Below you will find every single race that can be found in Huntington Beach, 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.

Huntington Beach

2026

City Council Race

  • Huntington Beach At-Large City Council Candidate, Incumbent


    Candidate Statement:

    “CASEY MCKEON | AGE: 47

    Mayor of Huntington Beach/Businessowner

    As a 3rd generation Huntington Beach resident, small business owner and current Mayor of Huntington Beach, I passionately love this City. I am extremely proud that we fulfilled our campaign promises when I was elected in 2022.

    We continue to fight for local control against unjust and unfair High Density housing mandates to protect Huntington Beach from predatory developers to ensure our City remains a suburban beach community that protects our open spaces.

    During the last four years, we have achieved the greatest homeless reduction numbers in our City’s history! We were the number one city in Orange County this year for homelessness reduction, and I will continue to prioritize tackling this challenging issue.

    During the last four years, Crime is down 27% across all categories. I am supported by Police  and Fire and will ensure Public Safety is a priority in Huntington Beach.

    Our Streamline Program cut the red tape at City hall and increased permits issued by over 23% in the first year. Huntington Beach won first place this year out of fourteen other government agencies for our Streamline program.

    I respectfully request your vote for re-election to Huntington Beach City Council to secure our future.”


    Email: casey4hbcc@gmail.com 


    Campaign Website: https://casey4hb.com/

    His campaign website opens onto the words, “Let's Keep Huntington Beach, Huntington Beach. Strong today, Secure Tomorrow.” Under his “priorities” section, he says, “I’m a local HB kid with conservative values”. McKeon is 47 years old. 

    Priorities: 

    • Public Safety

    • Economic Growth

    • Local Control

    • Community Engagement

    • Quality of Life


    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • McKeon was elected to the council in 2022 and became mayor in 2026. During his tenure as mayor, he has instituted a social media program called “Minute with the Mayor” where he highlights local businesses in the city. Some residents have raised concerns about this, suggesting that these videos could be considered campaigning using the city’s resources. It is worth noting that the businesses do include some whose owners have donated to the campaigns of city council candidates that McKeon opposed in 2024 and 2022. 

    • As reported by the Surf City Sentinel, the “Protect Kids from PORN” signs that were all over the city in 2025 during the Measures A&B election (these measures were to protect the Huntington Beach Public Library from book banning and privatization) were actually created by Casey McKeon. (x) 

    • McKeon posted a selfie with Kristi Noem on his personal Facebook in June 2022, at an OCGOP Flag Day event. Noem was South Dakota governor with the endorsement of Donald Trump at the time, and has since gone on to have a career with the Trump administration. She was the Secretary of Homeland Security from January 2025 to March 2026, during which time she received significant criticism for her leadership of ICE and endorsement of their actions, as well as her efforts to justify the state murders of Alex Pretti and Renee Good. While governor of South Dakota (at the time McKeon took a photo with her), she had already received significant criticism, especially over her opposition of LGBTQ rights spanning gay marriage to gender affirming healthcare equity, her efforts to criminalize cannabis usage, her efforts to establish Christian prayer in public schools, her deployment of South Dakota guard troops to the US-Mexico border, her use of federal COVID relief funds to boost South Dakota tourism, her efforts to establish anti-protest legislation, her efforts to end free breakfasts to public schoolchildren, her defense of abortion bans, and more. In his post, McKeon lauded the “prosperity South Dakota is experiencing under her leadership” as “inspiring”. 

    • McKeon’s day job is as Vice President of Acquisitions for Heslin Holdings Inc, an Orange County-based commercial real estate developer. Source

    • McKeon is on the Orange County Republican Central Committee, having been elected by his fellow Republicans in 2024. He’s the representative for the 72nd Assembly District, encompassing Seal Beach, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, and Aliso Viejo. 

    • McKeon found himself in the midst of bipartisan community outrage in early 2026 over a proposed ‘rebranding consultant’ for the city, Wolffhaus Studio. The proposal would have resulted in a $720,000 contract for the consulting firm, which did not have any significant portfolio of work and whose owner, Tyler Wolff, is known to be a personal friend within McKeon’s circle. The public, on both sides of the aisle, raised concerns at city council meetings over this. Dominic McGee, who was previously a loud supporter of McKeon, said at the meeting, “...when conducting the (request for proposal), you might want to choose a company that has a DBA (“doing business as”), because Wolffhauss doesn’t seem to have a DBA, a business license, or an LLC of kind. You might want to also choose somebody who doesn’t have a sex line on their website as their official telephone number, okay? Because that’s what Wolffhaus has at the moment, along with nothing else on their website. This is a little disturbing to me. I’ve supported most of the people on this city council for a long time, but it seems that certain people are ruling by fiat. So I would take all of those things into consideration before you give away contracts for cronyism”. McKeon defended the contract proposal, saying that no rules had been broken. Source source 

    • McKeon, along with other Huntington Beach City Councilmembers, was issued a fine by the California Fair Political Practices Commission for failing to disclose VIP passes given to them during the 2022 Pacific Airshow. This was especially relevant considering their votes to settle a lawsuit with the Pacific Airshow for millions of dollars without a legal battle. source


    Social Media Links: 

    On his personal Facebook on July 24, 2021, Casey posted a call to action for a “Who Will Replace Tito Ortiz Protest”. This is in connection with an effort to ensure the then-city council appoint Gracey Van Der Mark as the replacement city councilmember after Tito Ortiz resigned his position on the council a few months into his term. Rhonda Bolton was appointed instead, becoming the first Black city councilmember in Huntington Beach history. Casey said in this post, “That seat belongs to the voters, not the City Councilmembers.” Worth noting: When he had an opportunity to either appoint a city councilmember through a publicly transparent process or call for special election when former councilmember Tony Strickland left his seat, McKeon chose to appoint current city councilmember Andrew Gruel with no public transparency. source

    On June 26, 2021, Casey shared an event advertisement for a “Are Public Schools Really Safe?” seminar hosted by the Republican National Hispanic Assembly of Orange County. Gracey Van Der Mark was one of the lead speakers, with her leadership of LGBTQ hate group “Informed Parents of Orange County” being attributed as her credentials to speak. The topics listed on the event flyer include “critical race theory” and “sex education”. Source


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:


    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • Regarding a proposed salary increase for the Huntington Beach Police Department, he said, “Based on the financial analysis we just went through, we don’t have a way to pay for it. Unfortunately, this just increases the velocity of our deficit … This is unsustainable and can’t continue. At some point, some city has to have strong financial prudence and say, ‘Look, this is what we can afford. Let’s work together, let’s bring up revenues and then maybe reopen your contact.’ Based on the situation where it is today, not being able to pay for it, I have to vote no.” source

    • In the last meeting of 2025, after McKeon was named the new Mayor, arguments abounded over the Mayor Pro-Tem seat, which is traditionally given to the councilmember with highest seniority and/or the top vote getter in the most recent election after the Mayor. Based on this standard (which had also been violated in 2023 and 2024 by the council majority to prevent left-leaning councilmembers from becoming Mayor) the seat should have gone to Chad Williams. However, McKeon moved to make Butch Twining the new Mayor Pro-Tem, which deepened the existing rift on the otherwise super-majority “MAGAnificent 7” council.  In defense of his actions, McKeon said this;  “It doesn’t mean that I don’t think (Chad) can be pro tem in the future, or mayor in the future. It’s just right now, I want the pro tem to be Butch. I have a family history with him, he’s a great leader, he was the CEO of his family business, a multi-million dollar company. He’s here every day, he’s a generous man. He’s just great.” source

    • In support of a 2023 vote to dissolve the city’s Human Relations Committee, which had been formed in the late 1990s after multiple violent hate crimes against the BIPOC community by white supremacists, he said “The narrow focus on these incidents perpetuates a false narrative that Huntington Beach is a divisive and hateful city.” He did not provide evidence for this argument. source

    • In support of his vote for the 2023 Pride Flag ban ordinance, he said, “By definition, inclusion represents everyone equally. Any other flag listed on this agenda item does not represent every resident equally, it’s as simple as that.” source

    • On his personal Facebook on May 14, 2025, McKeon made a post campaigning against Measures A & B. These two measures, which Pride at the Pier supported, were citizen-led efforts to prevent the city council from privatizing the Huntington Beach Library as well as preventing the creation of a politically-motivated board to moderate the books allowed on the shelves of the library. About these issues, McKeon said, “The Yes proponents want you to believe that the sexually explicit books in the Library are simply "Puberty Books." I implore everyone to look up the book "Let's Talk About It." This book is currently in the “Young Adults” section of the Library which is accessible to 13-year-olds. A “Young Adult” is 18, 19, 20 years of age, not 13. You are either an 18-year-old+ adult or you are a child, kid, minor.  This book “Let’s Talk About It” has hardcore, graphic images of sexual intercourse that if these images were placed on a movie screen, a child could not view them without being accompanied by an adult because they are so sexually graphic. If they can't be seen on a movie screen by a child, kid, minor, why can they be seen at the Library without the consent of their parent or guardian?” FACT CHECK: The book McKeon references is a puberty book designed for ages 14 and above that includes basic sexual education drawings similar to the type shown in public school sex education curriculum. The book’s content covered puberty, anatomy, gender and sexual orientation, relationships, consent, digital safety, and emotional health. It is simply incorrect to describe the content in the book as “hardcore, graphic images”. Prior to the council’s actions to remove the “Teen Section” of the Huntington Beach Library, this book was placed in that section. Measures A & B both passed with a significant majority, showing that the majority of the citizens agreed that this content was not something they wanted the city council moderating. 

    • After the FPPC fined McKeon and other councilmembers over their acceptance of VIP tickets to the Pacific Airshow as illegal gifts, the LA Times reported McKeon as saying, “We campaigned on saving [the air show]. We put out mail saying we were going to save the air show, and we did. I would hope people want to be proud of our premiere event, would want us to highlight it, market it and showcase it. That’s all we’ve ever done.” source

    • In regards to the council’s efforts to battle California state housing mandates, Casey said, “We’ve won in terms of buying time. I’d rather die on my feet than live on my knees (…) this is a matter of legal interpretation and we have to fight for it.” source


    Endorsed by: 

    • Tony Strickland (CA Assemblymember and Fmr. HB Mayor, voting record that is hostile to LGBTQ+ rights)

    • Don Barnes (OC Sheriff, believer in the “constitutional sheriff” movement)

    • Janet Nguyen (OC Supervisor, voting record that is hostile to LGBTQ+ rights)

    • Michael Gates (Fmr. HB City Attorney, Fmr. Trump DOJ until leaving amid accusations from his colleagues that he “created a hostile work environment for women”, Candidate for CA Attorney General)

    • The Lincoln Club of Orange County

    • OC GOP


    Candidate in the News:

    Public Voting Record: This is an incomplete list of Casey’s votes on agenda items that have garnered significant public response. For the sake of brevity, we have limited the list to this.

    • He voted for an “anti-sanctuary city” resolution in January 2025 presented by councilmember Pat Burns. Content warning: this resolution is rife with racist language and unsubstantiated conspiracies about immigrants. Read the full resolution here. 

    • In September 2026, he voted against a proposed police budget increase to support salary increases for officers that will result in $9.8M spent from the city’s coffers over the next three years, raising concerns about the impact on the city’s finances. The item passed without his support. source

    • In August of 2023, McKeon voted for dissolving Human Relations Committee, Mobile Home Advisory Board, Jet Noise Commission, among others. The Human Relations Committee in particular was developed in the late 1990s after two particular violent hate crimes (a murder and an attempted murder) against BIPOC community members Vernon Flournoy and George Mondragon by local white supremacist groups. This vote came down unofficial partisan lines on the board, and passed. McKeon suggested that the data surrounding hate crimes that the Human Relations Committee regularly presented to the city were inflated. Per the LA Times, “Councilman Casey McKeon suggested members of the HBHRC had overstated the significance of the spike in hate crimes, which he said remain minimal relative to the city’s population, and urged the city to stay focused on governmental concerns.” source 

    • He voted for the revised Policy on Human Dignity, the original version of which had been written after the aforementioned hate crimes in the late 1990s, and then updated in 2021 in response to a rise of White Supremacist activity in the city. The Policy, under this revision and vote, went from a statement expressing support for a wide variety of demographic groups in the city, to one that does not mention protected demographics and instead leans into anti-LGBTQ dog whistles. McKeon responded to the public comments expressing opposition to the updated policy to suggest that the city should perhaps not have a Policy on Human Dignity in the first place. The LA Times quotes him as saying; “I think every rational person condemns hate.” Pride at the Pier has gone on record to outright call this new Policy openly transphobic. McKeon was one of the ad-hoc committee members who wrote the new policy. source

    • The Policy on Human Dignity was written by an ad-hoc committee of councilmembers Gracey Van Der Mark, Casey McKeon, and Pat Burns. The appointment of Van Der Mark to the committee was protested by then-councilwoman Natalie Moser, who pointed out Van Der Mark’s documented, proven history of curating Holocaust denial content online, and her known, proven association with violent Proud Boys. Moser was censured by the other members of the board at the next meeting, including McKeon. source

    • He voted yes on the Pride Flag ban in 2023. source 

    • He voted to remove heritage months, including Black History Month, from the Huntington Beach city calendar. source 

    • He voted for the Pacific Airshow Settlement, which has been the source of significant controversy in the city and is now subject to a state audit. source 


    Follow the Money: 

    • The Huntington Beach Police Officers Association Political Action Committee spent $15,693.00 on mailers to oppose Casey McKeon’s 2026 campaign for re-election. Many, including Pride at the Pier, suspect that this opposition may be related to the fact that Casey voted against a salary increase for HBPD officers in the months ahead of this campaign contribution. 

    • Casey’s 2026 campaign contributions are not yet publicly available on the platform that Pride at the Pier uses for our research. 


    • $3,000 from the Huntington Beach Police Officers' Association Political Action Committee for digital ads

    • $600 from the Huntington Beach Police Officers' Association Political Action Committee as a straightforward donation

    • $1,815 combined from Dana and Butch Twining

    • $620 from Western Manufactured Housing Communities Association

    • $600 from Assoc Builders and Contractors PAC of Southern California

    • $620 from Villa Huntington Beach LP, the owners of a mobile home complex in HB

    • $620 from Apartment Association of Orange County PA

    • $600 from Huntington Beach Auto Dealers LP

    • $620 from Manufactured Housing Educational Trust (MHET) PAC

    • $620 from Rancho Huntington Owner LP

    • $620 from California Real Estate Political Action Committee

  • Huntington Beach At-Large City Council Candidate, Incumbent


    Candidate Statement:

    “ANDREW GRUEL | AGE: 46

    Huntington Beach City Councilmember | Appointed City Councilmember

    Serving on the Huntington Beach City Council has been the honor of my life.

    My wife and I are raising our four children here while owning and operating a local restaurant. Before public service, I built businesses, created jobs, balanced budgets, and learned that every dollar matters. That's the perspective I bring to City Hall.

    Since joining the City Council, I've fought to protect taxpayers, support our police and first responders, defend local control, preserve our beaches, parks, and neighborhoods, and keep

    Huntington Beach safe, financially responsible, and accountable to the people who live here. I am honored to have earned the endorsement of the Huntington Beach Police Officers' Association for my commitment to public safety.

    I believe government should live within its means, be transparent with every tax dollar, and focus on delivering the essential services residents deserve while protecting the character of our community.

    I will continue to lead with integrity, common sense, and an unwavering commitment to putting Huntington Beach first.

    I respectfully ask for your vote to continue serving our community.”


    Email: andrewgruel@gmail.com


    Campaign Website: https://gruel4council.com/ 

    Priorities: Gruel put his priorities into an acrostic poem with the word “LOCAL”

    • L - Law and Order

    • O - Open for Business

    • C - Community Parks & Beaches

    • A - Accountable Finances

    • L - Local Control of Housing


    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • Gruel was invited to the Protect HB candidate forum held on September 17th. He did not attend, and provided a screenshot later of a text message communicating with someone in connection to the candidate forum planning that he would not be able to make it. We reached out to his campaign to ask for a statement about his lack of attendance, and he provided the following statement, “I let the organizer’s representative know as soon as the debate date was announced that I already had a longstanding private speaking engagement that evening. I looked into whether I could Zoom in, but unfortunately the timing and logistics just didn’t make it possible.” 

    • Gruel is a chef and a restaurant owner, most notably Calico Fish House in Sunset Beach. He was also a founder of Slapfish, which Gruel started out of a food truck in 2011, before eventually selling his remaining interest to investment firm Mac Haik Enterprises in 2022. 

    • Gruel is a vocal advocate within the MAHA (Make America Healthy Again) movement, with a couple million followers across various social media platforms and regular bookings on shows like Fox News’ ‘Gutfeld!’. 

    • Gruel was appointed to the city council seat by the six other city councilmembers who have given themselves the moniker “The MAGAnificent 7”. The appointment did raise controversy, as it was done without public engagement and without any public discussion on the dais from the other councilmembers. Source

    • Gruel’s vote record has shifted over his time on the council. When he was first on the council, he tended to vote in line with the 7-0 vote records of the single-minded council. More recently the city council has splintered with councilmembers Chad Williams and Andrew Gruel making up the minority of a frequent 5-2 split on votes, oftentimes over concerns about transparency and government accountability regarding the items they vote No on. Gruel is not running on a slate with the other “MAGAnificent” incumbents, but has been at a number of campaign events with them and been in some campaign ads with them - not a slate-mate, but associated as one of the leading Republican-endorsed candidates. 

    • Gruel has been criticized extensively for comments that he’s made across social media and on TV about left-wing protesters. He has walked back some of those comments, and stood his ground on others. We will cover more of those under the “Public Comments” section of this report. 

    • Gruel and his wife, Lauren, were named “Pandemic Heroes” by Restaurant Business Online based on their actions during COVID. The Gruels put together a GoFundMe called “Help Struggling Restaurant Workers”, which raised $384,110. Per the GoFundMe description, “All of the funds raised will be accepted by the organizers then re-distributed directly to restaurant workers, via checks and electronic platforms, who have either lost their job or are in need of a small leg-up to cover rent payments, medical bills, childcare or any other day-to-day help.” source

    • Gruel was the featured guest on the Trump Administration Secretary of Health RFK Jr’s premier episode of his new show, “The Real Food Show”.  RFK Jr. has been criticized deeply for his ableist comments about autistic people, his attacks on gender affirming care, and his efforts to delegitimize and defund vaccine care. These topics did not come up in this episode, which was focused around ways to cook seafood at low cost. Source

    • Gruel has offered up his restaurant, Calico Fish House, as a support source on a number of occasions. During the LA wildfires in January 2025, he offered the restaurant’s parking lot as a place for folks to stay and park who didn’t have shelter. During the extended government shutdown when SNAP benefits were defunded, he advertised a ‘no questions asked’ food aid program called “Sharing the Table” at his restaurant for people impacted. Pride at the Pier included Calico Fish House in our list of food resources during that time. (x)

    • Gruel and his wife Lauren hosted a cooking show with guests Matt Gaetz and his wife Ginger in February 2025. At this time, Gaetz had already been the subject of significant controversy and criticism due to his documented history of inappropriate behavior with underage girls and statutory rape. As early as 2017, a report by the House Ethics Committee found substantial evidence that Gaetz paid women for sex and drugs on multiple occasions, including paying a 17-year-old girl for sex in 2017. The panel concluded that Gaetz violated House rules and state laws regarding statutory rape and prostitution. Gaetz has denied all wrongdoing. (x) (x) 

    • On August 16, 2026, he shared a video on his Twitter of a sit-down conversation he had with Jack Hibbs about getting involved in local politics. Jack Hibbs is the lead pastor at Calvary Chapel Chino Hills and the founder of Real Impact, Calvary’s explicitly political wing. Hibbs is deeply involved in the top levels of the Christian Nationalist movement, with structural connections to the Heritage Foundation, the Family Research Council, Focus on the Family, and more. Read more about Hibbs’ work here from the Southern Poverty Law Center. 


    Social Media Links: 

    One of his recent videos on Youtube is his “Cooking with Steve Hilton video”, which you can find here. The description on this video says, “In this episode, Steve Hilton dives into some of California’s biggest challenges — and his vision to make California 'Golden Again'. We cover everything from PAGA lawsuits and water shortages to the wild salmon crisis, farming issues, the fishing industry, oil, soil health, avocado and tomato production, EV mandates, and — most urgently — the high cost of living.”


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook: Gruel follows 3,370 on instagram and approx 7,500 on twitter, so this is obviously a small sampling. 

    • Creek Team OC (Environmentalist group in Orange County)

    • Gina Clayton-Tarvin (Ocean View School Board Trustee, has a voting record of LGBTQ+ advocacy and immigrant advocacy)

    • Luke Dennis (HB-based Proud Boy, who has a record of criminal charges for politically motivated violence including battery against a Black Lives Matter demonstrator in HB, who has traveled to other states for far-right extremist action and has made extremist claims about members of the LGBTQ+ community.)

    • Michael Gates (Fmr. HB City Attorney, Fmr. Trump DOJ until leaving amid accusations from his colleagues that he “created a hostile work environment for women”, Candidate for CA Attorney General. Openly transphobic source source)

    • James Klug (MAGA influencer, who has shown up at HB-area left-wing protests to stream “gotcha” interviews with protesters)

    • Mari Barke (OC Board of Education Trustee, director at anti-LGBTQ, anti-teacher union organization California Policy Center. CPC is the California wing under the Council for National Policy, a far-right thinktank)

    • David J. Tangipa (CA State Legislator, has been repeatedly involved in anti-trans rallies that Pride at the Pier has reported on source)

    • Thin Blue Line Spirituality

    • Kira Davis (Fmr. Candidate for Capistrano Unified School District, leading member of the organized targeting of a transgender teacher in that school district around 2022 and 2023, resulting in that teacher resigning after a bomb threat source source)

    • Dave Min (Democratic Congressman)

    • Michael Rapaport (New York comedian who in recent years has become a very loud advocate for Zionism)

    • Allie Beth Stuckey (Author of the book, “Toxic Empathy”)

    • Farmers Across America


    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • Gruel was not in attendance for the Protect HB candidate forum on September 17th. When he provided us with a statement regarding his lack of attendance, we asked him for his responses to two of the questions that were asked of candidates that night, as they are connected to the work we do as an organization. Those are as follows, with both the questions and answers verbatim. 

      • Question: 1:09:00 "Since the 2024 Grants Pass vs. Johnson, decision overturned the 2018 Martin v. Boise case, government agencies have been given more tools to address homelessness. What should be the city's role in addressing homelessness in Huntington Beach? Do you feel the city still has a responsibility to shelter or find shelter for homeless individuals in our community?" 

      • Answer: “The Grants Pass decision doesn't necessarily change how I view this issue. I believe we have two responsibilities as a city: enforcing our laws against public camping AND helping people experiencing homelessness access shelter and services.

    Our parks, beaches, and sidewalks should always be safe and accessible to everyone but at the same time, we should make a genuine effort to help people get off the streets. This is exactly why we have our Navigation Center and when the Navigation Center isn't the appropriate destination, we work with a broader network of resources throughout Orange County, including shelters, mental health services, churches, non-profits and addiction treatment programs.

    I also believe we need to acknowledge that homelessness isn't simply a housing issue. Substance abuse and mental illness are significant factors, and we need to understand why some individuals decline shelter, including whether shelter rules or other barriers are preventing them from accepting help. Does the city have a responsibility to facilitate access to shelter - absolutely, but that doesn't mean the city can guarantee that every individual will accept those services.

    My stance is straightforward - enforce our public camping laws, provide meaningful pathways to shelter and treatment, and hold ourselves accountable for results. But I don't think we need to paint this with a criminal brush (to some degree, that's the element of Grant's Pass that matters). I do think we have many resources in HB and OC more generally; however, they are not always utilized.” 

    Question: 1:14:30 "Flock cameras are being used in more and more municipalities, including our city. Many people feel this is more big brother surveillance, but it does give our police an additional tool to track license plates. In the military, we used to call this a force multiplier, meaning, whatever the multiplier was, it took less manpower to get something accomplished. In our city, we have the mounted police. One police officer on a horse is worth ten on the ground in a crowd control situation. How do you feel about these types of policing tools?"  

    Answer: “I’ve made it clear that public safety is one of the city’s most important responsibilities, and I support giving our police officers the tools they need to protect our community. BUT I also believe that every government program, especially one involving surveillance, deserves scrutiny.

    I'll be the first to admit that I was behind on the Flock camera issue until recently and I've been working to better understand it. Obviously there are strong arguments made on both sides of this issue. These cameras may help solve crimes and make police work more efficient, however, there are also legitimate concerns about privacy, government overreach, data retention, and the potential for misuse in addition to the documented false accusations. 

    I want the public to have all the facts. What does the program actually cost? How many crimes has it helped solve? What safeguards protect residents' information? And could those resources be better spent elsewhere? If this goes beyond limited license plate readers, I have an issue with that. 

    My feeling is that the city needs to publicly present at a council meeting soon a transparent cost benefit analysis and an opportunity to weigh in. I'm not interested in blindly approving technology because it's new. My responsibility is to ask tough questions, protect individual liberties, and make decisions based on facts rather than assumptions.”

    • Gruel received significant criticism for a variety of his comments regarding left-wing protesters. On June 14th, 2025, he posted on his Twitter account, “Drove through the Huntington Beach and Newport Beach No Kings Rally. Most rich old white ladies with vulgar signs. Not a single car honking.” (x) A number of members of our team were in attendance at this event on our own time, and we would categorize these comments to be an inaccurate description of the attendees. 

    • On September 11, 2026, he shared a post from @breaking911 on Twitter of a video labeled “Palestinians celebrating the horrific terrorist attacks in New York City”. Andrew shared it with the caption, “All of these people in this image live here now.” 

    • During the July 21st, 2026 HB City Council meeting, Gruel used the slur “G*psy” from the dais in an offhand manner when discussing homelessness. At the next meeting, on August 18, 2026, he said at the start of the meeting, “I just want to take a quick moment, uh, a couple weeks ago, actually, it was probably over a month ago, we were having a conversation and we were talking about the homeless population, and I used the term ‘G*psy’ in reference to a lot of the homeless individuals, not necessarily recognizing, and many people might not know this, that it’s actually a derogatory term in regards to the Romani people. So I had a resident reach out, very kind, very objective, and just kind of talking to me about it. We had a good conversation about the history. I didn’t even know it was an ethnic group that stretched all the way back centuries, originating in Northern India, migrating throughout Europe and beyond. And they’ve also faced generations of discrimination, persecution, etc. So, you know, I just wanted to make a public statement about that, in addition to the fact that I think we constantly try and learn, and that’s the beauty of being a councilmember, when you talk to residents, you learn things you otherwise didn’t know about. So, I just wanted to publicly make note of that and also thank the resident who reached out and talked to me about that.” (x) (x)

    • On September 5, 2026, he shared a post on Twitter from @ocscanner showing individuals on mini-bikes on the streets of Huntington Beach with HBPD in pursuit, with the caption, “We have a separate task force with enforcement actions to target and take down these hooligans”.

    • The OC Register asked him, “Why would you make a good leader, and how would you represent the diverse communities of your city?”. Gruel replied, “I bring a unique perspective to City Hall shaped by real world experience. I’ve spent my career in the restaurant industry, building businesses, creating jobs, managing budgets and solving problems where the consequences of decisions are very real. As a small business owner, I understand how government decisions affect employees, families and the local economy.

    I’m also a father of four, so the decisions we make about public safety, parks, schools, housing and the future of Huntington Beach are personal to me.

    Good leadership to me means recognizing that you represent everyone, not just the people who voted for you or agree with you. During my short time on council, I have learned a lot from residents all across the political spectrum and do not adhere to a political dogma by which I must make decisions. Huntington Beach is a diverse community with different neighborhoods, backgrounds and viewpoints. I may not agree with every resident on every issue, but I will listen, treat people with respect and make decisions based on what I believe is best for the entire city.” (x)

    • On August 29, 2026, he quote-posted a Twitter post from @SinaiLawFirm that asked this question of LA candidate Nithya Raman, “should the police be empowered to kick out squatters from an abandoned lot when the neighbors call and complain? Even when they show a fake lease?”  Gruel added, “As a California councilmember, my answer is yes. There are enough resources locally available to provide shelter and services; use the resources.” 

    • On August 26, 2026, he quote-posted on Twitter a response to @cernovich about kids on e-bikes, saying, “This has been a huge focus for me on council. While massive education programs are essential, enforcement is the key. These kids don’t respond unless there are consequences. Huntington Beach now leads the way in E-Bike safety, but not without a lot of $$ and effort. We have actual patrol set up specifically for enforcement. It’s not just the danger of the bike, but the mob mentality that comes when you have 50 fearless kids terrorizing the streets.” 

    • Gruel is a frequent guest on the Fox News Entertainment show Gutfeld, and shortly after he was appointed councilmember, a video clip where he spoke disrespectfully about left-wing protesters made the rounds. In it, Gruel said,  “The thing is they’re bored. And that’s a great point that you bring up. But why are they bored? They’re bored because they don’t have a Northstar. They don’t have a moral compass. They’re not—they don’t have a foundation. They’re not rooted to anything and there’s probably five or 10 leaders at the top of the circus that goes around town every few weeks or every few months that are controlling them and these are their minions. These are the circus animals and they listen to them. It is literally a cult. I’m mad at the people who are controlling them. I’m not necessarily mad at the people because they’re so lost and it is incredibly sad and I agree as well about, what are they doing? Why on a Saturday? How can you mobilize 12,000 people on a Saturday if you ask me are, you available next Saturday? I’ve got six baseball games, little league—the restaurant is probably gonna be on fire (…) already angry at me, I can tell and it’s like—because I have a life, because I have community, I have family, I’m rooted in something. These people have nothing to do and if you look across the expanse of the audience it’s all middle-aged white women—a couple men in there but their women too—what is hands off—you know hands off what? Hands off my Ovaltine, hands off my hard candies. Like these are old, elderly people who have nothing to live for.” Gruel faced a considerable amount of backlash for these comments. In social media comment replies and in comments made on the podium, he has backtracked a bit, suggesting that he was referring to people protesting Elon Musk at Tesla takedown protests, rather than anyone in his constituency in the city, and joking from the podium that his own mother was upset about his comments, expressing mild regret for the comment. There has been some pushback on that explanation - for one, “12,000 people on a Saturday” comment makes sense when applied to No Kings Protesters, not to the small number of people at the Tesla Takedown protests, which generally didn’t garner more than a couple hundred. He has continued to be a frequent guest on Gutfeld and his comments on social media (like the one mentioned earlier about the No Kings protests in the city) have continued after the date of that initial April 7, 2025 show. (x) 

    • At a candidate forum hosted by the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce, Gruel said, “One thing I have learned, regardless of where you are in politics, is that we all kind of want to get to the same place. We might just have disagreements as to how we get there, and the numbers are the best way to wipe away that emotion, which typically drives dysfunction.” (x) 

    • In an interview with the LA Times/Daily Pilot regarding his campaign contributions from the HB Police Department, Gruel said, “The cornerstone of the reason I got onto council was specifically to maintain public safety, fire and police. I think that’s what draws our tourism in. I think that is the impetus for our strong tourism numbers, and a significant amount of our revenue comes from [Transient Occupancy Tax] and ultimately, the surplus of sales tax by virtue of our tourists. That has been my battle cry from Day One.” (x)

    • Gruel voted against the approval of a liquor license for a bikini bar in Huntington Beach, referencing the history of criminal activity at the bar. “Two rapes where they started drinking at the establishment. When you mix alcohol and naked ladies, that’s like oil and vinegar. Those are just certain principles in life that don’t mix, and that’s clearly one of them.” (x)

    • In an interview with the LA Times on the night he was appointed to the City Council, Gruel said, “If anyone wants to go through all of my stuff, you’ll probably never hear me utter the four letters [MAGA] (...) Chris Kluwe said something tonight [during public comments] about transparency. I’m really looking at this as I’m representative of the entire city. If anybody wants to know how I distill people’s opinions into actionable policy, or whatever you want to call it, I have nothing to hide. I’m a registered Libertarian. I’m very unique.” (x)

    • “The thing is they’re bored. And that’s a great point that you bring up. But why are they bored? They’re bored because they don’t have a Northstar. They don’t have a moral compass. They’re not—they don’t have a foundation. They’re not rooted to anything and there’s probably five or 10 leaders at the top of the circus that goes around town every few weeks or every few months that are controlling them and these are their minions. These are the circus animals and they listen to them. It is literally a cult. I’m mad at the people who are controlling them. I’m not necessarily mad at the people because they’re so lost and it is incredibly sad and I agree as well about what are they doing? Why on a Saturday? How can you mobilize 12,000 people on a Saturday if you ask me are you available next Saturday? I’ve got six baseball games little league—the restaurants probably gonna be on fire (…) already angry at me, I can tell and it’s like—because I have a life, because I have community, I have family, I’m rooted in something. These people have nothing to do and if you look across the expanse of the audience it’s all middle-aged white women—a couple men in there but their women too—what is hands off—you know hands off what? Hands off my Ovaltine, hands off my hard candies. Like these are old, elderly people who have nothing to live for.”


    Endorsed by: 

    • Huntington Beach Police Officers' Association (POA)

    • Huntington Beach Firefighters Assoc. Local 3354

    • Republican Party of Orange County

    • California Women's Leadership Association

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

    • Tito Ortiz

    • 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. 


    Candidate in the News:

    Public Voting Record:

    • Voted No on a liquor license for a Bikini Bar in Huntington Beach (x)

    • Voted Yes on a salary increase to Huntington Beach Police Department of 17% over three years. (x) 

    • Voted Yes, and authored, the agenda item to direct staff to explore the feasibility of creating a community garden with multi-trophic aquaculture. (x)


    Follow the Money: 

    • $33,129.18 from the Huntington Beach Police Officers Association PAC


    • Gruel contributed $2,000 to the “Protect Our Children with Councilman Chad Williams, Vote No on A & B” campaign. Measures A & B were citizen-led ballot initiatives to prevent the city from privatizing the library and to prevent the creation of a government-appointed committee that would moderate which books were and were not allowed in the public library.

  • Huntington Beach At-Large City Council Candidate, Incumbent


    Candidate Statement:

    “PAT BURNS | Retired Policeman/Councilmember

    As a 33 year resident of Huntington Beach, I believe the City Council should serve the residents and businesses with integrity, transparency and fiscal responsibility to improve the quality of

    life. Community service always comes first and never self-service. Supported by residents, business owners, public safety officers, I am committed to serving.

    I am currently on the Huntington Beach City Council and was the previous mayor. I am a retired Long Beach Police Lieutenant where I served for 30 years. I worked Patrol, flew the helicopter,

    was an academy instructor, an undercover Narcotics Investigator, Sergeant and Lieutenant. During my career I volunteered as coach and referee for AYSO Soccer, St. Bonaventure School Board and Finance Committee. I also served the City of Huntington Beach on the Citizen Participation Advisory Board and Community and Library Service Commission. I currently serve on the Long Beach City Employees Federal Credit Union Board of Directors.

    I would like to stay another 4 years on the City Council and serve the citizens and businesses of Huntington Beach focused on Public Safety, fiscal responsibility, local control and to preserve our beach community and quality of life.

    This is our community and my home.

    I love this city and care for its future.”


    Email: PBurnsHB@gmail.com 


    Campaign Website: https://www.patburns4hb.com/

    His donation section of his website is labeled, “Your donations will help us keep Huntington Beach, Huntington Beach.” Under the “Meet Pat Burns” section, it says, “Pat Burns is a lifelong public servant, devoted family man, and proud Huntington Beach resident—guided by duty, family, and honor.”

    Priorities: 

    • Council Integrity

    • Public Safety & Service

    • Quality of Life


    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • Pat has been the center of a lot of controversy during his time on the council as a result of his various hot-mic moments, as well as intentional comments from the dais. These include calling his constituents ‘fat cows’, ‘a bunch of idiots’, etc. See the “Public Comments” section for more. 

    • Burns spent most of his career as a police officer under the Long Beach Police Department, for close to 30 years. His page on the Brady List can be found here, where they state that Long Beach PD is not in compliance with Brady disclosure obligations, and so there is an absence of information about any misconduct that may or may not have been committed by Burns during his time on the force. We also searched Burns under the CalMatters Police Records Access Project. Both programs appear to have been started after Burns’ time on the force. We aren’t able to provide any further information on that topic.

    • Burns recently made news for the story about a potential Donald Trump statue that he felt deserved a spot in the gardens at Huntington Beach City Hall, saying, “We hope to have the project. I think it’d be awesome. (...) It’s a beautiful spot for it. I’d really like to see it develop into a destination where people can walk through and appreciate things that made this country great.” source


    Social Media Links: 


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    • Luke Dennis (HB-based Proud Boy, who has a record of criminal charges for politically motivated violence including battery against a Black Lives Matter demonstrator in HB, who has traveled to other states for far-right extremist action and has made extremist claims about members of the LGBTQ+ community.)

    • Michael Gates (Fmr. HB City Attorney, Fmr. Trump DOJ until leaving amid accusations from his colleagues that he “created a hostile work environment for women”, Candidate for CA Attorney General. Openly transphobic source source)

    • Gracey Van Der Mark (Fmr. HB City Council, CA State Assembly Candidate. Anti-LGBTQ activist. Claimed on a podcast with hate group leader Manuk Grigoryan that schools are coordinating abortions for students, which is explicitly untrue source)

    • Scott Baugh (Orange County politician within the GOP. Board member for California Policy Partners, the 501(c)6 dark money funding source for extremist anti-LGBTQ, anti-union, anti-public education organization California Policy Center. CPC is nestled under a series of umbrellas associated with the larger Council for National Policy - a Heritage Foundation-adjacent organization with most of the same leaders. source)

    • Kevin Elliott (Owner of Code Four and the Pacific Airshow, which has been a source of significant controversy in the city over concerns of a lack of financial transparency for a recent legal settlement read more here. Code Four is also deeply involved in HB politics, as both Code Four and one of their associated LLCs Tabula Rasa Enterprises have been involved in the campaigns of many right-wing candidates across multiple races). 

    • Ed Laird (widely known as a “political kingmaker” in Huntington Beach, recently had a street named after him by Burns and his peers on the council source)


    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • “...Another fucking cow”, caught on a hot mic as a disparaging remark about community member Sydney Rincon after she made public comment during a city council meeting on June 17, 2025. Sydney’s mother, Wendy Rincon, is a frequent attendee of meetings, and both of them have made public comments from the podium during meetings in opposition to Burns’ own views. Burns did not apologize for this comment, and did not reply to requests for comment from reporters. source video source

    • “...pieces of shit”, another hot mic remark, this time directed towards his then-colleagues on the city council Rhonda Bolton, Dan Kalmick, and Natalie Moser, as they walked out of a city council meeting on June 4, 2024 in protest. Burns also did not apologize or take accountability for this comment. Source video source

    • When a constituent complained about the length of public comment being limited to a seemingly arbitrary 75 seconds despite there only being 17 speakers, Pat interrupted his public comment to say, “take sixty”. Interrupting a speaker mid-comment to argue with them is a violation of the Brown Act, and legally, the speaker should have been given a few seconds back as he was interrupted. Source

    • When asked by then-councilwoman Natalie Moser if his Pride Flag Ban would allow the Pride flag to be displayed at the library on their cultural heritage month tables for Pride Month, he replied, “No. Only in books, let ‘em be in books. They’ll be displayed in books. You wanna look at a book? Go ahead, look at a flag in a book. It’s just too ripe, because people like yourself, who will figure out a way to abuse it. And so let’s keep it simple, no identity politics, and - government flags, flown, displayed on government property.” In the same conversation later on, Natalie asked, if the Pride Flag ban (which at that time had already been passed) restricted the Pride Flag to the extent that Burns wanted, why was that not sufficient (at this time Burns and other councilmembers were working to get the Pride Flag ban into the city charter). Burns replied, “It makes it better. It makes it more permanent. It makes it harder to change… by other councils.” source

    • At a June 2024 City Council meeting, the three minority city council members were displaying miniature Pride flags that had been given to them and all other meeting attendees by a Pride at the Pier representative. This was after the Pride Flag ban. Burns said about this, “And I would be remiss if I didn’t note that there are a couple people flaunting and poking the citizens of this city in the eye right now by, on the dais, displaying a flag that is not an American flag or a government flag.” To the response of vocal outrage in the chambers, he continued, “I don’t have any problem with you guys (in the chambers) having them, but they shouldn’t be up on the dais on display. It was voted by the majority of the citizens, and I’m just saying that it’s against our ordinance.” source 

    • On September 15, 2026, Burns made comments from the dais, “I just want everybody to re-evaluate the oncoming, the popularity, it seems, of growing socialism and communism, and there’s no place for it in Huntington Beach”, which drew a response of derisive laughter from people in the council chamber audience. “Tee hee hee by a bunch of idiots,” Burns continued, glancing at the people laughing, “but there is no room for socialism in Huntington Beach. It’s - we’re patriotic, we love our constitution, we love America, and I’m willing to fight for it.” source


    Endorsed by: 

    • Tony Strickland (CA Assemblymember and Fmr. HB Mayor, voting record that is hostile to LGBTQ+ rights)

    • Don Barnes (OC Sheriff, believer in the “constitutional sheriff” movement)

    • Janet Nguyen (OC Supervisor, voting record that is hostile to LGBTQ+ rights)

    • Michael Gates (Fmr. HB City Attorney, Fmr. Trump DOJ until leaving amid accusations from his colleagues that he “created a hostile work environment for women”, Candidate for CA Attorney General)

    • The Lincoln Club of Orange County

    • OC GOP


    Candidate in the News:

    Public Voting Record: This is an incomplete list of Burns’ votes on agenda items that have garnered significant public response. For the sake of brevity, we have limited the list to this.

