voter ID laws, Wagner said, “Because I support the voter ID initiative, I certainly will enforce it. But more importantly, since much of the state’s current political establishment opposes it, and has a history of not vigorously enforcing — or suing to stop — initiatives they don’t like, I pledge to the people of California that I will sue to protect voter ID if passed by the people. In fact, I will enforce the will of the people in a nonpartisan way as secretary of state. Regardless of my personal belief in the wisdom of an initiative or a candidate, if the people vote for that measure or person, I will consider it my sworn duty to enforce the people’s will.”

    Endorsed by: 

    • Howard Jarvis Taxpayer Assoc.

    • Pete Wilson, Former California Governor

    • Bruce McPherson, California Secretary of State (Ret.)

    • Bill Jones, California Secretary of State (Ret.)

    • Mike Munzing, Councilmember, Aliso Viejo (Introduced a Pride Flag Ban)

    • Ken Calvert, Member, US House of Representatives, R-Corona (Regularly votes in opposition of LGBTQ+ and minority rights, supports Voter Suppression)

    • Janet Nguyen, Member, Orange County Board of Supervisors, Fmr. State Senator

    • Diane Dixon, Assemblymember, Newport Beach

    • Shawn Steel, Fmr Chairman, California GOP (Significant Donor of anti-LGBTQ+ efforts)

    • Gracey Van Der Mark, City Councilwoman, Huntington Beach (Publicly Anti-LGBTQ+, Champion of Book Banning efforts)

    Candidate in the News:

    Follow the Money: 

    There is a significant amount of overlap and confusion when researching campaign finance filings for Don’s campaign, as he is also running a campaign committee named “Don Wagner Ballot Measure Committee to Protect Fair Elections” which Wagner is running in an effort to get Voter ID on the ballot, and the election committees overlap in search engines. His campaign finance filings for the Secretary of State race do not appear to be fully filed at this time.


Lieutenant Governor

The California Lieutenant Governor serves as the state’s second-highest executive, acting as the President of the State Senate and sitting on powerful boards that manage public lands and higher education. They protect civil rights by using their tie-breaking vote in the Senate and their influence on university boards to advocate for inclusive policies and equitable access to state resources.

  • *Information as of our June 2026 Primary Guide

    Current Position: 34th state treasurer of California since January 7, 2019; Re-elected to second term in 2022.

    Political Party: Democrat

    Campaign Statement: 

    “California stands at a crossroads in America's history. We need clear-eyed, proven leaders willing to stand tall and fight on behalf of every Californian. Defending California's values and people—especially women and immigrants—will be my top priority as your Lieutenant Governor. I'm the daughter of immigrants and there's no place for fear or intimidation in our state. I'll protect birthright citizenship from Trump's attacks, and hold ICE accountable for excessive violence. I've spent my life in public service standing up for women. As California State Treasurer, I funded reproductive health, birth control, and cancer screenings when Trump cut Title X funding. As Assemblywoman, I chaired the Select Committee on Domestic Violence to protect survivors. The Lieutenant Governor serves on the Coastal Commission and Boards of UC and CSU. I will fight Trump's plan to reopen offshore drilling, while defending universities and protecting academic freedom. I'll vote to freeze tuition so middle-class families can afford college. My mother was a public school teacher. That's why I'm committed to delivering a quality education to every California student. We live in an unprecedented moment—and California must chart the path forward—a future that embraces a shared belief in a better California for all. Join us, California Professional Firefighters, California Federation of Teachers, National Union of Healthcare Workers, Building Trades, Carpenters, Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis and more than 30 labor unions in our campaign at www.fionama.com. I love California and I humbly ask for your vote for Lieutenant Governor.”

    Email: Fiona@FionaMa.com 

    Campaign Website: https://fionama.com/ 

    She doesn’t have her priorities listed. However, on her website, she says she’s running because; 

    • “I believe in the California dream

    • Making Government Work for Us (“get the most value for your tax dollars”)

    • Fighting for Our Future (“grow our economy, attract investment, and create high-quality jobs. I’ll work to make college more affordable and ensure seniors can age with dignity”)”

    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • Fiona has served as state treasurer for the past seven years.

