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

  • 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

City Council Race

City Treasurer

Fullerton School District

  • Coming Soon!

  • Coming Soon!

  • 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

Fullerton Joint School District

La Habra City School District

  • Coming Soon!

  • Coming Soon!

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:

    • 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 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

Brea Olinda Unified School District

North OC Community College District

  • Coming Soon!

  • Coming Soon!

  • Coming Soon!

  • Coming Soon!

  • Coming Soon!

  • Coming Soon!

  • Coming Soon!

  • Coming Soon!

38th District, House of Representatives

  • Coming Soon!

  • Coming Soon!

41st District, House of Representatives

  • Coming Soon!

  • Coming Soon!

  • Coming Soon!

  • Coming Soon!

59th District, CA State Assembly

Orange County Board of Supervisors District 4

Orange County Board of Education District 3

Orange County Water District

Municipal Water District of Orange County

  • Coming Soon!

  • Coming Soon!

  • Coming Soon!

  • Coming Soon!

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