2024 Voter Guide

Below you will find every single race that can be found in La Habra, 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.

La Habra

City Council Race

  • Candidate

    La Habra City School District Board Member, Full Term


    Ofelia is the incumbent in this race. 


    Campaign Website: 

    No website found. 



    Candidate Statement:

    “Student achievement and safety remains to be our highest priorities. I will continue to work hard to ensure that our school district continues to offer our students every possible opportunity, and to provide a safe and quality education to all children. I believe that the collaboration between school staff, parents, and the community is essential, and that my knowledge and appreciation of our diverse community allows me to identify and address student needs.” Read the full statement at the link above. 



    Social Media: 

    Facebook: None Found

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ofelia_hansen 

    Twitter: None Found



    Endorsed by: 

    None Found



    News:

    Ofelia did not respond to the OC Register candidate questionnaire. 


    Follow the Money: 

    Ofelia did not report any donations.


  • Candidate

    La Habra City School District Board Member, Full Term



    Campaign Website: 

    None Found


    Candidate Statement:

    “As your school board member, my priorities will be: Focus on the basics, keeping politics out of the classroom Protecting the innocence of children Supporting parental rights, including school choice Accountability and transparency”.  Read the full statement at the link above. 



    Social Media: 

    Facebook: None Found

    Instagram: None Found

    Twitter: None Found




    Endorsed by: 

    None Found



    News:

    Bertha did not respond to the OC Register candidate questionnaire. 


    Follow the Money:  Manzanares received money from the following: 

    • Republican Women of La Habra
      Pat Wright

    • Destiny Ortiz

    • Self-funded small donations

  • Candidate

    La Habra City School District Board Member, Full Term



    Campaign Website: 

    https://www.parentsforlahabra.com/meet-justin 


    Justin has a joint campaign website with Minerva S. Gomez.  On his “Meet Justin” page, he says, “My vision for our schools includes a focus on innovative teaching methods, comprehensive support services, and equitable resource allocation. I am dedicated to addressing the diverse needs of our student population and ensuring that every child has the tools and support they need to succeed”. 



    Candidate Statement:

    I have championed transparency and accountability, believing open communication between the board, parents, teachers, classified staff, and the community is essential. My vision focuses on a hands-on approach to innovative teaching, comprehensive support services, and equitable resource allocation. 



    Social Media: 

    Facebook: None Found

    Instagram: None Found

    Twitter: None Found




    Endorsed by: 

    Parents of La Habra (organization)
    Democratic Party of OC
    Daren Nigsarian, La Habra Mayor
    Rose Espinoza, La Habra City Council
    Carrie Surich, La Habra City Council
    James Gomez, La Habra City Council
    Emily Pruitt, La Habra City School Board President
    Adam Rogers, La Habra City School Board




    News:

    Justin Rodgers Candidate Questionnaire - Oct 2024


    The OC Register asked Justin a few questions, including, “California has a new law, set to go into effect in 2025, that prohibits districts from enforcing what’s been called parental notification policies, rules for school employees to contact parents if their child may be changing their gender identity. What do you see as the role of parents in education? Is there a limitation? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)”


    Justin replied, “I am the parent of a young child in our school district, so I deeply understand the vital role that parents play in their child’s education. As a school board trustee, it is my responsibility to ensure that the voices of parents and families are a vital part of our decision-making processes. It is also my responsibility to make sure our district is following the law. When the SAFETY Act goes into effect, our district will continue to provide a safe educational environment for all students, and we will continue to maintain these vital relationships with parents and families in our community.”


    Follow the Money: 

    Rodgers filed his Form 700 with this statement: “I have not received gifts, loans, or travel payments related to travel or my role on the [school] board.”


  • Campaign Website: 

    https://barbaragastelum.com/

    Issues:

    • Supports Parental Rights and Full Transparency: Foster stronger relationships between schools and families through regular communication

    • Enhanced Educational Opportunities: Advocate for programs that expand access to advanced placement courses


    Endorsed by America First Freedom Caucus for the Orange County Republican Party Central Committee, Assembly District 64

    Endorsed by Reform CA

    Endorsed by Nancy’s Picks


    Candidate Statement:

    https://ocvote.gov/fileadmin/user_upload/elections/GEN2024/cs/3323-3.pdf

    “I want to be transparent in how we use our tax dollars and eliminate wasteful spending so that every dollar is used for education, not indoctrination.”