    • In 2021, Ma was accused of sexual harassment and racial discrimination in a lawsuit filed by a former employee. The suit was settled in 2024 by the state of California for $350,000. Per the AP, “The agreement filed Friday in Sacramento County Superior Court stems from a 2021 lawsuit filed by a former employee of the treasurer’s office — Judith Blackwell — who alleged Ma exposed herself and crawled into bed with her when they shared rooms at a hotel and a rental unit (...) Blackwell said that while sharing rooms, Ma called her into her bedroom several times, exposed her nude backside and climbed into Blackwell’s bed with her at least once.” Fiona said of the settlement, “From day one, I said this was a frivolous lawsuit filed by a disgruntled employee who fabricated claims in an attempt to embarrass me in hopes of receiving millions of dollars in a settlement.” This case was settled with a settlement, not a trial. 

    • Fiona participated in the San Francisco Pride parade in 2025 - she can be seen from a parade float in these photos here. She’s also the Equality Icon Grand Marshal in the Long Beach Pride Parade. source

    Social Media Links: 

    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • On May 1st, Fiona posted on her instagram, “This Mayday, we stand in solidarity with the hardworking men and women in labor who power our economy! Fiona Ma is proud to be the labor candidate in this race — fighting for the wages, workplace protections, and a bright future all Californians deserve.”

    • When interviewed by the OC Register, Ma said, “As state treasurer, I expanded college savings through CalKIDS and financed affordable housing. As lieutenant governor, I will scale student housing, expand need-based aid and strengthen transfer pathways from community colleges to four-year institutions. I will also align higher education with workforce needs, so students graduate into good-paying jobs. Access without completion is not equity, and I will fight to deliver both.”

    • When the San Jose Mercury News asked Ma what her three priorities were if elected, she replied with, 

      • “Higher education affordability: One of my top priorities will be to build more affordable housing units on and around college campuses so that students do not have the burden of commuting long distances to school or sleeping in cars. I have also been working to improve our state financial aid system. 

      • The environment: I will work to keep our coastlines clean and protect our water from pollution. 

      • Health care: Access to quality, affordable health care is something every Californian deserves, regardless of their zip code or income level.”

    • In an interview with the OC Register, Ma said, “Equity must be built into every level of the system, not treated as an add-on.”

    Endorsed by: 

    • CA Federation of Labor Unions

    • California Nurses Association

    • Stonewall Young Democrats

    • Costa Mesa Democrats

    • Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis

    • Secretary of State Shirley Weber

    • State Controller Malia Cohen

    • Costa Mesa Mayor John Stephens

    • San Jose Mercury News

    Candidate in the News:

    Follow the Money: There isn’t much in the way of filed campaign filings yet. South AFL-CIO reported their contribution:

    • $307.15 total in April from South Bay AFL- CIO Labor Council Committee On Political Education

  • *Information as of our June 2026 Primary Guide*

    Campaign Statement, if any: None Found

    Email: None Found

    Campaign Website: https://www.gloriaromero4ltgov.com/

    On her “About Me” page on her website, Gloria has highlighted a photo of her at a Steve Hilton rally in Huntington Beach, standing alongside Huntington Beach City Councilmembers Andrew Gruel (who called left-wing protesters ‘circus animals’ in 2025) and Gracey Van Der Mark (who pushed for the city’s Pride Flag Ban and has gained notoriety for her efforts to ban books in the HB library), as well as Calvary Chapel of Huntington Harbor lead pastor Joe Pedick, who has openly espoused extreme anti-LGBTQ rhetoric.

    Her website also highlights her consistent support for charter schools, merit-based education reform, and “parental empowerment”. Important to note, the “Parents Rights” caucus is widely acknowledged by LGBTQ+ advocacy caucus to be a dog-whistle for anti-LGBTQ+.

    Priorities: 

    • “Restore merit in admissions, protect academic standards, and stop setting students up for failure.” 

    • “Gloria will hold administrators and university officials accountable to ensure non-discrimination in access to every campus and academic programming.” 

    Note - in the language about this stance, Gloria specifically calls out protections for Jewish students, but does not cite any other specific demographic.  

    • “Gloria will proudly stand up for women’s sports and Title IX. Fairness matters. Women deserve a level playing field, not excuses.” It’s worth noting that Lt. Governor is responsible for the state college system, and trans women are not allowed to compete or receive sports scholarships at the collegiate level. 

    • Regarding the Lt. Governor’s responsibilities on the state’s land and coastal policies, Gloria will push for “a strong, common-sense voice for fire prevention, smarter land management, and faster rebuilding when disaster strikes.”