    • Presented and voted for an “anti-sanctuary city” resolution in January 2025. Content warning: this resolution is rife with racist language and unsubstantiated conspiracies about immigrants. Read the full resolution here. 

    • In September 2026, he voted against a proposed police budget increase to support salary increases for officers that will result in $9.8M spent from the city’s coffers over the next three years, calling it “fiscally reckless.” The item passed without his support. source

    • In August of 2023, Burns voted for dissolving Human Relations Committee, Mobile Home Advisory Board, Jet Noise Commission, among others. The Human Relations Committee in particular was developed in the late 1990s after two particular violent hate crimes (a murder and an attempted murder) against BIPOC community members Vernon Flournoy and George Mondragon by local white supremacist groups. This vote came down unofficial partisan lines on the board, and passed. source 

    • He voted for the revised Policy on Human Dignity, the original version of which had been written after the aforementioned hate crimes in the late 1990s, and then updated in 2021 in response to a rise of White Supremacist activity in the city. The Policy, under this revision and vote, went from a statement expressing support for a wide variety of demographic groups in the city, to one that does not mention protected demographics and instead leans into anti-LGBTQ dog whistles. Pride at the Pier has gone on record to outright call this new Policy openly transphobic. source

    • The Policy on Human Dignity was written by an ad-hoc committee of councilmembers Gracey Van Der Mark, Casey McKeon, and Pat Burns. The appointment of Van Der Mark to the committee was protested by then-councilwoman Natalie Moser, who pointed out Van Der Mark’s documented, proven history of curating Holocaust denial content online, and her known, proven association with violent Proud Boys. Moser was censured by the other members of the board at the next meeting, including Burns. Of this vote to censure Moser, Burns said, “(Van Der Mark) was accused of it back then, she defended it, she’s done it since then, but yet it’s ignored by people who want to weaponize a lie.” FACT CHECK: It was not a lie. source

    • He wrote the Pride Flag Ban ordinance and voted for it. It passed. source 

    • He voted to remove heritage months, including Black History Month, from the Huntington Beach city calendar. source 

    • He voted for the Pacific Airshow Settlement, which has been the source of significant controversy in the city and is now subject to a state audit. source 


    Follow the Money: 

    • The Huntington Beach Police Officers Association Political Action Committee spent $15,693.00 on mailers to oppose Pat Burn’s 2026 campaign for re-election. Many, including Pride at the Pier, suspect that this opposition may be related to the fact that Burns voted against a salary increase for HBPD officers in the months ahead of this campaign contribution.

    • $5,600 from fellow councilmember Butch Twining

    • $1,000 from Nick Di Benedetto, local member of the HB Yacht Club 

    • $5,900 from Brian Thienes, his slate-mate running to election to the HB city council

    • $100 from the Huntington Beach Republican Women

    • His campaign finances also reveal that his campaign has hired consultant Lysa Ray, who is a popular campaign consultant amongst the far right candidates in Orange County and is Andrew Do’s former campaign treasurer. Do is currently in federal prison for defrauding constituents. Lysa’s employment with Do does not implicate her in any crimes. source source

  • Huntington Beach At-Large City Council Candidate


    Candidate Statement:

    “BEN DAVIS AGE: 53 | Civil Rights Attorney

    I've spent my life showing up for people. First, I helped manufacture medicines, including a groundbreaking cancer vaccine. I later earned my JD/MBA, and I’ve spent the past several years fighting for civil rights and housing — work that gave me practical experience with systems needed in our local government. 

    When I’m on City Council, I will manage public funds responsibly, invest in the infrastructure and core services our community relies on, and represent all of our residents. I'll bring a practical, community-first approach to housing that actually works for the people who live here. I'm committed to careful, transparent budgeting and to being a steady voice for safety and good

    governance — because this city's name should shine the way we all know is possible.

    Since moving to Huntington Beach with my wife, Jill, nearly 20 years ago, I have come to regard this city's future as inseparable from my own. I've spent 30 years working on difficult problems because they needed doing. I’m ready to do the same here and make real change

    for Huntington Beach. I humbly ask for your vote for City Council by November 3rd.”


    Email: None found


    Campaign Website: https://ben4hbcouncil.com

    Priorities: 

    • Getting budget under control

    • Fix our streets, storm drains, & beach restrooms

    • Housing decisions made here, not in Sacramento 

    • End the culture war lawsuits

    • Protect our libraries 


    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • Ben started in biotech, helping produce life saving medicines, then went back to school to become a lawyer and social justice advocate. (Ballotpedia)

    • While it’s not listed on his website, Ben has verbally expressed multiple times that she’d like to bring back the Human Relations Committee, which was dissolved by the 2022-2024 HB city council. The HRC was developed in the late 1990s to fight hate crimes and to encourage greater cooperation and understanding amidst the communities in HB. 

    • When asked about his perspectives on Flock at a candidate forum, Davis expressed his concerns about it and advocated for stricter regulations and a closer look at the city’s contract. 

    • Davis is running on a slate with Erin Spivey, Brenda Glim, and Taryn Palumbo. When slate mate Brenda Glim made a campaign sign about the incumbent council, saying that the council has “thrown the city to the wolves”, Spivey, Palumbo, and Davis put out a statement distancing themselves from that messaging. Read the full post here. 

    • Ben Davis attended an educational event in Huntington Beach in 2026 co-hosted by Planned Parenthood and Pride at the Pier.


    Social Media Links: 


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    • Pride at the Pier

    • Democratic Party of Oc

    • Fairview Church

    • OC Young Democrats 

    • OC Young Dems

    • Chispa OC

    • WAVE

    • Rainbow Families Action (Pride at the Pier partner org, parents of trans youth advocating for trans rights in CA)

    • Wound Walk (street medics team in OC)

    • Crowd Source Carrie (progressive content creator in SoCal)


    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

      • People want city leaders they can trust and know how to do the job. I do, too, and that is who l will be for Huntington Beach.

      • HB first. Politics last. A City Hall that pays the bills, fixes what's broken, and treats neighbors like neighbors. I'm not interested in scoring points. I'm interested in getting the budget under control, getting housing on track, fixing our infrastructure, and getting this city's name back to meaning something good

      • Huntington Beach should have the reputation around the world as Surf City USA, not a city that bans books and scares away tourists and businesses. It's time to shift the trajectory so people will want to visit and support the local economy.

    • What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

      • I have a special interest in housing accessibility, especially for the local workforce, young families, and those on fixed incomes including seniors. The infrastructure, including the systems that protect our coastline, require extensive repairs and renovations. To ensure we can address the infrastructure issues properly, the budget needs to be fortified through proper income and expense management.

    • Ben sat down for an interview with Instagram progressive content creator Crowd Source Carrie. In it, he talks about what he feels the current city council members have done to negatively impact the city’s growing budget deficit. Carrie asks, “Do you think part of that is the lawsuits?” Ben replied, “Absolutely. No doubt in my mind. Some of it’s probably not stuff that is entirely the city’s control - a lot of cities are dealing with budget deficits, right? But, there are a lot of things the city could have done to try to mitigate that, whether it’s not ruining the reputation, so you can bring in more revenue. All the lawsuits - the library lawsuit, the voting rights access, the trying to out LGBTQ  - I didn’t get into that issue, that’s another thing that they were trying to do, to force educators to out LGBTQ kids, transgender kids. (...) Yeah, so the airshow settlement, that was… I’d classify as an unconscionable contract, that’s this is a lot of revenue that could come to the city, but is actually going to the promotions company that was a part of the lawsuit against the city. So there’s money that could have been done there. And then because of the city fighting the housing mandate, then ultimately the state, which provides grants for cities to help with all kinds of different things, the state basically said, you don’t get any grants, don’t bother even applying for them.” (x) (read more about the city’s lawsuit regarding the forced outing of LGBTQ kids here) (read more about the airshow settlement here) (read more about the voting rights lawsuit here)

    • On his personal instagram, Ben posted the following on May 13, 2024. “I spent a few hours with @woundwalk at Skid Row. It's so discordant to have large numbers of people sleeping on the streets blocks away from multi-million dollar high rise apartments. In a country of so much wealth, I can't find a real justification why we accept the suffering of our unhoused residents.

    What gives me hope is the tenacity of those fighting to get to something better, those finding moments of joy despite years of trauma and pain, those who keep trying when the rest of us gave up on them. The dedicated volunteers who tirelessly engage with this community through distribution of water, food, and basic living necessities inspire me even more.

    We helped Ms. V address some painful leg injuries. She was hesitant to open up to me, probably because far too often trusting others led to heartbreak, but I think something about my polite buffoonery relieved her apprehension. She revealed her children weren't around and it reminded me I wouldn't be able to see my Mom on Mother's day either. I know how much hugs with my Mom mean to her and to me, and maybe Ms. V needed one on this day. Or maybe I was being selfish and wanted a Mom hug. Either way, Ms. V shared a hug with me, and I hope it gave her some of the comfort she gave to me.” (x)


    Endorsed by: 

    • Orange County Young Democrats

    • OC Labor Federation

    • Democratic Party of Orange County

    • OC Employees Association

    • Planned Parenthood Orange and San Bernardino Counties

    • Orange Coast Huddle

    • Protect HB

    • Congressman Robert Garcia

    • Congressman Dave Min

    • County Supervisor Katrina Foley

    • Former Huntington Beach Councilperson Nalalie Moser

    • Former Huntington Beach Councilperson Rhonda Bolton

    • Former Huntington Beach Councilperson Dan Kalmick

    • Coast Community College District Trustee Kim Carr

    • Former Huntington Beach Mayor Jill Hardy

    • OVSD Board of Trustees President Gina Clayton-Tarvin

    • Trustee Jack C. Souders Clerk, Board of Trustees Ocean View School District

    • Coast Community College Trustee/Vice President Jim Moreno

    • OCLF

    • OCYD

    • DPOC

    • Democratic Club of West Orange County

    • Western States Regional Council of Carpenters

    • TRI Counties Democratic Club

    • WAVE

    • Sierra Club

    (Ballotpedia and his website)


    Candidate in the News:

    Public Voting Record: None Found


    Follow the Money: 

    • Sojourner Trust sent $5,900

    • International Union of Operating Engineers Local 12 sent $1,000

    • Building A Stronger West sponsored by Western States Regional Council of Carpenters sent $1,000

    • Law Office Richard S Stout Apc sent $100

    • Laborer's International Union of America Laborers Local 652 PAC sent $1,500

  • Huntington Beach At-Large City Council Candidate


    Candidate Statement:

    “BRENDA GLIM | Business Woman

    Brenda has proudly called Huntington Beach home for 37 years. She raised her family here and is now helping raise her grandchildren. She is committed to keeping Huntington Beach safe, strong, and full of opportunity for future generations.

    Brenda began her career with the General Accountability Office and the United States Air Force, where she developed a strong respect for accountability and public service. She later worked at McDonnell Douglas on advanced space technology and managed multi-million-dollar projects for companies including Experian and IBM, overseeing budgets, timelines, and results.

    For 22 years, Brenda has been an active member of the Rotary Club of Huntington Beach, serving as President, Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant District Governor, and currently Membership Chair. Her Rotary service reflects her long-standing commitment to community, leadership, and collaboration.

    Brenda is running for City Council to focus on practical priorities: maintaining infrastructure, protecting public services, respecting taxpayers, and restoring trust in local government.

    HB First. Politics Last.

    Brenda Glim”


    Email: contact@brendaglim.com


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

    Her website leads with the words, “A return to common sense | Let's push Huntington Beach forward, together.”

    Priorities: 

    • Strong, transparent standards

    • Main Street clean-up effort

    • Improve quality of life for residents

    • Expand transportation connectivity 

    She goes into much further detail about her priorities in her “Brenda’s Agenda” section. The headlines of this section are as follows;

    • Restore Trust & Maintain Sound Financial Management

    • Reduce Unhoused Residents by Expansion of Affordable Housing, Mental Health Support, and Job Training

    • Zero-Tolerance for Backroom Negotiations

    • Reduce Transportation Costs for Public Transit

    • Adapting Huntington Beach to Ranked-Choice Voting

    • Events: Third-Parties should benefit Huntington Beach (Researcher note: this is in reference to “third party event promoters”, not partisan politics. She goes on to say on this matter, “it’s critical that contracts include strong provisions to protect community interests, ensure transparency, and hold promoters accountable for outcomes.”)

    • The Main Street Clean Up - A More Welcoming Main Street for Families

    • Dedicated Teen Center - Vibrant, Safe Space Designed by Teens

    • Future of Legal Challenges - Criteria on City Legal Challenges

    We have just shared the headlines here for the sake of brevity - her website does go into significant details about the logistics and specifics of these ideas. 


    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • Brenda attended a “Care Continues” event in Huntington Beach that Pride at the Pier co-hosted with Planned Parenthood in July 2026. This event was an educational seminar seeking to inform the public about the impacts to care that have come about as a result of federal defunding efforts, including 2025’s HR.1 bill. 

    • Her campaign has embraced the description of “angry grandma”, referring to the term as something at least one person used to describe her in a derogatory manner at the start of her campaign. 

    • Her earlier career includes time at McDonald Douglas and IBM, as well as with the US Air Force. As she has been retired for some time, we’ve had a challenging time finding a Linkedin for her to source her specific career timeline (and McDonald Douglas is no longer in existence). 

    • Glim is a 25-year member of the local Rotary Club, having served recently as the emcee for the 2025-2026 Rotary International Foundation Awards and All Hands Meeting. source 

    • While it’s not listed on her website, Brenda has verbally expressed multiple times that she’d like to bring back the Human Relations Committee, which was dissolved by the 2022-2024 HB city council. The HRC was developed in the late 1990s to fight hate crimes and to encourage greater cooperation and understanding amidst the communities in HB. 


    Social Media Links: 


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:


    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • On her campaign website, she says, “I’m a homeowner, a taxpayer, and a grandmother, and I’ve had enough of City Council’s incompetence. I love my hometown too much to sit on the sidelines, so I’m running for Huntington Beach City Council.” source 

    • She was asked at the Protect HB candidate debate/forum on September 16th, “What should be the city’s role in addressing homelessness in Huntington Beach? Do you feel the city still has a responsibility to shelter or find shelter for homeless individuals in our community?” Brenda answered, referencing what appeared to be a pre-prepared response on the issue, “Our navigation center holds up to 164 adults, and operates on a strict referral basis through our own social workers and Homelessness Task Force. Newport Beach recently signed a deal for ten exclusive beds there, and the city separately accepted a $500,000 county grant to support the center. Regional cooperation isn’t automatically bad; if Newport Beach is paying its fair share and is easing pressure on our own streets, that could work. But I want full transparency on the numbers. What does Newport pay versus what it costs us, and what our operator, Mercy House, is delivering on outcomes, not just beds filled. The council itself has already asked for that post detail. I’d insist on it being made public before any agreement is expanded, so that we can help our homeless knowing that we really are.” 

    • Also at the September 16th event, the candidates were asked about their perspectives on Flock cameras and other “force multiplier” tools, to use the words the event moderators chose. Brenda replied, “So, Huntington Beach already uses license plate reader cameras, including units placed in the Oakview Neighborhood, which has raised concerns about surveillance concentrated in one of our more diverse, lower-income communities. I’m not opposed to the technology. It can help solve real crimes, like hit-and-runs and stolen vehicles. But I haven’t seen a published, public policy governing exactly who can access that data, how long it's kept, or whether it's ever shared outside of the police department. Before I support any expansion, I’d require a written data policy, a fixed retention period, an audit log for every search and who ran it, a ban on sharing with outside agencies for purposes outside of the posted crime fighting use without a warrant, and an annual public transparency report. I support the tool, but only with real written rules attached, not a blank check on residents’ location data.” 

    • She was recorded by local journalist Mandy Rosen at a political fundraiser event at Carlitos Diner on September 19th, saying, “I am that pissed off grandma (...) one time I went to one of the city council meetings and they told us we had thirty seconds (for public comment). (...) They were able to do this for years, this year they got caught, and they finally had to abide by the Brown Act, and get our three minutes back.” source

    • Mandy Rosen also interviewed Glim ahead of the September 16th candidate debate. Glim said, “I started out with the General Accounting Office, went to the Air Force, went to McDonald Douglas, ended my corporate career at IBM. I was a business analyst and a project manager. Now, I work with medical schools and hospitals to help teach doctors and nurses and other staff how to speak empathetically to patients.” When Rosen asked her what the three issues she’d been running on, Glim replied, “accountability, transparency, and resident-driven local government”. Source

    * DISCLOSURE: We discovered during our searches of her campaign finances that Glim paid $300 to Mandy Rosen Photography sometime between 01/01/2026 and 06/30/2026 for campaign work. These quotes have been provided without further context, but the videos may be connected to that paid campaign work. 

    • In an interview with the Voice of OC, Glim said of the current city council, “It was as if they were playing to a select group of people and ignoring the rest of the city. I want it to be where all residents feel comfortable coming in front of the city council.” source

    • “How can we ask our citizens to pay a sales tax when our city council has been wasting our tax dollars? We need to understand why we’re bleeding money.” source


    Endorsed by: 

    • Orange County Young Democrats

    • Protect HB

    • Orange Coast Huddle

    • Congressman Robert Garcia

    • Congressman Dave Min

    • State Assembly Candidate Chris Kluwe

    • State Assembly Candidate Chris Duncan

    • Women in Leadership

    • Orange County Labor Federation

    • Western State Carpenters

    • Planned Parenthood


    Candidate in the News:

    Public Voting Record:

    • None available, Brenda has not served in elected office before.


    Follow the Money: 

    • $1000 from Building A Stronger West sponsored by Western States Regional Council of Carpenters

    • $1500 from Women in Leadership FEC C00790790

    • $500 from Newport Beach Women's Democratic Club FEC C00570168

    • $12.50 from Andrew Einhorn (local HB resident who was arrested during an anti-MAGA protest by HBPD for having a sign that was on a stick that was approximately ½” larger than the legal limit. Pride at the Pier helped him connect with our defense attorney, and the charges were later dropped.)

    • $25 from Pat Goodman (local HB resident who has also regularly donated to Pride at the Pier)

    • $50 from Cathy Ryder (local HB resident and leadership within Protect HB)

    • $529 from Citizens for Good Governance

  • Huntington Beach At-Large City Council Candidate


    Candidate Statement:

    “ERIN SPIVEY AGE: 45 | Retired Librarian

    Born and raised in Huntington Beach, I attended local schools and played local sports. In high school, I volunteered at Oak View Library and my first job was at the Central Library coffee cart. I love this city so much that I’m raising my family here. Today, my kids enjoy the same beaches and play sports on the same fields.

    I spent 15 years of public service in schools and libraries. I worked on government budgets, oversaw dozens of employees, worked with contractors and volunteers. I built programs from the ground up that engaged thousands of residents and still exist today.

    Now I want to get Huntington Beach back to being Surf City. In a time of growing deficits, cuts to public safety, and losing lawsuits, I will instead focus on local improvements, bringing new and old businesses back to Huntington Beach, and bettering our local government. I will repair our tattered reputation and invite the community to come back together.

    It's time for change. It’s time to get our amazing City back on track. It’s time to rebuild the community I grew up with: a small town in a big city.

    I humbly ask for your vote.

    ErinforHB.com”


    Email: erin@erinforhb.com


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

    Priorities: 

    “Reputation: Surf City’s reputation is in shambles. It’s time for a reset! To repair our city’s reputation we need to:

    • Set a professional tone from City Hall


    • Engage respectfully with the community 


    • Promote tourism rooted in city pride 


    • Engage in regional partnerships and economic development that strengthen local shops.


    • Promote public safety with robust Police and Fire Departments.


    • Return to basics with steady, low profile governance.


    • Bring back the beach town we love! 


    Infrastructure:

    Huntington Beach residents deserve a city to be proud of not just in reputation, but in city infrastructure. We need responsible leadership to address our “C-” Infrastructure score. 

    Erin supports:

    • Long term planning, not short term bandaids


    • Strategic use of outside funds, including grants, public-private partnerships, and more.


    • Prioritizing street repair, public facility upgrades, and addressing the over $1 Billion backlog.


    • Our city needs urgent updates to our emergency preparedness systems and public safety departments. 

    Community:

    Never in our lifetime has our community been more divided. Years of dysfunction and extremism from the current City Council only made it worse.

    Erin offers a different option: a community where we are all Huntington Beach. Look to end division and create a community that believes in each other. 

    As a City Councilwoman, Erin will:

    • Promote neighborhood engagement through innovative park and community programs.


    • Support development of youth programs and centers.


    • Reengage the Inter-Faith Council and reestablish the Human Relations Committee.


    • Protect senior services and work with seniors across advisory groups.


    • Engage with volunteer initiatives and respect the many wonderful volunteer groups across our city. 


    • And lastly, ensure that she represents a City Hall that listens.”


    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • Erin’s very first job as a teenager was working at the library's central coffee cart, and she volunteered at the Oak View branch. She went on to spend 15 years in public service as a school and library manager. (Source)

    • Erin worked as a librarian in the Huntington Beach Public Library. In recent years, as the city council (lead especially by councilmembers Gracey Van Der Mark and Chad Williams) ramped up their rhetoric about “porn” in the library and insinuating that librarians were ‘grooming’ children, Erin and her fellow librarians found themselves in a situation where they were required to participate in what they, and Pride at the Pier, considered to be a book banning process. Rather than be involved in that, Erin resigned from her role as a librarian at the HBPL. (x)

    • Spivey became a lead plaintiff alongside the ACLU and community groups in a lawsuit challenging the city's book-restriction policies. The legal battle culminated in a major victory when an Orange County judge ruled against the city, stating that Huntington Beach must comply with California's Freedom to Read Act. Source


    Social Media Links: 


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:


    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • In an interview with local street journalist Mandy Rosen, Erin said about her experience as a Huntington Beach librarian during the height of the book banning controversy, “(…) so I quit and immediately sued the city of Huntington Beach to end censorship. (…) the good news is that I won the lawsuit in court.” Source

    • On her campaign instagram in a post dated April 24, 2026, Spivey said, “When City Council passed the library censorship ordinances, they stole my dream from me. I couldn't be a part of a system that banned books. When I'm on City Council, I will change that system. I will end censorship and return to the people the right to decide what books are best for them and their families. I will respect library workers and librarians, making sure the library is fully staffed. I will work with the Friends of the Library to fund our book collection and our library programs.” Source 

    • In a post on her campaign facebook page following the Protect HB candidate forum on September 17, she said, “Serving on City Council isn’t imposing my will on the community, but serving the will of the people. Residents submitted questions to our esteemed moderators, my co-candidates and I answered honestly and seriously, and now the people can decide whether we can best represent them. That is called democracy.” Source

    • When the OC Register asked her in their candidate questionnaire, “The public expects transparency from public leaders in spending and governance. How can this be achieved? How can the city do better in this area?” Erin replied, “Without transparency, there can be no trust. And unfortunately, Huntington Beach City Council has a huge trust issue. They’ve been sued for failing to reveal the details of the air show lawsuit settlement. The budget process has been opaque, with City Council offering no explanation for why the City is running a huge deficit and facing potential bankruptcy in the near future.

    The current City Council also disbanded multiple citizen committees and ignored public input. Sometimes even limiting public comment to a mere 30 seconds.

    None of this breeds trust. In fact, it does the opposite.

    Once on the City Council, I will do all I can to rebuild trust in our government and bring transparency to government. I will host open office hours at City Hall and listening sessions around town. I will lobby for the reinstatement of citizen committees. I will agitate for a public budgeting process, welcoming the community into the development of the budget. I will work to host town halls at various public facilities and parks so that all parts of the City and all residents can be part of the democratic process.” Read the full questionnaire here.


    Endorsed by: 

    • Orange County Young Democrats

    • Women for American Values and Ethics 

    • Women in Leadership PAC

    • Orange Coast Huddle

    • Protect HB

    • Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties

    • SMART Local 105

    • Lavender Democrats

    • Council 16 LA/OC Building and Construction Trades Council

    • UA Local 250 Steamfitters and Refrigeration

    • LiUNA Local 652

    • Newport Beach Women’s Democratic Club

    • Her Bold Move

    • Women’s Democratic Club of South Orange County

    • Moms Demand Action

    • International Union of Operating Engineers Local 12

    • Orange County Labor Federation

    • Orange County Supervisor Vincent Sarmiento

    • Gina Clayton-Tarvin, President of Ocean View School District Board of Trustees

    • Congressman Robert Garcia

    • Rhonda Bolton, Fmr. Huntington Beach City Council

    • Natalie Moser, Fmr. Huntington Beach City Council

    • Dan Kalmick, Fmr. Huntington Beach City Council


    Candidate in the News:

    Public Voting Record: None found, candidate has not held public office


    Follow the Money: 

    • Huntington Beach Police Officers Association Political Action Committee sent  $28,640.68

    • Citizens for Good Governance sent $320

    • Orange County Employees Association PAC sent $1,000

  • Huntington Beach At-Large City Council Candidate


    Candidate Statement:

    “ROSALIND "ROZ" PRICE | AGE: 48 | Operations Manager

    Huntington Beach has been my home for over 40 years. I am honored to serve as a City of Huntington Beach Community & Library Services Commissioner, working to enhance the quality of life for our residents while preserving the character that makes our city special.

    For more than 25 years, I have led organizations through executive-level operations, budgeting, project management, and strategic planning. My unique combination of executive-level leadership, official City service as a Community & Library Services Commissioner, and decades of hands-on volunteer work throughout Huntington Beach has prepared me to lead with experience, integrity, and accountability. I have proudly served local families, veterans, active-duty military, seniors, youth, churches, and nonprofit organizations because I believe strong communities are built through acts of service.

    I am running for City Council to protect public safety, support local businesses, maintain our beaches, parks, libraries, and neighborhoods, and ensure taxpayer dollars are managed responsibly. I believe in transparent government, fiscal responsibility, and listening to residents before making important decisions.

    My commitment is simple: to listen, lead with integrity, and work every day to strengthen Huntington Beach for today's families and future generations. It would be my honor to serve as your City Council Member.”

    Email: rozprice2026@gmail.com

    Campaign Website: https://rozprice2026.com/

    A one-page site under the tagline "Committed to Service, Strength, and Common Sense Solutions." It highlights her commission role and lists no endorsements. source

    Priorities:

    Her campaign site lists these headings:

    • Service First Leadership

    • Strong Local Businesses

    • Safe, Strong Neighborhoods

    • Accountable City Operations

    • Preserving HB Character

    • Community Over Division

    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • Price is one of 11 candidates for four at-large seats and is running outside both party-backed slates. Daily Pilot Voice of OC

    • Appointed to the Community & Library Services Commission in August 2026. The commission's Aug. 12, 2026 agenda introduced her as the "new Commissioner, Rosalind “Roz” Price, appointed by Councilman Chad Williams." agenda The minutes say she took the oath on Aug. 4, 2026 minutes, during the July 13 – Aug. 7 candidate filing period. Voice of OC Commissioners on this body are appointed by individual councilmembers; Councilmember Williams announced the appointment at the July 7, 2026 council meeting, and the council did not vote on it. minutes

    • Background (self-described). Her site calls her "a Huntington Beach local for over 40 years, a proud mother, small business consultant, nonprofit founder, and active volunteer." source Her employer was not found as of 10/10/2026.

    • Forums. She attended the Chamber of Commerce candidate forum on Sept. 30, 2026 Daily Pilot and was one of six candidates who did not attend the Sept. 16 Protect Huntington Beach debate. Daily Pilot

    • No prior runs for office were found as of 10/10/2026.

    • Roz has not made any public comments about LGBTQ+ issues as far as we could tell. She did introduce herself to Kanan Durham, Pride at the Pier director and HB resident, at a city council meeting and acknowledged in a lightly positive way the organization’s existence.


    Social Media Links:


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    • HB Police Department

    • Meanwhile in Huntington Beach (This HB ‘view from the streets’ account does lean conservative and sometimes posts discriminatory things, but is overall a general community account)

    • Bushman Orozco (This HB community member is known for his community service cleaning up graffiti around town)

    • Huntington Beach Library


    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    Her own words come from an Oct. 5, 2026 OC Register questionnaire and the Chamber of Commerce forum; her council public comments are recorded only in summary in the minutes.

    • On state housing law and city lawsuits, in an OC Register questionnaire (Oct. 5, 2026): “While defending charter city authority is vital, fighting well-established state statutes (such as Housing Element laws) risks costly sanctions, lost local control, and court-imposed receiverships.” She said the city should “Reserve litigation for instances of clear constitutional overreach where local precedent is defensible.” OC Register

    • On housing, same questionnaire: she favors “steering higher-density and affordable developments toward commercial corridors, underutilized shopping centers, and transit hubs rather than single-family streets.” OC Register

    • On the budget, same questionnaire: she proposes “auditing internal services before cutting core public safety or library services.” OC Register

    • On homelessness, at City Council (Oct. 7, 2025): the minutes record her “appreciation for the City establishing the Navigation Center,” the city's homeless shelter. minutes

    • On working with colleagues, at the Chamber of Commerce candidate forum (Sept. 30, 2026): “I might go left, you might go right, but as long as we come together at the end of the day and end up to a consensus of where we want to see the community, where we want to see these businesses going, I think that’s most important.” Daily Pilot

    • On taxes, at the same forum: the Daily Pilot reported that all candidates said the city shouldn't consider raising the sales tax, "though three — Burley, Palumbo and Price — said it should consider increasing transient occupancy taxes." (A yes/no question; no direct quote from her.) Daily Pilot

    • On her campaign site (2026), under "Community Over Division": “Roz believes we can elevate what’s working, strengthen what needs attention, and bring people together — not divide them.” source


    Endorsed by:

    • None found as of 10/10/2026. Her site lists no endorsements, and she is not on the 2026 lists of the Republican Party of Orange County OC GOP guide, the Democratic Party of Orange County DPOC or Reform California. Reform California


    Candidate in the News:


    Public Voting Record:

    She has never held elected office. As a commissioner since August 2026, she has voted only on routine commission business.

    • In August 2026, she moved to recommend that the City Council approve the donation of an America 250 memorial bench at City Hall; it carried 7-0. minutes


    Follow the Money: 

    The Daily Pilot reports that Price "reported raising more than $3,500 for the period. She reported no cash on hand, as her expenditures were equal to her contributions." Daily Pilot Huntington Beach posts filings on NetFile.

  • Huntington Beach At-Large City Council Candidate


    Candidate Statement:

    “BRIAN THIENES | Small Business Owner

    Huntington Beach has been my home for 38 years. My family and I built our lives here while I spent 40 years building a successful civil engineering and land surveying company, managing complex infrastructure projects across Southern California, meeting payrolls, and delivering on time and on budget. That real-world experience is exactly what I’ll bring to City Hall. 

    State policies threaten Huntington Beach’s community character by forcing high-density development into our neighborhoods. When a massive six-story project threatened our community, I organized my neighbors and forced the developer to shrink it. Today

    I serve on the Huntington Beach Planning Commission, standing up for our neighborhoods. On the City Council, I’ll keep fighting overdevelopment and Sacramento overreach, because decisions about Huntington Beach should be made here, by the people who live here.

    I’ll oppose new taxes, balance the budget, fully fund our police and fire, support real solutions to homelessness, and partner with our local schools.

    I’m not a career politician. I’m a small business owner, husband, father, and your neighbor who will fight against new taxes, support safe neighborhoods, oppose overdevelopment, and ensure local decisions are made locally.

    I would be honored to earn your vote for Huntington Beach City Council.

    www.Brian4HB.com Brian@Brian4HB.com”


    Email: Brian@Brian4HB.com


    Campaign Website: https://brian4hb.com/

    Priorities: 

    • “BALANCE THE BUDGET



    • STOP TAX INCREASES



    • SUPPORT POLICE AND FIREFIGHTERS

    • 

DELIVER FOR HB STUDENTS”

    • Public safety

    • Fiscal responsibility 

    • No overdevelopment 

    • Local control 

    • Quality of life 


    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • Brian spent at least $200,000 of his own money on this campaign, per campaign finance records. Source

    • Thienes paid for this air billboard during A&B that flew over that stated “Protect our children vote no on A & B” Source

    • Community advocacy groups across Protect HB have raised concerns that Thienes put our city in jeopardy of being sued over ADU denial. Source

    • Thienes is adamantly and openly pro-ICE. 


    Social Media Links: 

    • Instagram (This is a group campaign instagram that his slate has)


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook: 

    • Current Councilmember Butch Twining

    • Crystal Miles (candidate for Orange USD, Moms For Liberty affiliate)

    • Andrew Gruel (incumbent candidate for HB city council)

    • Tony Strickland (fmr. HB Mayor, voted to ban the Pride flag)

    • Pacific Airshow (see scandal here)

    • Will O’Neill (OC GOP Chair)

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

    • Moms on the Ground (extremely anti-LGBTQ group, pushes conspiracy theories online about trans kids)

    • Carl DeMaio (state Assemblymember and founder of far-right Reform CA)

    • The Lincoln Club OC


    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • “I spent two hours talking to an ICE agent and what they have to do in cities like Los Angeles. They actually have to go. They get anonymous tips from police officers who could get fired for telling them they were releasing this guy from jail and you know here’s his record and they have to get a court order to go out on the street and if the police could cooperate, then we could get a criminal who’s in from some other country undocumented and we just get them out. I don’t understand why that’s so bad.” Source

    • “Some people say Huntington Beach has a bad reputation and non-business friendly climate although that has changed a lot with our cut the red tape program that this current city council is done I believe I can help improve on it, expand on it and get people into their businesses and help business succeed at a very strong pace. We need to change that we need to make sure we got one person who thinks Huntington Beach is un-business friendly that’s one person too many.” Source


    Endorsed by: 


    Candidate in the News:

    Public Voting Record:

    • None Found, candidate has not held public elected office


    Follow the Money: 

    • $200,000 of self-funding, which went to Thienes and the slate he’s running with Pat Burns and Casey McKeon

      • NOTE: No, that’s not a typo, that does say $200,000. It is not a loan.

    • $1,000 from Orange County Automobile Dealers Assoc

    • $2,500 from Palmer Luckey, the founder of Anduril

    • $2,500 from Butch Twining, current HB City Councilmember and self-identified MAGA

    • $1,000 from Better Future Investment LLC(Mimi Nguyen)

    • $500 from Old World German Restaurant 

    • $5,000 from Western Realco LLC(Gary Edwards)

  • Huntington Beach At-Large City Council Candidate


    Candidate Statement:

    “AMORY HANSON | AGE: 29 | Historic Resources Boardman

    I have been honored to have a front row seat to municipal politics in Huntington Beach for 12 years. I truly believe that I can bring a unique historic perspective. When elected, I will work to create a Huntington Beach performing arts center, to provide a space for Huntington Beach’s many performing arts societies. I will work to create a Huntington Beach historical museum to highlight the great history of Huntington Beach. I will ask for a study session to review and revise Huntington Beach’s park naming ordinance to allow more individuals to be honored at Huntington Beach’s many parks. I will allow the full 3 minutes at city council meetings when I am Mayor and work to codify this as an ordinance. Most importantly, I will continue to support our environment and the fight against high density development. I encourage a vote for Mr. Amory Hanson, a historic choice, for Huntington Beach City Council. to learn more go to amoryhanson2026.blogspot.com”


    Email: No campaign email found as of 10/10/2026; his campaign site has only a contact form. Source


    Campaign Website: https://amoryhanson2026.blogspot.com/

    A Blogger page with a single post and no platform. source

    Priorities:

    His candidate statement lists these:

    • A Huntington Beach performing arts center

    • A Huntington Beach historical museum

    • A study session to revise the city's park naming ordinance

    • The full three minutes for public speakers at council meetings, codified as an ordinance

    • Protecting the environment and opposing high-density development


    Any Other Interesting Info:

    Hanson has served on the city's Historic Resources Board since 2019 and speaks often during public comment at council meetings. minutes

    • Historic Resources Board. On Jan. 22, 2019, the council voted 7-0 "to approve the appointment of Amory Hanson and Mark Zambrano to the Historic Resources Board, as recommended by City Council liaisons to the Board, Mayor Peterson and Mayor Pro-tem Semeta." minutes He was reappointed in June 2021 and again in May 2025, on the recommendation of liaisons Butch Twining and Andrew Gruel, for a term through June 2029. The board elected him Vice Chair in June 2025 and re-elected him unanimously in June 2026. 2025 minutes 2026 minutes 2021 minutes 2025 meeting record

    • Prior runs. He ran for City Council in 2016, 2018, 2020, 2022 and 2024; the Daily Pilot describes 2026 as his sixth run. Daily Pilot Voice of OC Ballotpedia

    • Council-vacancy charter amendment. In 2023 he repeatedly proposed requiring a special election when a council seat falls vacant. The Sept. 28, 2023 minutes record that Mayor Strickland "noted this item was recently recommended by Mr. Amory Hanson." minutes The change went to voters as part of Measure C in March 2024. OC Vote

    • LGBTQ+: In December 2023 he wrote in support of the council's twelve-month history program, which replaced the city's previously approved monthly celebrations; CBS Los Angeles reported the vote as doing away with Heritage and Pride Months. CBS LA His letter does not mention Pride (see Public Comments). We found no statement by him on the library's children's-book review board or the 2024 flag measure, and no letter from him in those items' council packets, as of 10/11/2026. His 2022 letter on the city's commemorative-flag policy concerned sister-city flags and half-staff rules (see Public Comments).


    Social Media Links:


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    On instagram, this candidate follows 7,438 accounts.  This is an increase from the 7,377 when we covered Hanson in 2024. 

    • Pride at the Pier

    • Log Cabin Republicans OC

    • Groundswell

    • LGBTQ Center OC

    • OC Young Dems

    • OC Equality Coalition

    • OC Climate Voter

    • Eagle Forum (anti-LGBTQ group)

    • Chad Williams

    • OC Blue Wave Dems

    • US College Republicans

    NOTE: While oftentimes candidates tend to show a preference in their views with who they follow, Amory’s accounts seem to genuinely show a spread across the aisle.  


    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    His recorded words come mainly from letters and emails to the council (about 85 from December 2022 to September 2026, most a single line of support for an agenda item) and from his campaign blogs. The minutes summarize his spoken comments rather than quoting them.

    • On the council's twelve-month history program (letter, Dec. 19, 2023): “I am writing to express my support for the Mayoress and Councilman Burns and McKeon's proposal for a twelve month program to honor Huntington Beach and the United States' history. I believe this program will provide unique opportunities for all to learn about history at the libraries.” letter (p. 11)
      Context: the adopted motion said the program was “intended to be free of any identity politics and political agendas” and would “repeal and supersede all such monthly themes/celebrations previously approved by Council.” It passed 4-3 (McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark and Strickland yes; Moser, Bolton and Kalmick no). meeting record memo CBS Los Angeles reported that the council “opted to do away with Heritage and Pride Months.” CBS LA

    • On Proposition 50 (letter, Sept. 16, 2025): “I would like to express my support for Item VII,” the council's resolution opposing Proposition 50, which passed 7-0. letter meeting record
      Context: Proposition 50 officially known as the Election Rigging Response Act was an amendment to the constitution to the state of California to redistrict California in response to Texas redistricting prior to the 2026 Midterms.

    • On the city's commemorative-flag policy (letter to the council, Oct. 16, 2022), asking that sister-city flags be specified as city flags: “This makes clear that the flags are flown to represent Huntington Beach’s diplomatic relationship with sister cities, not to represent a particular ethnic group of Americans.” letter
      Context:the council approved the policy's commemorative-flags section 6-0 on Oct. 18, 2022. meeting record

    • On culture-war and federal items at council meetings (2023–2024), the minutes record that he "stated support" for declaring the city a "no mask and no vaccine mandate" city (Oct. 3, 2023; he had also written in support on Sept. 5, 2023 letter (p. 10)) minutes, for withdrawing from the League of California Cities (March 19, 2024) minutes, and for recognizing Huntington Beach as "a 1st and 2nd Amendment Friendly City" (June 4, 2024). minutes (The minutes paraphrase him; no direct quote was recorded.)

    • In 2025 he also spoke on the Charlie Kirk mural, voter ID and 2026 election-resolution items; the minutes record no position. minutes


    Endorsed by:


    Candidate in the News:


    Public Voting Record:

    He has never held elected office, so there is no council voting record. He is an appointed member of the Historic Resources Board. roster


    Follow the Money:

    The Daily Pilot reports that on his Form 460 through Sept. 19, 2026, Hanson "reported having $216.40 cash on hand. He had received nearly $2,000 in contributions from his own campaign." Daily Pilot Huntington Beach posts filings on NetFile.

  • Huntington Beach At-Large City Council Candidate


    Candidate Statement:

    “BRIAN BURLEY | Trustee, Huntington Beach City School District

    We need leaders who will fight for Huntington Beach values. That’s why I'm running for Huntington Beach City Council.I am concerned with how our city relies on valuable reserve funds to cover budget deficits.As your Huntington Beach Trustee, I have a proven conservative record of balancing budgets, building reserves and protecting your tax dollars. I will bring that fiscal experience to City Hall to get our city's finances in order before it's too late. I am committed to preserving the values that make our community one of the best places to live, work and raise a family. Serving as your Huntington Beach Trustee, I've worked to strengthen school safety because protecting our children is one of the government's most important responsibilities. I'll bring that same commitment to supporting law enforcement and first responders to maintain Huntington Beach's public safety. I’ll fight to preserve Huntington Beach's family-first values and keep the local government focused on the needs of Huntington Beach residents. I don't just promise to fight for Huntington Beach. I have alreadyproven it as your Huntington Beach Trustee and I am just getting started.