    Social Media: 

    Facebook


    News:

    Barbara Gastelum declined to participate in the OC Register: La Habra City School District candidate, 2024 election questionnaire. You can find a link to the responses from the opposing candidate: Minerva S. Gomez under their candidate research section.


    https://onyourballot.vote411.org/race-detail.do?id=69333679

    Q: If elected, what are your top 3 priorities?

    A: Protect Parental Authority....Keep Politics Out of Classroom...Advocate for all Students...Transparency of Educational Materials for Parental Review.

    Q: What background, experience and/or education qualify you for this elected office?

    A: I have lived in La Habra for over 39 years and raised 3 children who are successful adults because of the education they received in La Habra schools. We must ensure that our educational system remains a positive force so that our country continues to prosper in the future. I want to use our tax dollars wisely and eliminate wasteful spending so that every dollar is used for education, not indoctrination. Your choice at the polls is your statement to uphold the importance of your children's future success. I believe I am the right candidate to be on the La Habra School Board. I would be honored to have your vote.

  • Campaign Website: 

    https://www.parentsforlahabra.com/meet


    Issues:

    • Ensuring that the districts policies and procedures hold true to DEIAB values

    • That budget spending meets the needs of the schools, the teachers, the staff, and most importantly the students

    • That our teachers and staff get the proper support they need to effectively continue their educational duties in our children’s education 

    • That the district stays up to date with innovation, technologies, and new methodologies to support the students, teachers, and staff and

    • That students, teachers, and staff are in a safe environment. 

    • To continue to offer in-language, timely, accessible, and clear communications 

    • Ensuring that communities educational events are offered at various days and times during the week 

    • Doing community outreach in the local neighborhoods and

    • Strengthening our partnerships with local community organizations and groups to support in bringing critical information to parents/ families. 


    Candidate Statement:

    Minerva did not submit a candidate statement to the OC Registrar of Voters.


    La Habra Planning Commission Board Member

    LinkedIn



    Endorsed by: 

    Endorsed by OC Democrats


    News:

    OC Register:

    Minerva S. Gómez, La Habra City School District candidate, 2024 election questionnaire

    Q: California has a new law, set to go into effect in 2025, that prohibits districts from enforcing what’s been called parental notification policies, rules for school employees to contact parents if their child may be changing their gender identity. What do you see as the role of parents in education? Is there a limitation?

    A: It is imperative that children/youth/ teens make their own choices as to how they live their beautiful, unique and full selves. The role of school board members, teachers, and staff is to ensure that students have a safe school environment where those identities are honored, respected, and accepted. Moreover, it is imperative that school representatives are aware of different cultural dynamics in a student’s household that may impact who, what, when, where, why, students omit this type of disclosure from their family and/or parents. Thus, unless the information/disclosure is to prevent severe injury, death, or other harm, in my opinion, schools should first find pathways to educate teachers, staff, parents, and most importantly the students on what it means, to learn about and disclose this type of information.


    https://onyourballot.vote411.org/race-detail.do?id=69333679

    Q: If elected, what are your top 3 priorities?

    A: - Working with the teachers, staff, and parents to figure out some solutions for engagement, reducing absenteeism, and improving student learning outcomes.

    - Exploring how new technologies and innovation can enhance our children's learning outcomes.

    - Strategies about ways to support retention of teachers.

    Q: What background, experience and/or education qualify you for this elected office?

    A: For many years, I have been involved in community building, education, and outreach efforts throughout Orange County to support local, state, and national social justice initiatives. Through these actions I learned to take action with the people and for the people, to build long-lasting communities, to get organized, to create positive change, to ensure that all our voices are heard and included, and to create impactful change.

    In addition, to my community organizing involvement- I am a first-generation college graduate. I earned two Bachelor's Degrees in Psychology and Sociology, and a Masters Degree in Applied Social Research from the California State University Long Beach. Moreover, during those years I felt called to pursue a law degree because I continued to witness and experience the inequities that exist and I want to be a legal resource to our communities; therefore, in 2020 I started my law school journey at the Seattle University School of Law. I earned my law degree in 2023 and during my law school experience, I focused on exploring the intersectionalities of social justice, technology, and innovation.



    Endorsed by OC Democrats

La Habra City School District

  • Coming Soon

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Fullerton School District

  • Coming Soon

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North OC Community College District

Municipal Water District of Orange County

  • Municipal Water District of Orange County

    District 4


    Campaign Website: https://karlforwater.com/

    “Using Water Efficiently Should Be Our Way Of Life!”