    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • Romero was a registered Democrat when she was elected to the State Senate in 2001 - in 2024, she announced that she was switching her party registration to Republican. Publicly, she stated that her motivation to switch was her view that Democrats had abandoned working families and education reform.

    • Romero endorsed Trump’s 2024 run, and spoke at his Coachella rally.

    • Romero is a proud member of the Lexit movement (Latino Exit from the Democratic Party). Leaders in this movement have been heavily involved in extremist anti-LGBTQ efforts across Southern California, especially in the Inland Empire with Sonja Shaw.

    • Romero was elected in 2001, then again in 2006. She was ineligible to run in 2010 due to term limits. While specific district lines have changed, she represented the East Los Angeles area. She served as the Senate Majority Leader during that time. 

    • Beyond her time as a State Senator, she also served a few years in the State Assembly.

    • She is the Founder/Executive Director of Scholarship Prep Charter School located in Santa Ana, CA. 

    Social Media Links: 

    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    • Harmeet K. Dhillon. Dhillon is Asst. Attorney General in the Trump DOJ and co-founder of the Center for American Liberty, a law firm that actively fights to dismantle LGBTQ+ civil rights. 

    • Kevin Kiley, CA Congressman

    • Michael Gates

    • Spencer Pratt

    • Steve Hilton

    • Chris Rufo, far-right activist deeply involved in the anti-trans movement

    • Jennifer Sey, extremist anti-trans activist and founder of XX-XY Athletics

    • Corey DeAngelis, Senior Research Fellow at the Heritage Foundation

    • Antonio Villaraigosa, former LA Mayor and Democratic Candidate for governor

    • America First Policy Institute State Action

    • Yoshi the Patriot, extremist far-right activist and content creator

    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • In an editorial piece she wrote for the California Post (right-wing publication, affiliated with the New York Post) in September of 2024, she said, “President Ronald Reagan warned that if fascism comes to America it will come as liberalism, and he was right: I have witnessed individual freedoms being trapped, silenced, censored. I’ve seen the terrifying modification of language that condemns me for saying that I can define a woman and can distinguish between biological sex and gender identity. I am a mother and refuse to call myself a “birthing person.” I’m pro-choice, but I do not support abortion till birth. What happened to “safe, legal and rare”? The Trump-led Republican Party has become the party of peace, while Democrats have marched toward endless war.”

    • Later in that same piece, she said, “As a Mexican-American, I have long embraced pathways to citizenship, but I reject the mockery of throwing open our southern border to all comers.”

    • In an interview with the OC Register; “Students and families should not be the first place government looks when there is a budget problem. I do not support treating tuition hikes like the easy answer. California families are already stretched too thin.”

    • On Twitter in 2024, Gloria posted, “So honored to speak at Coachella yesterday! @realDonaldTrump⁩ had the cojones to plant a giant MAGA flag in California! We are not a Blue state. We are not a Red state. We are THE GOLDEN State & Californians are voting ⁦@TeamTrump @LexitMovement1”

    • In June of 2025, she replied to a post about LA Sheriff Luna on Twitter, saying, “Sheriff Luna is a puppet of the ultra woke and FAILED Board of Supervisors who all suffer from intense TDS”

    • In September of 2024, she posted a reply to Leo Terrell on Twitter, saying, “With you as my inspiration, I proudly join President Trump @realDonaldTrump and MAGA nation to do my part to Make America Great Again! Gloria 2.0 @TrumpWarRoom” Terrell is a member of the Trump DOJ and a former Fox News contributor.

    • In July of 2022 (BEFORE she switched parties), Romero posted a reply on Twitter to Sen. Manchin and Sen. Schumer about not raising taxes, “And we’re not in a recession, women are birthing people, men get pregnant, the border is secure, blah blah blah @Sen_JoeManchin @ElAmerican_  @CARebelBase @KATYSaccitizen @Hamletgarcia17 @pnjaban @SoledadUrsua”

    Endorsed by: Her endorsements are not listed on her website, but we found these:

    • CA GOP (She is running on the Steve Hilton ticket)

    • April's Common Sense Cali Voters (Sway voting group by April Silverman (Cali MAGA Barbie)) 

    • Elizabeth Barcohana's Lady with a Brain Voter Guide (Sway voting group by Elizabeth Barcohana) 

    • Let’s Vote Differently LA! (Sway voting group by Nicole Eff) 

    • Liberty For All (Sway voting group by Mark Ragains) 

    • Reform California's Voting Group (Sway voting group by Reform California)

    ***A sway group is a group that is not explicitly affiliated with a political party. In practice, sway groups do still often align on one side of the political aisle more than another.