    Vote Brian Burley for Huntington Beach City Council.

    Read more at Burley4HB.com”


    Email: campaignburley@gmail.com


    Campaign Website: https://burley4hb.com/


    Priorities:

    His campaign site lists six priorities:

    • “Balance budgets: Get the city’s finances in order before the structural deficit grows even worse.

    • Build reserves: Preserve reserves for one-time needs rather than relying on them for ongoing operating costs.

    • Safeguard tax dollars: Bring transparency and disciplined budgeting to City Hall while scrutinizing wasteful spending.

    • Protect families: Brian’s school-board work has prioritized school safety, parental involvement, strong academics, and family-focused government.

    • Back first responders: Burley supports Huntington Beach police officers, firefighters, and other first responders. Public safety and law enforcement are top priorities.

    • Rebuild infrastructure: Make streets, water systems, sewers, parks, public facilities, and other capital needs core City Hall priorities.”


    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • Burley has run for office a few times. He won his first election in 2024, to the Huntington Beach City School District (K-8), and is less than two years into his four-year term. 

    • Burley is a Huntington Beach City School District trustee who is running for two offices this November: Huntington Beach City Council and the U.S. House. Voice of OC

    • Running for Congress on the same ballot. He is the Republican nominee for California's 42nd Congressional District and faces Rep. Robert Garcia (D) on Nov. 3. CA Secretary of State certified candidate list Voice of OC reports that he "is not endorsed by the county Republican Party, but is on the ballot as a registered Republican in his race for Congress and is endorsed by the state party." Voice of OC

    • School board trustee, not a councilmember. He was elected to the Huntington Beach City School District board (Trustee Area 1) in November 2024, for a term ending in December 2028. The registrar lists Gruel, Van Der Mark, McKeon and Burns as the council incumbents. HBCSD board page (archived) OC registrar candidate list

    • Career. The district's bio says he works at the University of Southern California, managing USC Online's learning management systems. HBCSD board page (archived)

    • Party office and prior runs. He was elected to the Orange County Republican Central Committee in March 2020. Daily Pilot, Aug. 15, 2020 (PDF) He ran for Huntington Beach City Council in 2018 and 2020 Voice of OC, and ran for Congress as a Republican in 2020, 2022 and 2024 (withdrawing before the 2024 primary). FEC His 2019 congressional campaign site had pages titled "MAGA" and "Make Orange County Great Again!" and asked supporters to "Right the Wrong of AOC!" brianburley.com (archived, 2019) donation page (archived)

    • LGBTQ+: The school board's published minutes from December 2024 through August 2026 include no item on LGBTQ+ students, gender identity, parental notification, Pride flags or library books. As a 2024 school board candidate, asked about the state law barring parental notification policies on students' gender identity, he wrote that he "strongly support[s] parental rights and parental notification" (see Public Comments). OC Register His council site says he is "protecting our children and schools from the extreme woke agenda," without naming policies. burley4hb.com

    Social Media Links:


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    • Sonja Shaw (CVUSD Trustee, candidate for CA Superintendent of Instruction, EXTREME ANTI-LGBTQ)

    • Michael Gates (Fmr. HB City Attorney, candidate for CA Attorney General campaigning alongside Sonja Shaw, recently posed for a campaign photo with violent Proud Boy and J6er Jon Mellis) 

    • Charlie Kirk

    • Joseph Komrosky (TVUSD Trustee, banned school curriculum that covered Harvey Milk, extreme anti-LGBTQ)

    • Candy Olsen (RUSD Trustee, anti-LGBTQ activist)

    • Nicole Pearson (anti-LGBTQ activist, helped author the Forced Outing Policies that were seen all over CA school districts in 2023 and 2024)

    • Moms for Liberty OC

    • Lincoln Club of OC



    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    His on-record comments cover forced outing policies, the city's lawsuits against the state, his independence from the county party's slate and, as a congressional candidate, federal issues.

    • On parental notification of students' gender identity, in an OC Register school board questionnaire (Oct. 2024): asked about the new state law (AB 1955) barring districts from enforcing such policies, he wrote: "Parents play a vital role in their children's education, both academically and personally. I strongly support parental rights and parental notification. I oppose efforts by the state to undermine parental involvement or limit parents' ability to be informed about their children's well-being." OC Register

    • On the council race, on his campaign site (2026): "Brian Burley urges you to reject the special interest slate of candidates and to research each candidate asking for your vote. The slates are bankrupting our city and HB must get back to electing the most qualified candidates." burley4hb.com

    • On immigration and surveillance, in an OC Register congressional questionnaire (Oct. 2026): "The current administration has secured our border and greatly reduced illegal crossings. Congress must make these policies permanent." In the same questionnaire: "Flock and other surveillance technologies have gone too far." OC Register

    • On voting rules, in his congressional primary questionnaire (May 2026): "Requiring proof of citizenship for voting in federal elections is a common-sense measure." OC Register

    • On his school-board record, on his congressional site (2026): "As a school board member, I’ve worked to protect parents’ voices, ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed and I have strived to be a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars." burley4congress.com


    Endorsed by:

    • For council, his site lists the Huntington Beach Police Officers' Association and the Orange County Congress of Republicans. burley4hb.com

    • For Congress, Voice of OC reports the California Republican Party endorses him. Voice of OC

    • For council, he is not endorsed by the Republican Party of Orange County, whose guide lists Burns, Gruel, McKeon and Thienes OC GOP guide


    Candidate in the News:


    Public Voting Record:

    All entries come from the school board's published minutes. HBCSD minutes

    • In June 2025, Burley moved, seconded by Morrow, the second reading of the district's Title IX policy updates; it carried 5-0. The staff report says the policies "have been updated to the 2020 Title IX regulations." minutes

      • Context: a federal court vacated the 2024 Title IX rule nationwide in January 2025, and the U.S. Department of Education said it would enforce the 2020 rule. McGuireWoods National Law Review

    • In May 2025, he abstained on a student-teaching agreement with the University of Southern California, his employer; it carried 4-0-1. minutes


    Follow the Money: 

    His council committee is "Brian Burley for Huntington Beach City Council 2026," FPPC ID 1395934, per his campaign site. Huntington Beach posts filings on NetFile. burley4hb.com

    • His congressional committee, "Brian Burley for Congress," reported $231,370.76 in receipts from Jan. 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, including $186,000 in loans from Burley himself and $0 from PACs or party committees. FEC

  • Huntington Beach At-Large City Council Candidate


    Candidate Statement:

    “I  believe the future of Huntington Beach matters now more than ever.

    Raised in this community, I’m a parent, attorney, and commonsense problem solver. As the Executive Director of a nonprofit organization, I have spent my career bringing people together

    to get things done, helping connect people and businesses to secure the funding they need in order to improve lives and make a difference for families across Orange County.

    I know I’m not alone in saying enough is enough. As your City Councilmember, I will work tirelessly to focus on the everyday issues that matter most:

    • Protect our libraries and public spaces,

    • Invest in infrastructure upgrades and street repairs,

    • End the waste of taxpayer dollars in endless lawsuits,

    • Restore Huntington Beach’s reputation.

    I believe our future is worth fighting for, and I want my children to experience the same pride in our city that I did growing up. I would be honored to earn your vote to bring the change we need in Huntington Beach.”


    Email: taryn4hb@gmail.com


    Campaign Website: https://www.taryn4hb.com/

    Priorities: 

    • Restoring Trust

    • Prioritizing Public Safety

    • Practical and Responsible Housing

    • Protecting laxpayers

    • Strengthening Infrastructure

    • Protecting OurLibraries


    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • Parent of 2 kids

    • Worked as an attorney, a nonprofit executive, and a connector of business, civic, and community leaders, first at the Bolsa Chica Conservancy, then the Orange County Business Council, the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, and now as Executive Director of Orange County Grantmakers.

    • Earned a spot on the "40 Under 40" list in 2023, a nomination for OC Inspirational Woman, and recognition as one of the 125 Most Influential people in Orange County in 2024

    • She earned her Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the Chapman University Fowler School of Law where she specifically focused on Environmental Law

    • While it’s not listed on her website, Taryn has verbally expressed multiple times that she’d like to bring back the Human Relations Committee, which was dissolved by the 2022-2024 HB city council. The HRC was developed in the late 1990s to fight hate crimes and to encourage greater cooperation and understanding amidst the communities in HB. 

    • Taryn is running on a slate with Erin Spivey, Brenda Glim, and Ben Davis. When slate mate Brenda Glim made a campaign sign about the incumbent council, saying that the council has “thrown the city to the wolves”, Spivey, Palumbo, and Davis put out a statement distancing themselves from that messaging. Read the full post here.


    Social Media Links: 


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:


    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • “Union support is part of how our city runs. Labor unions weave the fabric of our city. The Teamsters keep goods and services moving, and LUNA members build and repair the roads, water lines, and buildings that hold our neighborhoods together. OCEA stands up for the city employees who deliver the services we count on every day. When the people who build, maintain, and serve Huntington Beach are supported, the whole city works better.”

    • “As your councilmember, I’d push for real-time public budget dashboards, plain-language reporting on major contracts and litigation costs, and consistent follow-up on outcomes rather than one-time announcements. I’ve spent my career convening business, nonprofit, and civic leaders in conversation. That experience taught me good governance depends on bringing people into the process, not shutting them out.” 

    • “I believe our community is stronger when we reflect the voices of all residents and choose understanding over outrage. That is why I support things like an Interfaith Council representing all faiths and a Human Relations Council focused on bringing people together. Leadership isn’t about chasing national political fights.”


    Endorsed by: 


    Candidate in the News:

    Public Voting Record: None found, candidate has not held public office


    Follow the Money: via the link

    (*not available for CITY government positions)

    • Huntington Beach Police Officers Association Political Action Committee sent $1,038.18

    • Huntington Beach Police Officers Association Political Action Committee sent $5,900

    • Citizens for Good Governance sent $175

    • Citizens for Good Governance sent $214.60

    • Citizens for Good Governance sent $101.68

Fountain Valley School District

  • Fountain Valley School District At-Large Candidate


    Candidate Statement:

    “CARL BLANKENHORN | Math Teacher/Parent

    As a former Fountain Valley School District student, proud parent of two former FVSD students, and recently retired high school math teacher, I bring a unique perspective to our schools—as a student, a parent, and an educator who understands what students need to succeed in high school and beyond.

    I have long admired FVSD’s caring teachers, engaged families, strong neighborhood schools, and tradition of helping students grow academically, socially, and personally. I am running because I want to contribute to that success and help ensure FVSD continues to thrive for every student.

    With 30 years of classroom experience and a Master’s Degree in Mathematics, I have dedicated my career to improving student outcomes and supporting great teaching. As your trustee, I will prioritize student safety, mental wellbeing, strong academics,appropriate class sizes, more school counselors, and meaningful  professional development for teachers.

    I will listen to parents, value community and professional input, and work to build consensus around a strong 21st-century education for every child. I will also champion transparency, fiscal

    responsibility, and careful oversight of taxpayer dollars.

    I respectfully ask for your vote.

    Please feel free to contact me: Carl4FVSDTrustee@gmail.com,

    714-907-1740, or at CarlBlankenhorn.com.”


    Email: Carl4FVSDTrustee@gmail.com


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

    Priorities: 

    • Protecting Local Public Education

    • Advocating for Appropriate Student-to-Teacher Ratios

    • Prioritizing student Safety and Wellbeing

    • Retaining and Recruiting the Best Teachers and Staff


    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • Carl is the husband of Regina Blankenhorn, who ran unsuccessfully for Huntington Beach city clerk in 2024. Both Blankenhorns are deeply involved in progressive activism within Huntington Beach, attending events hosted by Protect HB and Orange Coast Huddle. 

    • Education: Blankenhorn attended California State University, Fullerton. His LinkedIn profile lists CSUF under his education from 1996–2000.  ⁠ 

    • K–12 Teaching: According to his LinkedIn profile, Blankenhorn taught for Montebello Unified School District from September 1996 through June 2026, nearly 30 years, before retiring. Public employment records independently confirm his employment as a teacher with Montebello Unified.   

    • Community College Teaching: Blankenhorn’s LinkedIn profile states that he was a part-time Adjunct Instructor at Santiago Canyon College from February 2013 through June 2023, teaching at the college level for more than 10 years.    

    • Teacher Education and Mathematics Coaching: His LinkedIn profile says he worked part-time with UCLA for more than 13 years, including as a Mathematics Specialist teaching elementary and middle-school teachers mathematics vocabulary, pedagogy and content, and as a Mathematics Coach working with Los Angeles-area mathematics departments on pedagogy and methodology.  ⁠ 

    • Educational Consulting: Blankenhorn’s LinkedIn profile also lists work as an Educational Consultant for Whittier College from 2013–2016, where he helped create and administer a program pairing high-school mathematics and science teachers with undergraduates for problem-solving and lesson planning.  ⁠ 


    Social Media Links: 


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    • Pride at the Pier

    • Regina Blankenhorn

    • Fountain Valley Educators’ Association

    • Robert Garcia (openly gay, local Congressman)

    • Orange Coast Huddle

    • OC Young Democrats

    • Chris Kluwe for Assembly

    • WAVE

    • Democratic Party of OC

    • Vietnamese American Democratic Club

    • Inclusive Education Specialist


    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • Carl answered 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?

      • Answer: “As a classroom teacher for 30 years, I know children learn best when they are actively engaged and participating in their education. Studies show students who are able to discuss, debate, and ask questions learn to communicate and understand others’ perspectives more effectively.”

      • Question: What are the top two needs of your school district, and how are you prepared to address them?

      • Answer: “As an alumnus of the district and the father of two former students, I know Fountain Valley School District has a strong track record of preparing our students for high school and beyond. I want to ensure that continues by recruiting and retaining the best teachers and staff possible while upholding fiscal responsibility and public accountability.”


    Endorsed by:

    • Democratic Party of Orange County — endorsed. DPOC’s current 2026 endorsements page specifically lists Carl Blankenhorn for Fountain Valley School Board.  

    • Orange County Young Democrats — endorsed. Their 2026 endorsed-candidate material lists him for Fountain Valley School District Trustee.  

    • WAVE (Women for American Values and Ethics) — recommended in their Voter Guide. WAVE’s current candidate page lists “Carl Blankenhorn — Fountain Valley School District — Recommend.”  

    • Protect HB — recommended. Its 2026 school and college board recommendations include Carl Blankenhorn for Fountain Valley School District.  


    Candidate in the News:

    Public Voting Record:

    • Not Found


    Follow the Money: 

  • Fountain Valley School District At-Large Candidate


    Candidate Statement:

    “RICK NICHOLS AGE: 42 | School Principal/Parent

    I am grateful to call Fountain Valley home and am committed to ensuring our schools remain among the very best for every child.

    For 23 years, I have dedicated my career to public education. I began as a classified instructional aide later serving as a special education teacher, athletic coach, assistant principal, and, currently, a middle school principal. These experiences have given me a deep understanding of what students, teachers, and families need to succeed. My passion for quality education is why I want to serve.

    Our three children attend Fountain Valley schools because my wife and I believe in the strength of this community and the top-notch quality of its schools. I am an active PTA member, Assistant Scoutmaster, coach of youth sport teams, and a strong advocate for family partnerships in students’ education.

    As your Trustee, I will prioritize:

    • Student and campus safety

    • Maintaining high academic standards for all students

    • Attracting and retaining highly qualified teachers and staff

    • Ensuring fiscal responsibility

    • Promoting local control of education

    Vote for me, and together we can preserve what makes Fountain Valley schools exceptional, while supporting the dedicated educators who serve our children and ensuring every student is

    prepared for a successful future.”


    Email: rickjoenichols@gmail.com


    Campaign Website: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/organizations/rick-nichols-for-fv-school-board

    Priorities: 

    • Student and campus safety

    • Maintaining high academic standards for all students

    • Attracting and retaining highly qualified teachers and staff

    • Ensuring fiscal responsibility


    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • California Distinguished School: Helen Stacey Middle School, where Rick Nichols serves as principal, was recognized as a 2026 California Distinguished School in the Achievement Gap Closer category. Westminster School District reported that the recognition reflects the school’s success in improving outcomes and reducing achievement gaps among student groups. Nichols credited the recognition to the work of students, staff and families and the school’s focus on student growth and support.

    • Education: According to his LinkedIn profile, Nichols earned a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership and Administration from Concordia University Irvine in May 2024 and a Master of Science in Special Education and Teaching from Californi Rick Nichols — LinkedIn profile

    • Principal: Nichols has served as Principal of Helen Stacey Middle School in the Westminster School District since July 2023. His LinkedIn profile identifies AVID and Gallup Strengths among the programs associated with his work there.  ⁠ 

    • School Administration: Before becoming a principal, Nichols served for five years as Assistant Principal at Aliso Niguel High School in Capistrano Unified School District (2018–2023) and for two years as Dean at Warren High School in Downey Unified School District (2016–2018).  (LinkedIn) 

    • Special Education: Nichols spent nine years as a special-education teacher, first at Pacifica High School in Garden Grove Unified School District from 2007–2010 and then at Warren High School in Downey Unified from 2010–2016.  (LinkedIn)

    • Coaching: While teaching at Pacifica and Warren high schools, Nichols also served as a water polo and swimming coach/head coach.  ⁠Rick Nichols — LinkedIn profile

    • Early Education Experience: Nichols’s LinkedIn profile shows that he began working in public schools as an instructional assistant with Westminster School District in January 2003, working at Stacey Middle School and Jordan Middle School, before becoming a substitute teacher and then a special-education teacher.  (LinkedIn)


    Social Media Links: 


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    • None Found (Rick’s accounts are private)


    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • Rick 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?

      • Answer: “Schools should teach students that it is okay to disagree while still treating one another with respect. Civil discourse can be built into classroom discussions by teaching students to listen, ask thoughtful questions, support their opinions with facts, and consider different perspectives. PBIS can also reinforce respect as a schoolwide expectation, helping students learn what respectful communication looks and sounds like. I would like FVSD to create age-appropriate opportunities for students to discuss ideas, collaborate, and respectfully work through disagreements. These skills prepare students to communicate with people who think differently and become thoughtful, responsible members of their 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?

      • Answer: “AI is becoming part of our students’ world, so we need to teach them how to use it responsibly through digital citizenship and age-appropriate safeguards. I support educator-controlled “walled garden” AI tools that keep interactions focused on specific learning objectives. I recently saw this used during a lesson on Samurai soldiers, where students chatted with an AI as if it were a Samurai soldier, asking questions about daily life, responsibilities, and experiences. It brought the lesson to life and encouraged student curiosity. AI should enhance learning like this, but be limited when it replaces critical thinking, original student work, or teacher guidance.”


    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. 

    • California Republican Assembly - Conservative Republican volunteer organization that works to elect Republican candidates who support principles including limited government, traditional values, free markets, individual liberty and personal responsibility.

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


    Candidate in the News:

    Public Voting Record:

    • None Found


    Follow the Money: 

  • Fountain Valley School District At-Large Candidate


    Candidate Statement:

    “DENNIS COLE AGE: 55 | Governing Board Member, Fountain Valley School District

    As an educator for 31 years and current President of the Fountain Valley School Board, I work to serve students and families. I have been a teacher, school principal, Director of Education, and currently serve as Chief of Staff for the Orange County Department of Education. Utilizing my area of expertise, I have helped to build solid, thriving school communities.

    During my four years as a Governing Board Member, I have placed a major emphasis on:

    • Safe schools and healthy, happy kids - installed perimeter fencing to further enhance our school safety

    • High academic standards propelling our students to rank first in reading, math, and science in Orange County

    • Expanding STEM, the arts, and music opportunities for students

    • Fiscal responsibility, ensuring yearly that FVSD has a positive financial certification with stable and sustainable budgets

    I continue to serve our community on the Board of Directors for Fountain Valley Schools Foundation, Orange County Sheriff’s Advisory Council, Junior Achievement Orange County, and Coastline College Foundation.

    My wife and I have raised five children in Fountain Valley and have been foster parents for 11 children. We work together, as a family, to help our city and our schools be a great place for everyone.

    I look forward to your vote.”


    Email: denniscolefountainvalley@gmail.com


    Campaign Website: https://denniscolefv.com/

    Priorities: 

    • School Safety

    • Academic Achievement 

    • STEM, Arts, and Music 

    • Fiscal Responsibility 


    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • Dennis Cole is the incumbent President of the Fountain Valley School District Board of Trustees, first elected in 2022.

    According to his LinkedIn profile:

    • Professional Experience: More than 30 years in public education, including classroom teaching, school administration, and educational leadership.

    • Orange County Department of Education (2016–Present): Chief of Staff (September 2024–Present); Director of Education/Partnerships (January–September 2024); Director of District Partnerships and Operations (2020–2024); Director of STEM and Humanities (2016–2020).

      • The Orange County Board of Education has a documented conservative majority that supports charter school expansion and school choice and has opposed critical race theory in public education. During Cole’s tenure as Chief of Staff, board members continued advocating restrictions on DEI-related instruction and school policies concerning students’ gender identities. These positions are documented in the board’s June 2, 2025, meeting transcript. Cole’s administrative position does not, by itself, establish his agreement with individual board members’ positions. (⁠OC Independent)

    • Santa Ana Unified School District (1995–2016): Principal (2006–2016) and English Teacher (1995–2006).

    • Education: Master of Arts in Educational Administration, California State University, Fullerton (2005); Bachelor of Arts in English Education, California State University, Long Beach (1994).

    • Professional Organizations: Executive Board Member, Association of California School Administrators (2009–Present); former Region 17 President.

    • Community Involvement: Executive Board Member, Orange County Council of Scouting America; board and advisory positions with Junior Achievement, Concordia University, Vanguard University, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Advisory Council.

    • Religious Activities: Longtime worship leader, deacon, and elder at Calvary Baptist Church in Huntington Beach (1993–Present).


    Social Media Links: 


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    • Stephen Bean (OC Board of Education Superintendent, supportive of anti-LGBTQ policies)

    • Cecilia Iglesias (Founder of both Parents Union and its associated Spanish-language counterpart, which function within the California Policy Center, an extremely anti-LGBTQ far right thinktank associated with Heritage Foundation)

    • OC District Attorney Todd Spitzer

    • Vanguard University (deeply conservative private Christian college in OC, has been sued over their anti-LGBTQ policies multiple times)

    • Horizon Pregnancy Clinic (anti-abortion business in Huntington Beach)

    • Calvary Baptist Church


    Candidate’s Public Comments:

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

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

      • Answer: “Artificial intelligence is an important tool that requires intentional monitoring by teachers and parents, particularly at higher grade levels. If students use it without direct instruction about its benefits and dangers, AI can decrease student learning and put them at risk online. It should not be used in lower grade levels when early learners are still mastering basic skills.

    However, by teaching our youth to use AI appropriately and giving them real-world experience with how it can simplify tasks, provide access to complex content, and improve workflow, teachers and parents can prepare students for future success.”

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

    • Answer: “As students grow in literacy and math competency, they should also learn to solve problems together. Learning to work together is the foundation of civil discourse. Students should be taught how our government works for the people and understand the basic freedoms that enable us to live and thrive together, even with differing views.

    Most importantly, education should model compassion, kindness, and integrity, so that our youth develop a heart for serving others and listening to their needs.

    In Fountain Valley School District, we honor our students with the Lighthouse Leadership Award, recognizing students who consistently exemplify the FVSD Guiding Principles: Integrity, Love, Teamwork, Leadership, Perseverance, Citizenship, and Respect.”


    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. 

    • California Republican Assembly - Conservative Republican volunteer organization that works to elect Republican candidates who support principles including limited government, traditional values, free markets, individual liberty and personal responsibility.

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


    Candidate in the News:

    Public Voting Record:

    • None Found


    Follow the Money: 

    • Dennis’ campaign contributions are not yet publicly available.

  • Fountain Valley School District At-Large Candidate


    Candidate Statement: NONE FOUND


    Email: None Found


    Campaign Website: Eugene does not appear to have a campaign website

    Priorities: 

    • None Found


    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • Anti-Abortion Project: Murray’s LinkedIn profile identifies him with Plan4Childhood, a project he describes with the statements, “Save a child’s life AND give them a childhood!” and “Save a child from abortion – adopt an unborn child!” His profile also identifies him as founder, designer and developer of projects associated with PlannedFamilyhood.com through his company Vision Igniters.

    • Prior Campaigns: Murray ran for Fountain Valley City Council in 2022, unsuccessfully.

    • Education: According to his LinkedIn profile, Eugene M. Murray earned a B.A. in Physics from California State University, Fullerton, where he lists minors in Mathematics and Computer Science, and an M.A. in Bioethics from Trinity Law School. His profile also lists numerous subsequent professional and online certifications in information technology and neuroscience-related subjects.  

    • Professional Background: According to his LinkedIn profile, Murray describes himself as a physicist and neuroscientist and lists a primarily self-employed professional background involving information technology, cloud architecture, business development and neuroscience-related projects. His current listed roles include Chief Technology Officer and Director of the NeuroEconomics Master Program at Vision Igniters, IT & SOA Architect at i2CloudMart, Cloud Architect & Marketing at i2CloudMarketing, and CTO of PlannedFamilyhood.com. 
       

    Social Media Links: 


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    • None Found


    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • He describes his project Plan4Childhood as such, “Save a child’s life AND give them a childhood! Save a child from abortion – adopt an unborn child!

    Meditating, musing, and contemplating on the nature of loving God has been scientifically proven to grow the neuron cells of your brain!  Neuroscience leads the way in new discovery of the mind/brain/body framework.  Plan4Childhood makes these neuroscience discoveries available to persons the adopt an unborn childhood to optimize these parents with a vision of a loving God who loves and wants every person to become a child of God.” (x)

    • When he ran for Fountain Valley City Council in 2022, he was asked what he felt the most pressing issues were for the city. He replied, “The most important issues facing Fountain Valley are: Short-term development demands coming from the state level are too arbitrary and unmeasurable for effective planning. Once elected we will work to audit the California state rubric analysis to see how best we can measure the true effect of developing new housing units to show true progress.” (x)


    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. 

    • California Republican Assembly - Conservative Republican volunteer organization that works to elect Republican candidates who support principles including limited government, traditional values, free markets, individual liberty and personal responsibility.

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


    Candidate in the News:

    Public Voting Record:

    • None Found


    Follow the Money: 

    • None Found

Huntington Beach City School District

  • Huntington Beach City School District Area 4 Candidate


    Candidate Statement:

    “DIANA MARKS | Incumbent

    It has been an honor to serve on the Huntington Beach City School Board for the past eight years. As a 51-year resident of Huntington Beach I have dedicated my life to HBCSD, as a teacher for 39 years, and a proud parent of three children who have attended HB City Schools. I believe in my core that the needs of students must be prioritized above any other agenda. As a teacher, I served as a teacher of the year, PTA liaison, coach, and athletic director. I also

    served as part of the team that earned the California Distinguished School and National Blue-Ribbon School awards.

    As a member of the board, I have worked productively with our governance team. We have worked to improve communication with all stakeholders, transparency and accountability in budget decisions, finishing our modernization project and building a new Sowers. Since we are now community funded, we have been able to lower class sizes and offer competitive salaries in order to keep the best teachers and staff. We have instituted science-based teaching strategies and have seen an increase in our students' achievement. Some of the awards our schools have received in the past four years include; California Distinguished Schools, California School to Watch, Gold PBIS Recognition, and Scholar Designation Performance.

    In the next four years we will have facilities projects to finish such as bus storage along with maintenance and operations. We will be starting our next five-year strategic plan cycle that will set the goals that will further the advancement of our students. I ask for your continued support in order to finish these projects and to provide the best learning environment for our students. I appreciate your faith and support in the past and hope you will vote for me again.

    Visit me at DianaMarks4HBCSD.com”


    Email: None Found


    Campaign Website: https://www.dianamarks4hbcsd.com/

    On Diana's campaign website, she has an entire page where she corrects claims made on social media that she disagrees with. We'll cover some of these further down in public comment. 

    Priorities: 

    • Continue building literacy gains among our lowest-performing student groups.

    • Establish the AI Working Group and finalize the district’s Acceptable Use Policies for both students and staff.

    • Continue embedding PBIS data and leadership practices and strengthen Tier 2 interventions where needed.

    • Sustaining and growing Canvas participation by parents, particularly through proactive outreach to incoming 6th grade families.

    • Deepen our two-way communication addressing the desire expressed in survey data for more responsive and participatory channels.

    • We are in our second year of community funded status and need to align our expenses to strategic priorities in order to maintain our fiscal responsibilities.

    • Professional learning for leaders at all levels to keep pace with the rapidly evolving landscape of AI tools in education.


    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • Received PTSA Teacher of the Year as Outstanding Teacher at both Gisler and Sowers. (x)

    • Member of the American Legion-Auxiliary Post 291(x)

    • Coordinator for the science department writing team for Distinguished School and National Blue Ribbon Schools (x) 

    • AYSO soccer team mom (x)

    • Member of the Altar Guild at St. James the Great Episcopal Church (x)

    • Member of three quilt guilds where I work with our philanthropy groups (x)


    Social Media Links: 

    • None found


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    • None found


    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • On her campaign website's Fact vs Fiction page, she rejects the claim: "HBCSD continued receiving funding based on its protected pre-pandemic ADA for two years, even though these students were no longer allowed to attend our schools." She responds to this statement to say: "The ADA “hold-harmless” applied to every California school district for 2020-21 and 2021-22. HBCSD received no protection that other districts did not. 

      • Under the funding statutes already in place, HBCSD would have received the greater of current-year or prior-year ADA. The post-pandemic hold-harmless extended that by one year.

      • Former HBCSD students who enrolled in neighboring districts increased those districts’ ADA, creating the same funding protections for them in future years.

      • With an ongoing structural deficit of $7 million, the hold-harmless benefited HBCSD students by stalling program changes and staff reductions during the pandemic."

    • Also on the Fact vs Fiction page, she addressed the claim that the decision to restrict enrollment for students who live outside the district "removed families the district had actively recruited and welcomed into our schools." by stating: "HBCSD was carrying approximately $7 million in ongoing deficit spending. The district faced closing a school, laying off staff, and the possibility of a State takeover. The alternatives to restricting enrollment were increased class sizes, significant layoffs, and eliminated programs for the students who remained. 

    Prioritizing resident students also reflects how a community-funded (basic aid) district is financed. Local property taxes paid by HBCSD residents support HBCSD schools, and those dollars are intended to serve the children of the families who pay them rather than students residing outside the district."

    Answer: “There are needs and there are wants. Our first need is being fiscally responsible. We are in our second year of being a community-funded district. This means our money comes from our local property tax and not ADA (average daily attendance), which is based on the number of kids in seats. We get paid X amount of dollars no matter how many kids we have enrolled.

    However, because property tax payments are made twice a year, we need to have a larger reserve than normal to fund the district between payments in case of an unexpected economic downturn. We are adding at least 2% a year to our reserves to reach an amount recommended by the state.

    Our second need is to maintain a secure and reliable internet system for the district for two reasons: First, our entire district depends on internet connections to get their work done, from the superintendent to maintenance; and second, to protect ourselves from hackers, the more dangerous of the two.

    Right now, we are looking at installing Starlink as a backup for reliability and constantly updating security walls that keep hackers out. I leave those details to our tech team.”

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

    • Answer: “Good question!

    I was able to complete a master’s in governance program during my first term in office. This program helped me to focus on my role as a board member.

    The role of a board is to ensure school districts are responsive to the values, beliefs, and priorities of their communities. Boards perform five major responsibilities. We work as a governance team with the superintendent to make decisions that will best serve the students in our community. It is our job to say what we want to see, but not how to do it. We focus on student learning and achievement, finance, facilities, human resources, policy, judicial review, collective bargaining, and community relations and advocacy.

    It is also important to know that we have legal policies and district policies. We cannot go in and change legal policy because we don’t like it. However, we can and do write letters to and meet with local representatives to encourage a certain action. District policies are updated on a regular basis.

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

    • Answer: “AI is here, and we need to learn how to use it safely in the classroom. We are legally required to have an AI policy. We are also finalizing our AI Implementation Framework and Acceptable Use Policies for both students and staff. There is also an AI committee that is looking at programs that will improve staff productivity.

    AI in the classroom is a different story, and we are going slowly to make sure we get it right. One program, CoGrader, is being piloted in the middle schools. This program is used in the classroom only; students submit their writing, and the program gives them suggestions for improvement — it does not write their paper for them — leaving more time for teachers to work with students. We really believe students need to know how to write, and this program may fit the bill.”

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

    • Answer: “We seem to be living in an era where fear and ignorance lead to hate, followed by a lack of respect and dignity. I have seen amazing programs that address how to talk to someone who is different or has a different opinion than yours. It is based on all of us deserving some respect and being treated with dignity. This may be more appropriate in high school.

    In our elementary district, we do have Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies where we have seen amazing improvements in student behavior, showing more kindness to one another, and volunteering for philanthropic programs.

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

    • Answer: “I love the idea of subsidized housing for educators, especially in districts where the cost of housing is high. Right now, subsidized housing is not on our radar. However, our district is now community-funded; this gives us more dollars per student to spend. We have used some of this money to decrease class size and to offer competitive salaries that would attract and retain good teachers, of which we have some of the best around.”

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

    • Answer: “I have lived in the Huntington Beach community for over 50 years, and after 39 years of teaching within HBCSD and having three of my own children, I believe, in my heart, that students should always come first.

    After eight years on the school board, I have found that we are a board that respects one another, can listen to each other, discuss our differences respectfully, and come to final decisions that are right for the students. As board president for two of those years, I have had to lead difficult discussions; some decisions are not always 5-0, but we always support the final decision made. Listening skills are also important, not just among ourselves but also within the community. We have changed decisions such as bus storage location, adding TK to all schools, and lowering class sizes because of community feedback. The experience I have had as a teacher and board member has provided me with the skills that make me the best person for the job.”

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

    • Answer: “Kermit the Frog! I was a seventh-grade science teacher, and my favorite unit was frog dissection. Kermit was my mascot then, and I received hundreds of frogs from students over the years because they thought of me. Kermit was kind, thoughtful, considerate, courageous … and green. What a great role model for a mascot.”

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

    • Answer: “I am a voracious reader, but the best book by far this year is ‘Theo of Golden’ by Allen Levi.

    This is a story about a stranger, Theo, who came to a small town, Golden, and discovered a coffee shop full of portraits of local townspeople. He decided to buy them one at a time and give them to the rightful owner. These people each had their own unique stories. I believe everyone has a unique story, and the kindness he showed, the giving back to a community that accepted him, and doing the right thing when it may have been difficult was his story. The ending was sad, but he left a lasting memory in the community. This book was a great reminder of the strength of kindness and goodness and the impact it has on those around you, and never judge a person by their cover.”


    Endorsed by: 

    • HBETA–Huntington Beach Elementary Teachers Association

    • OC Huddle

    • Protect Huntington Beach

    • Elaine Kelley–Friends of the Library, Interfaith Council, and former principal HBCSD

    • Steve Hawn Ed D, Parent and Director of Graduate Program at CSULB                                                                                                       

    • Teachers: Joy and Zoran Forgirini, Don and Julie Gray, Jenn Spehar, Kyle Morita, Ravi Sohoni,  Sara Adams, Jenn Robertson, Trinon Carter

    Candidate in the News:

    Public Voting Record:

    • None found


    Follow the Money: 

    • Contributions to Diana Marks' campaign are not available at this time. 

    • Diana Marks gave $100 to Natalie Moser's 2024 Huntington Beach City Council Campaign, $100 to Dan Kalmick's 2024 Huntington Beach City Council Campaign

  • Huntington Beach City School District Area 4 Candidate


    Candidate Statement:

    “LAURA COSTELLOE | AGE: 50 | Technical Education Advisor

    As an Edison High School graduate, mother of two children who attended Huntington Beach City School District schools for 13 years, and longtime community advocate, I have dedicated my life to serving Huntington Beach students and families.

    Our district is finally in a strong financial position under Basic Aid. We should protect that success by managing taxpayer dollars responsibly, maintaining transparency, preserving

    neighborhood schools, and safeguarding community assets for future generations. I believe there is no reason to sell district land or close neighborhood schools when sound financial stewardship can protect both.

    My commitment is proven through years of service. I served ten years on a PTA Executive Board, including as PTA President, have attended every School Board meeting for the past eight years, and maintain a community information page that keeps parents informed and engaged on important district issues and Board actions because accountable leadership matters.

    I received the Mayor's Spotlight Award for co-leading Peterson Elementary's annual Read Across America celebration, bringing more than 50 community leaders into classrooms each year to promote literacy and inspire young readers. As a former Huntington Beach Community & Library Services Commissioner, I advocated for transparency, public engagement, and responsible stewardship of our community resources.

    Professionally, I serve as a Technical Education Advisor at an Orange County career-connected training center, helping students develop career skills, earn industry certifications, and prepare for successful careers. I have secured grant funding that has opened doors for at-risk youth and students with disabilities to receive vocational training, industry-recognized certifications, and life-changing opportunities.

    Whether advocating for families, supporting students through difficult circumstances, or creating opportunities that change lives, I have always believed every child deserves someone willing to stand beside them.

    I believe our strongest schools are built through transparency, community partnerships, and opportunities for every student to succeed. As your Trustee, I will continue bringing people together to protect our neighborhood schools, support academic excellence and career pathways, and ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.

    I would be honored to earn your vote for Huntington Beach City School District Trustee, Area 4.

    Laura4hbcsdboard@gmail.com

    www.laura4hbcsdboard.com”


    Email:  Laura4hbcsdboard@gmail.com


    Campaign Website: https://www.laura4hbcsdboard.com/ 

    Laura emphasizes “parental rights” on her campaign website, and the fact that she’s been endorsed by the entire 7-person “MAGAnificent” Huntington Beach City Council. 

    Priorities: 

    • “FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY

      • Keep tax dollars focused on classrooms, teachers, and students.

    • PARENTAL RIGHTS

      • Parents deserve transparency, meaningful involvement, and the ability to make informed decisions about their children's education.

    • PROTECT NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOLS

      • Protect our neighborhood schools, green space, and community assets.

    • TRANSPARENCY & ACCOUNTABILITY

      • Board decisions should be open, responsible, and accountable to the families and taxpayers they serve.”

    PRIDE AT THE PIER NOTE: In our experience, we have found the term "parental rights" to be a dog-whistle for anti-LGBTQ policies like curriculum control, book banning, forced-outing policies, and more. 


    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • Has attended every school board meeting for the past eight years.

    • Has worked with the PTA’s executive board as a parent advocate for the past decade.

    • Supports students in trades and career education as a technical career education advisor. (x) 

    • Laura describes herself as a parent advocate and community watchdog. (x) 

    • On her instagram, she has posted multiple videos showing her campaigning for the Republican-endorsed ticket for Huntington Beach City Council; Casey McKeon, Pat Burns, and Brian Thienes, as well as Gracey Van Der Mark and Tony Strickland in the state legislature races. 

    • On August 18th, she campaigned at Beach Cities Church, which openly advocates for book bans and is openly anti-LGBTQ, going so far as to host anti-LGBTQ activist speakers. (x)  

    • On September 25th, she posted on her instagram that she and her daughter were campaigning for her campaign outside of Sowers Middle School on back to school night. This is right on the line of what is legally allowed for campaigns - School Board candidates are not legally allowed to campaign on school property. By being on the sidewalk, she was following the letter of campaign law, but one could argue not the spirit of the law. (x)

    • She supports Voter ID requirements. (x) 


    Social Media Links: 


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    NOTE: This is an incomplete list of the accounts of note that Laura follows her on public campaign instagram. We’ve only listed a selection for brevity. 

    • Todd Frazier (incumbent candidate for PYLUSD, openly running on anti-LGBTQ platform)

    • Minivan Mom Talk (SoCal anti-LGBTQ activist)

    • Moms For Liberty OC

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

    • Michael Gates (Fmr. HB City Attorney who was fired from the Trump administration for “creating a hostile environment for women”, now running for CA Attorney General. Openly called on his campaign instagram for criminal charges against school counselors who “groom” kids to “become” trans)

    • Sonja Shaw (Candidate for CA Superintendent of Public Instruction, anti-LGBTQ extremist activist)

    • Justin Aguirre (Candidate for PYLUSD, openly running on anti-LGBTQ platform)

    • Madison Miner (Chair of OC Moms For Liberty)

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

    • Pat Burns (HB Mayor, known his hot-mic moments degrading constituents)


    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • Costelloe responded to the OC Register’s candidate questionnaire:

      • Question: What are the top two needs of your school district, and how are you prepared to address them?

      • Answer: “The top two priorities for the Huntington Beach City School District should be academic excellence and fiscal responsibility.

    Our first responsibility is to ensure every student receives a strong education that prepares them for success in high school and beyond, while providing teachers and classrooms with the resources they need.

    At the same time, we must be responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars by prioritizing spending that directly benefits students, maintaining transparency in financial decisions, and protecting our neighborhood schools, district assets, and our open space for future generations.