    Candidate Statement:

    “I hope to extend my 40+ years of service to the water industry for the benefit of all Orange County water users. As lead engineer for 37 years at MWDOC, I worked successfully with every

    water provider in Orange County.”



    Social Media: 

    Personal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001578676455

    Political Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karlforwater

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karl_seckel/

    Twitter: NONE FOUND

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karl-seckel-b299731b2/




    On instagram, this candidate follows: 



    Endorsed by: 


    • Robert McVicker, Director, Municipal Water District of Orange County

    • Megan Yoo Schneider, Director Municipal Water District of Orange County

    • Joan Finnegan, Former Director Municipal Water District of Orange County

    • Larry Dick, Director Municipal Water District of Orange County

    • Al Nederhood, Director, Municipal Water District of Orange County

    • Randall Crane, Director, Municipal Water District of Orange County

    • Sat Tamaribuchi, Former Director Municipal Water District of Orange County

    • Susan Hinman, Former Director, Municipal Water District of Orange County

    • Scott Goldman, Director, South Coast Water District

    • Doug Erdman, Director, South Coast Water District

    • Bill Green, Director, South Coast Water District

    • Rick Erkeneff, Director, South Coast Water District

    • Dennis Erdman, Director, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, former Director, South Coast Water District

    • Fred Jung, Fullerton Council Member, Director Metropolitan Water District of Southern California

    • Stephen Faessel, Anaheim Council Member, Director Metropolitan Water District of Southern California

    • Michael Gaskins, Director, El Toro Water District

    • Mark Monin, Director, El Toro Water District

    • Fred Adjarian, Director, El Toro Water District

    • Betty Olson, Director, Santa Margarita Water District

    • Saundra Jacobs, Director, Santa Margarita Water District

    • Chuck Gibson, Director, Santa Margarita Water District

    • Stephen Dopudja, Director Trabuco Canyon Water District

    • Ed Mandich, Director, Trabuco Canyon Water District

    • Glenn Acosta, Director, Trabuco Canyon Water District

    • Doug Reinhart, Director, Irvine Ranch Water District

    • Steve LaMar, Director, Irvine Ranch Water District

    • John Withers, Director, Irvine Ranch Water District

    • Peer Swan, Director, Irvine Ranch Water District

    • Jim Atkinson, Director, Director, Mesa Water

    • Marice H. Depasquale, Director, Mesa Water

    • Bill Moorehead, Director, Moulton Niguel Water District

    • Sherry Wanninger, Director, Moulton Niguel Water District

    • Adam Ereth, candidate for City of Costa Mesa Council Division 1

    • Chuck Gibson, Director, Santa Margarita Water District

    • Saundra Jacobs, Director, Santa Margarita Water District

    • Betty Olson, Director, Santa Margarita Water District

    • Laura Freese, Director, Santa Margarita Water District

    • Mike Scheafer, Director, Costa Mesa Sanitary District

    • Bob Ooten, Director, Costa Mesa Sanitary District

    • John Stephens, Mayor, Costa Mesa

    • Arlis Reynolds, Council Member, Costa Mesa

    • Manuel Chavez, Council Member, Costa Mesa

    • Jeff Harlan, Council Member, Costa Mesa

    • Dan Kalmick, Council Member, Huntington Beach

    • Natalie Moeser, Council Member, Huntington Beach

    • Rhonda Bolton, Council Member, Huntington Beach

    • Nathan Steele, Council Member, Seal Beach

    • Joe Kalmick, Council Member, Seal Beach

    • Thomas Moore, Council Member, Seal Beach

    • Oscar Rodriguez, Planning Commissioner, Huntington Beach

    • Geoff West, Bubbling Cauldron




    News:

    Seckel does not seem to have replied to the LAist’s candidate questionnaire  https://laist.com/news/politics/2024-election-california-general-water-agencies



    Follow the Money: 

    NO DONATIONS LISTED


  • Municipal Water District of Orange County

    District 4


    Campaign Website: http://www.panoforhb.com/



    Candidate Statement:

    “Vote for Pano Frousiakis for a fresh perspective and dedicated leadership in water management!”  Read it in full at the link above. 