    Candidate in the News:

    Public Voting Record:

    Romero was a state legislator in the 2000s, during which time she was involved in a number of pieces of LGBTQ+ related legislation. 

    • Voted yes on California Domestic Partner Rights and Responsibilities Act (2003), a piece of legislation that granted domestic partnerships most of the same rights as married couples. 

    • Co-authored AB 2208 (2004), which legally required insurance companies to extend all of the same privileges given to insured married couples to include couples in registered domestic partnerships. 

    Follow the Money:  Campaign Finance Filings for this race aren’t out yet; however, we’ve found the following campaign contributions to other races she’s made. 

    • $100 to No Recall, Parents Protecting our Kids Against the Recall of OUSD Boardmembers Ledesma and Miner

    • $100 to (Tim) Shaw for OC Board of Education 2024

    • $250 to Friends of Ken Williams OC Board of Education 2024

    • ***Pride at the Pier note: All of these individuals are widely criticized by LGBTQ+ Advocacy groups in Orange County for their record of voting against the interests of LGBTQ+ students. 

State Treasurer

The state treasurer acts as the state's chief banker, managing its investments, overseeing billions of dollars in public funds, and handling the sale of bonds to pay for big projects like schools and roads. By managing these resources, they can promote civil rights by investing in underserved communities and ensuring that state-funded housing and infrastructure projects are distributed fairly and equitably.

  • *Information as of our June 2026 Primary Guide

    Campaign Statement:

    “Eleni Kounalakis | DEMOCRATIC

    I'm a businesswoman, financial expert and daughter of Greek immigrants. I believe in the California dream and as Lieutenant Governor have worked hard supporting small business, education and opportunities for hard working families. I'm running for State Treasurer to be a disciplined, responsible manager of California's finances, focused on protecting working families, strengthening our economy, and making smart investments that reflect our values. I'm running for State Treasurer to: Build affordable housing using public finance. Fight Trump's attacks on our health care and immigrants. Protect the pensions of hard-working Californians. Invest in the financial future of children and families. I have the support of Governor Gavin Newsom, Senator Alex Padilla, Senator Adam Schiff and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi. I also have the support and endorsement of over 450,000 California teachers. California's firefighters, first responders and health care workers also support my candidacy and I hope to have yours as well. As a businesswoman, I spent decades building housing communities, using infrastructure financing, and delivering results. As California's 50th Lieutenant Governor and a former Obama diplomat, I've brought real-world financial expertise to some of the state's toughest challenges. I've created clean-energy jobs, managed public lands, and voted to approve more than 60,000 new beds on college campuses to help lower costs for students and families. I'm a fierce fighter for democracy. I'm on the front lines against Donald Trump's attacks on immigrant communities and women's reproductive freedom—all while protecting our environment and California's core values. EleniForCA.com”

    Email: info@eleniforca.com

    Campaign Website: https://eleniforca.com/

    Eleni’s website does not have her priorities, issues, etc listed, which is unusual for a campaign website. Normally we’d provide that information in this guide. However, her campaign website highlights a number of elements of her experience she finds important, including: 

    • “Eleni joined her father in building one of California’s most respected housing development firms, AKT Development.”

    • “In 2010, she was appointed by President Obama as U.S. Ambassador to Hungary, where she worked to advance democracy and American values abroad.”

    • “In her roles as chair of the State Lands Commission and a voting member on the University of California Board of Regents and California State University Board of Trustees, she has helped oversee billions in public assets.”

    • “...approving the construction of over 60,000 beds on college campuses.”

    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • As Lt. Governor in 2021, Kounalakis established the state’s Transgender Advisory Council, a first in the nation, “a council of transgender leaders to create a dialogue between state leaders and the transgender community in California”, with a goal of “bring(ing) attention to the issues faced by the transgender community by inviting stakeholders in advocacy, government, and different industry sectors to hear directly from the council.” Regarding the establishment of this council, she said, “Here in California, I’m proud we have enacted many protections for LGBTQ+ people, but we still have work to do, and that is especially true for issues facing our transgender and nonbinary family, friends, and neighbors (...) establishing this council gives transgender leaders the space to have an open dialogue with key stakeholders who may not have otherwise had the opportunity to hear directly from them. I hope bridging this gap will help to amplify important issues and bring more understanding of the community. I look forward to the opportunity to listen, to learn, and to help elevate the voices of the members.”