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

    • Answer: “The job of the School Board is to represent the community, set policy and priorities, oversee the district’s finances, and hold the superintendent accountable. Board members need to ask questions, understand where taxpayer dollars are going, and make decisions based on what is best for students and our schools. The Board should provide oversight and transparency while giving the superintendent and staff clear direction and holding them accountable for carrying it out.”

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

    • Answer: “AI isn’t going away, and our students need to learn how to use it responsibly. I see it as a tool, not a replacement for teachers or for students learning how to think, write and problem-solve for themselves. We need clear guidelines for how it is used in the classroom, protections for student privacy, and parents should know how these tools are being used with their children. If we use AI, it should enhance learning, not replace it.”

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

    • Answer: “I think we need to do a better job teaching kids that it is okay to disagree. We aren’t always going to have the same opinions, but we should be able to listen to each other, ask questions and have a conversation without being disrespectful.

    I would like to see our schools give students more opportunities to have age-appropriate discussions where they learn to listen to different points of view, use facts to support what they believe and think for themselves. Our teachers should help guide those conversations without telling students what they should think.

    Being able to communicate with people you disagree with is an important life skill. We should be teaching our students that you can disagree with someone and still treat them with respect.

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

    • Answer: “I think attracting and keeping great teachers starts with making HBCSD a place where people want to work. Compensation matters, especially with how expensive it is to live in Orange County, but teachers also want to feel valued, supported and heard.

    We need to make sure our teachers have the resources they need in their classrooms and that we aren’t creating unnecessary administrative work that takes their time away from students. We also need to listen to the teachers who are actually in our classrooms when we make decisions that affect them.

    HBCSD is in a strong financial position, and I believe we need to be responsible with those dollars while making our teachers and classrooms a priority. We have some incredible teachers in our district. Attracting new educators is important, but so is making sure the great teachers we already have want to stay.

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

    • Answer: “I have spent years involved in our schools and our community, long before deciding to run for School Board. I served 10 years on PTA executive boards, including as PTA president, and I have attended every HBCSD School Board meeting for the past eight years.

    I haven’t just attended meetings. I have questioned the Board, raised concerns about how district funds were being used, fought against school closures and advocated for projects that made financial sense for our district, including the new M&O facility. I have learned that you have to do your homework, ask questions and be willing to speak up when something doesn’t make sense.

    I have also served as a Huntington Beach Community and Library Services Commissioner and work in career technical education, helping students find opportunities in the trades.

    My priorities are academic excellence, fiscal responsibility, transparency, parental rights and protecting our neighborhood schools. I know this district, I know our community, and I am ready to do the work.”

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

    • Answer: “A watchdog. I have spent the last eight years attending every HBCSD School Board meeting, asking questions, following the money and making sure parents and our community know what is happening in our district. I have never been afraid to speak up when something doesn’t make sense.

    But being a watchdog isn’t just about pointing out problems. It is also about protecting what matters. For me, that means our students, our neighborhood schools, our green space and the tax dollars our community has entrusted to the district.

    So I think a watchdog fits me pretty well — loyal, persistent and always paying attention.”

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

    • Answer: “The best book I read this year was ‘Lifted to Lead’ by Dr. Stefan Bean, someone I deeply respect and admire.

    Knowing him and then reading his story gave me an even greater appreciation for the person he is and everything he has overcome. What really stayed with me is that his circumstances could have taken his life in a very different direction, but they didn’t. He is a great example of what can happen when someone believes in a child, and that child is given an opportunity to succeed. I have so much respect for the way Dr. Bean leads and how much he genuinely cares about kids. His story is also a reminder of why the work we do in education matters. You never know which teacher, opportunity or person who believes in a student might completely change the direction of that child’s life.”


    Endorsed by: 

    • Republican Party of Orange County

    • Lincoln Club of Orange County (far-right, anti-LGBTQ organization) 

    • Huntington Beach Republican Assembly

    • Tony Strickland, CA State Senator, District 36 (former HB City Councilmember who voted to ban the pride flag)

    • Pat Burns, Huntington Beach City Councilmember

    • Andrew Gruel, Huntington Beach City Councilmember

    • Butch Twining, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Huntington Beach 

    • Gracey Van Der Mark, Huntington Beach City Councilmember

    • Don Kennedy, Huntington Beach City Councilmember

    • Chad Williams, Huntington Beach City Councilmember 

    • Brian Thienes, Huntington Beach Planning Commissioner

    • Mari Barke (OC Board of Education Trustee and Director at California Policy Center, an  anti-LGBTQ and anti-public education organization in the Heritage Foundation network) 

    • Deanna Garza, Kurt Chrestensen, and LIllian Altamariano, who she identifies as "Parent Advocates"


    • Quotes from HB City Councilmembers that she’s put up on her webpage:

    • Casey McKeon - Mayor, City of Huntington Beach

      • “Laura Costelloe is the exact type of person we want elected to our school boards. She’s a parent, volunteer, strong community member and a fierce advocate for our children. Her number one priority is the well-being of the families in our community and the safe education of our children. Please elect Laura to Huntington Beach city school District.”

    • Andrew Gruel - Huntington Beach City Councilmember

      • “I’ve been on the opposite side of an issue with Laura, so I know firsthand what a fighter she is. We may not have agreed then, but I walked away with tremendous respect for her passion, determination, and willingness to stand up for what she believes in. When it comes to fighting for our schools and our kids, few bring the same level of commitment and tenacity. She has my full support.”

    • Butch Twining - Mayor Pro Tem, City of Huntington Beach

      • She put Butch in this list but it appears he did not have an endorsement quote.

    • Gracey Van Der Mark - Huntington Beach City Councilmember

      • “Parents deserve a strong voice and meaningful representation in their children’s education. Laura Costelloe understands that our children’s future depends on putting families first. I am proud to support Laura for trustee of Huntington Beach City School Board because she is the right person to represent our parents, protect their voices, and put students first.”

    • Pat Burns - Huntington Beach City Councilmember

      • “Laura is not running for fame or money. She has a passion for the kids and their education. She wants to do the right thing for the kids and their community!” 

    • Don Kennedy - Huntington Beach City Councilmember

      • “Laura Costelloe is Smart, Passionate, Engaged, Qualified & Caring. It’s simple - Laura’s the RIGHT CHOICE. Vote Costelloe - HBCSD- Trustee Area 4. She has my full endorsement.”

    • Chad Williams - Huntington Beach City Councilmember

      • “Laura Costelloe is a fighter, and we need people like her advocating for our children. You fight different, when you fight for what you love! Navy SEAL Veteran, Chad Williams.”


    Candidate in the News:

    Public Voting Record:

    • None, Laura has not held public office


    Follow the Money: 

    • $1,000 from Brian Thienes, Republican candidate for HB City Council

    • $3,000 from Butch Twining, sitting HB City Councilmember who voted for book bans

    • $500 from The Lincoln Club OC, far-right political club and fundraising org

    • $500 from Chad Williams, sitting HB City Councilmember who voted and openly campaigned for book bans

Ocean View School District

  • Ocean View School District Area 5 Candidate


    Candidate Statement: 

    “DAVID CLIFFORD | AGE: 42 | Planning Commissioner/Businessowner

    As a 3rd generation Huntington Beach resident and homeowner, I understand the needs of the community. Our suburban neighborhoods value public schools that are safe and focus on student achievement. I am running for the Ocean View School District Board of Trustees for one reason; our children. 

    My education credentials include a BS in Aerospace Engineering and an MS in Supply Chain Management where I continue to serve CSULB in an advisory role. My career in Transportation has allowed me to give back to local communities where I donate time at colleges and high schools to mentor and educate youth about college and career opportunities in the Transportation sector. 

    I have a passion for public service and being actively involved in my childrens school, where I serve as Chairman of the Village View Elementary chool Site Council. Also serving the city of Huntington Beach as a Planning Commissioner and formerly as a Public Works Commissioner, I value the importance of good governance and want to extend my community contributions districtwide to affect positive change in what matters most, our children. 

    When the district tried closing schools I worked closely with parents in a grass-roots effort and succeeded in keeping our schools open. 

    As an advocate for taxpayers, I will promote fiscal responsibility and address the structural budget deficit without raising your taxes. Let me repeat, I will not raise your taxes. 

    My goal is for the district to get back to the basics including math, science, reading, writing, and history. 

    I will support curriculum that emphasizes STEM/STEAM principles and programs like the Environmental Science Farm at Golden View Elementary.

    I will advocate for policies that prioritize student achievement. 

    I will keep parents involved in their childrens education. 

    While parents are asked to donate money for field trips, district Administration continues to receive raises. While test scores continue to decline, the board is focusing on building workforce housing on closed school sites. 

    It's time for change. 

    The district needs a community-focused leader who will promote accountability and make informed decisions. I am invested in our community and dedicated to creating a positive lasting impact on our children's education and well-being. 

    Please vote for David Clifford. 

    Visit www.clifford4ovsd.com to read my full story.”


    Email: Not Found


    Campaign Website: https://www.clifford4ovsd.com/

    Priorities: 

    • Student Achievement

    • Fiscal Responsibility

    • Parents’ Rights


    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • David also ran, unsuccessfully, for OVSD Trustee in 2024, and was very open about his anti-LGBTQ+ views during that campaign. Source

    • Clifford currently serves on the Huntington Beach Planning Commission, having been appointed to that spot by current-Mayor Casey McKeon. Source

    • He ran for the 2022 Huntington Beach City Council race. source

    • During his 2024 campaign, on an August 31st sermon/ political event at Calvary Chapel at Huntington Harbor, pastors Joe Pedick and Jack Hibbs endorsed David Clifford and a number of other HB candidates. (This church is the same one that led the charge in Huntington Beach book-banning efforts Measures A and B in 2025, which failed.) Watch here. In a prayer over the candidates, Joe Pedick said, “...Lord, even as the message this morning, Lord, these are standing for what’s right, Lord, these are here to fight, they’re here to fight for you, God, and Lord we just pray that, Lord, you would allow them to have the whole armor of God as they go through this battle, and Lord, we pray that you give them wisdom, and Lord, we pray that you give them favor with the people as they vote.  Lord, God, we pray that you would, Lord, speak to those that are going to vote for them.”

    • During his 2024 OVSD campaign, Clifford sent out a highly contentious campaign mailer - or rather, a PAC affiliated with his slate companion Jorgensen sent it out.  The mailer encourages voters to vote for the Clifford/Jorgensen slate.  It used the narrative tool of pretending to be written by OVSD students, in crayon and with frequent misspellings, asking for help from voters.  The mailer referenced “crazy woke peeple” (misspelling from the original).  It went on to sensationally claim that students in OVSD are being taught “weird things about sex and private parts”.  A number of members of the School District leadership, understandably concerned by these claims, put out clarifications debunking these inflammatory claims.  OVSD, as a K-8 district, does have early puberty/ sex ed for middle schoolers, as is standard in public schools, and parents are given the opportunity to opt their children out of the program.  

    These mailers were paid for by the “Huntington Beach People’s Action Committee” as an in-kind donation to Keith Jorgensen’s campaign.  The mailers had an address on them that is connected with Ed Laird, well-known conservative kingmaker in Huntington Beach.  However, the PAC itself is registered to a CPA in Fresno.  

    From what we can tell, this PAC expensed these mailers out to Tabula Rasa Enterprises, an LLC in San Francisco, who he’s attributed his campaign paraphernalia to.  Many of the far-right campaigns in Huntington Beach over the last two years have paid Tabula Rasa for their signage and campaign literature.  Tabula Rasa’s manager, according to their statement of information with the CA Secretary of State, is John Cancilla.  John Cancilla is the CFO for Code Four, the company that operates the Pacific Airshow that there’s been so much scandal and controversy over the city’s settlement to. 


    Social Media Links: 

    He posted on his Facebook on June 6, 2024, a selfie with far-right extremist and Heritage Foundation fellow Corey DeAngelis. Corey is the author of “The Parent Revolution: Rescuing Your Kids from the Radicals Ruining Our Schools.” He’s also a board member of the California Policy Center. Source


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:


    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • David ran for OVSD Trustee in 2024 as well. His campaign website had a section with the following words; “Parents’ Rights: The family unit is under attack by the state of California. This is evident in bills like AB1955 that would prohibit local school districts from enforcing existing parental notification policies requiring disclosure about a student’s gender identity/expression. Under this new law, a gender-confused child can receive counseling and reading material from school district employees without any parental knowledge and be led to the conclusion they were born with the wrong gender. The state and its employees have absolutely no right to keep secrets from families and parents, regardless of the issue. Parents, not the state, are responsible for raising children. I will make it a priority to have age-appropriate learning material in classrooms and advocate for parents’ rights.” source

    • On July 24, 2024, he posted on his facebook, “Last week Gavin Newsom signed AB1955 into law.  This is the bill that bans schools[sic] districts from creating parental notification policies and opens the door for schools to keep secrets from parents if their child becomes gender confused.  This is one of the worst pieces of legislation I have ever seen and is a direct threat to families.” source

      • FACT CHECK: AB 1955 prevents school districts from requiring teachers to forcibly out students, it doesn’t prevent teachers from doing so if they choose to. 

    • He spoke in opposition of AB 1955 during a 2024 OC Register interview, saying, “Parents’ rights are the foundation for a successful school district/parent relationship. School districts have a responsibility to communicate all aspects of children’s lives to parents/guardians. I oppose AB 1955 because parents are responsible for their children, not the state, and under no circumstance should the state subvert the parent-child bond.” 

    • David responded to the OC Register’s candidate questionnaire. Two of the questions and his responses are as follows. 

      • 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: “Students should be taught how our system of government works, why it is structured the way it is, and how it came to be over time. They should be taught to respect others and disagree with maturity while maintaining decorum. Ethics is critical and students need a foundation built on morality and the idea of personal responsibility. With OVSD being a K-8 district, my policies will focus more on the basics: reading, writing, math, and science.”

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

    Answer: “OVSD is in the process of using surplus property to develop workforce housing for district employees. I don’t believe this is an effective use of the district’s property, and it doesn’t address the district’s core goal of providing better education. Rather, it serves to provide more perks for a handful of select district employees. With teacher salaries typically being too high to qualify for subsidized housing, it would result in housing being used by others and even employees from neighboring districts.

    Good recruitment/retention efforts include recognizing that most people want a positive work environment, support, and the tools required to perform at a high level. The district needs to invest in more continuing education, give support, and provide modern tools so teachers can succeed as educators.”


    Endorsed by: 

    • Sonja Shaw (extremist anti-LGBTQ activist, president of the Chino Valley USD board, candidate for CA Superintendent of Public Instruction)

    • Mari Barke (OC Board of Education Trustee, anti-LGBTQ, Director at California Policy Center, an anti-LGBTQ, anti-union, anti-public school political organization)

    • Tony Strickland (current CA State Senator, former HB Mayor who voted to ban the Pride flag in 2023)

    • Norm Westwell (former OVSD trustee who was at one point criminally trespassed from a school board meeting after verbally harassing at his fellow trustees, openly anti-LGBTQ)

    • Gracey Van Der Mark (HB City councilmember, advocate of book banning, openly anti-trans activist, voted for the Pride flag ban in 2023, openly supportive of ICE)

    • Pat Burns (HB City councilmember, advocate of book banning, openly anti-LGBTQ, voted for the Pride flag ban in 2023. Called a constituent a “fat pig” on an open mic during a 2025 city council meeting, openly supportive of ICE)

    • Michael Gates (Former HB City Attorney who was fired from the Trump DOJ after less than one year of service, with colleagues accusing him of creating a ‘hostile work environment for women’.) source

    • 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:

    • As a member of the Huntington Beach Planning Commission, he voted in opposition to approving a liquor license for a bikini bar in 2026. source


    Follow the Money: Clifford’s campaign hasn’t submitted his 2026 campaign finance filings yet. The following are from his 2024 campaign. 

    • $1,000 from WECA. WECA is on its surface an electrical workers union, but for several decades now it has been utilized as a political funding source for far-right candidates, aligning with anti-LGBTQ perspectives and efforts to dismantle union protections. Read more about WECA at our blog here. 

    • $2,755 in in-kind (mailers) donations from Huntington Beach People’s Action Committee. HBPAC’s funders are primarily far-right activists local to the city, and HBPAC was also a major funder of the book banning efforts in 2025, Opposing Measures A&B. 

    • $400 from Russ Neal, a local far-right activist who routinely attends city council meetings to make public comments that include extremist, discriminatory language towards LGBTQ people and other marginalized community members. 

    • $250 from Joe Pedick, the lead pastor at Calvary Chapel Huntington Harbor who has openly called LGBTQ people and their allies “evil”, and helped lead the effort to ban books in the Huntington Beach library.

  • Ocean View School District Area 5 Candidate


    Candidate Statement:

    “JENNIFER L RANK | AGE: 47 | Appointed Governing Board Member, Ocean View School District

    This campaign isn’t about politics. It’s about Service, Stewardship, and Results—doing what is needed to ensure every student is safe, every family is heard, and every school has the support it needs to succeed.

    Hello, my name is Jennifer Rank. I am the wife of Adam Rank, an on-air analyst for the NFL Network, and we are the proud parents of two Ocean View School District students. My family has deep roots in education. My mother is a retired teacher at Bethany Christian Academy and principal who served our community for more than 30 years. Growing up in a household shaped by an educator’s dedication, I began my own path.

    I care deeply about our schools and am honored to have been appointed by unanimous decision to serve as an Ocean View School District Board Member. With Your Support—Your Vote, I look forward to continuing to serve.

    Our school district is recognized throughout California for its educational excellence. Beyond party labels, families want the highest quality educational experience for their children: strong

    fundamental skills in reading, math, and science, access to arts, music, and physical education, and leaders who use taxpayer dollars responsibly.

    Through my roles as PTA President at Harbour View Elementary and President of the Ocean View School District PTA/PTO Roundtable, I have collaborated with PTA/PTO leaders across all 13 elementary and middle schools. This experience has provided me with firsthand insight into both the hurdles our schools encounter and the positive impact that collaborative community efforts can achieve. My mission is straightforward: provide a safe learning space for our children by addressing their needs, supporting their experience, and investing in their success.

    Having received the unanimous endorsement of the Ocean View Teachers Association, I am truly humbled and deeply proud to have the backing of our community leaders, families, teachers, and support staff.

    My intent now is to earn your trust and your vote.

    Whether questions arise or you’re texting to let me know I can count on your vote, I look forward to hearing from you.

    jenniferforOVSD@gmail.com | 714.719.4281 | Jennifer Rank | www.jenniferforovsd.com”


    Email: jenniferforOVSD@gmail.com


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

    Priorities: 

    • “Provide a safe learning space for our children by addressing their needs,

    • supporting their experience,

    • and investing in their success.”



    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • Rank is already in this seat, having been appointed to the seat by the OVSD board members after former OVSD Trustee Jack Souders resigned after 12 years of service, due to a relocation outside of the school district boundaries. Source

    • Rank had served as PTA president at Harbor View Elementary prior to being appointed. source


    Social Media Links: 


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    • Gina Clayton Tarvin (OVSD Trustee and openly oppositional to the overtly MAGA politics of the Huntington Beach city council) 

    • Kim Carr (Former HB city councilmember and member of left-wing political resistance in Huntington Beach)

    • Brenda Glim (progressive candidate for HB City Council) 

    • Taryn Palumbo (progressive candidate for HB City Council) 

    • Ben Davis (progressive candidate for HB City Council) 

    • Erin Spivey (progressive candidate for HB City Council) 

    • Chris Kluwe (progressive candidate for Assembly District 72, was famously arrested in 2025 during an HB City Council meeting for civil disobedience) 

    • Chris Duncan (progressive candidate for State Senate District 36)


    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • Jennifer responded to the OC Register’s candidate questionnaire. Two of the questions and his responses are as follows. 

      • 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: “Some skills can only be learned through practice, and civil discourse is one of them.

    In the classroom, that means listening before responding, asking thoughtful questions, explaining your own point of view, and treating others with respect even when you disagree. These are skills students will need in college, at work, and throughout their lives.

    I would like to see students practice them in age-appropriate ways through classroom discussions, debates, group projects, and current events. They should learn how to support an opinion with facts, consider another perspective without shutting down, and be willing to change their minds when new information gives them a reason to.

    The district can help by setting clear expectations for respectful communication and giving teachers the tools to guide difficult conversations well.

    Our schools should teach students to think for themselves, listen to others, and disagree respectfully.”

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

    Answer: “A great teacher can change everything for a child. Attracting and retaining incredible educators must be a top priority. That starts with making teachers feel valued, supported, and respected. Competitive pay and benefits matter, but so do working conditions, manageable workloads, strong leadership, classroom resources, and opportunities to grow.

    A strong retention strategy also means asking educators directly what would make them want to stay. Mentoring for new teachers, meaningful professional development, and strong classroom support can all make a real difference.

    Creative uses for closed school sites may be part of the answer. If district land could support teacher housing, generate new revenue, and preserve green space, that is worth considering. Any project must be privately financed, not paid for by the district. It must also protect the district’s long-term interests and reflect the concerns of the surrounding community.

    Recruiting great teachers matters. Keeping the great ones we already have matters just as much. I want our educators to know I am fully committed to standing behind them, because retaining great teachers is how we put our students first.”


    Endorsed by: 

    • Ocean View Teachers Association (OVTA)

    • Gina Clayton-Tarvin (OVSD Board President, LGBTQ/immigrant ally)

    • Patricia Singer (OVSD Board Vice President, LGBTQ/immigrant ally)

    • Keri Gorsage (OVSD Board Clerk, LGBTQ/immigrant ally)


    Candidate in the News:

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


    Follow the Money: 

Coast Community College District

  • Coast Community College Area 1 Trustee Candidate


    Candidate Statement:

    “JOE KALMICK | City of Seal Beach City Councilmember

    As I complete my 8 years of service as a Councilmember for the City of Seal Beach, and as a board member for various agencies in Orange County, I still have the desire to continue in public service. I believe that the Coast Colleges Board of Trustees would be a great fit for the skills that I have developed. Working with my Council colleagues, we have produced a multiyear balanced budget, and our financial position remains strong. And as Vice Chair of the Orange County Fire Authority, I have had experience managing a $600M budget. In addition, working closely with Staff and the various labor groups, negotiations have yielded satisfactory results for all concerned. Therefore, I am confident that I can be a positive influence on the Board of Trustees in maintaining positive communications between faculty, staff and the Chancellor’s Office. 

    I believe that education is the cornerstone of a strong society. The Community College system provides a quality education for virtually everyone. The Coast Community Colleges are a shining example of the benefits that they provide.

    I have a B.A. in Psychology from UCLA and owned a small business in Seal Beach for 40 years. I am now retired.”


    Email: info@joekalmick.com 


    Campaign Website: https://joekalmick.com/ 

    Priorities: 

    • Expand career and technical education

    • Prepare for expanded degree offerings

    • Increase affordable student housing

    • Strengthen cybersecurity

    • Use artificial intelligence responsibly

    • Promote civil discourse


    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • Kalmick has served on the Seal Beach City Council since 2018. He was reelected in 2022 and his term ends this year. 

    • Joe’s career background outside of politics includes, Former Owner at Main St. Art & Framing - Custom picture framing, NASA Biosatelle Program, and Orange County Fire Authority (x) 

    • He’s a UCLA alum. (x)

    • Orange County Council of Governments (OCCOG) - Six Questions with Director Joe Kalmick - no date provided

    • Joe is the father of Dan Kalmick, the former Huntington Beach City Councilmember who brought forth the initial agenda item to fly the Pride Flag during June in 2021. 



    Social Media Links: 

    • Personal Facebook - small number of posts starting in 2010 with last one in 2022

    • Campaign Instagram - posts starting in 2018 running through 2019 - all campaign related

    • Personal YouTube 

      • 2 videos from 7 years ago

    • Two possible Personal Instagram accounts joekalmick and joeframer44 are both private with no posts or followers visible

    • Not found on Twitter; Threads; Bluesky; TikTok; LinkedIn


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:


    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • When the Seal Beach Police Department made the move in 2021 to allow officers to wear officially sanctioned rainbow-colored department patches during Pride month, Councilmember Kalmick said, “What more tangible and widespread way to show that our city is inclusive? Our police are out and about in the whole city, demonstrating our support for the LGBTQ community. It normalizes the concept.” In the same article with the OC Register, he acknowledged that Seal Beach City still did not fly the Pride Flag in any official capacity, adding, “Maybe next year.” (x)

    • Joe Kalmick, Coast Community College District Area 1 candidate, 2026 election questionnaire - By Kaitlyn Schallhorn | kschallhorn@scng.com - PUBLISHED: October 5, 2026 at 1:40 PM PDT

      • What are the top two needs of your college district, and how are you prepared to address them? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.) The district needs to provide more curriculum for vocational and technical programs and, with potential changes in state law, be able to offer bachelor’s degrees in the allowed disciplines. The CCC can work with other districts to lobby state legislatures to fund these programs, as well as grants from the CCC Foundation.

      • To you, what is the role of community college in education? Is it driving policy, being involved in curriculum, something else entirely? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.) As the CCC Mission Statement says, CCC promotes academic excellence and student success. Unlike the CSU and UC system, Community Colleges can provide more than just an academic degree or transfer credits. There is workforce preparation, and education opportunities for all age groups.The Community Colleges should have the ability to pivot to the educational needs of the community.

      • In October, Long Beach City College will break ground on a new student housing facility at its Liberal Arts Campus that will provide 431 total units to students. Is student housing a priority that your college should pursue? If so, explain how you intend to take on such an endeavor in a timely, cost-effective manner. If you don’t, how should your college district support students searching for affordable housing options near campus? (Please answer in 200 words or less.) Additional student housing should be a priority for Golden West and Orange Coast College (Coastline College has mostly online students). According to the CCC Foundation, the number of students who are unhoused is increasing, as well as students looking for affordable housing near the campus. The Board of Trustees must work with the Chancellor’s office to begin budgeting to acquire property for more affordable campus housing. This should be part of a plan to expand the role of our Community College system.

      • What actions would you suggest to prevent a cyberattack similar to the Canvas data breach in May? How can your district ensure students’ information is safe? (Please answer in 200 words or less.) Cyberattacks have become a serious problem for individuals, businesses, large corporations, and government at all levels. The Canvas data breach is similar to ransomware attacks that I am familiar with. Hopefully, the CCC has strengthened its security protocols since that attack. If elected, I would ask for a review by the Chancellor’s office to make sure that we are keeping current to be able to defend against cyberattacks.

      • How do you feel artificial intelligence is, or isn’t, safe in the classroom? In what instances should it be expanded in the classroom? What about when it should be limited? (Please answer in 200 words or less.) There may be benefits for the use of AI in the classroom if it can assist faculty in the presentation of materials. Or the faculty member might allow it to students in a controlled situation. However, I do not think that students should be allowed to use AI to complete homework assignments or term papers, and I feel that there should be consequences for doing so.

      • How do you believe schools can better teach or engage students in civil discourse? How would you like to see your district tackle this issue? (Please answer in 200 words or less.) Civil discourse is becoming a lost art. Much of the blame for this is the constant presence of cell phones in the classroom. If instructors are able to keep phones off during class, then perhaps they can initiate discussions on the subject at hand, regardless of the class subject matter. Encourage the scheduling of more campus speakers, and have discussions after the presentations.

      • What experiences and priorities do you bring to this role? What have you learned in prior leadership roles that makes you the person for the job? (Please answer in 200 words or less.) As I complete my eighth and final year serving on the Seal Beach City Council, as well as two terms as mayor, I have gained a great deal of experience as part of the policymaking part of our city government. I work on a regular basis with our city manager, and of course work with my council colleagues and city staff to produce a balanced city budget. To be effective, one needs to be able to have a non-partisan and cordial relationship with council colleagues, department heads, and police and fire. I feel that this experience would serve me well as a Board Trustee. In addition, I served on the Board of Directors of the Orange County Fire Authority for five years, where we were charged with reviewing and approving a budget of over $600 million and supervising negotiations with five labor groups.

      • If your campaign had a mascot, what would it be and why? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.) My campaign mascot would be the Eveready Energizer Bunny. He would represent an active and “energetic” campaign for the Trustee office.

      • Bonus question: What is the best book you’ve read this year? Explain why you found it compelling. The City of Seal Beach 2026/2027 Budget Book. It was a compelling read as it delivered a balanced budget. Normally I favor non-fiction, but I haven’t had much time for recreational reading this past year.


    Endorsed by: 


    Candidate in the News:

    • Seal Beach naval station is looking for a developer to make use of 28 unused acres - By Erika I. Ritchie | eritchie@scng.com - PUBLISHED: September 11, 2026 at 7:18 AM PDT | UPDATED: September 11, 2026 at 2:51 PM PDT

      • “It’s exciting for Seal Beach that a large property has the potential for bringing (what) would benefit our community from a service standpoint, a revenue standpoint, or aesthetics, as opposed to just an empty lot behind a fence,” Kalmick said. “To me, that’s something we need.” 

    • Attack ads portray Seal Beach businessman running for City Council as violent, creating outcry - By Susan Christian Goulding PUBLISHED: January 12, 2019 at 11:42 AM PST | UPDATED: January 14, 2019 at 1:16 PM PST

      • “In Seal Beach, the sensational fliers now overshadow the actual incident they advertise: Whether mistakenly or not, a city employee perceived Kalmick’s arm gesture as aggressive.  Even so, Roberts said, “I don’t understand why this information is coming up now. I thought we’d moved on. It’s disheartening that this has been politicized.””

    Public Voting Record:


    Follow the Money: 

    • From netfile.com for 2026:

      • Committee on Political Education AFT Local 1911 - paid to Joe Kalmick for Coast Community College District 2026 - 10/13/2026 $30,000.00

      • Orange County Professional Firefighters Assn. Local 3631 PAC - paid to Joe Kalmick for Coast Community College District 2026 - 10/09/2026 $1,000.00

      • NOTE: There are records that go back to 2010

  • Coast Community College Area 1 Trustee Candidate


    Candidate Statement:

    “ASHTON KAUWE | Office Administrator

    My name is Ashton Kauwe, and I am running to be a Coast Community College District Trustee because as a graduate of Golden West College, I believe that our community colleges can be more than just a stepping stone to other institutions. I want to expand the District’s technical and trade offerings so that our community colleges can be the hub to train and certify the next generation of welders, electricians, and other trade workers that will be needed as our world continues to change and reshoring is prioritized. There are currently hundreds of thousands of job openings for the trades that can result in six-figure salaries with a little time and work, but there are not enough people to fill them.

    I believe that the District can be at the forefront of training the next generation of high-paying trade workers. We need to expand our offerings and work with our high schools to show students the opportunities before them. I still believe it is important for the District to be able to help advance students who are looking to move on to higher education, but I also believe we have the opportunity to become so much more.”


    Email: Not found


    Campaign Website: Not found

    Priorities: 

    •  Not found, see statement above


    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • From LinkedIn

    • “After two and a half years at American University, I withdrew to be home with my family. When I returned home I joined Old Town, Inc. as an administrator. I also acquired my California unarmed security guard license and began working at the Honda Center in the security department. During the pandemic, I was given the opportunity to work in the billing department of Residential Design Services, a national home building subcontractor, and spent two years there.”

    • Ashton currently works as an administrator for Old Town, Inc and as a security guard at the Honda City (a position that likely requires a CA Guard Card certification). 

    • He is currently pursuing a BS in Business Administration from Chapman University, and received his Associates in Business Administration from Goldenwest College in 2023, along with an Associates in Economics. 

    • He was appointed to the Cultural Arts Commission for the City of Westminster in May 2025 by councilmember Mark Nguyen. 


    Social Media Links: 


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    • Orange County Young Republicans 

    • Joe Rogan

    • Republican Party News 

    • Jeremy Piven, actor and stand-up comedian who famously campaigned for RJK Jr.’s Republican primary campaign and has spoken frequently about his Zionism. 

    • Military Arms LLC

    • The Babylon Bee, a far-right satirist engine

    • Pete Blackburn, conservative influencer

    • Savannah Bananas 


    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • Ashton Kauwe, Coast Community College District Area 1 candidate, 2026 election questionnaire - By Kaitlyn Schallhorn | kschallhorn@scng.com - PUBLISHED: October 5, 2026 at 1:41 PM PDT

      • What are the top two needs of your college district, and how are you prepared to address them? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.) I believe that the top two needs of the district are the ability to sustain enrollment and ensuring that the district’s budget is sustainable long-term. In my opinion, the best way to address both is to expand the target audience of the district. I believe this can be obtained by expanding the trade and technical education offerings of the Coast Community College District. By showing more people that these types of programs and certifications can lead to six-digit salaries, it opens up the possibility that people already in the workforce will enroll on top of high-school graduates. I believe this can also help shore up the finances of the district by partnering with the companies that are searching for people to fill their positions. If Golden West, Coastline, or OCC can become a hub for electricians, welding, pipe fitting, steam fitting, or any other trade and technical certification, the district can use this standing to partner with the private sector.

      • To you, what is the role of community college in education? Is it driving policy, being involved in curriculum, something else entirely? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.) I believe the role of community college in education is two-fold. The first is in helping graduating high school seniors determine what it is they want to study before spending thousands of dollars at university, or if the university track is even right for them. Our high schools direct students down the university track as a default position largely without determining if that would be best for the student. So, it becomes the role of the community colleges to help that student and can steer them to something that may fit them better. The second role is to help those already out of the school system to help improve their lives either by helping them get back on track to getting a college degree or helping certify them for a job that may help their situation.

      • In October, Long Beach City College will break ground on a new student housing facility at its Liberal Arts Campus that will provide 431 total units to students. Is student housing a priority that your college should pursue? If so, explain how you intend to take on such an endeavor in a timely, cost-effective manner. If you don’t, how should your college district support students searching for affordable housing options near campus? (Please answer in 200 words or less.) The Coast Community College District already has around 800 beds of student housing as part of the Orange Coast College campus. However, the other two colleges (Golden West and Coastline) do not have any student housing themselves, and I do not believe that it would be cost-effective for either of them to try to build their own. I believe the best course of action is to partner with the surrounding complexes to help give affordable housing options to students who need it. For example, near Golden West College, there are multiple multi-family housing complexes down Edinger Avenue and around Bella Terra.

      • What actions would you suggest to prevent a cyberattack similar to the Canvas data breach in May? How can your district ensure students’ information is safe? (Please answer in 200 words or less.) Unfortunately, these cyberattacks are more and more a fact of life that must be dealt with. I believe the best course of action is to have the district run frequent tests to help educate both students, faculty and staff on what to look for to help keep information safe. This could include hiring outside firms to try and find a way through the district’s firewalls, which can tell us where vulnerabilities are. District cybersecurity staff could send phishing emails to students as a way to teach them what they should and should not open in an email. I wouldn’t be opposed to mandatory cybersecurity modules that students must take to be able to access their own Canvas modules.

      • How do you feel artificial intelligence is, or isn’t, safe in the classroom? In what instances should it be expanded in the classroom? What about when it should be limited? (Please answer in 200 words or less.) I believe that AI can be safely integrated into the classroom. Students already use ChatGPT and Claude in all different aspects of their lives. To try and keep it out of the classroom entirely is a naïve notion, so it must be accommodated to some degree. In the classroom, AI can be very good at helping organize a way to study. In foreign languages, I know of someone who used AI to talk to them in the language they were trying to learn because one of the best ways to learn is to speak it to someone and get a response. This way, they could do it and not worry that they were going to look dumb in front of another person. Now it is also important that students submit work that is their own and not just spit out by AI. So, I also think it is important for professors to use AI detection software for essays and papers, as well as applications like the LockDown Browser for exams taken online.

      • How do you believe schools can better teach or engage students in civil discourse? How would you like to see your district tackle this issue? (Please answer in 200 words or less.) The best way, in my opinion, is to have constant dialogue with all sides of the political spectrum. I think that if you just make opposing groups talk to each other, there will always be something that they will eventually agree on. Today, when people hear something they don’t like or they disagree with, at best they just ignore and walk away from it, and at worst they actively try to silence whoever is saying it. They never allow themselves to even try and have a dialogue. The way I would like to see the district take on this issue is to regularly bring in speakers from across ideologies to try and jumpstart these conversations. Eventually, if they are inundated with having to talk to people they may not agree with, it will become easier in other aspects as well.

      • What experiences and priorities do you bring to this role? What have you learned in prior leadership roles that makes you the person for the job? (Please answer in 200 words or less.) My job as an administrator for a real estate investment firm has taught me that you need to be ready for any eventuality. It has taught me how to adapt quickly so that I am always able to meet my goals and to do it efficiently and professionally. The potential for something catastrophic is always right around the corner, and it has taught me how to stay on my toes and to act accordingly. My time as chair of the Westminster Cultural Arts Commission has also taught me that just because I have an idea that I think is good, I can’t do it alone. I need the help of staff and my colleagues to truly get anything done. It is the combination of these two things that I believe makes me the right person for the job. I can see potential pitfalls ahead and can pivot towards the best direction, but I can also negotiate and work with others to get on the same path together.

      • If your campaign had a mascot, what would it be and why? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.) My campaign mascot would be the bumblebee. The bee has a drive and focus to do what needs to be done for the growth and health of the hive.

      • That is how I see my campaign. I will go out and do what I think is right and best for the district, and if I am fortunate enough to be elected by the voters of the district, I will go out and work hard for the growth and health of the district and defend it with all that I have.

      • Bonus question: What is the best book you’ve read this year? Explain why you found it compelling.  The best book I’ve read this year is called “Impossible Histories” by Hal Johnson.

      • The premise is that he takes 20 moments in history and makes a slight change to them in order to hypothesize what that change would have done to history. In essence, it is an alternate history book that creates a history that would seem odd or even absurd today. I found it compelling because I am a history nerd at heart, and the idea of these alternate histories calls to me. Every daydreamer has made “what if” scenarios in their mind, and this is just like that for me.


    Endorsed by: 

    • None found


    Candidate in the News:

    • None found

    Public Voting Record:

    • Has not yet held office


    Follow the Money: 

    • None found

  • Coast Community College Area 1 Trustee Candidate


    Candidate Statement:

    “AUSTIN J. EDSELL | Educator/Finance Commissioner

    As a proud Coast Community College District alumnus, I know firsthand how our colleges transform lives. For more than 20 years, this community has been my home.

    As an educator, I prepare students for the future. As a Huntington Beach Finance Commissioner, I promote fiscal responsibility, accountability, and transparency. I have also hosted Career Fairs and Children's Resource Fairs connecting students, families, and job seekers with valuable opportunities and resources.

    As your Trustee, I will:

    Expand career education, technical training, and workforce partnerships while supporting traditional four-year university pathways, ensuring every student has a roadmap to success.

    Strengthen campus safety by working with law enforcement and first responders to improve emergency planning, preparedness, and response times.

    Keep education affordable through responsible budgeting, long-term financial planning, and transparency so taxpayer dollars directly support students and classrooms.

    Demand measurable improvements in graduation, university transfer, and employment rates so every program delivers results and opportunities for students.

    I am endorsed by Orange County Supervisor Janet Nguyen, Assemblymember Diane Dixon, State Senator Tony Strickland, Huntington Beach Mayor Casey McKeon, Seal Beach Mayor Lisa Landau, Garden Grove Mayor Stephanie Klopfenstein, and Orange County Board of Education Trustee Mari Barke.”


    Email: None Found


    Campaign Website: https://austinforcoast.com/ 

    Priorities: 

    • Improve Job Outcomes

    • Expand Education Programs

    • Keep Students Safe and Protect Free Speech

    • Protect Taxpayer Dollars


    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • January 5, 2023 - “Last month, I was elected President of the Orange County Young Republicans and I’m thrilled to get started. ”

    • January 27, 2025 - “I’ve started a new role as District Director for Orange County Supervisor Janet Nguyen.”

    • From LinkedIn - Experience

      • District Director - County of Orange · Full-time

        • Dec 2024 - Present · 1 yr 11 mos

      • Teacher - Pacific Coast Learning Center · Part-time

        • Jul 2026 - Present · 4 mos

      • Senior District Representative - California State Senate · Full-time

        • Dec 2022 - Dec 2024 · 2 yrs 1 mo

      • Regional Field Director - California Republican Party · Full-time

        • Aug 2022 - Nov 2022 · 4 mos

      • Staff Accountant - Lounge Group Consulting · Full-time

        • May 2021 - Aug 2022 · 1 yr 4 mos

      • Audit Associate - Baroldi Gundersen, LLP · Full-time

        • Jun 2019 - May 2021 · 2 yrs

      • Accounting Associate - CFO Spark · Full-time

        • Jul 2017 - May 2019 · 1 yr 11 mos

      • Tax Assistant - Murphy, Murphy, & Murphy, CPAs · Part-time

        • Nov 2018 - Apr 2019 · 6 mos

      • Tax Intern - Murphy, Murphy, & Murphy, CPAs · Internship

        • Nov 2017 - Apr 2018 · 6 mos

      • Cashier - Disneyland Resort · Part-time

        • Oct 2017 - Jan 2018 · 4 mos

      • College Intern II - City of Huntington Beach · Internship

        • Sep 2015 - Dec 2017 · 2 yrs 4 mos

      • Tax Assistant - Ronee Brown and Associates - Tax and Financial Accounting · Internship

        • Jan 2017 - Apr 2017 · 4 mos

      • Tax Assistant - Ronee Brown and Associates - Tax and Financial Accounting · Internship

        • Jan 2016 - Apr 2016 · 4 mos

      • Barista - Starbucks · Part-time

        • Apr 2014 - Jan 2016 · 1 yr 10 mos

    • From LinkedIn - Education

      • California State University, Fullerton - Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, Accounting

        • 2017 – 2019

      • Orange Coast College - Associate’s Degree, Business Administration

        • 2014 – 2017

    • LinkedIn - Volunteering 

      • Planning Commissioner - City of Huntington Beach

        • Sep 2026 - Present · 2 mos

      • Finance Commissioner - City of Huntington Beach

        • Apr 2025 - Sep 2026 · 1 yr 6 mos

      • Community and Library Services Commissioner - City of Huntington Beach

        • Dec 2022 - Apr 2025 · 2 yrs 5 mos

      • National Committeeman - California Young Republicans Federation 

        • Sep 2023 - Present · 3 yrs 2 mos

      • Finance Director - Orange County Young Republicans 

        • Jan 2020 - Dec 2025 · 6 yrs

          • 2021 - Secretary

          • 2022 - Vice President

          • 2023 - President

          • 2024 - President Emeritus

          • 2025 - Finance Director

      • Treasurer and Secretary - Campus Revive

        • Oct 2022 - Present · 4 yrs 1 mo

      • Youth Leader - Calvary Chapel Westgrove

        • Jan 2013 - Jun 2020 · 7 yrs 6 mos

      • Treasurer - OVHS Wrestling Team Booster Club

        • Nov 2015 - Oct 2018 · 3 yrs

      • Director of Operations - Orange Coast College Accounting Society

        • Feb 2017 - May 2017 · 4 mos


    Social Media Links: 


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:


    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • Austin Edsell, Coast Community College District Area 1 candidate, 2026 election questionnaire - By Kaitlyn Schallhorn | kschallhorn@scng.com - PUBLISHED: October 5, 2026 at 1:37 PM PDT | UPDATED: October 5, 2026 at 11:37 PM PDT

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

        • Coast’s two biggest needs are fiscal accountability and advanced career and technical training.

