2024 Voter Guide
Below you will find every single race that can be found in Rancho Santa Margarita, 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.
Rancho Santa Margarita
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Candidate
Rancho Santa Margarita Mayor
According to his Linkedin, he’s Real Estate Broker.
We weren’t able to find any campaign website for him, and his social media is personal, not campaign-focused. However, his facebook page includes a post from 2022 where he’s in front of the Rainbow Bar and Grill and West Hollywood. He presents it without a caption, but the comments are all positive, remembering good memories.
Many people who are not LGBTQ+ enjoy queer spaces, but we will consider this as a clue that he likely does not carry substantial anti-LGBTQ views.
No endorsements that we could find.
Contact
Email: mata400@cox.net
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Candidate
Rancho Santa Margarita Mayor
No information.
No socials.
No campaign website.
Listed on the Orange Juice Blog as a community volunteer.
She has no campaign finances or candidate statement listed on the RSM City website.
Contact
Email: rivera4rsm@gmail.com
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Candidate
Rancho Santa Margarita Mayor
On his website, Tony puts the following front and center, “Even during these difficult days – when our City and residents are facing unprecedented economic and social challenges – I’m proud our City remains safe, strong and stable!”
You can find his candidate statement here.
Real estate attorney at Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP
Republican.
Current city council member
Former RSM mayor
Held some form of office in RSM for 20 years.
He’s been fined by the California FPPC (Fair Political Practices Commission) for campaign finance violations. Here’s an example of one such fine he received. You can find more of the story here.
Currently trying to terminate city contracts and leases with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Rancho Santa Margarita and Aliso Viejo due to their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) program. This is an effort that has been started by Aliso Viejo politician Mike Munzing - when Munzing brought this to RSM in a public forum, Beall called DEI programs “toxic” and said, “It’s wrong for our City Council to support spending any more taxpayer dollars to hire an organization to provide after-school care to the children of our community when that organization proudly promotes this type of critical race theory”.
He was recently interviewed by the OC Register. When asked about Climate Change, he answered, “Clean air and water is very important to all residents — regardless of political party. Rancho Santa Margarita is one of the cleanest and most beautiful cities in the state of California”.
He went on to say later in the interview; “Throughout California, there has been a well-funded and aggressive effort to defund the police and to otherwise limit the ability of those in law enforcement to protect residents and business owners in our communities. We’ve seen similar efforts from some outspoken RSM residents. Even though RSM is the No. 1 safest city in California, they’ve proposed defunding the police here in RSM. Upon my re-election, I’ll continue to ensure RSM is always protected by the finest fully-funded police and firefighting forces”.
Endorsed by the OC GOP.Contact
Email: tbeall@cityofrsm.org
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Candidate
Rancho Santa Margarita City Council, District 3
Current mayor of RSM
Website: https://carolgamble4rsm.com/
She lists some of her political accomplishments on her website, including not raising taxes and ‘lowering homelessness by 60%’ (We aren’t sure what actions were taken to decrease the unhoused population in RSM).
Endorsements:
United States Congresswoman Young Kim, who has voted against the LGBTQ+ community
OC Board of Supervisors Chairman Don Wagner, who has voted against the LGBTQ+ community
California Assembly Member Kate Sanchez
California Women’s Leadership Assoc. PAC - Has ties with the OC Lincoln Club. The CWLA is anti-public education, pro-voucher, pro-school choice and uses the anti-LGBTQ+ dog-whistle “parents’ rights”.
Orange County Board of Supervisors Chairman Don Wagner, who voted to ban the Pride Flag from any official display on County properties.
Reform California, a group with anti-LGBTQ+ views
Nancy’s Picks, a far-right local ballot guide
OC GOP
Carol was interviewed by the OC Register. She said, “Regardless of political party and the diversity of the population, I believe all residents generally want the same things. Among them are safe streets and neighborhoods, employment opportunities, recreation and entertainment opportunities, clean/well-lit streets, well-maintained roads, retail and restaurant choices and many others”.
Carol has been fined for violating campaign finance laws.Contact
Email: carolgamble4rsm@cox.net
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Candidate
Rancho Santa Margarita City Council, District 3
Listed as a community volunteer on the Orange Juice Blog.
Unknown political affiliations.
Endorsements are from community members not big PACs.
No culture war topics listed anywhere on her website or socials. She appears to be running for the right reasons and is focused on the job.
Contact
Email: BAERT4RSM@gmail.com
Website: https://baert4rsm.com
On her website, she says, “The past year has shown us the importance of having representatives who truly understand and are engaged with our community.”
Campaign socials
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563801639246
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baert4rsm?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
She is only following 1 account on her instagram, the RSM Police Services. One of her latest posts is a quote from John C. Maxwell. Maxwell, probably best known for his leadership and self-help books, is also a well-known Evangelical pastor, and has been a part of the ministry team as a guest pastor at the Crystal Cathedral (the large, incredibly shiny church in Garden Grove that’s visible from the 57/22/5 interchange). He’s also been a guest on the “Hour of Power” televangelism program that’s been broadcast first by Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, and now by Shepherd’s Grove in Irvine. He’s now a teaching pastor at a mega-church in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Not everyone who reads his books is aware of his Evangelical background, so we are not presenting this as concrete information in either direction.