    Social Media Links: 

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EleniKounalakis

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/EleniForCA

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eleniforca

    • On Instagram, she posted a selfie with Pete Buttigieg, with the caption, “It was great to support my friend @Pete.Buttigieg yesterday! I am grateful for the work he is doing to help build and invest in the new generation of politics and political leaders who will lead our country into this new era of democracy.”

    • She also shared her endorsement from Equality CA on Instagram, with the caption, “It is an honor to have earned the endorsement from @EQCA! Equality California is the largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization that fights to protect LGBTQ+ Californians at the local, state, and national levels, and I am proud to stand alongside them in the continued fight for equality.”

    • She shared an endorsement from Reproductive Freedom for All, too, with the caption, “We’re endorsing Eleni Kounalakis for California Treasurer! As Lieutenant Governor, @EleniForCa worked to safeguard and strengthen access to essential reproductive care. And as State Treasurer, she will continue to protect our fundamental freedoms.” To clarify, this post was made by RF4A, and Eleni is a collaborator on that post. 

    • She also posted on Instagram a celebration of the democratic defeat of Hungary’s Viktor Orban, who is one of the biggest global leaders in the anti-LGBTQ movement, saying, “As the former U.S. Ambassador to Hungary, I witnessed firsthand the early rise of Viktor Orbán and the consolidation of power that followed. Yesterday, the Hungarian people made their voices heard—choosing a new path that puts democracy, accountability, and the future of their country first.”

    • You can read the 2024 statement on Transgender Day of Remembrance, issued by Kounalakis’ Transgender Advisory Council, here. 

    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    • Equality California

    • Reproductive Freedom for All

    • NUHW Healthcare Union

    • California Environmental Voters

    • California Coastal Commission

    • West Stanislaus County Fire Protection District

    • Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club

    • Fresno State Cross Cultural Gender Center

    • Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California

    • SF Women's Political Committee

    • CA Dept of Corrections

    • California Volunteers

    • Second Lady Usha Vance

    • Stop AAPI Hate

    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • In an LA Times article reprinted by Yahoo, Kounalakis said her approach would be to 'lean in’ to clean investments. “But it has to be balanced with recognizing that the returns at CalPERS and CalSTRS are very important for the hard-earned pensions of those whose retirement is being managed (...) My top priorities would be to manage the state's finances with responsibility and experience,’ she said, ‘and to build more housing and the infrastructure to support it, to protect our pensions and manage our investment portfolio with transparency and accountability.”

    • Eleni ran for governor in 2023, but ended her campaign to redirect to the State Treasurer race. Of the decision to switch races, she said, “I am very happy because it is so closely aligned with my skill set (...) I think it's so important to have a state treasurer who has that kind of experience to manage our financial future responsibly (...) I have been using my international experience serving the state as our representative for international trade and investment, which has a very heavy economic development piece to it.”

    • When asked about her priorities, she said she’d lean into investments into clean energy, continuing, “My top priorities would be to manage the state's finances with responsibility and experience (...) and to build more housing and the infrastructure to support it, to protect our pensions and manage our investment portfolio with transparency and accountability.”

    • Speaking on AB 245, which required CA higher education institutions to allow trans students to change their names on their diplomas and records, which she co-sponsored, she said, “California is taking an important step towards protecting and supporting trans and gender nonconforming students in California’s public higher education institutions by ensuring that every student receives a diploma that accurately reflects their chosen name.”