    Social Media: 

    Personal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070422492953

    Political Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PanoForHB

    Political Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/panoformwdoc/

    Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/panofrousiakis/

    Political Twitter: https://x.com/panoforhb

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pano-f/



    On Instagram, this candidate follows: 




    On Twitter, this candidate follows:



    His campaign social media posts include:

    • Photo of Frousiakis shaking hands and smiling with Former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy: 

    • Photo of Frousiakis shaking hands with an unknown man in front of a huge “Take America Back” Trump flag:

    • Photo of Froukiakis’s truck, which he calls the “Panomobile,” festooned with copies of his own campaign sign alongside a prominently placed Trump 2024 campaign sign


    In May 2023, he responded to HB Councilwoman Moser’s agenda item in public comment.  For full context, the HB City Council has an invocation before every meeting.  There used to be a process with the HB interfaith community wherein different faiths would be represented via a rotating invocation speaker from within the established interfaith council, and there was no favor shown to any single faith practice.  When the current council majority was elected at the end of 2022, they did away with this practice, and for the last two years only Christianity has been reflected in the invocation.  Councilwoman Moser, in an attempt to ensure the council was not giving unfair credence to any one faith, put forth an agenda item suggesting that there instead be a moment of silence, rather than a dedication to a single faith. 


    Pano spoke on this matter, saying “I’m really troubled by this new agenda item that’s come out (...) that is seeking to fundamentally remove our invocation from our meeting, and is a time-old tradition of our city council, and to replace it with a moment of silence.  Well, there’s a couple things I want to go over here.  First of all, the tradition that we’ve had in our community of having an invocation - that’s really emblematic of the unity that our community has.  When it comes to all the different faith backgrounds, when it comes to all the different, um speakers, and different religious figures who have come before here - it’s not just been Christians, it’s been many different faith backgrounds. And so, for us to have an item on the agenda that’s been proposed by a member on this council that very soon, most likely, is going to be trying to seek your votes for the next election - it undermines the very unity that it represents in our community.  Which is for us to respect each others’ faiths and convictions. It’s not possible to be able to just say, hey, we’re just going to have you pray in your room, and that’s all you need - I mean, that’s a really dangerous form of logic right there. Because you can say, oh, you can have all the constitutional rights you want in your bedroom - well, thank you so much for giving me the right to have rights in my bedroom, I really do appreciate that, but we need to be able to have the rights to be able to express ourselves, and our faiths, in a public forum.  And a moment of silence just isn’t going to do that. (...) And so really the question I have to pose to Councilwoman Moser regarding this item is, is it really about inclusivity? Your item?  You know, it seems to me to be a guise of neutrality that’s really covering a form of discrimination, which is the discrimination against our people of faith. Because many residents in our community have told me, especially of the Christian faith, but of all faith backgrounds, have said, we’re concerned that our rights are being trampled on and that we’re not being heard, based on this agenda item. So, given that information, I just want to say that we as a community should be upholding the traditions that unite us.  And so remember - with progress, progress is not about discarding our values.  Progress is about upholding the values that allow us to best serve our community.” 



    Endorsed by: 

    Nancy’s Picks (conservative-leaning):

    https://www.nancyspicks.com/vote-picks


    Scott Baugh

    OCGOP

    Patriots for Freedom PAC

    http://www.panoforhb.com/endorsements.html


    “I am proud to also have the endorsement of the Republican Party of Orange County, Lincoln Club, California Republican Assembly, and Reform California.”

    https://onyourballot.vote411.org/m/candidate-detail.do?id=69334974#c69334974





    News:

    In a July 2021 OC Register article, Pano was photographed sitting next to Gracey Van Der Mark, prior to her 2022 election to the council, at a city council meeting.  He reacts in a negatively shocked expression at then Mayor-Pro-Tem Delgleize stating that she would support the appointment of Rhonda Bolton to City Council to replace Tito Ortiz, who stepped down. In the photo, he wears a shirt emblazoned with a ‘Gracey for City Council’ message; Van Der Mark had also interviewed for the role and was hoping for the appointment. 


    According to this Calmatters article, Pano founded the local group, HB Patriots. The website defines the group as “HB Patriots is a 501c4 political organization dedicated to uniting Conservatives in Huntington Beach, CA. Our focus is on endorsing local candidates and actively participating in the city's politics. As a networking organization, we bring together individuals who share a common vision of promoting conservative values and principles. Join us and be part of a community that works towards a common goal of advancing conservatism in Huntington Beach”.


    The article references Pano, saying, “Though he’s happy with the overall direction of the council, Frousiakis concedes that “the past few months have been getting a little bit off-track.” He established a political organization this year, the HB Patriots, and is running again for city council in 2024 with a message about getting back to local quality-of-life issues.  “Unfortunately, I feel that our residents get sidelined as a result of that. I feel sidelined as a resident,” he said. “The other issues that are being talked about, that’s why I vote for president.”