        • Ongoing deficit spending threatens the affordable education Orange County students rely on and it burdens taxpayers. As a former Finance Commissioner and now Planning Commissioner, I pushed for real reforms and stronger oversight of spending. I’ll bring that same accountability to Coast, fighting to get the district’s finances in order the right way, through responsible budgeting, not by asking taxpayers for more money to cover years of mismanagement.

        • Coast should be leading the way on workforce training. Orange County needs skilled workers now, in healthcare, technology, and the trades, and our colleges should provide the advanced career and technical training that gives students real skills to build high-paying careers. I want to empower the next generation with an education that lets them stay in Orange County, find meaningful work, and afford to live and raise a family in the community they grew up in.

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

        • The purpose of our community colleges is to deliver accessible, affordable, quality education and prepare students for a successful future. Coast should be partnering with Orange County’s major industries to develop curriculum that gives students the skills that our employers actually need.

        • Our colleges also serve students in very different situations. Many enroll without knowing what career path they want, and Coast should be a resource to help them find direction. Others come to Coast later in life, working parents supporting their kids, or other life circumstances that prevented them from pursuing an education sooner. Some come because our local K-12 schools didn’t fully prepare them for adulthood. This is what makes community colleges truly accessible: meeting students where they’re at.

        • Coast’s job is to help every student leave with an education and a plan, whether that’s transferring to a four-year university, a technical certification, or a direct path into the workforce.

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

        • Coast’s first priority has to be responsible financial management. Only once that foundation is solid should the district consider bigger investments like housing; even then, it should never come at the expense of taxpayers or students paying for past mismanagement. Until then, Coast should partner with the county and other agencies to help students navigate affordable housing options.

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

        • This is a real threat our students face. When they enroll at Coast, they’re entrusting the district to be good stewards of their private information, and the district needs to take that seriously.

        • Coast needs to close the gap between its current identity theft prevention policy and a real plan for what happens after a breach occurs. The district needs strong cyber liability insurance coverage and should provide credit monitoring and identity protection for students affected by cyberattacks. The district also needs to hold vendors accountable through stronger contract requirements and security audits, and require basic safeguards like multi-factor authentication district-wide. Students shouldn’t have to wonder whether their private information is safe just because they chose to further their education.

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

        • Used the right way, AI can be a real tool that can help students learn and help the workforce work more efficiently. Right now, Coast doesn’t have a clear, district-wide policy on AI usage in the classroom; it’s left up to individual professors to figure out on their own. Students deserve to know what the rules are no matter which class they’re in, and professors must be supported with clear guidelines instead of navigating this alone. The goal shouldn’t be a broad ban on AI, but policies should be in place to make sure it’s a tool that supports learning and not a crutch students use to get around working. As your next trustee, I’d push Coast to adopt real, district-wide AI guidelines so every student and professor knows where the line is.

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

        • Community college is the perfect place for our students to learn how to engage with people who see the world differently. Free speech is foundational to our country’s values, and the district should uphold that even when some may find speech uncomfortable. It’s not our district’s or our faculty’s job to put a thumb on the scale of either side of a debate. Students need to learn to disagree without being disagreeable, and Coast needs to teach faculty how to handle discussion and debate in the classroom professionally, even when students push back or disagree with them directly. Professors should generally keep their own biases out of the classroom so the classroom stays a place for open discussion, not persuasion toward one side. Coast’s job isn’t to tell students what to think; it’s to give them the critical thinking skills and a space where diverse viewpoints can be respectfully heard, carefully assessed, and honestly debated.

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

        • I’m a Coast Community College District alumnus, an educator, and a former Finance Commissioner, all experience that speaks directly to what Coast needs most right now.

        • As an alumnus, I know firsthand what our students are going through, because I lived it. I took classes at Golden West College and Coastline College, and graduated from Orange Coast College before transferring to Cal State Fullerton to complete my bachelor’s degree in business administration. I worked multiple jobs and juggled night classes along the way.

        • As an educator, I know what it takes to prepare students for what comes next. As a former Finance Commissioner and current Planning Commissioner, I’ve learned that responsible government means asking hard questions before a crisis, not after one. Throughout my career, I’ve worked across local, state, and federal governments, and I’ve learned how to get results for the people I serve. My priorities are straightforward: real fiscal accountability, expanding advanced career and technical training, and making sure every student gets the same opportunity that I did.

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

        • My campaign mascot would be a bulldog. Once a bulldog gets a hold of something, it doesn’t let go, and that’s exactly the kind of leadership Coast needs right now. Whether it’s asking hard questions about the district’s budget or pushing to expand real career training, I’m not interested in half-measures, and I won’t back down until the job actually gets done.

        • Bulldogs are also loyal, and loyalty matters to me. I’m running because this community and district gave me my start, and I intend to defend it the same way a bulldog defends the people he loves.

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

        • One of the best books I’ve read this year was “Revolutionary Summer: The Birth of American Independence” in honor of America’s 250th Anniversary.

        • We often hear the story of the American Independence as a war saga or as a drama between the Founding Fathers, but this book tells the story connecting these two sides of the revolution. General George Washington and the Continental Army were battling in New York at the same time Thomas Jefferson and John Adams were in Philadelphia crafting our independence. The Founding Fathers put their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor on the line for a country that didn’t even exist yet. The fledgling nation could have been crushed right there in New York. But the founders believed in the principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness enough to risk everything in pursuit of self-governance. I love this country, and I am grateful for those brave men and women who came before us to form and defend the United States of America.


    Endorsed by: 

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

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

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

    • Others from Campaign site



    Candidate in the News:

    • None found

    Public Voting Record:

    • None found


    Follow the Money

  • Coast Community College Area 3 Trustee Candidate


    Candidate Statement:

    “KIM CARR | AGE: 56 | Appointed Trustee, Coast Community College District Governing Board

    As Trustee for Coast Community College District, Area 3, it is an honor and a privilege to serve you. I am a lifelong West Orange County resident and former Mayor of Huntington Beach who understands and cares deeply about our community’s educational needs. Golden West College, Orange Coast College, and Coastline College are among California’s finest community colleges, and strengthening and protecting these esteemed higher-education institutions are my priorities.

    I am committed to ensuring our community colleges provide an affordable, accessible, and relevant education that meets current and future workforce demands. I will expand our dual- enrollment programs, giving high school students a jump on their college degrees. I will increase our career technical education and apprenticeship programs, providing graduates with training and opportunities for well-paying jobs. Additionally, I'll grow Golden West College's Encore program, providing lifelong learning opportunities for older adults in our community.

    Every dollar in our budget is critical, and I have a track record of managing taxpayers’ money responsibly and transparently. I will keep the budget balanced, build cash reserves, advocate for state funding, and uphold our Fiscal Stability Plan. Aligning spending with revenue will keep our colleges top-ranked year after year.

    I am grateful to be your Trustee for Area 3 and humbly ask for your

    vote.”


    Email: kim@kimcarr4ca.com 


    Campaign Website:  https://www.kimcarr4ca.com/ 

    Priorities: Kim’s campaign page does not have priorities explicitly listed as a separate section. The following are taken from her ‘About Me’. 

    • Meet workforce needs by keeping Coast Community Colleges affordable, accessible, and relevant.

    • Expand dual enrollment, career-technical education, apprenticeships, and lifelong learning for older adults, ensuring community-wide benefits.


    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • Kim is a staffer for State Senator Catherine Blakespear (D), serving as her Deputy District Director. Blakespear has received consistently high marks from advocacy groups focusing on Environmentalism, Immigration Justice, Reproductive Freedom, and LGBTQ+ Liberation. She has received lower scores from organizations tracking corporate donations and organizations dealing with the carceral system and police injustices. To be clear, these vote scores are for Blakespear, not for Kim Carr. Carr is her staffer. (x) (x) 

    • Kim was in attendance at the May 21st, 2023 Pride at the Pier event where our Giant Pride Flag was unfurled at the Huntington Beach Pier in response to the Pride Flag Ban passed by the far-right council majority at the time. This event shortly predates the founding of our organization, and is why we are called “Pride at the Pier” in the first place. 

    • Kim is a former Huntington Beach City Councilmember and Mayor, during which time the city voted to raise the Pride Flag during Pride Month, an agenda item she introduced with then-councilmember Dan Kalmick. She also voted in favor of municipal resolutions and proclamations recognizing LGBTQ+ Pride Month, AAPI Heritage month, and other equity-focused initiatives. (x) (x) 

    • Prior to her time on the Huntington Beach City Council, she was an appointed member of the Huntington Beach Public Works Commission, between 2013 and 2018, when she was elected to the City Council. (x)

    • She was appointed to the role of Trustee of the Coast Community College District in March 2026. She is the incumbent, but this will be her first election for this seat. (x) (x)

    • Outside of political spaces, she has around 25 years of professional career experience working in broadcast marketing media, for companies including Tribune Broadcasting and KUSI Television. (x)

    • She has been a board member for the UCI Health Fountain Valley Regional Hospital and Medical Center for the past seven years. (x)

    • She is supporting the campaigns of the ‘Surf City Four’ slate, the four progressive candidates running for HB City Council (Brenda Glim, Ben Davis, Erin Spivey, Taryn Palumbo), encouraging folks on her social media to join her in canvassing for them. Additionally, her social media shows her support Jennifer Rank for Ocean View School District, Carl Blankehorn for Fountain Valley School District, Chris Duncan and Chris Kluwe for the State Legislature, Congressmen Dave Min and Robert Garcia. All of these candidates are openly progressive. (x)

    • Carr is affiliated with progressive groups in the Huntington Beach area, including Protect HB and Orange Coast Huddle. 

    • She was the Mayor at the time of the 2021 oil spill that impacted Huntington Beach’s shoreline. Government bodies (CA Coastal Commission, US Coast Guard, etc) advised the city that they needed to close the beaches. Code Four, the company that ran the Pacific Airshow that was running that weekend, sued the city council over the closure of the beaches and shutdown order of the show, and proceeded to heavily fund the campaigns of conservative candidates running for office in 2022. Those candidates won, and promptly settled the lawsuit with Code Four/Pacific Airshow in meetings that required years of legal battles to be made public to the residents of the city. Carr, however, did not settle her portion of the lawsuit, and a judge later found in her favor that she did nothing wrong and did not need to pay any kind of damages. (x)

    • Carr faced some scrutiny during her time on the council from left-wing community members over the removal of HB resident Shayna Lathus from the Citizen Participation Advisory Board. Lathus was photographed while participating in a counter-protest to an April 27, 2019 anti-immigrant rally at the Huntington Beach Pier, nearby some other counter-protesters who showed up in Bloc. As the photo spread across social media, outrage over Lathus’ “antifa” connections grew in conservative circles, especially outside of the city. Carr reached out directly to Lathus and advised her to put out a statement ‘denouncing’ Antifa. Lathus posted a statement on social media on April 29, saying she supports both law enforcement and immigrants’ rights, adding she was unaware that antifa members would be present at the rally. Lathus also denied engaging with people identified as Antifa. Carr felt that this statement was insufficient and did not properly ‘denounce’ Antifa, and removed her from the Advisory Board, stating “those that do not immediately denounce hateful, violent groups do not share my values and will not be a part of my team.”. Lathus proceeded to sue the city over this removal, seeking unspecified damages from the city in the complaint, which alleged retaliation and free speech violations. Lathus lost this lawsuit and subsequent appeal with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, since the courts felt Lathus was acting as Carr’s representative on this board. (x) (x)

      • NOTE: Today, in 2026, there are members of documented hate groups in several of HB’s advisory boards, and several of the sitting council members campaigned with a local Proud Boy. 

      • NOTE: Councilmember Butch Twining participated in a September 2025 event organized by local self-identified Fascist Nationalist Ryan Sanchez and was caught on camera standing next to a crowd of people with violent criminal records chanting “Crush the Left”. He is still on the city council today. 


    Social Media Links: 


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    NOTE: This is an abridged list of accounts of note that Carr follows

    • Pride at the Pier

    • Kanan Durham (Pride at the Pier Founder and Director)

    • Orange Coast Huddle

    • PFLAG Huntington Beach

    • Mandy Rosen (HB-based street photographer/videographer)

    • Orange County Young Dems

    • Planned Parenthood OSBC Community Action Fund

    • Rhonda Bolton (Former HB City Councilmember)

    • Dan Kalmick (Former HB City Councilmember)

    • Natalie Moser (Former HB City Councilmember)

    • WAVE

    • LGBTQ Center OC

    • Mission Viejo Pride

    • Friends of the Huntington Beach Public Library

    • Laguna Beach Pride 365

    • HB For Democracy

    • Wet Dog Tavern (Lesbian-owned bar in HB)

    • Groundswell (OC-based org fighting hate)

    • Radiant Health Centers (LGBTQ community health clinic in OC)

    • Human Rights Campaign Long Beach/OC

    • College Democrats at OCC

    • Public School Defenders Hub

    • Aaron Parnas

    • Crowd Source Carrie (Progressive content creator based in SoCal)


    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • When she voted to raise the Pride Flag in Huntington Beach in 2021, Carr said, “When I talked about how the Pride flag represented unity and community, what it really meant as I was thinking about it was freedom. That’s the freedom to be who you want to be with no shame, no discrimination, and to be accepted. If it just means having that flag there for about four weeks, what’s the harm in that?” (x)

    • On June 21, 2025, she shared a photoset on her instagram with the caption, “Congratulations to @missionviejopride for putting together a beautiful Pride celebration @saddlebackcollege 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ This community event was filled with music, love and inspirational messsages. Shout out to Mission Viejo Councilmember Cynthia Vasquez and Saddleback College President Dr. Elliot Stern for championing today’s event and ensuring MV is a community for all.” (x)

    • When asked by the OC Register in 2022 if she believed that humans are contributing to climate change, she answered, “Yes. It is an indisputable scientific fact that humans are contributing to climate change. The science on this point has been made clear for decades.” In that same article, she was asked to describe her political philosophy in ten words or less, and she replied, “Fiscally conservative, socially liberal.” (x)

    • In the 2026 OC Register candidate questionnaire, she was asked, “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?” She replied, “It’s imperative that students, faculty, administrators, etc., all have a deep understanding of what civil discourse is and what it isn’t.

    Freedom of speech is essential on college campuses. The ability to freely exchange ideas and debate is under attack, and colleges need to continue to push for safe spaces where students can share their viewpoints, be challenged, and discuss opposing ideas thoughtfully without the fear of retaliation. I’m proud of the work Coast Community College District provides to create opportunities for thoughtful dialogue inside and outside of the classroom. As the often-quoted saying goes, “If you are agreeing with everything you are hearing, you are not really learning.” (x)



    Endorsed by: 

    NOTE: This list has been abridged for brevity. See here for the full list. 

    • Huntington Beach Police Officers Association

    • Huntington Beach Firefighters Local 3354

    • LA/OC Building & Construction Trades Council

    • Orange County Labor Federation

    • Carpenters Local Union 714

    • Coast Federation of Educators, AFT Local 1911

    • Women In Leadership

    • Women for American Values and Ethics (WAVE)

    • Democratic Party of Orange County

    • Orange County Young Democrats

    • College Democrats at OCC

    • Iranian American Democrats of California (IADC)

    • Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate Distinction

    • Westminster SD Board Member President David Johnson

    • Ocean View SD Board President Gina Clayton-Tarvin

    • Ocean View SD Board Member Jennifer Rank

    • Coast Community College District Trustee Liz Dornan-Parker

    • Coast Community College District Trustee Mary Hornbuckle

    • Coast Community College District Trustee Phu Nguyen

    • Coast Community College District Trustee Jim Moreno

    • Rep. Robert Garcia, CA - 42

    • Rep. Dave Min, CA - 47

    • OC Supervisor Vince Sarmiento


    Candidate in the News:

    Public Voting Record:

    • Voted for a city resolution to acknowledge Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month (meeting minutes)

    • Presented and voted for an agenda item to raise the Pride Flag during Pride Month in HB (May 17, 2021)


    Follow the Money: 

    • $15,000 from Committee on Political Education COPE CFE / AFT Local 1911

    • $1,000 from Building A Stronger West sponsored by Western States Regional Council of Carpenters

    • $1,000 from Kim Carr for Coast Community College Trustee 2026

    • $2,000 from Laborers International Union of North America PAC

    • $2,500 from Huntington Beach Police Officers Assoc PAC

    • $250 from Democratic Club of West Orange County

    • $500 from Newport Beach Women's Democratic Club

    • $500 from Los Angeles / Orange Counties Building and Construction Trades Council PAC

    • $2,000 from Women in Leadership PAC

    • $500 from Democratic Women of South Orange County

  • Coast Community College Area 3 Trustee Candidate


    Candidate Statement: Not submitted


    Email: Not found


    Campaign Website: None found

    Priorities: 

    • Not found


    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • Cameron ran as a write-in candidate for the June 2026 California Lt. Governor race. His campaign website for that race headlined with “FISCAL CONSERVATISM AND PRESERVATION”. (x)

    • Per a press release he put out regarding that write-in campaign, He was an independent contractor for the business litigation law firm of Michael J. Avenatti for nearly five years and is “hopeful to see a newly freed (M.J.A.) attain redemption.” Avenatti was sentenced to prison for embezzlement. 

    • From LinkedIn - Experience

      • iNDEPENDENT RECORDING ARTIST & PUBLISHING - iCAMJAM MUSIC

      • SVP Business Development, Shareholder - Your Car, Our Driver INC. YourCarOurDriver.com · Freelance

      • Executive, Shareholder - Ethika, Inc. · Full-time

      • Independent Contractor, Business Trial Law Firm E & A in Fashion Island / Century City - A DRIVER TO GO · Self-employed

      • Associate - EVOLUTION FILM & TAPE INC. · Contract

      • Chairman / Founder - A VEHICLE TO GO, INC. · Full-time

      • President of S-Corp. - CAMERON CONNECTION, INC. · Self-employed

      • Paine Webber / UBS Wealth Management USA Financial Advisor, Former Shareholder - UBS · Full-time

    • From LinkedIn - Education

      • San Diego State University (Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Financial Services), "Certificate of Personal Financial Planning"​ for Graduate Level Coursework.)

      • San Diego State University (Sigma Chi Fraternity - "Outstanding Senior of Southern California Provence”)

      • University High School, Irvine CA

    • web.archive.org - archived site for “write in” candidate for Lieutenant Governor of California


    Social Media Links: 

    • LinkedIn - Large amount of posts and reposts

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


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    • None Found


    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • In a press release about his write-in campaign for Lt. Governor, he said, “J.P.C. (James Cameron) has closely viewed all the debates closely as he feels both Republicans have hit their stride with excellent velocity. In 2024 President Trump shifted California 9% to the right and J.P.C. assumes now till November 3rd we shall see that # double! President’s Trump’s bold endorsement of Steve Hilton was the right call as the Republican party should’ve followed the leader yet GOP is still silent. J.P.C. says “A bifurcation of dual strengths exists: TRUMPiCAN’S vs. core CA Republican party.” (x) 

    • In the same press release, he went on to say, “In a strange twist of fate, both D.J.T. and M.J.A. were both victims of the utterly retarded now fully exposed Russian hoax (likely seditious and possibly treasonous) set forth by: President Barack Hussein Obama, FBI Jim Comey, CIA John Brennan, Former 1st Lady Hillary Clinton’s campaign and the top echelons within The Democrat Party of which only the last two named have paid fines so far. J.P.C. says “I guess elephants have bigger brains than donkey’s.” On our countries 250th year birthday month as it was during our independence the Planet Jupiter is now again direct in the astrological sign of Cancer, J.P.C. also born in this timeline is asking voters to insert him to change the frequency of California; with your pen in hand! United, voter’s of americana ideology can expect consistency from James P. Cameron who is a catalyst for betterment.” (x)

    • James Cameron, Coast Community College District Area 3 candidate, 2026 election questionnaire - By Kaitlyn Schallhorn | kschallhorn@scng.com - PUBLISHED: October 5, 2026 at 1:48 PM PDT

      • To you, what is the role of community college in education? Is it driving policy, being involved in curriculum, something else entirely? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.) Community colleges are a foundation to go pursue greater general knowledge about the world and yourself.

      • In October, Long Beach City College will break ground on a new student housing facility at its Liberal Arts Campus that will provide 431 total units to students. Is student housing a priority that your college should pursue? If so, explain how you intend to take on such an endeavor in a timely, cost-effective manner. If you don’t, how should your college district support students searching for affordable housing options near campus? (Please answer in 200 words or less.) YES, “on-campus housing” is an excellent use of surrounding land, for we need the students to get to class on time always, teaching efficiency on campuses for qualified candidates, etc.

      • What actions would you suggest to prevent a cyberattack similar to the Canvas data breach in May? How can your district ensure students’ information is safe? (Please answer in 200 words or less.) Higher community college learning is aspirational to all high school kids and elementary children. It is the baseline walking bridge for young adults to test their advanced thinking skills. Workforce-ready students are inevitably the result, if aligned to promote skills training, internships, certifications and credentials.

      • How do you feel artificial intelligence is, or isn’t, safe in the classroom? In what instances should it be expanded in the classroom? What about when it should be limited? (Please answer in 200 words or less.) A private third-party technical and financial audit is a very good idea to shore up vulnerabilities and enhance private digital networks. Underage children (up to age 18) might need special care and parental participation. Likewise, inflows of revenue and outflows of expenses shall be analyzed for maximum delivery of value. Students will be using artificial intelligence outside of class and on homework, of course, yet in the classroom, smartphones can be turned off easily.

      • How do you believe schools can better teach or engage students in civil discourse? How would you like to see your district tackle this issue? (Please answer in 200 words or less.) Civil discourse in debate class, or otherwise permitted scheduled times of free, peaceful thought or will, is obviously acceptable. There are limits and boundaries, of course, to protest, so beware of consequences such as suspension and/or expulsion.

      • What experiences and priorities do you bring to this role? What have you learned in prior leadership roles that makes you the person for the job? (Please answer in 200 words or less.) My profound life has been a byproduct of an early-on Orange Coast College experience. Our paths are all different, yet our common need is to expand horizons and excel at our wishes; we shall decide our own destiny. The OCC ladder sent me south to San Diego State University to study finance, then begin an exciting career. My curiosity in multiple facets has exponentially grown over the years to fulfill my quest and now give back.

      • If your campaign had a mascot, what would it be and why? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.) My campaign’s mascot is the wise old owl as it seeks studious concentration.

      • Bonus question: What is the best book you’ve read this year? Explain why you found it compelling. The book I’ve been reading is “Twist Of Fate, Memoir.” I wrote it about my life, so I enjoy the character arc and development.


    Endorsed by: 

    • None found


    Candidate in the News:

    • None found

    Public Voting Record:

    • None found


    Follow the Money: 

    • None found

  • Coast Community College Area 3 Trustee Candidate


    Candidate Statement:

    “CONRAD MAZEIKA | AGE: 42 | Nonprofit Executive

    I am running for Coast Community College District Trustee to ensure our community colleges prepare students for the opportunities of tomorrow.

    I earned my degree in History from DePauw University and have built a career helping people and organizations succeed through financial planning, business development, real estate, and civic leadership. As President of the Baltic American Freedom League, I have worked with community leaders, educators, and elected officials to advocate for freedom, education, and strong partnerships.

    Our community colleges are critical to our region’s future. As Trustee, I will champion a Tech Renaissance in Huntington Beach by expanding partnerships with local employers, strengthening career pathways, and preparing students for high-demand fields including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and skilled trades. 

    I believe in responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources, accountability, innovation, and ensuring students have access to affordable education that leads to meaningful careers. 

    Together, we can build a stronger connection between education and opportunity, empowering students, supporting local businesses, and keeping our community at the forefront of innovation.

    I respectfully ask for your vote.”


    Email: None Found


    Campaign Website: https://conrad4coast.com/ 

    Priorities: 

    • Skills that Pay

    • Technology That Keeps Up

    • Opportunity And Accountability


    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • From LinkedIn - Experience

      • REALTOR® - 1st Class Real Estate SD

      • President - BALTIC AMERICAN FREEDOM LEAGUE INC

        • Note: BAFL is a national nonprofit organization founded in Los Angeles in 1981 by Baltic American political activists, which works to strengthen friendly ties and policies between the United States and the Baltic nations. 

      • Real Estate Agent - eXp Realty

      • REALTOR® - Realty ONE Group West

      • Assistant Vice President - Texas Coastal Energy Company

    • From LinkedIn - Education

      • DePauw University - Bachelor, History

    • From LinkedIn - Volunteering

      • Eagle Scout - Boy Scouts of America

      • President - BALTIC AMERICAN FREEDOM LEAGUE INC

      • Member Board Of Directors - BALTIC AMERICAN FREEDOM LEAGUE INC


    Social Media Links: 


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:


    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • On his instagram page he posted; June 14 Deportations Day Commemoration Speech — Latvian House: “On June 14, we gathered with the Baltic community to remember one of the darkest chapters in the history of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia — the Soviet deportations of thousands of innocent families from their homes and into exile. In this speech, I reflect on the stories of those who suffered, including my own family connection to Lithuania and relatives who experienced deportation and life in Siberia. Their experiences are part of a larger Baltic story — one of loss, survival, resilience, and the enduring fight for freedom. But June 14 is not only a day to remember what was taken from us. It is a day to honor what survived: Our languages. Our cultures. Our identities. Our nations. The lessons of history remain important today. As we witness continued threats to freedom and Russian aggression in Europe, we must remember that liberty is never guaranteed. Every generation has a responsibility to protect it. To the next generation: carry these stories forward. Learn your history. Honor your heritage. Stand for freedom. We remember because freedom is never guaranteed. Their suffering became our responsibility. Together, we must continue to defend freedom. Defend civilization. Defeat barbarism.”

      • NOTE: Mazeika is speaking on deportations within the Soviet Union in this speech; we will note that he is an active member of the Republican Party which is currently supporting unprecedented ICE and Border Patrol operations. 

    • Conrad Mazeika, Coast Community College District Area 3 candidate, 2026 election questionnaire - By Kaitlyn Schallhorn | kschallhorn@scng.com - PUBLISHED: October 5, 2026 at 1:51 PM PDT

      • What are the top two needs of your college district, and how are you prepared to address them? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.) I believe the two biggest needs of the Coast Community College District are preparing students for the workforce of tomorrow and building stronger partnerships with the employers who are creating those jobs. Community colleges need to be more responsive to how quickly the economy is changing. Artificial intelligence, aerospace, defense, technology and healthcare are creating new opportunities, but our educational programs need to keep pace. Students should know not only what degree or certificate they can earn, but what jobs it prepares them for, what those jobs pay and whether there are opportunities locally. As a trustee, I would push for stronger relationships between the colleges and employers. Companies should have a meaningful voice in identifying the skills they need, helping shape curriculum, providing internships and apprenticeships, and creating pathways directly into employment. I also want us to measure outcomes. If we are investing public resources in education, we should know whether students are graduating, finding jobs and building successful careers. My goal is simple: let’s build the workforce of tomorrow right here in Orange County.

      • To you, what is the role of community college in education? Is it driving policy, being involved in curriculum, something else entirely? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.) I believe the fundamental role of community college is to create opportunity and serve as a bridge between education and employment. Community colleges should provide students with affordable, accessible education while preparing them for meaningful careers or further education. That means offering strong academic programs, but it also means making sure students have practical skills that employers actually need. I believe community colleges should have a seat at the table when it comes to workforce and economic development policy. They should be actively communicating with local businesses, industries and government leaders about where the economy is headed and what skills the workforce will need. Curriculum should not be developed in a vacuum. Employers should help identify emerging skills and technologies, while educators maintain responsibility for how those skills are taught. For Coast, I want to see a stronger connection between our classrooms and the incredible industries surrounding us in Orange County. Aerospace, defense, technology and healthcare are right in our backyard. Community college should not simply prepare students to pass a class. It should prepare them to succeed in the real world.

      • In October, Long Beach City College will break ground on a new student housing facility at its Liberal Arts Campus that will provide 431 total units to students. Is student housing a priority that your college should pursue? If so, explain how you intend to take on such an endeavor in a timely, cost-effective manner. If you don’t, how should your college district support students searching for affordable housing options near campus? (Please answer in 200 words or less.) I would not make student housing an immediate priority without first understanding the actual needs of Coast Community College District students. Before committing significant public resources to a housing project, I would want the district to conduct a thorough assessment: How many students are experiencing housing insecurity? How many would actually use student housing? What can students afford? And which campuses and communities have the greatest need? I would also want to work closely with the cities surrounding our campuses to determine whether there are opportunities for housing partnerships or available space that could help address the problem. If the data shows that student housing is a significant need, I would support investigating cost-effective options, including partnerships with cities, nonprofit organizations and private developers rather than assuming the district must build and operate housing entirely on its own. Our responsibility is to help students succeed, and housing stability can certainly be part of that equation. But we should start with the needs of our students and the resources available to us, then develop a solution that is financially responsible and sustainable.

      • What actions would you suggest to prevent a cyberattack similar to the Canvas data breach in May? How can your district ensure students’ information is safe? (Please answer in 200 words or less.) Cybersecurity has to be treated as both a technology issue and an education issue. Obviously, the district needs strong systems to protect student, faculty and staff information. That includes keeping security measures current, protecting sensitive data and making sure employees understand how to recognize and prevent cyber threats. But I also believe we have an opportunity to teach our students how to protect themselves. Students don’t stop being targets of cybercrime when they leave campus. Phishing, identity theft, scams and other cyberattacks affect people in their everyday lives. I would like to see the district provide regular cybersecurity awareness sessions for students, teaching practical prevention strategies they can use both on campus and in their personal lives. We should teach students how to recognize suspicious emails and links, protect their accounts, use strong security practices and understand the risks associated with sharing personal information. We should also learn from incidents like the Canvas breach and continually evaluate our own vulnerabilities. Cybersecurity should be part of preparing students for the modern workforce—and for life in a digital world.

      • How do you feel artificial intelligence is, or isn’t, safe in the classroom? In what instances should it be expanded in the classroom? What about when it should be limited? (Please answer in 200 words or less.) I believe artificial intelligence is a tool that students need to learn how to use responsibly because AI is already transforming the workplace. I would encourage students to use AI for things like research, brainstorming, exploring ideas and getting help understanding difficult concepts. Used correctly, it can be a powerful educational tool and can give students another way to learn. At the same time, we cannot allow students to become dependent on AI. The purpose of education is to develop independent thinkers who can analyze information, solve problems and communicate their own ideas. Students need to learn how to use AI as a tool—not have AI do the thinking for them. There should also be clear boundaries. I believe using AI to complete exams or term papers in place of a student’s own work should be prohibited. Students should demonstrate that they actually understand the material and can produce their own work. Rather than trying to stop technological change, I want Coast to lead it. We should teach students how to use AI effectively, ethically and responsibly so they graduate prepared for the jobs of tomorrow.

      • How do you believe schools can better teach or engage students in civil discourse? How would you like to see your district tackle this issue? (Please answer in 200 words or less.) I believe colleges have an important responsibility to teach students how to disagree without becoming disagreeable. We should encourage free thought and make our campuses places where students can discuss difficult and controversial subjects without fear of intimidation, violence or being shut down simply because someone disagrees with them. I would support a combination of approaches: exposing students to competing viewpoints, teaching respectful debate, having faculty model healthy disagreement and creating opportunities for students to discuss important issues in structured environments. Civil discourse does not mean everyone has to agree. In fact, disagreement is often where learning happens. Students should be challenged to listen to opposing viewpoints, ask questions, defend their own positions with facts and reconsider their views when presented with compelling evidence. At the same time, free expression must be balanced with a safe learning environment. Threats, violence and harassment should never be acceptable. Our students are going to enter a world where they will work with people who have different backgrounds, beliefs and opinions. Teaching them how to communicate and work together despite those differences is an essential part of preparing them for life and the workforce. 

      • What experiences and priorities do you bring to this role? What have you learned in prior leadership roles that makes you the person for the job? (Please answer in 200 words or less.) I bring a combination of business experience, nonprofit leadership, financial experience and a practical understanding of the importance of connecting education to opportunity. I have worked as a financial planner, in business, and in real estate, and I have served as president of the Baltic American Freedom League since 2020. One of the things I am most proud of from that leadership experience is my ability to have healthy, productive discourse with congressional staff and members of the community—even when discussing difficult or complicated issues. That experience taught me that leadership isn’t about always getting your way. It is about listening, building relationships, understanding different perspectives and finding areas where people can work together. As a trustee, I would bring that same approach to the Coast Community College District. I want to ask questions, look at the data, listen to students and faculty, and work with employers and community leaders to find practical solutions. Most importantly, I want to bring a forward-looking perspective. Technology and the workforce are changing rapidly. Our community colleges need leaders who are willing to adapt while remaining focused on the fundamental mission of serving students.

      • If your campaign had a mascot, what would it be and why? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.) A beaver. Absolutely. The reason is simple: Let’s build! Beavers are builders. They take the resources around them, solve problems and create something that serves their community. That’s the approach I want to bring to the Coast Community College District. I don’t want to spend my time arguing about what can’t be done. I want to look at what we have, identify what needs to improve and start building. We need to build stronger connections between our colleges and local employers. We need to build the workforce of tomorrow. We need to build opportunities for students to develop practical skills that lead to good-paying careers. And we need to build a culture where innovation and new ideas are welcomed. So if my campaign had a mascot, it would be the beaver—with a hard hat, naturally. Let’s build!

      • Bonus question: What is the best book you’ve read this year? Explain why you found it compelling. I just began reading “Your True Human Power” by Steven Golden, so I haven’t finished it yet. But it is the book that has been most compelling to me this year because it has made me think about human potential and what we are capable of accomplishing. That idea connects closely with why I am running for the Coast Community College District. We sometimes look at education primarily through the lens of institutions, degrees and programs. I think we need to keep the individual student at the center of the conversation. Every student has the potential to develop skills, build a career and contribute something meaningful to their community. Technology and artificial intelligence are going to change the workforce dramatically, but I don’t believe that makes people less important. I believe it makes uniquely human qualities—critical thinking, creativity, judgment, communication and the ability to work with others—even more valuable. I’m looking forward to finishing the book, but even early on, it has reinforced something I strongly believe: Education should help people discover and develop their potential, then give them the skills and opportunities to put that potential to work.


    Endorsed by: 

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

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

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

    • From Campaign Site:

      • LINCOLN CLUB OF ORANGE COUNTY

      • JANET NGUYEN OC SUPERVISOR

      • TONY STRICKLAND CALIFORNIA STATE SENATOR

      • REPUBLICAN PARTY OF ORANGE COUNTY


    Candidate in the News:

    • Agents blame Southern California homebuying lull on fears the market’s peaked - By gqlshare | gqlshare@digitalfirstmedia.com - PUBLISHED: September 25, 2019 at 1:14 PM PDT | UPDATED: September 26, 2019 at 3:29 PM PDT

      • “Conrad Mazeika said the surge in mortgage rates in the late summer and fall of 2018 killed home sales, and buyers have been reluctant to come back into the market even though rates for 30-year fixed mortgages are down by more than a percentage point since November.

      • “When interest rates went up, people were saying, the market’s going to fall, the market’s going to fall, and people pulled back,” Conrad Mazeika said.”

    • $635,000 price for O.C. homes is smallest gain since 2015 - By Jeff Collins | JeffCollins@scng.com - PUBLISHED: February 28, 2017 at 8:00 AM PST | UPDATED: April 4, 2017 at 9:43 AM PDT

      • “Conrad Mazeika, an agent with Realty One Group, said a fellow agent in Mission Viejo got 18 offers for a home after holding its first open house.”

    Public Voting Record:

    • Not found, has not help office


    Follow the Money: 

    • From netfile.com 

      • Robyne Wood - paid to Conrad Mazeika - 10/16/2026 $100.00

      • Evi Raupelyte - paid to Conrad Mazeika - 10/13/2026 $400.00

      • Russell Neal - paid to Conrad Mazeika - 10/13/2026 $104.48

        • NOTE: Russell “Russ” Neal is an anti-LGBTQ, far-right, Christian Nationalist activist who is a common sight at Huntington Beach City Council meetings and consistently donates to anti-LGBTQ candidates.

      • Rolandas Malaiska - paid to Conrad Mazeika - 10/04/2026 $521.15

      • Rolandas Malaiska - paid to Conrad Mazeika - 10/04/2026 $500.00

      • Arunas Astrauskas - paid to Conrad Mazeika - 09/19/2026 $1,000.00

      • Aiste Velde - paid to Conrad Mazeika - 09/12/2026 $150.00

      • Ann Dahlberg - paid to Conrad Mazeika - 09/11/2026 $100.00

      • Danute Mazeika - paid to Conrad Mazeika - 08/29/2026 $100.00

  • Coast Community College Area 5 Trustee Incumbent


    Candidate Statement:

    “ELIZABETH "LIZ" DORN PARKER | Governing Board Member Coast Community College District, Trustee Area 5

    The district has a stellar reputation as a leading community college district in the United States. The district’s finances are in the best shape in decades. All colleges were reaffirmed accreditation for their academic excellence. Orange Coast College was awarded an additional accommodation for its outstanding programs and leadership.

    The district has expanded associate degree pathways, career technical education and certificate programs. The colleges are now providing additional opportunities for career advancement, personal empowerment and transfer opportunities to our diverse student populations.

    I am dedicated to keeping our district focused on student success, relying on our top-quality faculty, staff and administrators to move us forward in the new AI world.

    I will continue to engage with our community and business partners to facilitate student success and maintain our institutional effectiveness and continued fiscal stability.

    I have deep roots in Newport/Costa Mesa communities. I was raised in the district, my sons attended Newport-Mesa schools, I volunteer as a commissioner with the city, and I have been in leadership and governance roles at the local, state, and national levels.

    As your elected governing board member, with your vote, I will continue the outstanding work and financial excellence on behalf of the students, the residents and taxpayers.

    www.ElizabethDornParker.com”


    Email: Campaign website contact page


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

    Priorities: 

    • Campaign website doesn’t list priorities, instead the home page has the following:

      • To remain on the cutting edge of education, we need to expand associate degree pathways, career technical education and certificate programs. We must also provide additional opportunities for career advancement, personal empowerment and transfer opportunities to our diverse student populations.

      • I am dedicated to keeping our district focused on student success, relying on our top-quality faculty, staff and administrators to move us forward in a post-pandemic world.  

      • My objective is to continue to engage with our community and business partners to develop, adopt and adapt innovative technologies that will facilitate student success and maintain our institutional effectiveness and fiscal stability.


    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • CCCD Facebook post: Thank you to the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce for inviting Trustee Elizabeth Dorn Parker and OCC President Angelica Suarez to speak about Orange Coast College, the future of community colleges, and how we’re engaging the community to understand your priorities for local, affordable higher education.


    Social Media Links: 


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:


    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    CapoParents Instagram: Dr. Liz Dorn Parker on school budgets (Part 1) March 11, 2026

    CapoParents Instagram: Dr. Liz Dorn Parker on school budgets (Part 2) March 25, 2026


    OC Voice: Community Opinion - Dorn Parker: Are Children Becoming Pawns in a Larger Political Game Where Profits Rule the Day Over Education? 

    Published Sep 8, 2022 Updated Oct 4, 2026

    • “The decision parents face of neighborhood public schools, district magnet schools, versus Charter schools, is an important one. There is much to consider as they weigh which best suits their situation and child’s educational needs. 

    But as they research the information to base their choice on, are there outside forces trying to unduly influence them with misinformation to fit a political agenda?

    It appears so in my opinion.”


    OC Register: Elizabeth “Liz” Dorn Parker, Coast Community College District Area 5 candidate, 2026 election questionnaire Oct 5, 2026

    • See link for full text of questionnaire

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

    • Answer: The community colleges of today are truly the workhorses of post-high school education for the best value. Coast Community College District offers students from high school dual enrollment to explore their career pathways, it has one of the best reputations to transfer to four year universities, and our colleges offer career education certificates in the hundreds.