    Endorsed by: (See link for full list)

    • Equality California 

    • Kamala Harris

    • Hillary Clinton

    • Barbara Boxer (Fmr. CA Congresswoman)

    • Adam Schiff (CA Congressman)

    • Alex Padilla (CA Congressman)

    • Nancy Pelosi (CA Congresswoman)

    • Pete Buttigieg

    • Gavin Newsom

    • Fiona Ma (Current State Treasurer)

    • Malia Cohen (Current State Controller)

    • Rob Bonta (Current State Attorney General)

    • CA Labor Federation

    • Teamsters CA

    • California Federation of Teachers

    • California Teachers Association

    • California State Association of Electrical Workers

    • East Bay Stonewall Democratic Club

    • San Francisco Women’s Political Committee

    • Sierra Club

    • Reproductive Freedom for All

    • California YIMBY

    • California Environmental Voters

    • California Council for Affordable Housing

    Candidate in the News:

    Public Voting Record:

    • As Lt. Governor, Kounalakis co-sponsored AB 378, the Gender Equity in Leadership Act, which removes gendered language relating to the offices of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, State Controller, Treasurer, Insurance Commissioner, and Board of Equalization. Source

    • As Lt. Governor, Kounalakis co-sponsored AB 245, which requires California's public colleges and universities to allow transgender and nonbinary students to update their academic records—including diplomas—with their affirmed names and correct gender markers, preventing them from being deadnamed. Source

    Follow the Money: via the link

    (*not available for CITY government positions)

    • https://www.transparencyusa.org/ca/candidate/eleni-kounalakis/

    • $11,571,047 Cash on Hand

    • $9,367,777 Total Contributions

    • $14,202,620 Total Expenditures

    • Top 10 contributors:

      • $572,141.68 Eleni Kounalakis

      • $310,615.48 Aggregated Unitemized Contributions

      • $53,800.00 Tina Thomas

      • $39,200.00 California Professional Firefighters Ballot Issues Committee

      • $39,200.00 California Teachers Association/association for Better Citizenship

      • $39,200.00 Professional Engineers in California Government Pecg PAC

      • $39,200.00 Ronald Conway

      • $38,800.00 Association of California School Administrators PAC

      • $37,800.00 Richard J Saker

      • $34,400.00 Raise the Wage California Sponsored by the California State Council of Service Employees and Its Affiliates

  • *Information as of our June 2026 Primary Guide*

    Campaign Statement:

    “Jennifer Hawks | REPUBLICAN

    I am not a career politician, and that perspective is exactly why I’m running for California State Treasurer. A Silicon Valley resident since 1983, I’ve watched California grow, innovate, and face increasingly complex financial challenges. I raised my family here, worked inside large organizations, and served on community and public boards where budgets had to balance and decisions carried real consequences. Those experiences taught me that good intentions are not enough. Sound financial management requires discipline, follow-through, and accountability. California’s fiscal challenges did not happen overnight. They are the result of years of decisions made without sufficient scrutiny or long-term discipline. I am detail-driven and persistent, and I believe the Treasurer has a responsibility to ask hard questions, follow the money, and provide clear answers to the public when something doesn’t add up. Honesty, integrity, and transparency are not slogans; they are essential duties of this office. The Treasurer’s Office should operate with rigorous oversight, measurable performance standards, and full transparency for taxpayers, local governments, and investors. As Treasurer, I will prioritize thorough audits, clear reporting, and practical financial discipline to strengthen California’s fiscal foundation. This office exists to safeguard public money, independent of political agendas. My focus will be on what best serves the people of California. Responsible stewardship, accountability, and long-term financial stability. Vote Jennifer Hawks www.hawksforus.com”

    Email: info@hawksforus.com

    Campaign Website: https://hawksforus.com/

    Her campaign website has the following piece of Biblical scripture on it, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. - Joshua 1:9”. The book of Joshua is part of the Old Testament in the Bible covering the story of the Israelites’ conquest of the Promised Land, and the scripture she’s quoting appears to be the New International Version translation of the Bible. 

    Her website has a page labeled “The Problem”, which says the following; “Breaking: CAL DOGE Exposes $435 Billion in Fraud & Waste (...) $435 Billion Lost. Zero Accountability.

    That's over $22,000 stolen from every California taxpayer. The Controller has missed federal audit deadlines three years running.” 

    Among other things listed on her campaign website highlighting ‘The Problem’ with the State Treasurer’s office, she also includes, “The Human Crisis”, which goes into detail about the homelessness crisis in CA, mostly referring to the unhoused population living rough on CA states. “Since 2018, California has spent more than $24 billion on homelessness programs. Over the same period, the unhoused population has grown to more than 180,000 people — the largest in the United States. The crisis didn't shrink. It accelerated.”   