    Follow the Money: 

    • Aug 2024 - $3000 from Paula Prizio, Chairwoman of Next Gen, the youth program of the Republican Party of Orange County

    • July 2024 - $500 from Ledsam Contracting Incorporated

  • Municipal Water District of Orange County

    District 6


    Campaign Website: 

    “I am passionate and committed to the proportional and equitable distribution of water to our diverse economic and cultural communities, always considering the environmental benefits and risks.“



    Candidate Statement:

    “I will advocate for: Transparency in planning for climate change challenges of reliable water supply imports. Fair distribution and sustainable supply of safe and clean water for all of Orange County.” Read the statement in full at the link above. 



    Social Media: 

    Facebook: NONE FOUND

    Instagram: NONE FOUND

    Twitter: NONE FOUND


    On instagram, this candidate follows: 

    N/A





    Endorsed by: 

    Josh Newman

    Dave Min

    Canyon Democrats - 

    Iranian American Democrats of California - 

    Orange County Democrats - 

    Orange County Young Democrats - 

    Planned Parenthood Action Fund of Orange and San Bernardino Counties - 

    Women for American Values and Ethics (WAVE) - 



    News:


    Gomez did not reply to the LAist candidate questionnaire. 



    Follow the Money: 

    • Jul 2024 - $500 from Canyon Democrats

    • Sep 2024 - $500 from Cottie-Petrie Norris for Assembly 2024

    • Sep 2024 - $500 from Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties

  • Municipal Water District of Orange County

    District 6


    Campaign Website: NONE FOUND

    Personal Website: https://www.pramodkunju.com/



    Candidate Statement:

    “As an advocate for small businesses, start-ups, and disadvantaged communities, Pramod understands the importance of ensuring that all voices are heard and represented.”  

    Read the full statement in full at the link above. 



    Social Media: 

    Personal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pramodkunju

    Professional Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AIGuru/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dataguru123/

    Personal Twitter: https://x.com/pramodkunju

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pramodkunju/

    YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@datascienceandartificialin1452



    On instagram, this candidate follows: 

    Kamala Harris - https://www.instagram.com/kamalaharris/

    Tulsi Gabbard - https://www.instagram.com/tulsigabbard/

    Irvine Neighbors - https://www.instagram.com/irvineneighbors/




    Endorsed by: 

    None Found



    News:

    None Found


    Pramod did not reply to the LAist candidate questionnaire https://laist.com/news/politics/voter-game-plan-2024-general-election-orange-county 



    Follow the Money: 

    NO DONATIONS LISTED


  • Municipal Water District of Orange County

    District 6


    Campaign Website: NONE FOUND,but you can view his bio here.


    Candidate Statement:

    “I am a staunch advocate for transparency in public records and have tirelessly fought against conflicts of interest in the water community. I will continue to oppose special interests in Orange County that seek to shift costs to you.” You can read the statement in full at the link above. 



    Social Media: 

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jeff4WaterBoard2016/

    Instagram: NONE FOUND

    Twitter: NONE FOUND

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmthomas2/




    On instagram, this candidate follows: 

    N/A

    ***However, on his facebook page he does follow Austin Lumbard, the Mayor of Tustin.  You can see Lumbard’s affiliations on his instagram page, here. 




    Endorsed by: 

    OC GOP

    https://ocgop.org/irvine/


    Nancy’s Picks (conservative-leaning):

    https://www.orangejuiceblog.com/2024/09/all-the-candidates-on-the-ballot-this-fall-in-the-oc/


    Orange Juice Blog (liberal-leaning):

    https://www.orangejuiceblog.com/2024/09/all-the-candidates-on-the-ballot-this-fall-in-the-oc/




    News:


    “Election: Water District Candidates Discuss the Issues” - SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

    https://www.picketfencemedia.com/sanclementetimes/eye-on-sc/election-water-district-candidates-discuss-the-issues/article_54eb612f-e1b7-5769-a53c-44e57bf8dedf.html

    “Advocating for transparency with public records and fighting conflicts of interest in the water community have been priorities since I first took office. I will continue the battle against special interests in Orange County who are seeking to shift costs to others.”



    Follow the Money: 

    NO DONATIONS LISTED, but he made numerous  loans to his own campaign