    Career education must constantly evolve to meet the changing needs of technology, healthcare, and hospitality, to name just a few sectors. As community colleges offer the pathway to better-paying jobs and careers to meet the demands of business and communities, they remain the most affordable option for all to become our students.

    • 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 less.)

    • Answer: AI is not only here, but it is the future. The key for me is to ensure AI software is a closed system, so the data from our students, faculty and staff are not used across open systems. We must provide professional development for our faculty and staff to learn and understand the software and systems they can access to partner with its abilities. What is key for its use is to not allow AI to remove the critical thinking and analysis that students must continue to grow and become proficient in for their future. Our colleges must implement guardrails to ensure the AI is used for the benefit of learning and acquiring skills for their future careers while ensuring privacy and their work is not hijacked or data they built is not breached.

    • 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 less.)

    • Answer: One of the strengths of community colleges is to engage learning in spaces in and out of the classroom for dialogue and discourse. This strength comes from ensuring academic freedom happens, the First Amendment is supported, and difficult topics are part of the curricula students learn. We have policies in place to ensure students and staff with differing opinions are protected from violence while allowing them space to present their ideas. Shutting down these discussions is the opposite of learning that occurs across the campuses.

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

    • Answer: Woody from Toy Story: He is a deeply layered character known for his core strengths of unwavering loyalty, natural leadership, and bravery, who evolves to be a reliable friend who gains empathy for those around him. I too am ‘deeply layered’ and have evolved in my leadership to be empathetic, reliable, work for the benefit of the entire system, and dedicated to student success.

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

    • Answer: “Mona’s Eyes.” The story is of a child in Paris losing her eyesight, and her grandfather takes her to art in the Louvre weekly so she will have lasting images of the art, the history of when the art was created and her grandfather’s love. These three aspects are deeply embedded in my life: art history, museums and grandfathers’ love and support.


    Endorsed by: 


    Candidate in the News:


    Public Voting Record:

    None found as of 10/22/26


    Follow the Money: via the link

    • $5,000 from Mary Lynn Rallis, Retired

    • $3,500 Richard Gochnauer

    • $2,500 from Sandra Jackson, Orange County Philanthropist and Organizer

    • $2,500 from Women in Leadership FEC: C00790790

    • $1,000 from Building a Stronger West Sponsored by Western States Regional Council of Carpenters (ID# 870169)

    • $1,000 from Suzanne Gauntlett, Operations - Law Firm

    • $1,000 from Rhea Dorn

    • $600 from SUPPORTERS OF PUBLIC EDUCATION - ORANGE COUNTY

    • $500 from Democratic Women of South Orange County

    • $500 from Women for American Values and Ethics FEC ID: C00635664

    • $500 from Newport Beach Women’s Democratic Club FEC ID: C00570168

    • $500 from William Whitcomb

    • $500 from Fran Sdao

  • Coast Community College Area 5 Trustee Candidate


    Candidate Statement:

    XERXEZ MEGINO CALILUNG | AGE: 62 | Dentist

    As a long-time local resident, small business owner, and healthcare provider, I am dedicated to serving our community with integrity, leadership, and sound judgment. For over thirty years, I have operated a private practice, managing operations and supporting dedicated staff. My business and leadership experience gives me a practical understanding of fiscal responsibility, effective management, and the economic challenges facing our region.

    A vital priority for our community is addressing workforce issues. We must focus on educating local students and creating opportunities that encourage them to bring their skills back into Orange County jobs. Investing in workforce development and supporting local enterprise ensures our local economy remains vibrant, competitive, and sustainable for future generations.

    In addition to my practice, I have served in leadership roles with local and state professional organizations, working collaboratively on regulatory standards and community representation. My goal is to bring a balanced, practical perspective to local governance, emphasizing transparent decision-making, responsible resource management, and strong community investment. 

    I respectfully request your vote to serve our community and build a prosperous future together.”


    Email: xcalilung@gmail.com


    Campaign Website: https://votexerxez.com/endorsements

    Priorities: 

    • Invest Directly in Classrooms

      • Taxpayer dollars should directly benefit students and educators—not administrative bloat. I will prioritize classroom resources, updated technology, and instructional support so students receive the high-quality education they deserve.

    • Build Local Job Pipelines

      • Community colleges should be engines of opportunity for the local economy. I will expand Career and Technical Education programs and build strong partnerships with local businesses so graduates are prepared for high-demand, good-paying careers in Orange County.

    • Demand Fiscal Accountability

      • After 24 years of status-quo management, our district needs practical oversight and transparent leadership. I will bring decades of private-sector budgeting experience to audit spending, reduce bureaucratic waste, and ensure public funds are managed responsibly.


    Any Other Interesting Info:


    Social Media Links: 


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    • Suzy Duarte Fauria (campaigner for Andrew Gruel, conservative HB City Councilmember)

      • Note: This is the only account followed by Xerxez’ campaign social media.


    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    Campaign Facebook post by Candidate: see link to view image included with post

    • “Why We Need Seasoned Healthcare Leadership on the Coast Community College District Board of Trustees

    Our community colleges are fast approaching a serious fiscal cliff. But relying on creative accounting gimmicks or solely banking on expanding incarcerated student enrollment cannot be the district’s primary strategy to balance the budget.

    We need real, sustainable solutions—and they have been available for years.

    The state of California has long established dedicated funding streams designed to solve healthcare worker shortages and fund student career pathways:

    Strong Workforce Program (SWP) – Operating since 2016, providing over $240 million annually for career technical education, lab equipment, and clinical placement coordination.

    California Apprenticeship Initiative (CAI) – Available since 2015–2016 to fund earn-and-learn models and paid clinical pathways in allied health.

    High Road Training Partnerships (HRTP) – Connecting education with healthcare employers to fund clinical training and student stipends.

    Health Professions Pathways Program (HPPP) & Song-Brown Grants – Longstanding state investments aimed at funding clinical rotations, practicums, and healthcare student training.

    These grants have been sitting there to be utilized. It should not take a looming budget crisis for college administrators to start looking at proactive, workforce-driven funding.

    Our district needs proactive governance, not reactive scramble. As a seasoned healthcare leader, I understand how to bridge the gap between our colleges, state healthcare funding, and regional hospital and clinical networks to generate real revenue and create high-wage jobs for our students.

    It’s time for accountable, experienced leadership to protect our community colleges.

    I humbly ask for your vote for Coast Community College District Trustee.”


    Oct 1, 2026 campaign Facebook post by Candidate: see link to view image included with post

    • “This post is referencing the May 21, 2025 Board of Trustees meeting and connecting the student's frustration directly to the district's spending priorities:

    Students First, Bureaucracy Second: Why We Need Real Change at Coast Community College District

    On May 21, 2025, at the Coast Community College District Board of Trustees meeting, a brave student stepped up to the podium during public comments and said what so many on our campuses have been thinking:

    The board was treating students like "walking ATM machines."

    He wasn't wrong.

    Take a close look at what happens behind the dais during these meetings. While students were at the podium pleading for help regarding changes to federal financial aid and fighting through the high costs of basic campus life, the board's docket was packed with routine approvals for high-dollar administrative overhead—outside legal fees, enterprise software contracts, district bureaucracy, and administrative operational costs.

    When a district spends millions maintaining central office bureaucracy while students struggle to pay for food, books, and tuition, the primary mission has been forgotten: Student education must always come first!

    Our students juggle jobs, classes, and rising living costs across Orange County. They deserve leadership that looks out for their wallets—not leaders who view them as revenue streams.

    The incumbent was appointed and ran unopposed in 2022 during the COVID crisis. Four years later, it is time for true accountability and a trustee who will fight to redirect district priorities back where they belong: into classrooms, student support, and affordable education.

    Stand with our students. Demand fiscal transparency and leadership that listens.

    Vote Xerxez Calilung for Coast Community College District Trustee, Area 5”


    OC Register: Xerxez Megino Calilung, Coast Community College District Area 5 candidate, 2026 election questionnaire Oct 5, 2026

    • See link for full text of questionnaire

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

    • Answer: Community colleges serve as the essential catalyst and economic bridge for our community. Their primary role is neither strictly driving broad political policy nor micromanaging curriculum from an ivory tower; rather, it is about empowering students with practical, high-value skills and providing an accessible gateway to lifelong success.

    Having practiced healthcare in Orange County for 36 years and served as a past professor at the University of Southern California Dental School, I have seen firsthand how vital practical training is. Community colleges must act as responsive engines for our local economy, collaborating closely with local industries and healthcare providers to ensure that programs directly match real-world employment demands.

    Both policy and curriculum should always serve one core mission: measurable student outcomes and workforce readiness. By maintaining strict fiscal accountability and focusing resources where they matter most—in classrooms, labs, and student support services—we can ensure that every student has an affordable, reliable path to a meaningful career. That is the true calling of our community college district.

    • 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 less.)

    • Answer: Artificial intelligence is a powerful tool that can profoundly enhance learning when integrated with clear ethical boundaries. In the classroom, AI is safe and should be expanded as a collaborative resource—such as a personalized tutor to help students grasp complex concepts, simulate real-world scenarios, practice technical problem-solving, or assist faculty with administrative workflows. Exposure to AI tools prepares students for modern workforce demands.

    However, AI must be strictly limited where it compromises academic integrity, original critical thinking, or data privacy. It should never replace genuine human mentorship, nor should it be used to generate unvetted core assignments, take exams, or bypass the fundamental cognitive struggle required to master a discipline. Furthermore, student data privacy must be strictly protected when utilizing AI platforms to prevent unauthorized profiling or data harvesting.

    As a health professional and educator who utilizes advanced practice software, I believe technology must serve humanity, not replace it. Our district should embrace AI thoughtfully—expanding its utility for practical skills training and efficiency while strictly limiting its use in ways that erode authentic assessment, personal accountability, and the irreplaceable value of human instruction.

    • 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 less.)

    • Answer: Civil discourse is the bedrock of a healthy democracy and an effective academic community. Schools can better engage students by creating structured, respectful environments where diverse viewpoints are welcomed, and critical thinking is prioritized over emotional reaction.

    To tackle this in our district, we must actively integrate forums, town halls, and moderated debates directly into campus life. Classrooms should serve as safe spaces for rigorous intellectual exploration rather than ideological conformity. Faculty should be supported in modeling respectful disagreement, teaching students how to evaluate evidence objectively, listen actively, and articulate arguments based on facts.

    Furthermore, student government and campus organizations should be encouraged to host cross-disciplinary dialogues addressing real-world community challenges. As a leader who has navigated complex organizational dynamics and board governance, I know that progress happens when we listen to differing perspectives and collaborate on common goals. By championing open inquiry and mutual respect, our community colleges can teach students not just what to think, but how to think critically together.

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

    • Answer: If my campaign had a mascot, it would be an owl.

    Throughout my 36 years practicing healthcare in Orange County and serving in various community leadership roles, I have learned that effective governance requires wisdom, careful observation, and thoughtful listening. An owl symbolizes these exact qualities.

    In higher education governance, we cannot afford knee-jerk reactions or short-term fixes. We need leaders who observe carefully, study the budget details, listen to students and faculty, and look at the big picture with clear vision. Furthermore, education is about illumination—shedding light on pathways that transform students’ lives and equip them for the workforce. An owl represents the dedication to lifelong learning, prudent oversight, and steady guidance that I plan to bring to the Coast Community College District.

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

    • Answer: The most compelling book I have read recently is “Weightless” by Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen.

    As a healthcare professional, I found her approach profoundly refreshing because it shifts the paradigm of modern medicine from oversimplified advice to evidence-based, compassionate care. Dr. Salas-Whalen emphasizes that true wellness is not about personal failure or outdated willpower models, but about understanding complex conditions and equipping patients with the proper tools, science, and guidance to succeed. What makes this book so powerful is its dedication to empowering individuals through education, structured support, and sustainable strategies rather than quick fixes. This philosophy directly mirrors my approach to community college governance. Whether dealing with student success, health initiatives, or fiscal responsibility, we must look past superficial fixes and implement structured, supportive, and evidence-based solutions that uplift our entire community.


    Endorsed by: 

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

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

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

    • OC Tax PAC

    • REPUBLICAN PARTY OF ORANGE COUNTY

    • Mari Barke (OC Board of Education Trustee, Director at California Policy Center, the anti-LGBTQ, anti-public education organization within the Heritage Foundation Network)

    • Lincoln Club of OC (far-right, anti-LGBTQ group)


    Candidate in the News:


    Public Voting Record:

    Candidate has no record of holding public office


    Follow the Money: via the link

    • $20,000 from David Sun, Fountain Valley, CA

    • $5,000 from Orange County Dental Society

    • $5,000 from California Dental Association PAC

42nd District, House of Representatives

Due to bandwidth limitations, our fully volunteer team will not be able to cover all of the legislative races in this guide. Thank you for understanding, and please check out the local races we did cover.

36th District, CA State Senate

Due to bandwidth limitations, our fully volunteer team will not be able to cover all of the legislative races in this guide. Thank you for understanding, and please check out the local races we did cover.

70th District, CA State Assembly

Due to bandwidth limitations, our fully volunteer team will not be able to cover all of the legislative races in this guide. Thank you for understanding, and please check out the local races we did cover.

72nd District, CA State Assembly

Due to bandwidth limitations, our fully volunteer team will not be able to cover all of the legislative races in this guide. Thank you for understanding, and please check out the local races we did cover.

Municipal Water District of Orange County

  • Municipal Water District of OC Division 2 Candidate


    Candidate Statement:

    “LARRY D. DICK | Director Division 2, Municipal Water District of Orange County

    Clean, reliable and affordable water doesn't just happen, it takes experienced leadership. As Division 2 Director on the Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC) Board and currently serving as Board President, I remain devoted to developing reliable

    and economical supplies of safe, high quality drinking water for our

    communities.

    For twenty years I represented Orange County as a Director of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MET), serving 19 million Californians.

    During my service on MET and MWDOC my top priorities were water quality and reliability, alongside environmental stewardship and water sustainability. Our region faces real challenges ahead: Uncertainty in Colorado River negotiations, growing impacts of climate change and continuing issues on the State Water Project, all requiring experienced leadership.

    My experience extends across the water community, including the Executive Committee of the Special Districts of Orange County, member of the Water Advisory Committee of Orange County including two terms as President and a member of the Executive Committee of the Urban Water Institute.

    I ask for your support in continuing this important work by casting your vote for me. Thank you for your consideration.

    Respectfully

    Larry Dick”


    Email: None Found


    Campaign Website: Larry does not appear to have a campaign website. All sources appear to lead to his official webpage on the OCMWD platform, which is not a campaign website. 

    Priorities: 

    • None Found


    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • Larry is an incumbent, having been first elected in 2000, 26 years ago.  Prior to becoming a board member on the OC Municipal Water District, he served for several years on the Serrano Water District and SWD Recreation, Inc. 

    • He’s on the board of directors at the OC Taxpayers Association - an organization that consistently aligns itself with and funds the campaigns of conservative candidates across Orange County, including candidates with openly anti-LGBTQ stances. This is not a 100% track record, as they’ve also supported moderate Democrats for office, but a general trend. 

      • In general, the OC Taxpayers Association is fiscally conservative and business-focused, not overtly anti-LGBTQ. That said, candidates running on anti-LGBTQ or anti-immigrant, etc platforms, have not shown to be a line in the sand for the organization. 

    • Larry endorsed AJ Ricci for Orange City Council. AJ is a conservative candidate who donated his own funds to the explicitly anti-LGBTQ slate of candidates running for Orange USD. (x)

    • In 2014, Dick held a campaign event for his re-election with hosts Ken Calvert (U.S. Congressman, Republican, deeply anti-LGBTQ, anti-POC, anti-woman voter record), Bob Huff (Fmr. Senate Republican Leader), Fred Whitaker (Fmr. Chair of the OC GOP, openly spoke about using transphobic propaganda in school board races to convert voters), and ‘special guest’ Kenneth L. Khachigian, Esq. (Former Senior Advisor to President Ronald Reagan). (x)

    • Larry’s campaign posts on his social media appear to be largely AI-Generated. 

    • His campaign treasurer is Lysa Ray Campaign Services, which has also worked on the unsuccessful gubernatorial campaign for Travis Allen, who is considered to be "California's Trump." He has used the slogans "Take Back California" and "Make California Great Again" for his campaign. She also was the campaign treasurer for OC District Attorney Todd Spitzer, and was involved in a minor campaign finance controversy, where she took the blame for incorrectly filed financial information. And perhaps most importantly, Lysa Ray, who was compensated as a campaign strategist for this campaign, served as County Supervisor Andrew Do’s treasurer during the events that led to his current downfall and FBI investigation for financial corruption. Lysa Ray is representing anti-LGBTQ school board candidates and other conservative candidates up and down SoCal this election season, as well as the last election season. 


    Social Media Links: 


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    • OC Around the Table

    • Karl Seckel (his fellow Trustee, District 4, endorsed by OC Huddle)

    • Congressman Ken Calvert (Republican, voter record of opposition to LGBTQ rights, reproductive freedoms, any kind of regulatory control on ICE, etc)


    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • Dick responded to the OC Register’s candidate questionnaire:

      • Question: Tell us what your No. 1 priority is for this office, should you be elected.

      • Answer: “The goal is to continue to ensure that our water is safe, reliable, and abundant during all conditions and delivered in a cost-effective way to the residents of Orange County.”

      • Question: What does this department do for citizens? What do you view as its most important role for residents, and why? 

      • Answer: “MWDOC provides a significant portion of the Orange County water supply, which is imported from the Colorado River or the State Water Project.

    The department acts as a planning agency for Orange County water, offers water savings programs, facilitates leak detection services, and provides water emergency response efforts. We facilitate education programs for public and private schools. Most importantly, we regularly bring more money into the county, through grants and outside funding, than we cost our citizens.”

    • Question: Your neighbors may not be so familiar with this office on their ballot. How would you promote more general knowledge of the district and the importance of its work?

    • Answer: “The best way to promote the activities and value of MWDOC to the residents of OC is through outreach. I regularly speak at Rotary, Lions, and Chamber events on the services MWDOC provides, along with water supply reports. I would also encourage the public to visit our website as well as attend any one of our committee or board meetings to learn about the activities of the district.”

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

    • Answer: “For over 20 years, I represented Orange County as a director of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MET), serving 19 million Californians. During my service on MET and MWDOC, I served as senior delegate, and my top priorities were water quality and reliability, alongside environmental stewardship and water sustainability.

    Our region faces real challenges ahead: uncertainty in Colorado River negotiations, growing impacts of climate change and continuing issues on the State Water Project, all requiring experienced leadership.

    My experience extends across the water community, including the executive committee of the Special Districts of Orange County, membership on the Water Advisory Committee of Orange County including two terms as president), and membership on the executive committee of the Urban Water Institute. I have learned that public service is rewarding and at times challenging. Sometimes there are no perfect answers, only the best answer to the current issue. At all times, the top priority is to provide safe and reliable water supplies.”

    • Question: What will you do to establish trust with your community that you will tackle this job well?

    • Answer: “It would be my hope that I have earned the trust of our community. I have served in leadership at our church, Rotary, the Santiago Canyon College Foundation Board, and the Chambers of Commerce in Orange and Garden Grove. I have always held sacred the trust given to my stewardship of assets, both fiscal and physical, as well as the importance of maintaining the good reputation of the organizations with which I am involved.”

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

    • Answer: Declined to answer.


    Endorsed by: 

    • John Moorlach, Former State Senator. (Moorlach is a former state legislator out of Irvine, who received praise during his time in office from anti-LGBTQ hate group California Family Council for his reticence to support Concurrent Assembly Resolution 99 in 2019, which, among other things, urges religious leaders to counsel on LGBTQ matters from a place of love and compassion, while recognizing the psychological and emotional harms associated with conversion therapy.) (x) (x)

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

    • Dick does not have a campaign website listing his endorsements as far as we could tell. 


    Candidate in the News:

    Public Voting Record:

    • None Found


    Follow the Money: 

    • $1,000 from Townsend Public Affairs Inc (a Newport-Beach based lobbying firm whose campaign donations seem to span the political spectrum)

    • Larry’s own political campaign contributions to other candidates appear to be somewhat bipartisan.

  • Municipal Water District of OC Division 2 Candidate


    Candidate Statement: None Found


    Email: None Found


    Campaign Website: None Found - but you can find his campaign website for his presidential campaign here. 

    Priorities: 

    • None Found


    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • Armando is a perennial candidate who shows up on ballots most election cycles.. Here’s his “Armando for President” campaign website. (x) 

    • His rhetoric is far right sprinkled with a handful of left rhetoric. He is in favor of a forced birthing policy and claims ‘Kamala supports abortions that kill babies’. Says ‘she is married to a Zionist Jew’. We are choosing not to promote these views by linking directly to his social media, but it can be found if you search for it.  

    When the attempt to recall Newsom took place he put his name into the hat for Governor. His old governor website says: “FUTURE POLITICAL GOAL: Democratic Political Party Nomination for President of the United States of America as a historical vote to be the First Latino President in the advancement of Racial Equity & Inclusion 2024.”

    • In Orange County, he’s also run for the OC Board of Education and the Orange County Municipal Water Board. 

    • He has made a number of posts on his Twitter account representing; Bibi Netanyahu as Hitler, the Israeli flag with the swastika, while acknowledging the genocide of the Palestinian people. 


    Social Media Links: 


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    • None Found


    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • The following is the full essay on his campaign page for his 2028 Presidential Run (separate from his 2024 Presidential Run). “I am Armando "Mando" Perez-Serrato and I will be running for President of the United States of America in 2028 as I did in 2024. I will be running as a working-class Democratic candidate.

    In 2024, I had the foresight and courage to run against Biden and the Democratic Establishment because I knew they were going to lose and they did. If you want to win in 2028 #VoteMando.

    For 2028, the Democratic Establishment will abandon democracy yet again by Anointing Gavin Newsom and he will lose just like Kamala. They both have the same policies, come from the same place, and believe in the same things that have resulted in Catastrophic results here in California. They both destroyed San Francisco together, they both destroyed California together and now they both want to destroy America together. 

    Voters in swing states will not vote for them because they don't want their state to turn into California. Here in California Gavin Newsom and Kamala Harris are responsible for making crime legal, rent/ mortgage is the highest in the country, highest taxes, highest grocery/gas prices, taxpayers paying for transgender surgeries, open borders, Billions in fraud of tax payer money and a homeless apocalypse. Men especially, younger men 18-35 and Latinos will not vote for Gavin Newsom or Kamala Harris as proven in 2024.

    The Democratic Party needs new, younger and dynamic candidates like me that put the working class first. Latino Voters will decide who becomes President in 2028. 

    I am the perfect Latino candidate that can win in 2028 by achieving National Latino support, obtaining more votes from men and the idea of electing the "First" Latino President will create excitement in the electorate. Voters will want to be part of something historical similar to what happened with Obama. I am seeking your endorsement and support to be a Nationally Recognized Presidential Candidate to win in 2028 or be selected for Vice President. 

    We already had a Black President and Vice President so that is no longer new or a novelty and as seen in 2024 Black people are not enough to vote in a Democrat, so if you want to win in 2028 you need to support a Latino and White candidate combination. It's time for Black people to support Latinos to become President or Vice President. Latinos have already helped Obama and Kamala be elected. Democrats if you want to win in 2028 #VoteMando.

    Thank You, MANDO” (x)

    • During his 2021 gubernatorial campaign, the LA Times asked him how he would direct the state to handle ICE if he won. Armando replied, “Immigration and Customs Enforcement is the sole responsibility of the federal government and the president of the United States. As a member of the Latino community my goal is to bring awareness to the border crisis that the Biden/Harris administration created!” (x)

      • NOTE: In April 2026, he posted on his Twitter account a sign that said ‘Mando for US Congress, No Trump No ICE’. 


    Endorsed by: 

    • None Found


    Candidate in the News:

    Public Voting Record:

    • None Found


    Follow the Money: 

    • None Found

  • Municipal Water District of OC Division 2 Candidate


    Candidate Statement:

    “BOBBY LAPOINTE | Retail Investor

    As a husband, father of three, Army veteran, and longtime Orange County resident, I understand public service begins with responsibility. I am running for Division 2 Director of the Municipal Water District of Orange County to help secure safe, reliable, affordable water for our communities.

    My Army work in information technology and network security taught me to protect critical systems, evaluate risks, and respond under pressure. I earned bachelor’s degrees in History and Women and Gender Studies from California State University, Fullerton, along with associate degrees in Mathematics and Nutrition from Fullerton College. My education has been rooted in community needs—combining analytical thinking, health, and social understanding to better serve the public. As a retail investor managing my investment business, I evaluate risk, scrutinize costs, plan for the long term, and understand every dollar must serve a

    purpose.

    I will apply those skills to protecting groundwater, strengthening infrastructure, expanding water recycling, improving wildfire preparedness, and reducing dependence on imported water. I will

    ask questions, explain decisions openly, and treat public money with care.

    I will bring integrity, judgment, financial discipline, and a commitment to dependable water for every community I serve. Thank you for your consideration.”


    Email: bobby@lapointe2026.com 


    Campaign Website: https://lapointe2026.com/

    Bobby has this quote on his campaign website, “The Greatest Way You Can Thank A Veteran For Their Service Is By Being Civically Active And Vote.”

    Priorities: 

    • Lead On Data Centers Instead Of Reacting To Them

    • Write Policy For The River We Actually Have

    • Harden Our Infrastructure Against Attack

    • Treat This As A Policy Job, Because It Is One

    • Protect The Water That Fights Our Fires


    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • Bobby actively reached out to Pride at the Pier to ask about our guide and about the pledges we sent to candidates in 2024. We did not actively send those pledges out in 2026 due simply to bandwidth limitations, but because he asked about it, we sent the ‘Do No Harm’ pledge to him for review. He agreed almost immediately to take the Pledge. 

    That pledge a commitment to uphold principles of inclusivity, equity, and respect. This pledge is a crucial step in ensuring that our community remains a welcoming and supportive place for all individuals, regardless of their background or identity. 

    “The Do No Harm Pledge includes the following commitments:

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

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

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

    • Bobby endorses a ‘third path’ with data centers. His campaign website points out that there are already two data centers in Orange County (one in Anaheim, one in Irvine), and suggests that rather than banning data centers entirely or allowing them all in, that we take a ‘third path’; “There is a third option: lead. Tech companies need our land, workforce, resources, and markets to build and promote their products. That is leverage. We should use it rather than surrender it. How do we do that?

    By planning early. I propose a regional Orange County Data Center Water Suitability Study to identify factors that influence data center construction across the entire county, such as water availability and reliability, access to non-potable water, locations of culturally and spiritually significant tribal sites, and more.

    Looking out ten years, twenty years, and beyond, I want us to be able to say that we met this moment, and the presence of data centers in our communities led to the development of reliable water infrastructure that can serve our needs for generations to come.” Read the full context of his statements here.

    • He received his Bachelor of Arts (BA, Women and Gender Studies) from Cal State Fullerton in January 2025, having gone back to school later in life. 

    • Bobby is a veteran, having served as a sergeant in the US Army with a deployment to Iraq. 


    Social Media Links: 


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    NOTE: This is a very incomplete list. We have many mutuals with Bobby, these are just a handful.

    • Pride at the Pier

    • Carl Blankenhorn (progressive candidate for Fountain Valley School District)

    • Alex Mohajer (openly LGBTQ Irvine commissioner, fmr. Candidate for State Senate, fmr. President of the Stonewall Democrats)

    • Orange Coast Huddle

    • OC Young Democrats

    • OC Indivisible

    • The Charty B (partner of Pride at the Pier, tracks extremists across California politics)

    • The Feminist Uprising

    • LGBTQ Center OC

    • Mission Viejo Pride

    • WAVE

    • You Belong Outdoors and Beyond (partner of Pride at the Pier, trans-led hiking group)

    • Long Beach Rapid Response Network

    • Supporters of Public Education

    • Orange County Working Families Party


    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • On his campaign website, Bobby says, “The Colorado River is drying up, and the policies we run on were written for a river that still had water in it.

    How much water Orange County imports depends entirely on where you stand. In north and central Orange County, 19 cities and agencies serving 2.5 million people pump about 85 percent of their demand from the groundwater basin and import the remaining 15 percent. In South Orange County, roughly 600,000 people rely almost entirely on imported supply, and in a drought some districts run at 100 percent imported. MWDOC is the agency that buys that imported water and sets the terms our 28 member agencies work under. Which means the decisions made at this board, covering supply contracts, conservation, recycling, and who gets to draw on the system, are the decisions that determine what happens here when the imported supply gets tighter.

    I'm running because those decisions are arriving faster than the board is prepared for them, and because we should be the ones making them rather than waiting to be handed the results.” 

    • Lapointe responded to the OC Register’s candidate questionnaire:

      • Question: Tell us what your No. 1 priority is for this office, should you be elected. 

      • Answer: "My top priority is making sure Orange County has a plan for less imported water, because our local supply depends on imported water too.

    About two-thirds of the county’s water comes from the groundwater basin under north and central Orange County. That basin is managed, not unlimited. OCWD caps how much agencies may pump, currently at 85% of demand, and refilling it takes recycled water, captured storm flow, and purchased imported water. When imported supply tightens, both halves of our portfolio tighten together.

    The rules on the Colorado River just changed. The seven basin states failed to agree, so in August the federal government imposed its own framework and issued guidelines covering only 2027 and 2028. The long-term allocation is unresolved, and the next MWDOC board will serve while it is decided.

    MWDOC does not negotiate that alone, but it appoints four of Orange County’s representatives to Metropolitan’s board. Making sure Orange County is heard in that room is the most consequential thing this seat does.”

    • Question: What does this department do for citizens? What do you view as its most important role for residents, and why?” 

    • Answer: “Most residents will never interact directly with the Municipal Water District of Orange County, yet its work affects something they depend upon every day. It is a low-visibility but high-impact position.

    Its most important role is simple: When you turn on the tap, safe water should be there, and the bill should be one a family can absorb. Every dollar MWDOC spends flows through your local agency and onto your bill, so cost discipline isn’t separate from reliability; it’s a cornerstone of it. Achieving that requires more than technical expertise. A director must be a coalition builder.

    Orange County’s water future depends on cooperation among local water agencies, cities, regional partners, state and federal governments, community stakeholders and people with competing priorities. No single agency can solve these challenges alone.

    A director’s job is governance: listen to technical experts, scrutinize costs, ask difficult questions, build consensus where possible and advocate effectively for the people we represent.”

    • Question: Your neighbors may not be so familiar with this office on their ballot. How would you promote more general knowledge of the district and the importance of its work?

    • Answer: “MWDOC has run one of Southern California’s oldest water education programs since 1973, reaching about 70,000 students a year. The district isn’t silent. But its outreach reaches children, while the people paying the bills and casting the votes are adults.

    I’d close that gap three ways.

    First, use the channel residents already open: their water bill. MWDOC doesn’t bill anyone directly, but its 27 member agencies do. A short annual insert saying where your water came from, what it cost, and what’s coming would reach nearly every household. Not only in English and Spanish, but in Vietnamese, Korean, and Chinese. Orange County is federally required to print ballots in those four languages. Water bills deserve the same standard.

    Second, show up in person. City councils, chambers, and neighborhood groups all take public comment. A director who appears at 10 of those a year does more than any brochure.

    Third, make the board’s own work legible. Agendas that explain items in ordinary language instead of acronyms, and rate changes explained before they take effect, not after.

    And measure it. If outreach doesn’t change what residents can tell you about their water, it’s marketing, not education”

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

    • Answer: “I served as an Army Sergeant and deployed to Iraq. I learned leadership where failure was not hypothetical, where the job was to stay calm, make decisions with incomplete information, and the expectation to keep my team working when conditions turned bad.

    Droughts, earthquakes, pipeline failures, and cyberattacks do not arrive on a convenient schedule. Plans that have never been stress-tested tend to be binders no one has opened.

    My priorities are: First, treat cybersecurity as core infrastructure, not an IT line item. Water systems are a documented target. Second, plan honestly for a smaller Colorado River rather than assuming past allocations hold. Third, set policy on large industrial water users, including data centers, before that demand arrives.

    I studied history and women and gender studies at Cal State Fullerton, shaping how I approach leadership. History teaches you to think beyond the next election, to ask what a decision will mean decades from now. Women and gender studies teaches you to ask an equally important question: Who is missing from the room, and who will bear the consequences of the decision? On a board that sets rates and makes infrastructure decisions affecting millions of people, both are practical skills.”

    • Question: What will you do to establish trust with your community that you will tackle this job well? 

    • Answer: “Trust is built by being specific and then being checkable.

    I am not going to promise to lower your water bill. No single director controls rates, and a candidate who tells you otherwise is either misinformed or counting on you not to check.

    What I can promise is how I will operate. I will explain my votes in public, in plain terms, before they are cast and not after. When I do not know something, I will say so and then go find out, rather than repeating staff language I do not understand. And I will show up where residents already are instead of waiting for them to find a board meeting in Fountain Valley.

    I would rather be judged on a record than a slogan. If elected, I will publish what I said I would work on and report annually on whether I did it. That is an uncomfortable standard, which is the point.

    What I bring is the Army’s discipline and leadership training, the foresight history teaches about decisions that outlast the people who make them, and the passion to build an argument and carry it into a room where it is not welcome.”

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

    Answer: “The best book I have read this year is ‘Let’s Call Her Barbie’ by Renée Rosen.

    It came to me through one of the book clubs I belong to, and it was exactly the kind of book I did not know I needed. I read a lot of heavy material. Policy, history, institutions, and long explanations of how things went wrong. This was joyful, but I still came away having learned something.

    Rosen uses historical fiction to tell the story of Ruth Handler, Mattel, and the team that created Barbie. In the 1950s, when dolls marketed to girls largely encouraged them to imagine themselves as mothers, Handler pushed the radical idea of an adult woman doll who could represent a future instead. The book follows the resistance, personalities, arguments, and persistence behind what became one of the most recognizable toys in the world. Underneath all that pink, it is really a story about moving an organization that has already made up its mind, and about who gets listened to. Not a bad thing to read before running for a board seat.

    You get a few looks reading a bright pink Barbie book in public as a grown man. By page 30, you stop noticing.”


    Endorsed by: 

    • OC Indivisible

    • OC Democrats

    • Viet Dems of OC


    Candidate in the News:

    Public Voting Record:

    • None Found


    Follow the Money: 

    • Bobby’s campaign contributions are not yet publicly available

  • Municipal Water District of OC Division 2 Candidate


    Candidate Statement:

    “MIKE MARKUS | Water Resource Engineer

    Orange County’s imported water supply is growing more expensive and less dependable. Hundreds of millions of dollars are being wasted on projects supported by the MWDOC Board that are destined to fail. I will stop wasteful spending and bring practical solutions to help solve our water issues.

    I dedicated 35 years to serving the Orange County Water District, leading the organization as its General Manager for 16 years. During that time, I built the world's largest water reuse project,

    the Groundwater Replenishment System, and developed the first program in the nation to remove PFAS from groundwater, saving over 200 Orange County water wells from closure. These projects provide long-term reliable water supplies while protecting human

    health.

    I am an Engineer, not a politician. I have built my career in sound science and fiscal accountability. I am running because I have real experience building and managing large infrastructure projects. I know what water projects should cost, which questions to ask and understand when the numbers don’t add up. I will hold every MWDOC decision to a high standard and make sure ratepayers get what they pay for.

    I respectfully ask for your vote. I would be honored to serve you.”


    Email: None Found


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

    Priorities: 

    • None Found


    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • Mike has decades of experience as an employee of MWDOC, starting as a construction manager in 1988 and retiring in 2024 after being a General Manager since 2007.

    • Mike spoke to Youtube channel Aquatech in 2020 about his involvement in the creation of MWDOC’s Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS). Watch it here.

    • Mike is a client of the Loren lillestrand Consulting executive training program. (x)


    Social Media Links: 

    • Linkedin


    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    • None Found


    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • In a MWDOC regarding his 2024 retirement, Mike said, “It has been an absolute privilege to lead an organization that is a global leader in its industry (...) From groundwater management to water recycling and water quality, OCWD has driven innovation and set the gold standard for many projects and programs. This is a testament to the board and the dedicated staff who work to fulfill our mission to provide a safe, reliable water supply.” (x)

    • Markus responded to the OC Register’s candidate questionnaire:

      • Question: Tell us what your No. 1 priority is for this office, should you be elected. 

      • Answer: “My No. 1 priority is to cut wasteful spending and support projects that will result in the lowest cost of water to the customer.”

      • Question: What does this department do for citizens? What do you view as its most important role for residents, and why? 

      • Answer: “MWDOC represents the citizens of Orange County at the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD), which is the regional wholesaler of water imported from Northern California and the Colorado River. MWDOC’s most important role is to make sure that MWD develops policies and projects that provide the most cost-effective solutions to our water challenges.”

      • Question: Your neighbors may not be so familiar with this office on their ballot. How would you promote more general knowledge of the district and the importance of its work?

      • Answer: “I would try to drive people to the MWDOC website (www.mwdoc.com) and make improvements to the website to explain where their water comes from. This could be done by putting a notice in with the water bills and having a link on the water retailer’s website to the MWDOC site. I would also promote emailing a monthly MWDOC newsletter to all water customers.”

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

      • Answer: “I was born and have lived in California my entire life. I graduated from Villa Park High School, received an undergraduate degree (Cal Poly Pomona) and a graduate degree (USC) in civil engineering. I spent 35 years working at the Orange County Water District (OCWD), with the last 16 years as its general manager. While at OCWD, I managed and built the world’s largest potable reuse project that produces 130 million gallons of water per day. I uniquely understand the water challenges facing Orange County and the state of California and am not afraid of asking tough questions and solving complex issues.”

      • Question: What will you do to establish trust with your community that you will tackle this job well?

      • Answer: “I will actively engage my retail water agencies and listen to their concerns. I will also host monthly community meetings for any member of the public to explain what is happening at MWDOC and MWD and answer any concerns they may have. I am not a politician; I’m a respected water professional who has devoted his entire career to water. Google me.”

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

      • Answer: “‘Water 4.0’ by David Sedlak. Great book.”


    Endorsed by: 

    • None Found


    Candidate in the News:

    Public Voting Record:

    • None Found


    Follow the Money:

County Assessor

The county assessor acts like Orange County’s head bookkeeper, making sure all the money is handled correctly. The assessor take care of paying the bills and the workers, keeping track of all the money coming in, and writing the final reports on how the county spent its budget.

  • *Information as of our June 2026 Primary Guide*Campaign Statement:

    “CLAUDE PARRISH

    My commitments upon taking office were:

    To, eliminate waste. Since 2015 I returned $17,039,843 in funds from my office budget to the County by carefully monitoring expenses. To, continue to extend the deadline for tax appeals from September 15th to November 30th. Now taxpayers have an additional 75 days to file appeals. To, complete each year the Property Tax Roll on time, a first since my election in 2015.

    To, create a Taxpayer Advocate office. Now we have “A Public Defender for the Taxpayer” to assist taxpayers with property tax problems. The Advocate’s office has helped more than 10,800 taxpayers since its inception. Established a Business Tax Resolution Specialist in 2024. 

    Over 400 taxpayers have been assisted with business property and vessel assessment issues. To, establish a South County satellite office. We now have, in Mission Viejo City Hall, a rent-free office. To, allow taxpayers all lawful exemptions and exclusions that they are qualified for, without undue bureaucratic delays. To, reduce appeals from 19,507 in 2015 to 8,027 due to more accurate valuations. To protect Proposition 13. Having always maintained an open-door policy, you may call me (714) 834-2734. 

    I respectfully ask for your vote.”

    Email: cparrish9@cox.net / ocassessor@asr.ocgov.com 

    Phone: (714) 834-2734

    Campaign Website: http://www.claudeparrish.com/

    Claude listed the following priorities on his campaign website:

    • Extend the deadline for tax appeals from September 15th to November 30th, giving taxpayers an additional 75 days to file appeals.

    • Create a Taxpayer Advocate Office to assist taxpayers with filing assessment appeals and navigating California’s complex tax laws.

    • Establish a south county satellite office in existing county office space, with current local employees, at no additional cost to taxpayers.

    • Allow taxpayers all lawful exemptions that they are qualified for without undue bureaucratic delays.

    • In many instances, due to the over billings and errors of the current Assessor, our County had a record high of 25,080 property tax appeals work load in one year. These appeals negatively impact property owners, small business, and seniors, Claude Parrish will bring accuracy and fairness to the process.

    • This website was not online in early April, during which time he was interviewed by the LAist, who also asked him about his priorities. Per that article, “What are some of your priorities if you are re-elected? “Main priority is I am available, which is unusual for an elected official,” Parrish told LAist. “You call me and you got me, and that’s just about impossible. When I try to call congressmen, assemblymen, mayors, councilmen, I can never get them. But you got me right away.” He added that he would like to give employees in the Assessor’s Office a wage increase. “They don’t get enough money, and they didn’t raise the money for two years, and this is wrong,” he said. “I can’t take money out of my pocket and pay them.” Parrish added that he would like to maintain the department’s standards and make sure property taxes do not go up by more than 2%.