    • Pride at the Pier Note: Over 50% of the population of homeless trans people in the United States live in CA, largely contributed to by the massive refugee crisis of hundreds of thousands of trans people fleeing states that are hostile to trans people. 

    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • Hawks sat for an interview with former Republican Congressmember Matt Gaetz, who now has a show on OAN. As a reminder, Gaetz was pushed out of Congress largely as a response from even members within his own party after details of his sexual conduct with minors became public knowledge. Source

    • Hawks has never served in elected office before, something she feels makes her uniquely qualified for this seat, as she is outside of the political establishment. 

    Social Media Links: 

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/votehawks

    Instagram: https://instagram.com/votehawks

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585043011188 

    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    • David Tangipa, CA Assemblymember and anti-trans activist

    • Rogan O’Handley, “DC_Draino”, America First Lawyer

    • California Republican Party

    • Gloria Romero, Republican Candidate for Lt. Governor

    • Michael Gates, fmr. HB City Attorney, fmr. Trump DOJ, Candidate for CA AG. Anti-LGBTQ+ activist.

    • Herb Morgan, Republican candidate for State Controller

    • CA Rifle & Pistol Association Political Action Committee

    • California Globe, Right Wing Biased news engine

    • Nick Shirley, Far-right influencer involved with Trump administration

    • James O'Keefe, founder of Project Veritas

    • Cam Higby, Far-right media figure

    • Reform California

    • Carl DeMaio, CA State Assemblymember and chair of Reform CA

    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • On instagram, “When i'm in office Fraudifornia will be a distant memory because we will track every dollar spent.”

    • On instagram, “Right now, we are living in a dark time, and you can see it running rampant on the streets of Los Angeles.”

    • When asked by the OC Register where she stands on the question of divesting CA state funds from Israel, she replied, “I favor smart investing, so Californians get the best rate of return possible for their money. So whatever is going to maximize our investment returns is what matters most. CalPERS and CalSTRS manage a $1 trillion portfolio combined. Those funds are invested in a wide variety of banks, bonds, and companies, based on what is going to profit Californians. The target is 7% to remain solvent. Between $1 and $2 billion is invested in banks, bonds and stocks linked to Israel. Some of those companies are well-known multinational corporations, like Caterpillar and Chevron. And the return on those for fiscal year ’24-’25 was 11.6% for CalPERS and 8.5% for CalSTRS, well above the target 7%. So 0.1-0.2% of the portfolio is putting $100 to $227 million into their trusts, helping cover unfunded liabilities and reducing the amount of taxpayer money the state must contribute in the future to keep the pension system solvent. That just makes financial sense; it’s smart investing.”

    • When asked how her background prepares her for this role, she answered, “I am not a career politician; I’m a retired businesswoman and mother. I know what it means to balance a budget for both a company and a household. I built my career on managing complex budgets and teams with care and precision. Career politicians treat our state’s funds like a blank check because they’ve never worked in the private sector, where you have to balance the books, meet payroll, ensure there’s a return on every dollar spent and hold vendors to account. As a businesswoman, I know how to cut unnecessary costs and deliver results. I will bring the discipline, transparency and tough love that I learned from years as a business owner to Sacramento.”

    Endorsed by: 

    • California Republican Party

    • California Republican Assembly

    • California Rifle and Pistol Association

    • California Women's Leadership Association PAC (CWLA PAC)

    • Carl DeMaio

    • Reform California

    • American Independent Party Note: this is NOT the same thing as No Party Preference. The AI Party is an extreme far-right political party. 

    • Santa Barbara County Republican Party

    • United Vietnamese American Community of Northern California

    Candidate in the News:

    Public Voting Record:

    • None found, as Hawks has never served in an elected capacity before. 

    Follow the Money: 

    • https://www.transparencyusa.org/ca/candidate/jennifer-hawks/ 

    • $38,436 Cash on Hand

    • $32,447 Total Contributions

    • $19,011 Total Expenditures

    • Top 10 Contributors:

      • $7,500.00, Joy Craft

      • $5,500.00, Carl DeMaio (Chair of Reform CA)

      • $5,000.00, Thomas Gutshall

      • $1,500.00, Robert Varich

      • $1,000.00, Anna Kramer

      • $1,000.00, Carol Ann Petty

      • $1,000.00, Cynthia Varich

      • $1,000.00, Dale Broome

      • $1,000.00, Debbie Brookfield

      • $1,000.00, Marya Keeth