    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • Claude faced a workplace misconduct investigation during his time as assessor that found he violated gender discrimination and retaliation policies and harassed a subordinate over her medical disability. According to the assessor’s filings, Claude; 

      • “Downplayed the employee’s chronic medical condition as a “tummy ache”

      • Shared her private medical information with coworkers

      • Regularly commented on her diet

      • Told her to stop taking her prescribed medication 

      • Made her “drink baking soda mixed with tap water to ‘fix’ her medical condition””

    • In addition to the investigations into workplace ableism, the report, filed in 2023, found in favor of his employees’ complaints. Per the LAist, “It is more likely than not that Parrish routinely refers to male employees as ‘Mr.’ and female employees by their first name, based on their gender,” the investigation found. “The cumulative effect of Parrish's practice of using formal, deferential means of addressing men, while using informal, casual means of addressing women serves to highlight a subservient relationship between such employees, based on their sex.”

    • In the aftermath of the Tustin Hangar Fire (RIP that piece of Orange County History), Claude found himself in the midst of a small scandal, as he sent notices to 23,000 homeowners who were still dealing with pollution fears in the area, asking them to submit forms for to have the value of their homes re-evaluated, without communicating with the City of Tustin first. Per the LAist, “Tustin’s mayor, Austin Lumbard, lambasted the decision to send out the notices without notifying the city as it can cause ‘unnecessary alarm.’”

    • His most recent elected position prior to this was as a councilmember on the Lake Forest City Council, where he was recalled by a 49% margin in 2018 after multiple terms.  The recall election only brought in 17.5% voter engagement.  Supporters of the recall were displeased with his decision to increase residential zoning in the city.

    Prior Positions / Experience:

    • Former Vice-Chairman of the State Board of Equalization, Third Equalization District

    • Served as a Los Angeles County Insurance Commissioner. 

    • Appointed as Vice President of management by a large real estate trust where he was in charge of managing properties in excess of 450 million dollars.

    • Supervised the management of ABC’s Entertainment Center and West Coast Corporate Headquarters in Century City. 

    • Held positions in management, finance and the securities industry.

    • A District Committeeman for the Los Angeles Area Council of Boy Scouts of America

    • Treasurer of the Los Angeles County Republican party

    • Corporate Controller of a securities firm.

    • Holds a degree in accounting and graduated from college Summa Cum Laude.

    • Claude highlights in his campaign media quotes from letters received from President Ronald Reagan in 1984 and Governor George Deukmejian in 2014.

    Social Media Links: 

    • No presence on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram

    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    • No presence on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram

    Endorsed by:

    • Republican Party of Orange County 

    • California College Republicans

    • List of Endorsements on Parrish’s Campaign Website

    • From campaign website:

      • Orange County Republican Party (Unanimous)

      • Howard Jarvis Tax Taxpayers Association

      • California Republican Assembly (Unanimous)

      • National Tax Limitation Committee (Unanimous)

      • Orange County Register

      • ATLAS Political Action Committee

      • 35th Governor of California, George Deukmejian

      • Lieutenant Governor, Ed Reinecke, (retired) (served under Governor Reagan)

      • Law School Professor/Journalist, Hugh Hewitt

      • Congressman, Dana Rohrabacher

      • Congressman, Darrell Issa

      • Congressman, Tom McClintock

      • National Republican Committeeman for California, Shawn Steel

      • State Board of Equalization Member, Michelle Steel

      • State Board of Equalization Member, Bill Leonard, (retired)

      • State Senator, Mimi Walters

      • State Senator, Dick Ackerman, (retired)

      • State Assemblyman, Tim Donnelly

      • State Assemblyman, Don Wagner

      • State Assemblywoman, Diane Harkey

      • Orange County Clerk Recorder, Hugh Nguyen

      • Former Assessor candidate, Jorge O. Lopez

    • Other Endorsements - http://www.claudeparrish.com/endorsements/ 

    Candidate in the News:

    Public Voting Record: 

    • Nothing found

    Follow the Money: via the link

  • *Information as of our June 2026 Primary Guide*

    Campaign Statement:

    “JANET KEO CONKLIN AGE: 55

    Councilwoman/Businesswoman

    My family fled Cambodia in 1975 with nothing, seeking political asylum and opportunity in America. My father and brother, (Army, Veteran Foreign War), both patriots, defended our nation through military service. Today, I carry their legacy forward as a City Councilwoman, small business owner, realtor, veterans advocate, and mom. I keenly understand the needs of renters, homeowners and business-owners through my real estate broker experience and as Founder of La Palma's Chamber of Commerce. 

    On the city council, I champion public safety, economic development, transparency, and common-sense policies that keep our city thriving. As your Assessor, I'll ensure every homeowner and renter knows their rights. I'll guide families through Prop 13 and Prop 19 rules, helping them preserve their low tax bases and keep their homes. I'll protect vulnerable populations from unfair valuation spikes while expanding opportunities for middle-income families, younger buyers, and first-time homeowners. I'll modernize Assessor technology to make the office more efficient, saving taxpayers millions. I’ll also implement strict protocols safeguarding your personal data from breach & unauthorized access.

    I'm running to bring fairness and transparency to property assessments—helping families make their American Dream a reality. Join me. Learn more at janetforassessor.com. Contact me at janet4assessor@gmail.com. 714-595-1096”

    Email: janet4assessor@gmail.com

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

    • Janet leads her website with the following priorities; “Fair Assessments. Clear Guidance. Accountability.”

    Any Other Interesting Info:

    Prior Experience:

    • Councilmember, City of La Palma. There have not been any LGBTQ+ related items on the city council agendas for La Palma as far as we could find. 

    • Secretary/Treasurer of the Women’s Caucus in League of California Cities for 2024-2025

    • Business Owner - Licensed Real Estate Broker - Self-employed

    • Community Advocate

    Education: 

    • UC Irvine - Bachelor of Arts - BA, Political Science, Government, Policy, and International Economics 

    Social Media Links: 

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janetkeoconklin4assessor / https://www.instagram.com/janetkeoconklin/ (private)

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janet.keoconklin/

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/janet4assessor / https://twitter.com/JanetKeoConklin 

    Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@janetKeoConklin

    Threads: https://www.threads.com/@janetkeoconklin 

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janetconklin/ 

    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    • Twitter (campaign account)

      • City of Irvine @City_of_Irvine

      • Teamsters  @Teamsters

      • City of Laguna Beach @lagunabeachgov

      • City of Santa Ana @CityofSantaAna

      • City of Tustin @CityofTustin

      • Great Park @yourgreatpark

      • Orange Police Department (California) @CityOfOrangePD

      • NAR Research @NAR_Research

      • OCFA @OCFireAuthority

      • Irvine Police Department @IrvinePolice

      • City of Huntington Beach @CityofHBPIO

      • OC Fire Watch @OCFireWatch

      • City of Costa Mesa @CityofCostaMesa

      • Voice of OC @VoiceofOC

      • CA ASSN OF REALTORS® @CAREALTORS

      • National Association of REALTORS® @nardotrealtor

      • OC Parks @OCParks

    • Twitter (personal account)

      • Michael Trujillo @mikehtrujillo

      • Janet for Assessor @janet4assessor

      • Asm Phil Ting @AsmPhilTing

      • City of La Palma @CityofLaPalma

      • Lorelei Lachman @LoreleiLachman

      • Elon Musk @elonmusk 

      • Real Estate Law @LegalRealEstate

      • Luxury Real Estate @propgoluxury

    • Instagram (campaign account)

      • loscerritosdems Los Cerritos Democratic Club of LA—OC

      • vfw7243hawaiiangardens VFW Post 7243 Hawaiian Gardens

      • ivcdems Irvine Valley College Democrats

      • ocgov County of Orange

      • stephanieoddoforlagunaniguel Stephanie Oddo, Laguna Niguel Council Member

      • joni_ricks_oddie Dr. Joni Ricks-Oddie

      • vietdems Vietnamese American Democratic Club

      • katieliaa 𝒦𝒶̨𝓉𝒾𝑒̨ ꫂ ၴႅၴ

      • charliechenyl Charlie Chen

      • michaeljluellen Michael Luellen II

      • councilmemberbettymartinez Councilmember Betty Martinez Franco

      • ngpcalifornia Next Gen Politics California.

      • ochttf Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force

      • alisonigueldemocraticclub Aliso Niguel Democratic Club

      • democraticwomenofsouthoc Democratic Women of South Orange County

      • liu4irvine Melinda Liu

      • lacassessor Assessor Jeff Prang

      • emmy_donnelly15 ᓚᘏᗢ mêœw

      • voteryanpham Ryan H. Pham

      • fullertoncollegedems Fullerton College Democrats

      • democraticpartyofoc Democratic Party of OC

      • votedanrocha Dan Rocha

      • votearestegui Ariana Arestegui

      • votehelentran Helen Tran

      • coalitionpac Coalition PAC

      • democraticclubofseal Democratic Club of Seal Beach

      • nbwdc NBWDC

      • giovannichavezoc Giovanni Chavez

      • davemin_ca Dave Min

      • missenergyhealer Janice Joy

      • chrisduncanca Chris Duncan

      • demsofnoc Democrats of North OC (DNOC)

      • councilwoman_janetkconklin

      • collegedems.uci College Democrats at UCI

      • fionamacpa Fiona Ma

      • letitiacclark Dr. Letitia Clark

      • occ_dems College Democrats at OCC

      • george1ely Councilman Jorge Herrera Ávila

      • official.g.d.new.win 阮杜福 - G Nguyen

      • frank_yokoyama Frank Aurelio Yokoyama

      • pulidoforassembly Mayor Pro Tem Mark E. Pulido

      • cahsdems California High School Democrats

      • thomaswongsgv Thomas Wong

      • tsorey Therese Sorey

      • ryanhpham Ryan Pham

      • adino291 Arnel Dino

    • Instagram (personal account) following 424

    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • Nothing significant found beyond campaign messaging and general platitudes 

    Endorsed by: 

    According to the list at https://www.janetforassessor.com/endorsements, Conklin is endorsed by:

    • Derek Tran

    • Fiona Ma

    • Bob Archuleta

    • Victor Sarmiento

    • Sharon Quirk Silva

    • Frank Aurelio Yokoyama

    • Joyce Ahn

    • Letitia Clark

    • Chris Duncan

    • Leo Medrano

    • Connor Traut

    • David Penaloza

    • Ariana Arestegui

    • Carlos Fracno

    • Natalie Rubalcalva

    Candidate in the News:

    Public Voting Record:

    Follow the Money: via the link

Superintendent of Public Instruction

The State Superintendent of Public Instruction oversees the rules for all California schools and decides what students are taught in their classrooms. They can support queer students by making sure they see themselves in their school books and can use the right names and bathrooms, but they could also cause harm by removing inclusive lessons or allowing rules that take away a student's privacy.

  • *Information as of our June 2026 Primary Guide

    ***PRIDE AT THE PIER CONTENT WARNING: 

    • THIS ELECTION GUIDE FOR SONJA SHAW INCLUDES MANY EXAMPLES OF TRANSPHOBIA AND HOMOPHOBIA FROM THIS CANDIDATE, AND MAY BE UPSETTING FOR SOME. 

    • The information in this guide is a very small percentage of the homophobic and transphobic actions and statements made by this candidate.

    • Statements made by this candidate are rife with misinformation. We are simply sharing to educate voters on the stances of this candidate and what they have been quoted as saying by other sources. Please check all sources for cited information.

    Campaign Statement:

    “California's public schools are failing our children. Fewer than half can read or write at grade level. Girls' sports are under attack, with female athletes losing medals and scholarships. Many even change in their cars before practice because they feel unsafe in locker rooms. This is unacceptable. As a mother of two daughters, I was elected President of the Chino Valley Unified School Board because parents demanded change. We delivered. When I took office in 2022, our district faced the same problems seen across California: poor grades, declining test scores, political distractions in classrooms, and girls losing fairness and privacy. We chose a different path. We refocused on reading, writing, and math. Protected girls' sports and private spaces. Cut bureaucracy. Directed resources back into classrooms, where they belong. The results were undeniable. Student outcomes improved, and independent research recognized our district as a model for post-COVID academic recovery. That success didn't come from Sacramento mandates. It came from parents who linked arms and stood up for common sense. As State Superintendent, I will bring that same leadership statewide. I will be an independent advocate for students and families, not political insiders. My plan is simple: restore high academic standards in reading, writing, and math; protect Title IX, ensuring fairness and safety for girls; give parents a real seat at the table; support excellent teachers; and cut wasteful bureaucracy. The blueprint exists at the local level. We've proven it works. Let's deliver results for every California student. Learn more at ShawForCA.com.

    6939 Schaefer Avenue, Suite D #119Chino, CA 91710Tel: (949) 495-1310E-mail: info@shawforca.comX: @realSonjaShawInstagram: @SonjaShaw2026 “

    Email: info@shawforca.com

    Campaign Website: https://shawforca.com/

    • Shaw’s website leads with “Fix Our Schools. Protect Our Kids.”

    Under “issues” on her website, she lists the following; 

    • Protect Our Daughters

    • Fix Our Schools

    • Put Families First

    Under the “Protect Our Daughters” section, she goes on to say; “Policies allowing boys to undress in girls' locker rooms and play on their sports teams undermine fairness and safety. Our daughters deserve to compete on equal terms, not lose opportunities to biological males. They should feel secure in private spaces, not exposed by decisions made without parental consent. Sacramento's disregard for families fuels this injustice, prioritizing ideology over common sense. Classrooms are becoming battlegrounds for radical agendas, pushing divisive content that overshadows core education. Proven leadership has already restored balance in local districts. California's schools need this approach statewide to safeguard girls' opportunities, prioritize parental rights, and ensure education focuses on learning, not politics.” 

    ***Pride at the Pier note - transgender athletes in CA (of which there are very few, hardly enough to fill a single classroom) - are not undressing in girls’ locker rooms with other girls. This is a fearmongering tactic and misrepresents the reality that transgender students are in greater danger of being harmed than they are of harming others. 

    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • Sonja Shaw is a proud, documented anti-LGBTQ+ activist who has an extremely long record of standing with transphobic and homophobic extremists. She has participated in the doxxing and stalking of transgender youth, and has run her entire campaign, as well as her time as president of the Chino Valley Unified School District, as a transphobe who seeks to make schools less inclusive of queer youth. This is not a biased or partisan take - it’s something she’s proud of. 

    Social Media Links: 

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SonjaShaw2026

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/realSonjaShaw

    On Instagram and Twitter, she often collaborates with anti-trans activists across the region to encourage the harassment of transgender youth. As recently as May 4th, she posted an event advertisement from an anti-trans group encouraging people to attend a high school sporting event in Orange County in order to harass and bully the single transgender athlete expected to be there. We will not be sharing that post as we don’t want to make it any easier to locate and doxx this child, but it is on her Instagram. 

    She published a video post on April 27 with Anti-Trans extremist “Billboard Chris” Elston. She said, “California politicians are pushing misguided and dangerous gender ideology on our kids. I am a mom running for State Superintendent here in California to protect our sons and daughters.” She then turned the camera to Chris, who said, “Hi everybody, I’m Chris, from the lovely communist country of Canada, and I travel the world raising awareness of what is undoubtedly the greatest child abuse scandal in modern medicine history. The practice of trying to change the sex of children with puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones and surgeries, and I can tell you, of all the amazing people I have met world-wide, number one in America is right here, Sonja Shaw. No one will fight harder to protect your kids than this woman.” 

    She collaborated on a post with Christian Nationalist organization Salt and Light OC, a selfie video with Moms For Liberty. There was a peaceful protest held outside of the event. Sonja, filming in selfie mode, exited the building to confront the protesters, where she smiled sarcastically and said, ‘Yay! Look at my new friends! (...) This is what we have to deal with in California.” As the crowd chanted “Trans Rights are Human Rights”, she continued, referring to the protesters, “They tell kids they’re born in the wrong body! We tell them that they are beautiful the way they were made.” A man holding a sign that said “Trans Rights are Human Rights | Diversity is the one thing we ALL have in common” said something inaudible on the camera to Sonja, and she replied to him, “Yeah, we know you’re focused on the children! And you shouldn’t be, sir! (....) The tolerant, loving crew… Why don’t you tell everyone why you hate us so much? Why do you hate moms?” she asked the man with the sign, who introduced himself as Cameron Tennyson, and that he is running for Congress. She asked him why he was there, and he said because he believed kids should be free - she interjected and said, “Free to be what? So you can cut off healthy body parts and it's okay?” He said that wasn’t up to him. She later went back inside, saying, “This is the craziness. This is why we fight so hard, because THEY want to be in charge of YOUR children. Right? No. We say no. Over our dead bodies. They are freaking psychos. No offense, but I mean, come on. THAT (referring to the protesters and Cameron Tennyson) wants to take over and be in charge of parents’ rights? This is what we’re dealing with, guys, wake up California! It’s not radical to be a mother or father here! It’s radical what they’re doing to kids!”

    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook: (This is a small cross-section of a much longer list)

    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • The mother of a transgender athlete sent Sonja Shaw a cease and desist letter after Shaw repeatedly doxxed her child from a public platform. Shaw ripped this letter up on camera on the dais during a CVUSD board meeting in March of 2025, saying, “...a boy is stealing these opportunities from girls, because that’s the truth. If you don’t like it, I’m sorry, I also have first amendment rights, and I will never shut up in regards to that, so this cease and desist? (At this point she held up the letter and ripped it in half.) That’s how I feel about that, cease and desist.” 

    • In April of 2024, she challenged the sole member of the CVUSD board who did not join her efforts to harass trans students, saying during a meeting, “These are girls, and until this day - Mr. Bridge, can you answer a question? Are you okay with a twelve-year-old seeing male’s penis in the bathroom? Are you okay with a male going on a girl’s softball team and taking away those opportunities for that girl? So just because you may have not heard it, it does happen here. Do the right thing.”  

    ****Note from Pride at the Pier: In case it needs to be spelled out, if you’re seeing the genitalia of other people in the bathroom, you’re the one violating the privacy of other people. Additionally, there have not been any verified reports of trans students in California (of any gender) willfully exposing themselves to their peers. This is a fear-mongering tactic that is not rooted in any truth. 

    • Shaw had current Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond thrown out of a CVUSD meeting by police after he came to defend the rights and dignity of trans students in the district. On the agenda - forced outing policies, requiring teachers to out any trans student to their parents or face discipline, regardless of the students’ consent. As the chaos was unfolding, Shaw said to Thurmond, “You’re in Sacramento proposing things that pervert children.”

    Endorsed by: (This is an incomplete list, a cross-section. Click the link for the full list.)

    • California College Republicans

    • OC Register

    • Chad Bianco

    • Steve Hilton

    • Riley Gaines (anti-trans activist and far-right commentator)

    • Howard Jarvis Taxpayer Association

    • Moms for Liberty

    • Reform California

    • Ken Calvert, CA legislator

    • Leticia Castillo, CA legislator

    • Diane Dixon, CA legislator

    • Laurie Davies, CA legislator

    • Bill Essayli, fmr. CA legislator and current Trump DOJ US Attorney in LA

    • Kate Sanchez, CA legislator who pushed to ban trans girls from CA sports

    • Don Wagner, OC Supervisor who voted to ban the Pride Flag

    • Tony Strickland, CA Legislator and fmr. HB City Councilman who voted to ban the Pride Flag

    • Dr. Ryan Bent, NOCCCSD Trustee who attended an anti-trans walkout at an OC school in 2025

    • Corey A. DeAngelis, popular Christian Nationalist figure

    • Michael Gates, fmr. HB City Attorney who was removed from his position in the Trump DOJ after complaints that he created a hostile work environment for women

    • Sophia Lorey, anti-trans activist and paid consultant at the CA Family Council

    • Jessica Tapia, anti-trans activist 

    • Leandra Blades, PYLUSD Trustee who has repeatedly pushed anti-LGBTQ agenda items, as well as a school board resolution to support ICE and DHS

    • Brenda Lebsack, SAUSD Trustee who tried to remove suicide hotline signs from Santa Ana schools because the hotline worked with the Trevor Project

    Candidate in the News:

    Public Voting Record:

    • Shaw was a key witness in the committee hearing opposing AB 1578, which would require local and state officials to take regular anti-hate speech training. Her argument against it was that she wanted to continue to perpetuate anti-trans hate speech, and argued that said anti-trans hate speech wasn’t actually hate speech at all. 

    • Shaw was a key witness in the committee hearing AB 1955, which would prevent school districts from requiring teachers to forcibly out students. Her argument was that this was a violation of parents’ rights. 

    • Shaw’s time as president of the Chino Valley USD has been filled with a number of significant anti-LGBTQ+ agenda items, including book bans, forced outing policies, and policies against the equitable access for trans students in the district. She’s also been involved in a number of lawsuits against the state of California for these matters, which have required votes to go through the school board to initiate. 

    Follow the Money: Shaw appears to have not filed her recent campaign finances, as we have very little reported filings for this current campaign available to us, outside of; 

  • *Information as of our June 2026 Primary Guide*

    Campaign Statement:

    It is an honor to serve as State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond's Senior Advisor, and to be endorsed by the California Teachers Association (CTA), representing 300,000+ classroom teachers, nurses, counselors and educators. California Teachers of the Year Tammy Reina and Zenaida Rosario: "We trust Richard to fight for our students and educators. He has delivered for 18 years!" As President of San Diego Unified School District, the state's 2nd largest, I transformed a district in crisis into a national model of success. Among all large urban districts, we now rank Number 1 in Reading and Math on "The Nation's Report Card." In California, we're First in Reading, Math, Science, Graduation Rates and College/Career readiness. We've achieved success by cutting waste and bureaucracy, and investing directly in our students, families and educators. I successfully asked voters 4 times to replace 60 year old buildings with state-of-the-art, environmentally sustainable schools. We increased educator salaries by 40%, provided full family healthcare and created thousands of affordable homes for our families and educators. I've fought to protect students from the heartless Trump administration: keeping ICE out of our schools, standing up for LGBTQ students, and testifying before Congress against Trump's drastic cuts to education. I am endorsed by those most responsible for student success—from the classroom teachers of CTA to the school principals of United Administrators of Southern California, and Cindy Marten, President Biden's Deputy Secretary of Education. Current Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond: "Richard Barrera's track record of student success is unmatched. That's why I asked him to join us at the California Department of Education. That's why I support him in this election." BarreraforEdu.com

    Email: rbcoi@yahoo.com

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

    Priorities from campaign website:

    • Build a Strong, Sustainable Teacher Pipeline

    • Expanding early childhood education

    • Secure, sustainable funding for stronger schools

    • Empowering communities to find their schools - because our kids can’t wait

    • Making housing affordable for educators

    • Building schools where every student belongs

    • Prioritizing mental health in every school

    • Delivering equity: Real opportunities for every student

    Other Interesting Info:

    Social Media Links: 

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577254612647

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richardbarrera2026

    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-barrera-2079723a9/ 

    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    • CA Democrats

    • Equality CA

    • San Diego Building Trades

    • Our Schools USA & Capo USD

    • Stone Wall Dems

    • SF League of Pissed Off Voters

    • San Diego Youth Services

    • ACLU NorCal

    • 1st Gen Scholars

    • Jewish Family Services San Diego

    • The Cesar Chavez Foundation

    • CA Teachers Association

    • United We Dream

    • Feeding San Diego

    • Tony Thurmond

    • Congressional Hispanic Caucus

    • CA Legislative LGBTQ Caucus

    • CA Legislative Women’s Caucus

    • Congressional Black Caucus

    • Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club

    • NAACP San Diego

    Candidate’s Public Comments: (The following are taken from interviews with Barrera conducted by news agencies; find these links below)

    • ‘Like the other candidates, Barrera opposes Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposal to restructure the California Department of Education under a governor-appointed education commissioner. The state superintendent would no longer manage the department. “It’s undemocratic to take responsibility and authority away from the person that the voters are electing to improve schools,” Barrera said. “In practical terms, there is no reason to assume a governor would do a better job at appointing the people to run CDE than a state superintendent would.”’

    • When asked about how he would manage engagement with the Trump administration, which has been antagonistic to LGBTQ+ students, “My track record at San Diego Unified, going back to the first Trump administration, has been to help lead the way to protect all of our students, whether that’s our immigrant students or LGBTQ students. We’ve put policies in place, strategies in place and connected families to community-based resources to push back at that. The president of the United States is choosing to act in an unlawful way and in a way that picks on certain groups of people, to advance his own political agenda, and there’s no room for putting our head down and hoping, “Well, if we just go along with a little bit of it, maybe we won’t be targets.” There’s just no room for that. You’ve got to stand up. We’ve got to fight back in every way possible, including in court. The fact that Trump is using federal education resources as leverage to try to get both the state and local school districts to capitulate to his agenda is all the more reason for us to go and raise that revenue ourselves. The people in this state who are going to benefit from his tax cuts have a responsibility also to make sure that we’ve got the resources we need so that we’re not vulnerable to his threats. We should make sure that we’ve got, you know, the resources ourselves so that we can’t be held hostage. But we should go further and say, and by the way, the federal government should be doing a lot more than it ever has. The federal government has always under invested in education. Special education is the perfect example. The kind of investment we saw during COVID, that was the investment we always needed for schools.”

    • When asked about AI, he replied, “I think the real question is, is the use of AI in writing dumbing things down to the point where students are becoming poorer writers and thinkers because they’re relying on a machine to do that for them? … Or is it something that’s assisting with the grinding grunt work of writing that allows you to get more depth? (...) My guess is these particular tools could go either way and probably do go either way.” 

    • When asked how he would serve vulnerable populations, he said, “California has to protect students in ways that are real at the school level. In San Diego Unified, we treat immigration enforcement as a student safety and trust issue. We train staff, protect student privacy and keep campuses focused on learning so families stay connected to schools. That should be the statewide standard. For LGBTQ+ students, the state should insist on safe school climates and enforce nondiscrimination protections consistently. For students with disabilities, the law is clear: Services are not optional, and districts need both oversight and support to deliver them. When the federal government threatens to withhold funding from our schools unless we abandon protections for students, I will challenge unlawful actions and make sure districts do not retreat out of fear. The state’s job is to make sure students are safe, included and able to learn.”

    • ‘Richard Barrera, vice president of SDUSD’s Board of Education, argued that the recent raid by Immigration and Customs Enforcement at South Park’s Buona Forchetta, located a block and a half away from a district school, was an “attempt to strike fear into the hearts of (SDUSD) families.” He described how parents were forced to pick up their students from the back of the school in order to shield them from what was happening nearby. “We don’t ignore the reality that when the federal government decides it no longer is going to have schools under safe haven status, what that does is provokes fear in our communities,” Barrera said. Barrera added that the district will never ask students and families about their immigration status or allow immigration officials to enter the district’s campuses or access student records without a federal judicial warrant.’ source

    Endorsed by (click link for full list): 

    • Current California State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond

    • Congressman, Juan Vargas

    • State Senator, Art Torres (Ret)

    • Former LA Unified Board President, Former Member of the Assembly, Jackie Goldberg

    • Chair of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, Terra Lawson-Remer

    • Los Angeles Unified School Board Trustee,  Rocio Rivas

    • Vista Unified School Board Member Cipriano Vargas

    • San Diego Community College Board Trustee, Craig Milgrim

    • Deputy Secretary of Education, Former SD Unified Superintendent, Cindy Marten

    • (UASC) United Administrators Southern California

    • California Teachers Association (CTA)

    • United Domestic Workers (UDW)

    • Administrator’s Association of San Diego

    • San Diego Building Trades Council

    • San Diego Unified Police Officers Association

    • United Taxi Workers of San Diego

    Candidate in the News:

    Follow the Money:

    • $19,800.00 from United Domestic Workers of America Action Fund

    • $19,600.00 from California Teachers Association/association for Better Citizenship

    • $7,259.83 from Van Pelt Construction Services

    • $3,588.19 from Architects Mosher Drew

    • $2,500.00 from Sheet Metal Workers Local 206 PAC

    • $2,500.00 from Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation

Attorney General

As the state’s chief legal officer, the attorney general can file lawsuits against the federal government to block policies they believe overstep legal boundaries or infringe upon the civil rights of their residents. This power serves as a critical check and balance, allowing states to defend their own laws and protect vulnerable communities from federal actions they deem unconstitutional.

  • *Information as of our June 2026 Primary Guide

    Incumbent, running for CA Attorney General

    Campaign Statement, if any: None Found

    Email: None Found

    Campaign Website: https://robbonta.com/

    Bonta’s campaign website leads with; “Justice for all. Attorney General Rob Bonta is running for re-election to protect our freedoms, defend our democracy, and stand up to abuse of power wherever it appears. The fight is far from over — but together we’ll keep standing up to stop unlawful power grabs by the federal government, defend our immigrant communities, protect reproductive freedom, hold greedy corporations accountable, keep our communities safe from gun violence and fentanyl trafficking, safeguard our environment, and so much more.”

    Any Other Interesting Info:

    Rob Bonta worked with Equality California to launch the first-ever State of Pride report and forum, tracking and advocating for the progress of LGBTQ+ rights in California. Source

    During the current Trump presidential administration, Bonta has led or co-led over 60 lawsuits against the Trump administration on behalf of Californians.  A small sample of these includes: 

    Bonta has also been involved in lawsuits and legal responses against California-based entities in efforts to defend LGBTQ+ rights. A small sample includes: 

    • California v. Chino Valley Unified: Sued to block "forced outing" policies that required schools to notify parents of a student's gender transition. The case ended in early 2025 with the district rescinding the policy.

    • Mirabelli v. Bonta: Defending California’s SAFETY Act, which protects student privacy. The U.S. Supreme Court issued an emergency ruling in March 2026 temporarily allowing parents to receive gender identity information, but Bonta continues to litigate the full merits of the case.

    • California v. Rady Children’s Health (2026): Sued Rady for closing its gender-affirming care clinic. Bonta alleges the closure violates the 2024 merger agreement with CHOC, which legally required Rady to maintain specialty services through 2034.

    • California v. City of Huntington Beach: Challenged local ordinances that banned the Pride flag on public property and restricted LGBTQ+ books in libraries, arguing they violate the Unruh Civil Rights Act.

    • Temecula Valley Unified Investigation: Initiated civil rights actions to stop the school board from banning LGBTQ-inclusive curriculum and implementing discriminatory notification policies.

    • California v. Trump (PREA Protections): Leading a multi-state effort to block federal attempts to remove Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) protections that specifically safeguard transgender individuals in custody.

    Social Media Links: 

    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • When interviewed by ABC 30 Action News at the first ever State of Pride event in San Francisco, Bonta said, “I'm proud to stand and serve in a state that stands with our LGBTQ community (...) The stakes are high, the attacks are disgusting, the targeting is strong, now more than ever we need each other”.   

    • At the same event, he was quoted by Vanguard News Group as saying, “It is more important than ever that we recommit ourselves to the ongoing fight for equality, safety, and inclusion.” Source

    • Bonta lambasted the treatment of human beings at the ICE concentration camp in California City, saying, “My team has seen and heard first-hand the dangerous conditions at California’s newest detention facility — conditions that violate ICE’s own standards. I implore DHS to take action to address these serious issues”. The full letter he sent to the Department of Homeland Security can be found here.

    Endorsed by: (This is an incomplete list, a cross-section. Click the link to see them all)

    • Orange County Democratic Party

    • Gavin Newsom, Governor

    • Malia Cohen, California State Controller

    • Dr. Shirley Weber, California Secretary of State

    • Senator Adam Schiff

    • Senator Alex Padilla

    • Senator Cory Booker

    • Rep. Robert Garcia

    • Rep. Pete Aguilar

    • Rep. Gil Cisneros

    • Rep. Ro Khanna

    • Rep. Dave Min

    • Rep. Mike Levin

    • Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson

    • Riverside Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson

    • Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee

    • Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California

    • Teamsters California

    • California Teachers Association (CTA)

    • Sierra Club CA

    • California Environmental Voters

    • Dolores Huerta

    • Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California

    • Smart Justice CA

    • Equality California

    • California Medical Association

    • Courage Campaign

    • Stacey Abrams

    • David Hogg

    • Elise Joshi

    • Jane Fonda

    Candidate in the News:

    Follow the Money: 

    The filing deadline for campaign finance documents has not yet passed, so we don’t have his most recent donations to review. These are mostly from late 2025.

    • $500 from the Alan Wong for Supervisor 2026 campaign 

    ***Note: When candidates for office terminate their campaigns, they have to redistribute the donations they receive in a handful of legal ways, including donating to another campaign.

    • $19,600 from the California Teachers Association/Association For Better Citizenship

    • $3,500 from the United Association of Journeymen & Apprentices of the U.S. & Canada Local 447 Federal PAC (Fed PAC ID # C00320218)

    • $500 from the Berkeley Firefighters Association Local 1227 Political Action Committee

    • $1,000 from the San Jose Firefighters, IAFF Local 230 Political Action Committee

    • $5,000 from the Sacramento Area Fire Fighters Local 522 Political Action Committee

  • *Information as of our June 2026 Primary Guide*

    ***PRIDE AT THE PIER CONTENT WARNING: 

    • THIS ELECTION GUIDE FOR MICHAEL GATES INCLUDES MANY EXAMPLES OF TRANSPHOBIA AND HOMOPHOBIA FROM THIS CANDIDATE, AND MAY BE UPSETTING FOR SOME. 

    • The information in this guide is a very small percentage of the homophobic and transphobic actions and statements made by this candidate.

    • Statements made by this candidate are rife with misinformation. We are simply sharing to educate voters on the stances of this candidate and what they have been quoted as saying by other sources. Please check all sources for cited information.

    Campaign Statement, if any: 

    “Michael E. Gates | REPUBLICAN

    California families deserve to be safe again. Crime is rising, homelessness is out of control, fraud with taxpayer dollars is rampant, and our children—especially young girls—are not being protected. The Office of Attorney General should be focused on enforcing the law and keeping families safe, not playing politics. I'm a husband and father of five, and like every parent, I want our children to grow up in safe communities. That's why public safety has always been my top priority. As the City Attorney for Huntington Beach, I fought for the people. I created a city criminal prosecutor program that prosecuted quality-of-life crimes and reduced crime by double digits. We proved that when the law is enforced, communities thrive. As Attorney General, I will make crime illegal again by prosecuting all crimes, including enforcing Proposition 36, and use the law to address homelessness by holding criminals accountable while getting people off our streets and into treatment. I will stand up for police, support law enforcement and defend them when they are unfairly attacked. I will also bring proven programs that lowered crime and homelessness in Huntington Beach to cities across California. I will aggressively prosecute fraud and corruption in Sacramento, protect parents' rights, enforce laws that keep boys out of girls' sports and support Voter ID. This is a serious office. I will fight for everyday Californians and bring accountability and safety back to California. Learn more at www.Gates4AG.com.”

    Email: info@gates4ag.com 

    Campaign Website: https://www.gates4ag.com/ 

    Gates’ website leads with the following phrase; “Safe families, safe communities. As our next Attorney General, Michael Gates will fight for what matters most: our families, our communities, and our safety.”

    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • In 2025, Gates was hired to work in the Trump administration as a Deputy U.S. Attorney, during which time he - by his own testimony - pursued investigations against transgender individuals and those who support them, as well as investigations into so-called voter fraud. We’ll quote him further down on that. 

    • However, his time in the administration lasted approximately ten months before coming to an end.  The OC Register - known for its conservative bias - reported in November 2025 that Gates was fired from the administration “for cause”, based on records requests. Interviews the Register conducted revealed that there had been complaints against Gates by his colleagues that he had created a hostile work environment for women.  Per the Register, “He allegedly had a “consistent pattern” of referring to female colleagues by derogatory and demeaning names, the source said, and complained about the employment of a woman who was pregnant”.

    • Gates denied the entire story, asserting that he had chosen to resign from the Trump Administration because he was homesick, and that any negative word about him from his former colleagues was merely because they were angry that he resigned. 

    Social Media Links: 

    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    ***Note: The term “fascist” here is not hyperbole, but in fact a term used in its specific definition; this restaurant’s owners use their platform to call for the arrest of politicians, “re-education camps” for anyone to the left of them (including some Republicans), and the use of the United States military to violently occupy places like New York and California to install martial law and military tribunals for protesters.

    • Julie Hamill, a lawyer affiliated with the CA Policy Center and anti-trans activist

    • (Twitter) Rick Leventhal: Host of the Leventhal Report on NewsMax

    • (Twitter) Sophia Lorey: Anti-trans activist and paid consultant at the CA Family Council

    • (Twitter) Nick Shirley

    • (Twitter) Reform CA

    • (Twitter) Spencer Pratt

    • (Twitter) Nicki Minaj

    Candidate’s Public Comments: 

    ***Note: Statements made by this candidate are rife with misinformation. We are simply sharing to educate voters on the stances of this candidate and what they have been quoted as saying by other sources. Please check all sources for cited information.

    • In an event at Basilico’s, an openly fascist Italian restaurant in HB known for its extreme politics, Gates spoke to attendees about what he was accomplishing in his role in the Trump administration. “...We’re fighting all that reverse discrimination as well. Defending women, getting men out of women’s sports. When it comes to all the transgender bullshit, we - we are fighting, we are fighting all that transgender, all the mutilization of children, we are fighting that. But what I am happy to report, is, you know, close to my heart, is that I am, I’m privileged to be able to fight a lot of the election integrity irregularities. So, I got a number of cases right now.”

    • In Gates’ statement about being hired by the Trump administration, he said, “I am profoundly humbled and honored for this opportunity to serve the American people at a time like this - to advance President Trump's "America First" agenda, fight to restore law and order throughout the country, and fight to restore faith in the Nation's justice system.”

    • Via his twitter, post dated April 24th 2026: “(Rob Bonta) sued Children’s Hospitals to FORCE trans surgeries on MINORS and he fought for SECRET trans grooming in schools by teachers! (...) Sicko!”

    • Via his twitter, post dated March 28, 2025, he posted about the Federal Government investigating CA over AB 1955, a law that prevents school districts from requiring teachers to forcibly out students to their parents. He said, “Going on offense against California’s unconstitutional AB 1955 - a law that inserts State educators in the parent child relationship on gender issues. Proud of DOE for fighting to protect families by combatting State overreach! (US Flag Emoji, US Flag Emoji, US Flag Emoji)”

    • When asked his take on the Attorney General’s responsibility to the homelessness crisis, Gates replied, “...cities cannot simply allow dangerous encampments to grow or refuse to address conditions that threaten public safety and quality of life. On homelessness, I believe enforcement and treatment must go together. Anti-camping laws matter because public spaces should be safe and usable for everyone.”

    Endorsed by: (For the complete list, click the hyperlink)

    • California Republican Party

    • Lincoln Club of Orange County

    • Patriots4Freedom-San Diego

    • California Rifle & Pistol Association

    • American Independent Party of California

    ***Note: American Independent does not mean No Party Preference. AI is a far-right party.

    • California Parents Union

    • California Cities for Local Control

    • The Israeli-American Civic Action Network (ICAN)

    • Don Wagner,Orange County Supervisor

    • Janet Nguyen, Orange County Supervisor

    • Hugh Nguyen, Orange County Clerk-Recorder

    • Shari Friedenrich, Orange County Treasurer

    • Claude Parrish, Orange County Tax Assessor

    • Sonja Shaw, CVUSD Board President and anti-trans extremist

    • Steve Knoblock, Mayor Pro Tem of San Clemente who tried to institute an abortion ban in the city

    • Steve Hilton, Candidate for Governor of California

    • Mike Munzig, Mayor Pro Tem Aliso Viejo who tried to institute a Pride Flag ban

    • All members of the Huntington Beach City Council

    • Don Barnes, Orange County Sheriff

    • John Zanoni, Fresno County Sheriff

    • Donny Yongblood, Kern County Sheriff

    • Michael Boudreaux, Tulare County Sheriff

    Candidate in the News:

    Public Voting Record:

    Not applicable

    Follow the Money:

    • $9,800 from the Newport Beach Police Association Political Action

    • $5,900 from the campaign fund for Chad Williams for City Council 2024

    ***Campaign Finance Filings for this race are still being processed, so this is an incomplete list.


Secretary of State

The California Secretary of State serves as the state's chief elections official and oversees the formal registration of businesses and non-profit organizations. In addition to managing the state’s historical archives, they protect civil rights by expanding voter access and ensuring that every Californian can participate in a secure and transparent democratic process.

  • *Information as of our June 2026 Primary Guide

    Campaign Statement:

    “Shirley N. Weber | DEMOCRATIC

    I will never give up on protecting your voting rights. We are not in normal times. We need strong leaders to stand up and fight for what is right and just. I was born in the Jim Crow south to sharecroppers who couldn't vote. California welcomed us with open arms and has been my home ever since. My parents cast their first votes here and even used our family living room as a polling place. America is the only country in the world where within one generation a family can go from Jim Crow disenfranchisement, to administering elections in the largest state in the nation. We've come so far, and I've seen it firsthand. However, there are people that want to roll back that progress. They want shorter polling hours, fewer days to vote and the removal of vote-by-mail ballots. Some of them have even threatened the lives of election officials when their preferred candidate loses. This behavior will not be tolerated in California. As Secretary of State, 28 statewide and special elections were successfully held. When our voting rights were under attack, I fought for us in the courts, and won. I've been a transparent leader because trust is everything. Every eligible Californian should register to vote and cast their ballot whether we agree politically or not. I will continue to fight to make sure that nothing stands between you and the ballot box. Vote Dr. Shirley N. Weber for Secretary of State. Visit www.DrShirleyWeber.com to learn more.

    E-mail: info@drshirleyweber.comFacebook: facebook.com/ShirleyWeber4SOSX: x.com/drweber4ca”

    Email: info@drshirleyweber.com 

    Campaign Website: https://drshirleyweber.com/

    Priorities listed on her website: 

    • A Defender of Voting Rights

      • Restoring Trust and Transparency:

      • Encourage Californians to Vote:

    She goes on to say on her campaign website’s main page, “Voting Rights Are Under Attack –

    Dr. Weber Is Our Defender.  In her first year as Secretary of State, Dr. Weber has already overseen a safe, secure, and seamless statewide election, and solidified California’s reputation as a national leader on strengthening the right to vote for every community. She’s also worked with the Governor and state legislature to make California a permanent, universal vote-by-mail state.”

    Some of the experiences she has listed on her website include: 

    • Protecting poll workers and election officials

    • Authored legislation to extend and ensure the right to vote for parolees

    • Fought for legislation on education, civil rights, public safety, food insecurity, protections for persons with disabilities, and voting rights

    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • In an interview with CalMatters, Weber said she has focused on expanding voter outreach to rural corners of California and encouraging voter registration on high school and college campuses — something she said she would continue to focus on in her second term if she is re-elected.

    • For those who followed the city of Huntington Beach’s efforts to pass Voter ID laws for polling places within the city, Weber worked with current Attorney General Rob Bonta to successfully sue the city over this effort, and prevent Voter ID laws within the city that would have violated CA state laws. 

    • Prior to her time in government, Weber served as a professor at San Diego State University and at California State University at Los Angeles and Los Angeles City College. Source

    • Weber faced criticism from some disability advocate groups who sued the state over what they felt were barriers to voting accessibility. Source

    Social Media Links: 

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShirleyWeber4SOS 

    Campaign Twitter: https://x.com/drweber4ca?s=21

    Personal Twitter: https://x.com/drshirleyweber?s=21 

    (Defunct) Instagram for an earlier legislative race: https://www.instagram.com/asmshirleyweber/

    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    • JD Vance (This is the “Vice President” account, so we’re unsure if she specifically followed Vance or if this is an account she followed prior to the current administration)

    • Barack Obama

    • Kamala Harris

    • Beyonce

    • (Twitter) Sharon Quirk-Silva

    • (Twitter) Rob Bonta

    • (Twitter) CA Legislative Women’s Caucus

    • (Twitter) Jennifer Siebel Newsom (Spouse of Gavin Newsom)

    • (Twitter) Vote America

    • (Twitter) California Black Media

    • (Twitter) National Women’s Political Caucus California (Pro-Choice Caucus)

    • (Twitter) Alliance For Youth Action

    • (Twitter) VoteRiders (Organization to help voters navigate Voter ID laws)

    • (Twitter) UCLA Black Project

    • Emerge CA (An organization that trains women to run for office)

    • California Faculty Assoc. 

    • Equal Justice Society

    • The King Center (MLK Jr. Memorial)

    • Yes on Prop 16 (Repeals the ban on affirmative action at Public Institutions)

    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • In response to criticisms about the slow process of counting votes in the 2024 election, Weber said, “I know the value of being fast for some folks (...) For me, accuracy is far more important.”

    • On protecting personal voter information from the Trump administration, she said, “If we were giving (voter information) away like candy, who would trust us … to protect their records?”

    • In an interview with the LA Times regarding the Huntington Beach City Council’s efforts to push through Voter ID laws, Weber said, “I will continue to uphold my promise to Californians to protect our democracy, and I will continue to challenge this administration’s disregard for the rule of law and our right to vote.”

    • During an event commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act where Weber was a guest speaker, she said, “When the president wanted to offer Martin Luther King all kinds of other things. They wanted him to have a housing act. They wanted him to have a poverty act. They wanted him to do all of these other things. But they never wanted to offer him the voting rights act. And King rejected all of those in 1964 because he understood the power of voting and the importance of making it possible for all people in this nation to be able to vote because that was their voice, that was their power, that was their expression. And so, as we have tried in this office as Secretary of State to make sure that we bring forth a number of things that people have forgotten, I discovered that a lot of folks don't know much about the Voting Rights Act of 1965. They thought it granted people the right to vote when it did not. They already had the right to vote, but they had to secure the vote. They had to make sure that people had access to it and they were not denied their opportunity to vote. (...) And so now, this is the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. (...) When I took office a few years ago, I came to realize, as I pointed out to the governor and others, that this is going to be a critical period in our lives because we've all had an opportunity to vote. We've had this wonderful experience in this nation, and we knew that voting was under attack. And the question was always, are we as strong as our ancestors? Are we able to fight like they fought to maintain the right to vote and to exercise that right in going to the polls? So, we want to remind folks of what it means to be what the Voting Rights Act of 1965 did and those who were part of it, who lived through it and who understood why it was so very important for us to have it.”

    Endorsed by: 

    •  Orange County Democratic Party

    • Rob Bonta, Attorney General

    • Fiona Ma, State Treasurer

    • Malia Cohen, Controller

    • Ricardo Lara, Insurance Commissioner

    • Tony Thurmond, Superintendent of Education

    • Cecilia Aguiar Curry, Assemblymember

    • Blanca Rubio, Assemblymember

    • Dr. LaShae Sharp Collins, Assemblymember

    • Buffy Wicks, Assemblymember

    • Akilah Weber, MD, State Senator

    • California Professional Firefighters

    • Steamfitters & Refrigeration UA Local 250

    • California Federation of Teachers

    • AFSCME

    • UDWA/AFSCME Local 3930

    • CA State Council of Laborers

    • Democratic Party of the San Fernando Valley (DPSFV)

    • California Women’s List

    • Professional Engineers in California Government (PECG)

    • AFSCME District Council 36

    • California State Retirees

    • California YIMBY

    • SEIU

    • SEIU 1000

    • Westside Young Democrats

    • Democratic Women’s Club of San Diego

    • San Diego Democrats for Equality

    • Avance Democratic Club

    • Fallbrook Democratic Club

    • Association of California State Supervisor (ACSS)

    • NWPC California

    • California Teachers Association

    • California Donor Table

    • Communications Workers of America

    • Jane Fonda Climate PAC

    • Alice B. Toklas LGBTQ Democratic Club

    • Santa Barbara Women’s Political Committee

    • Central City Democrats

    • California Nurses Association

    • Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California

    • SFWPC

    • Stonewall Young Democrats

    • Black Women’s Collective PAC

    • Chino Valley Democratic Club

    • Bernal Heights Democratic Club

    • Iranian American Democrats of California (IADC)

    • ILWU Southern California District Council

    • California Black Women’s Collective PAC

    • Contra Costa Young Democrats

    • San Francisco Latino Democratic Club

    Candidate in the News:

    Public Voting Record:

    • During her time in the state legislature, Weber received an “A” score from People’s Courage, who rate legislators based on how likely they are to cave to corporate lobbyist interests. 

    • Weber championed AB 392, a bill that called for police reform by redefining the standard for police use of deadly force from "reasonable" to "necessary”.

    • Weber was one of 14 legislators to receive a score of “100” from the ACLU during her time as a legislator.

    • Weber authored AB 3121, which establishes the “Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans” to summarize existing evidence of the institution of slavery that existed within the United States and the colonies and to recommend, among other things, the form and mode of compensation that should be awarded to descendants of people who were enslaved.

    Follow the Money: There is limited campaign finance reporting available for this race so far, but we did find this: 

    • $19,600 from the California Teachers Association/Association For Better Citizenship

  • *Information as of our June 2026 Primary Guide*

    Campaign Statement, if any:

    “Donald P. (Don) Wagner | REPUBLICAN

    As Secretary of State, I will restore Californians' trust in our election system and protect every eligible voter's fundamental American right to participate in our democracy. California's election system is broken. Thirty-six states and most democratic nations require voters to establish their identities at the polls. California does not. Election security is so weak at least one dog was registered to vote in California—and had its vote counted! While other large states can finish vote counts and announce results on Election Night, California takes 30 excruciating days. We are usually the last state in the country to stop counting and report final results. That's embarrassing and unacceptable. You deserve an excellent election system that is secure, efficient, accurate, and accessible to eligible voters only. As Secretary of State, I will work to institute common-sense reforms including: 1) Require Voter ID at the polls; 2) Require mail ballots to be returned by Election Day; 3) Prohibit “ballot harvesting” by paid canvassers. The Secretary of State also has a role in fixing California's business climate. The office must be modernized and made business friendly. As Secretary of State, I will fight against bad business policies that make California unaffordable and drive away our families, friends, and employers. I have the experience to deliver. I have served as a member of the California Legislature, Mayor of lrvine, Orange County Supervisor, and owned my own business. I pledge to protect your vote as Secretary of State. Learn more at WagnerforCalifornia.com.

    4100 MacArthur Blvd., Ste. 310Newport Beach, CA 92660Tel: (714) 785-5949E-mail: donwagner@WagnerForCalifornia.comWagnerForCalifornia.com”

    Email: donwagner@WagnerForCalifornia.com

    Campaign Website: https://wagnerforcalifornia.com/ 

    Don’s website leans hard into dog-whistles about the conspiracy that voters who are ineligible to vote are fraudulently voting. His website leads with this statement; “Californians deserve an excellent election system that is secure, efficient, accurate and accessible to every eligible voter.  I will make sure that every eligible voter can participate in our democracy while also protecting the security of elections by ensuring that only eligible voters cast ballots.”

    His priorities listed are: 

    • Only eligible voters cast ballots

    • Elections are secure, efficient, accurate, and accessible

    • The Secretary of State's business division is "small-business friendly"

    He also has on his website’s main page, “Don Wagner fully supports the Voter ID initiative that will soon be gathering signatures to go on the ballot in 2026!”

    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • Wagner, currently on the OC Board of Supervisors, voted in 2023 to ban the Pride Flag from county properties, openly acknowledging that the agenda item was specifically about the Pride Flag, which he called “divisive”. 

    • The Irvine Tolerance Coalition posted on Instagram a critique of Wagner, stating, “guess who’s back? On Aug. 26, Supervisor Don Wagner helped slide his old pal Christina Shea onto the OC Older Adults Advisory Commission — with a term that just happens to match his. Coincidence? Or a soft launch for Shea’s next political play? Let’s not forget: Shea’s record includes pushing anti-LGBTQ+ policies and leading the ugly fight for Measure N. Now, with a new appointment, and cryptic “recall” posts, she looks less like a seniors’ advocate and more like someone staging a comeback. Irvine deserves better than recycled hate politics.” ***Note: We are sharing this perspective as opinion from another source, not face.

    • Wagner expressed support for OC Sheriff Don Barnes when Barnes was criticized for collaborating with ICE, which is illegal under CA state law. Per the LA Times, “Supervisor Don Wagner pointed out that the 226 inmates who were referred to ICE constituted a small part of the more than 48,000 bookings that occurred in the jail last year. “The sheriff is to be saluted,” Wagner said, “not condemned for the very judicious use of his power that he’s outlined today.”

    Social Media Links: 

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DonWagnerCA/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donwagnerca/

    Wagner’s OC Supervisor Instagram has a handful of posts celebrating holidays, including Good Friday, Easter, Passover, and Cinco De Mayo.

    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    • Wagner does not follow anyone on Instagram

    • On Facebook, Wagner’s following list is limited to his elected peers (bipartisan), local government bodies, and a handful of local nonpartisan organizations.

    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • Wagner was given a questionnaire by the OC Register for this campaign. The news article led with the statement, “Questionnaires may have been edited for spelling, grammar, length and, in some instances, to remove hate speech and offensive language.” Some of Don’s comments are as follows: 

    • “I would also ask the legislature to remove the COVID-inspired mailing of ballots to everyone on the cluttered voting rolls. Having so many ballots out there, coupled with bloated voting rolls, allows for the possibility of interference and illegal influence over our elections. And even if such interference is not happening, the widespread perception of such interference undermines confidence in the system.”

    • “The mailing of ballots to every name on the bloated voting rolls, the extremely long “cure and correct” period and the 30-day counting period before certification are a few examples of changes to election laws that have led to widespread distrust. The secretary of state should have argued against those changes and worked to undo them rather than being a cheerleader for them. As secretary of state, I will work to undo these state election laws to restore transparency and trust.”

    • When asked about increasing accessibility, he said, “I do not believe typical Sacramento “one size fits all” mandates are necessary to increase accessibility. Local problems can and should be solved by working with, and having respect for, the local officials trying to solve the problem.”

    • When asked about Voter ID laws, Wagner said, “Because I support the voter ID initiative, I certainly will enforce it. But more importantly, since much of the state’s current political establishment opposes it, and has a history of not vigorously enforcing — or suing to stop — initiatives they don’t like, I pledge to the people of California that I will sue to protect voter ID if passed by the people. In fact, I will enforce the will of the people in a nonpartisan way as secretary of state. Regardless of my personal belief in the wisdom of an initiative or a candidate, if the people vote for that measure or person, I will consider it my sworn duty to enforce the people’s will.”

    Endorsed by: 

    • Howard Jarvis Taxpayer Assoc.

    • Pete Wilson, Former California Governor

    • Bruce McPherson, California Secretary of State (Ret.)

    • Bill Jones, California Secretary of State (Ret.)

    • Mike Munzing, Councilmember, Aliso Viejo (Introduced a Pride Flag Ban)

    • Ken Calvert, Member, US House of Representatives, R-Corona (Regularly votes in opposition of LGBTQ+ and minority rights, supports Voter Suppression)

    • Janet Nguyen, Member, Orange County Board of Supervisors, Fmr. State Senator

    • Diane Dixon, Assemblymember, Newport Beach

    • Shawn Steel, Fmr Chairman, California GOP (Significant Donor of anti-LGBTQ+ efforts)

    • Gracey Van Der Mark, City Councilwoman, Huntington Beach (Publicly Anti-LGBTQ+, Champion of Book Banning efforts)

    Candidate in the News:

    Follow the Money: 

    There is a significant amount of overlap and confusion when researching campaign finance filings for Don’s campaign, as he is also running a campaign committee named “Don Wagner Ballot Measure Committee to Protect Fair Elections” which Wagner is running in an effort to get Voter ID on the ballot, and the election committees overlap in search engines. His campaign finance filings for the Secretary of State race do not appear to be fully filed at this time.


Lieutenant Governor

The California Lieutenant Governor serves as the state’s second-highest executive, acting as the President of the State Senate and sitting on powerful boards that manage public lands and higher education. They protect civil rights by using their tie-breaking vote in the Senate and their influence on university boards to advocate for inclusive policies and equitable access to state resources.

  • *Information as of our June 2026 Primary Guide

    Current Position: 34th state treasurer of California since January 7, 2019; Re-elected to second term in 2022.

    Political Party: Democrat

    Campaign Statement: 

    “California stands at a crossroads in America's history. We need clear-eyed, proven leaders willing to stand tall and fight on behalf of every Californian. Defending California's values and people—especially women and immigrants—will be my top priority as your Lieutenant Governor. I'm the daughter of immigrants and there's no place for fear or intimidation in our state. I'll protect birthright citizenship from Trump's attacks, and hold ICE accountable for excessive violence. I've spent my life in public service standing up for women. As California State Treasurer, I funded reproductive health, birth control, and cancer screenings when Trump cut Title X funding. As Assemblywoman, I chaired the Select Committee on Domestic Violence to protect survivors. The Lieutenant Governor serves on the Coastal Commission and Boards of UC and CSU. I will fight Trump's plan to reopen offshore drilling, while defending universities and protecting academic freedom. I'll vote to freeze tuition so middle-class families can afford college. My mother was a public school teacher. That's why I'm committed to delivering a quality education to every California student. We live in an unprecedented moment—and California must chart the path forward—a future that embraces a shared belief in a better California for all. Join us, California Professional Firefighters, California Federation of Teachers, National Union of Healthcare Workers, Building Trades, Carpenters, Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis and more than 30 labor unions in our campaign at www.fionama.com. I love California and I humbly ask for your vote for Lieutenant Governor.”

    Email: Fiona@FionaMa.com 

    Campaign Website: https://fionama.com/ 

    She doesn’t have her priorities listed. However, on her website, she says she’s running because; 

    • “I believe in the California dream

    • Making Government Work for Us (“get the most value for your tax dollars”)

    • Fighting for Our Future (“grow our economy, attract investment, and create high-quality jobs. I’ll work to make college more affordable and ensure seniors can age with dignity”)”

    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • Fiona has served as state treasurer for the past seven years.

    • In 2021, Ma was accused of sexual harassment and racial discrimination in a lawsuit filed by a former employee. The suit was settled in 2024 by the state of California for $350,000. Per the AP, “The agreement filed Friday in Sacramento County Superior Court stems from a 2021 lawsuit filed by a former employee of the treasurer’s office — Judith Blackwell — who alleged Ma exposed herself and crawled into bed with her when they shared rooms at a hotel and a rental unit (...) Blackwell said that while sharing rooms, Ma called her into her bedroom several times, exposed her nude backside and climbed into Blackwell’s bed with her at least once.” Fiona said of the settlement, “From day one, I said this was a frivolous lawsuit filed by a disgruntled employee who fabricated claims in an attempt to embarrass me in hopes of receiving millions of dollars in a settlement.” This case was settled with a settlement, not a trial. 

    • Fiona participated in the San Francisco Pride parade in 2025 - she can be seen from a parade float in these photos here. She’s also the Equality Icon Grand Marshal in the Long Beach Pride Parade. source

    Social Media Links: 

    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • On May 1st, Fiona posted on her instagram, “This Mayday, we stand in solidarity with the hardworking men and women in labor who power our economy! Fiona Ma is proud to be the labor candidate in this race — fighting for the wages, workplace protections, and a bright future all Californians deserve.”

    • When interviewed by the OC Register, Ma said, “As state treasurer, I expanded college savings through CalKIDS and financed affordable housing. As lieutenant governor, I will scale student housing, expand need-based aid and strengthen transfer pathways from community colleges to four-year institutions. I will also align higher education with workforce needs, so students graduate into good-paying jobs. Access without completion is not equity, and I will fight to deliver both.”

    • When the San Jose Mercury News asked Ma what her three priorities were if elected, she replied with, 

      • “Higher education affordability: One of my top priorities will be to build more affordable housing units on and around college campuses so that students do not have the burden of commuting long distances to school or sleeping in cars. I have also been working to improve our state financial aid system. 

      • The environment: I will work to keep our coastlines clean and protect our water from pollution. 

      • Health care: Access to quality, affordable health care is something every Californian deserves, regardless of their zip code or income level.”

    • In an interview with the OC Register, Ma said, “Equity must be built into every level of the system, not treated as an add-on.”

    Endorsed by: 

    • CA Federation of Labor Unions

    • California Nurses Association

    • Stonewall Young Democrats

    • Costa Mesa Democrats

    • Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis

    • Secretary of State Shirley Weber

    • State Controller Malia Cohen

    • Costa Mesa Mayor John Stephens

    • San Jose Mercury News

    Candidate in the News:

    Follow the Money: There isn’t much in the way of filed campaign filings yet. South AFL-CIO reported their contribution:

    • $307.15 total in April from South Bay AFL- CIO Labor Council Committee On Political Education

  • *Information as of our June 2026 Primary Guide*

    Campaign Statement, if any: None Found

    Email: None Found

    Campaign Website: https://www.gloriaromero4ltgov.com/

    On her “About Me” page on her website, Gloria has highlighted a photo of her at a Steve Hilton rally in Huntington Beach, standing alongside Huntington Beach City Councilmembers Andrew Gruel (who called left-wing protesters ‘circus animals’ in 2025) and Gracey Van Der Mark (who pushed for the city’s Pride Flag Ban and has gained notoriety for her efforts to ban books in the HB library), as well as Calvary Chapel of Huntington Harbor lead pastor Joe Pedick, who has openly espoused extreme anti-LGBTQ rhetoric.

    Her website also highlights her consistent support for charter schools, merit-based education reform, and “parental empowerment”. Important to note, the “Parents Rights” caucus is widely acknowledged by LGBTQ+ advocacy caucus to be a dog-whistle for anti-LGBTQ+.

    Priorities: 

    • “Restore merit in admissions, protect academic standards, and stop setting students up for failure.” 

    • “Gloria will hold administrators and university officials accountable to ensure non-discrimination in access to every campus and academic programming.” 

    Note - in the language about this stance, Gloria specifically calls out protections for Jewish students, but does not cite any other specific demographic.  

    • “Gloria will proudly stand up for women’s sports and Title IX. Fairness matters. Women deserve a level playing field, not excuses.” It’s worth noting that Lt. Governor is responsible for the state college system, and trans women are not allowed to compete or receive sports scholarships at the collegiate level. 

    • Regarding the Lt. Governor’s responsibilities on the state’s land and coastal policies, Gloria will push for “a strong, common-sense voice for fire prevention, smarter land management, and faster rebuilding when disaster strikes.”

    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • Romero was a registered Democrat when she was elected to the State Senate in 2001 - in 2024, she announced that she was switching her party registration to Republican. Publicly, she stated that her motivation to switch was her view that Democrats had abandoned working families and education reform.

    • Romero endorsed Trump’s 2024 run, and spoke at his Coachella rally.

    • Romero is a proud member of the Lexit movement (Latino Exit from the Democratic Party). Leaders in this movement have been heavily involved in extremist anti-LGBTQ efforts across Southern California, especially in the Inland Empire with Sonja Shaw.

    • Romero was elected in 2001, then again in 2006. She was ineligible to run in 2010 due to term limits. While specific district lines have changed, she represented the East Los Angeles area. She served as the Senate Majority Leader during that time. 

    • Beyond her time as a State Senator, she also served a few years in the State Assembly.

    • She is the Founder/Executive Director of Scholarship Prep Charter School located in Santa Ana, CA. 

    Social Media Links: 

    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    • Harmeet K. Dhillon. Dhillon is Asst. Attorney General in the Trump DOJ and co-founder of the Center for American Liberty, a law firm that actively fights to dismantle LGBTQ+ civil rights. 

    • Kevin Kiley, CA Congressman

    • Michael Gates

    • Spencer Pratt

    • Steve Hilton

    • Chris Rufo, far-right activist deeply involved in the anti-trans movement

    • Jennifer Sey, extremist anti-trans activist and founder of XX-XY Athletics

    • Corey DeAngelis, Senior Research Fellow at the Heritage Foundation

    • Antonio Villaraigosa, former LA Mayor and Democratic Candidate for governor

    • America First Policy Institute State Action

    • Yoshi the Patriot, extremist far-right activist and content creator

    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • In an editorial piece she wrote for the California Post (right-wing publication, affiliated with the New York Post) in September of 2024, she said, “President Ronald Reagan warned that if fascism comes to America it will come as liberalism, and he was right: I have witnessed individual freedoms being trapped, silenced, censored. I’ve seen the terrifying modification of language that condemns me for saying that I can define a woman and can distinguish between biological sex and gender identity. I am a mother and refuse to call myself a “birthing person.” I’m pro-choice, but I do not support abortion till birth. What happened to “safe, legal and rare”? The Trump-led Republican Party has become the party of peace, while Democrats have marched toward endless war.”

    • Later in that same piece, she said, “As a Mexican-American, I have long embraced pathways to citizenship, but I reject the mockery of throwing open our southern border to all comers.”

    • In an interview with the OC Register; “Students and families should not be the first place government looks when there is a budget problem. I do not support treating tuition hikes like the easy answer. California families are already stretched too thin.”

    • On Twitter in 2024, Gloria posted, “So honored to speak at Coachella yesterday! @realDonaldTrump⁩ had the cojones to plant a giant MAGA flag in California! We are not a Blue state. We are not a Red state. We are THE GOLDEN State & Californians are voting ⁦@TeamTrump @LexitMovement1”

    • In June of 2025, she replied to a post about LA Sheriff Luna on Twitter, saying, “Sheriff Luna is a puppet of the ultra woke and FAILED Board of Supervisors who all suffer from intense TDS”

    • In September of 2024, she posted a reply to Leo Terrell on Twitter, saying, “With you as my inspiration, I proudly join President Trump @realDonaldTrump and MAGA nation to do my part to Make America Great Again! Gloria 2.0 @TrumpWarRoom” Terrell is a member of the Trump DOJ and a former Fox News contributor.

    • In July of 2022 (BEFORE she switched parties), Romero posted a reply on Twitter to Sen. Manchin and Sen. Schumer about not raising taxes, “And we’re not in a recession, women are birthing people, men get pregnant, the border is secure, blah blah blah @Sen_JoeManchin @ElAmerican_  @CARebelBase @KATYSaccitizen @Hamletgarcia17 @pnjaban @SoledadUrsua”

    Endorsed by: Her endorsements are not listed on her website, but we found these:

    • CA GOP (She is running on the Steve Hilton ticket)

    • April's Common Sense Cali Voters (Sway voting group by April Silverman (Cali MAGA Barbie)) 

    • Elizabeth Barcohana's Lady with a Brain Voter Guide (Sway voting group by Elizabeth Barcohana) 

    • Let’s Vote Differently LA! (Sway voting group by Nicole Eff) 

    • Liberty For All (Sway voting group by Mark Ragains) 

    • Reform California's Voting Group (Sway voting group by Reform California)

    ***A sway group is a group that is not explicitly affiliated with a political party. In practice, sway groups do still often align on one side of the political aisle more than another.

    Candidate in the News:

    Public Voting Record:

    Romero was a state legislator in the 2000s, during which time she was involved in a number of pieces of LGBTQ+ related legislation. 

    • Voted yes on California Domestic Partner Rights and Responsibilities Act (2003), a piece of legislation that granted domestic partnerships most of the same rights as married couples. 

    • Co-authored AB 2208 (2004), which legally required insurance companies to extend all of the same privileges given to insured married couples to include couples in registered domestic partnerships. 

    Follow the Money:  Campaign Finance Filings for this race aren’t out yet; however, we’ve found the following campaign contributions to other races she’s made. 

    • $100 to No Recall, Parents Protecting our Kids Against the Recall of OUSD Boardmembers Ledesma and Miner

    • $100 to (Tim) Shaw for OC Board of Education 2024

    • $250 to Friends of Ken Williams OC Board of Education 2024

    • ***Pride at the Pier note: All of these individuals are widely criticized by LGBTQ+ Advocacy groups in Orange County for their record of voting against the interests of LGBTQ+ students. 

State Treasurer

The state treasurer acts as the state's chief banker, managing its investments, overseeing billions of dollars in public funds, and handling the sale of bonds to pay for big projects like schools and roads. By managing these resources, they can promote civil rights by investing in underserved communities and ensuring that state-funded housing and infrastructure projects are distributed fairly and equitably.

  • *Information as of our June 2026 Primary Guide

    Campaign Statement:

    “Eleni Kounalakis | DEMOCRATIC

    I'm a businesswoman, financial expert and daughter of Greek immigrants. I believe in the California dream and as Lieutenant Governor have worked hard supporting small business, education and opportunities for hard working families. I'm running for State Treasurer to be a disciplined, responsible manager of California's finances, focused on protecting working families, strengthening our economy, and making smart investments that reflect our values. I'm running for State Treasurer to: Build affordable housing using public finance. Fight Trump's attacks on our health care and immigrants. Protect the pensions of hard-working Californians. Invest in the financial future of children and families. I have the support of Governor Gavin Newsom, Senator Alex Padilla, Senator Adam Schiff and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi. I also have the support and endorsement of over 450,000 California teachers. California's firefighters, first responders and health care workers also support my candidacy and I hope to have yours as well. As a businesswoman, I spent decades building housing communities, using infrastructure financing, and delivering results. As California's 50th Lieutenant Governor and a former Obama diplomat, I've brought real-world financial expertise to some of the state's toughest challenges. I've created clean-energy jobs, managed public lands, and voted to approve more than 60,000 new beds on college campuses to help lower costs for students and families. I'm a fierce fighter for democracy. I'm on the front lines against Donald Trump's attacks on immigrant communities and women's reproductive freedom—all while protecting our environment and California's core values. EleniForCA.com”

    Email: info@eleniforca.com

    Campaign Website: https://eleniforca.com/

    Eleni’s website does not have her priorities, issues, etc listed, which is unusual for a campaign website. Normally we’d provide that information in this guide. However, her campaign website highlights a number of elements of her experience she finds important, including: 

    • “Eleni joined her father in building one of California’s most respected housing development firms, AKT Development.”

    • “In 2010, she was appointed by President Obama as U.S. Ambassador to Hungary, where she worked to advance democracy and American values abroad.”

    • “In her roles as chair of the State Lands Commission and a voting member on the University of California Board of Regents and California State University Board of Trustees, she has helped oversee billions in public assets.”

    • “...approving the construction of over 60,000 beds on college campuses.”

    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • As Lt. Governor in 2021, Kounalakis established the state’s Transgender Advisory Council, a first in the nation, “a council of transgender leaders to create a dialogue between state leaders and the transgender community in California”, with a goal of “bring(ing) attention to the issues faced by the transgender community by inviting stakeholders in advocacy, government, and different industry sectors to hear directly from the council.” Regarding the establishment of this council, she said, “Here in California, I’m proud we have enacted many protections for LGBTQ+ people, but we still have work to do, and that is especially true for issues facing our transgender and nonbinary family, friends, and neighbors (...) establishing this council gives transgender leaders the space to have an open dialogue with key stakeholders who may not have otherwise had the opportunity to hear directly from them. I hope bridging this gap will help to amplify important issues and bring more understanding of the community. I look forward to the opportunity to listen, to learn, and to help elevate the voices of the members.”

    Social Media Links: 

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EleniKounalakis

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/EleniForCA

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eleniforca

    • On Instagram, she posted a selfie with Pete Buttigieg, with the caption, “It was great to support my friend @Pete.Buttigieg yesterday! I am grateful for the work he is doing to help build and invest in the new generation of politics and political leaders who will lead our country into this new era of democracy.”

    • She also shared her endorsement from Equality CA on Instagram, with the caption, “It is an honor to have earned the endorsement from @EQCA! Equality California is the largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization that fights to protect LGBTQ+ Californians at the local, state, and national levels, and I am proud to stand alongside them in the continued fight for equality.”

    • She shared an endorsement from Reproductive Freedom for All, too, with the caption, “We’re endorsing Eleni Kounalakis for California Treasurer! As Lieutenant Governor, @EleniForCa worked to safeguard and strengthen access to essential reproductive care. And as State Treasurer, she will continue to protect our fundamental freedoms.” To clarify, this post was made by RF4A, and Eleni is a collaborator on that post. 

    • She also posted on Instagram a celebration of the democratic defeat of Hungary’s Viktor Orban, who is one of the biggest global leaders in the anti-LGBTQ movement, saying, “As the former U.S. Ambassador to Hungary, I witnessed firsthand the early rise of Viktor Orbán and the consolidation of power that followed. Yesterday, the Hungarian people made their voices heard—choosing a new path that puts democracy, accountability, and the future of their country first.”

    • You can read the 2024 statement on Transgender Day of Remembrance, issued by Kounalakis’ Transgender Advisory Council, here. 

    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    • Equality California

    • Reproductive Freedom for All

    • NUHW Healthcare Union

    • California Environmental Voters

    • California Coastal Commission

    • West Stanislaus County Fire Protection District

    • Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club

    • Fresno State Cross Cultural Gender Center

    • Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California

    • SF Women's Political Committee

    • CA Dept of Corrections

    • California Volunteers

    • Second Lady Usha Vance

    • Stop AAPI Hate

    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • In an LA Times article reprinted by Yahoo, Kounalakis said her approach would be to 'lean in’ to clean investments. “But it has to be balanced with recognizing that the returns at CalPERS and CalSTRS are very important for the hard-earned pensions of those whose retirement is being managed (...) My top priorities would be to manage the state's finances with responsibility and experience,’ she said, ‘and to build more housing and the infrastructure to support it, to protect our pensions and manage our investment portfolio with transparency and accountability.”

    • Eleni ran for governor in 2023, but ended her campaign to redirect to the State Treasurer race. Of the decision to switch races, she said, “I am very happy because it is so closely aligned with my skill set (...) I think it's so important to have a state treasurer who has that kind of experience to manage our financial future responsibly (...) I have been using my international experience serving the state as our representative for international trade and investment, which has a very heavy economic development piece to it.”

    • When asked about her priorities, she said she’d lean into investments into clean energy, continuing, “My top priorities would be to manage the state's finances with responsibility and experience (...) and to build more housing and the infrastructure to support it, to protect our pensions and manage our investment portfolio with transparency and accountability.”

    • Speaking on AB 245, which required CA higher education institutions to allow trans students to change their names on their diplomas and records, which she co-sponsored, she said, “California is taking an important step towards protecting and supporting trans and gender nonconforming students in California’s public higher education institutions by ensuring that every student receives a diploma that accurately reflects their chosen name.”

    Endorsed by: (See link for full list)

    • Equality California 

    • Kamala Harris

    • Hillary Clinton

    • Barbara Boxer (Fmr. CA Congresswoman)

    • Adam Schiff (CA Congressman)

    • Alex Padilla (CA Congressman)

    • Nancy Pelosi (CA Congresswoman)

    • Pete Buttigieg

    • Gavin Newsom

    • Fiona Ma (Current State Treasurer)

    • Malia Cohen (Current State Controller)

    • Rob Bonta (Current State Attorney General)

    • CA Labor Federation

    • Teamsters CA

    • California Federation of Teachers

    • California Teachers Association

    • California State Association of Electrical Workers

    • East Bay Stonewall Democratic Club

    • San Francisco Women’s Political Committee

    • Sierra Club

    • Reproductive Freedom for All

    • California YIMBY

    • California Environmental Voters

    • California Council for Affordable Housing

    Candidate in the News:

    Public Voting Record:

    • As Lt. Governor, Kounalakis co-sponsored AB 378, the Gender Equity in Leadership Act, which removes gendered language relating to the offices of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, State Controller, Treasurer, Insurance Commissioner, and Board of Equalization. Source

    • As Lt. Governor, Kounalakis co-sponsored AB 245, which requires California's public colleges and universities to allow transgender and nonbinary students to update their academic records—including diplomas—with their affirmed names and correct gender markers, preventing them from being deadnamed. Source

    Follow the Money: via the link

    (*not available for CITY government positions)

    • https://www.transparencyusa.org/ca/candidate/eleni-kounalakis/

    • $11,571,047 Cash on Hand

    • $9,367,777 Total Contributions

    • $14,202,620 Total Expenditures

    • Top 10 contributors:

      • $572,141.68 Eleni Kounalakis

      • $310,615.48 Aggregated Unitemized Contributions

      • $53,800.00 Tina Thomas

      • $39,200.00 California Professional Firefighters Ballot Issues Committee

      • $39,200.00 California Teachers Association/association for Better Citizenship

      • $39,200.00 Professional Engineers in California Government Pecg PAC

      • $39,200.00 Ronald Conway

      • $38,800.00 Association of California School Administrators PAC

      • $37,800.00 Richard J Saker

      • $34,400.00 Raise the Wage California Sponsored by the California State Council of Service Employees and Its Affiliates

  • *Information as of our June 2026 Primary Guide*

    Campaign Statement:

    “Jennifer Hawks | REPUBLICAN

    I am not a career politician, and that perspective is exactly why I’m running for California State Treasurer. A Silicon Valley resident since 1983, I’ve watched California grow, innovate, and face increasingly complex financial challenges. I raised my family here, worked inside large organizations, and served on community and public boards where budgets had to balance and decisions carried real consequences. Those experiences taught me that good intentions are not enough. Sound financial management requires discipline, follow-through, and accountability. California’s fiscal challenges did not happen overnight. They are the result of years of decisions made without sufficient scrutiny or long-term discipline. I am detail-driven and persistent, and I believe the Treasurer has a responsibility to ask hard questions, follow the money, and provide clear answers to the public when something doesn’t add up. Honesty, integrity, and transparency are not slogans; they are essential duties of this office. The Treasurer’s Office should operate with rigorous oversight, measurable performance standards, and full transparency for taxpayers, local governments, and investors. As Treasurer, I will prioritize thorough audits, clear reporting, and practical financial discipline to strengthen California’s fiscal foundation. This office exists to safeguard public money, independent of political agendas. My focus will be on what best serves the people of California. Responsible stewardship, accountability, and long-term financial stability. Vote Jennifer Hawks www.hawksforus.com”

    Email: info@hawksforus.com

    Campaign Website: https://hawksforus.com/

    Her campaign website has the following piece of Biblical scripture on it, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. - Joshua 1:9”. The book of Joshua is part of the Old Testament in the Bible covering the story of the Israelites’ conquest of the Promised Land, and the scripture she’s quoting appears to be the New International Version translation of the Bible. 

    Her website has a page labeled “The Problem”, which says the following; “Breaking: CAL DOGE Exposes $435 Billion in Fraud & Waste (...) $435 Billion Lost. Zero Accountability.

    That's over $22,000 stolen from every California taxpayer. The Controller has missed federal audit deadlines three years running.” 

    Among other things listed on her campaign website highlighting ‘The Problem’ with the State Treasurer’s office, she also includes, “The Human Crisis”, which goes into detail about the homelessness crisis in CA, mostly referring to the unhoused population living rough on CA states. “Since 2018, California has spent more than $24 billion on homelessness programs. Over the same period, the unhoused population has grown to more than 180,000 people — the largest in the United States. The crisis didn't shrink. It accelerated.”   

    • Pride at the Pier Note: Over 50% of the population of homeless trans people in the United States live in CA, largely contributed to by the massive refugee crisis of hundreds of thousands of trans people fleeing states that are hostile to trans people. 

    Any Other Interesting Info:

    • Hawks sat for an interview with former Republican Congressmember Matt Gaetz, who now has a show on OAN. As a reminder, Gaetz was pushed out of Congress largely as a response from even members within his own party after details of his sexual conduct with minors became public knowledge. Source

    • Hawks has never served in elected office before, something she feels makes her uniquely qualified for this seat, as she is outside of the political establishment. 

    Social Media Links: 

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/votehawks

    Instagram: https://instagram.com/votehawks

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585043011188 

    Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

    • David Tangipa, CA Assemblymember and anti-trans activist

    • Rogan O’Handley, “DC_Draino”, America First Lawyer

    • California Republican Party

    • Gloria Romero, Republican Candidate for Lt. Governor

    • Michael Gates, fmr. HB City Attorney, fmr. Trump DOJ, Candidate for CA AG. Anti-LGBTQ+ activist.

    • Herb Morgan, Republican candidate for State Controller

    • CA Rifle & Pistol Association Political Action Committee

    • California Globe, Right Wing Biased news engine

    • Nick Shirley, Far-right influencer involved with Trump administration

    • James O'Keefe, founder of Project Veritas

    • Cam Higby, Far-right media figure

    • Reform California

    • Carl DeMaio, CA State Assemblymember and chair of Reform CA

    Candidate’s Public Comments:

    • On instagram, “When i'm in office Fraudifornia will be a distant memory because we will track every dollar spent.”

    • On instagram, “Right now, we are living in a dark time, and you can see it running rampant on the streets of Los Angeles.”

    • When asked by the OC Register where she stands on the question of divesting CA state funds from Israel, she replied, “I favor smart investing, so Californians get the best rate of return possible for their money. So whatever is going to maximize our investment returns is what matters most. CalPERS and CalSTRS manage a $1 trillion portfolio combined. Those funds are invested in a wide variety of banks, bonds, and companies, based on what is going to profit Californians. The target is 7% to remain solvent. Between $1 and $2 billion is invested in banks, bonds and stocks linked to Israel. Some of those companies are well-known multinational corporations, like Caterpillar and Chevron. And the return on those for fiscal year ’24-’25 was 11.6% for CalPERS and 8.5% for CalSTRS, well above the target 7%. So 0.1-0.2% of the portfolio is putting $100 to $227 million into their trusts, helping cover unfunded liabilities and reducing the amount of taxpayer money the state must contribute in the future to keep the pension system solvent. That just makes financial sense; it’s smart investing.”

    • When asked how her background prepares her for this role, she answered, “I am not a career politician; I’m a retired businesswoman and mother. I know what it means to balance a budget for both a company and a household. I built my career on managing complex budgets and teams with care and precision. Career politicians treat our state’s funds like a blank check because they’ve never worked in the private sector, where you have to balance the books, meet payroll, ensure there’s a return on every dollar spent and hold vendors to account. As a businesswoman, I know how to cut unnecessary costs and deliver results. I will bring the discipline, transparency and tough love that I learned from years as a business owner to Sacramento.”

    Endorsed by: 

    • California Republican Party

    • California Republican Assembly

    • California Rifle and Pistol Association

    • California Women's Leadership Association PAC (CWLA PAC)

    • Carl DeMaio

    • Reform California

    • American Independent Party Note: this is NOT the same thing as No Party Preference. The AI Party is an extreme far-right political party. 

    • Santa Barbara County Republican Party

    • United Vietnamese American Community of Northern California

    Candidate in the News:

    Public Voting Record:

    • None found, as Hawks has never served in an elected capacity before. 

    Follow the Money: 

    • https://www.transparencyusa.org/ca/candidate/jennifer-hawks/ 

    • $38,436 Cash on Hand

    • $32,447 Total Contributions

    • $19,011 Total Expenditures

    • Top 10 Contributors:

      • $7,500.00, Joy Craft

      • $5,500.00, Carl DeMaio (Chair of Reform CA)

      • $5,000.00, Thomas Gutshall

      • $1,500.00, Robert Varich

      • $1,000.00, Anna Kramer

      • $1,000.00, Carol Ann Petty

      • $1,000.00, Cynthia Varich

      • $1,000.00, Dale Broome

      • $1,000.00, Debbie Brookfield

      • $1,000.00, Marya Keeth