She’s also shared her fondness for the OC Public Libraries and promoted the Friends of the Library on her IG. We are including this tidbit as we’ve seen many anti-LGBTQ rhetoric include attacks on public libraries, and so we consider her pro-library perspectives worth including.
She posted about National Suicide Prevention Month, promoting the national hotline and the National Alliance on Mental Illness, which is an LGBTQ+ inclusive organization.
The endorsements she lists on her website are from community members.
She has not been endorsed by either political party.
City Council Race
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Candidate
SVUSD Trustee Area 2
Contact
Email: millerforsvusd@gmail.com
Endorsed by Young Kim, OC Congresswoman who voted against codifying gay marriage and interracial marriage into law
Endorsed by the 5 Trustees of the OC Board of Education, who have vowed to sue the state over AB 1955, The SAFETY Act that bans forced outing policies
Endorsed by the OC GOP
Endorsed by Nancy’s Pick’s
Endorsed by Reform California
He includes the anti-LGBTQ dog whistle “Parents Rights” as one of his campaign platforms
Miller, who reportedly traveled to Amsterdam for a Televangelist Billy Graham conference earlier in his life, also used to be Mayor of San Jacinto City. https://www.pressenterprise.com/2010/12/29/san-jacinto-new-mayor-dedicated-to-serving-others/
He’s also currently the City Planning Commissioner in Laguna Hills
He’s self-funding his campaign for this most part, with a loan to his campaign from his own funds of $25,000
He’s spent over $13,500 on slate mail from two different alt-right-wing campaign orgs, CAL Voter Guide and Landslide Communications
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Candidate
SVUSD Trustee Area 2
Contact
Email: michele@sparksforschoolboard.com
Endorsed by WAVE
She is running with the slate of candidates for SVUSD, Amanda Morrel, Suzie Swartz, and Michele Sparks - these candidates are running opposite 3 overtly anti-LGBTQ+ candidates
One of her campaign posts on instagrams states that her goal is “supporting ALL students” (emphasis hers), which is language we often see with candidates who are more in tune with marginalized constituents.
Endorsed by the Saddleback Valley Educators Association, who have been canvassing and campaigning for her heavily throughout the election season. They have been active and friendly with the causes of marginalized students in the district. https://www.instagram.com/p/C7NgVfTvwaA/
Follows WAVE on Instagram, an organization that tends to endorse LGBTQ+ friendly candidates
Per her website: “Michele believes that strong schools are integral to building and maintaining strong communities. They provide educational and economic benefits, foster social unity and cultural enrichment, and contribute to the overall health and stability of the community.”
“In 2024, California faces several challenges in hiring quality teachers, including a continued shortage of qualified educators due to retirements and lack of new teachers, the high cost of living in our area, the need for competitive salaries, high workloads and demands leading to burnout and attrition, and the demand for teachers capable of addressing diverse student needs, including mental well being, special education, and English language learners.”
Has worked as a photographer and a teacher.
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Candidate
SVUSD Trustee Area 3
Contact
Email: no email found
Endorsed by Moms for America
Endorsed by OC BOE Trustees
Endorsed by OC Ed Superintendent Stephen Bean
Endorsed by Reform California
Endorsed by Nancy’s Pick’s, who says about her “MICHELLE O’BRIEN is a solid Conservative in every way, fiscal and social. Her goal for Saddleback Schools, is not only Academic Excellence, in a safe environment, but she also staunchly supports PARENTAL RIGHTS, TRANSPARENCY, ACCOUNTABILITY and SCHOOL CHOICE, that is, which ever best meets a child’s need and learning style.”
Michelle’s campaign facebook has a number of posts with federal level politicians who have anti-LGBTQ stances, including Donald Trump, RFK Jr., and Ben Carson.
States on her campaign facebook that the updated Title IX changes, that include sexual orientation and gender identity, are ‘unconstitutional’, and suggests that children need to be protected from it.
Has endorsed Stefen Bean for OC Education Superintendent; Bean has a long history of anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and affiliations. She says about Bean, “I can't imagine anyone better to lead us.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/C7PpJAyyxbK/?img_index=2
Opposes AB 1955, saying about it, “State legislators are working day and night to remove parental rights. Nobody, I repeat Nobody can remove parental rights.” She also subscribes to Sonja Shaw’s newsletter - Sonja Shaw being one of the main figures in California anti-LGBTQ+ school board politics as president of Chino Valley USD.
She shared on her campaign website an instagram post from notorious anti-LGBTQ+ activist Nicole Pearson, where Pearson makes wild, conspiratorial, and unsubstantiated claims that California is trying to “trans your kids”, saying “Every child in the U.S. is in danger if @gavinnewsom signs#AB1955 into law. It is the last piece of the “trans-trafficking puzzle” making it so your child can be brought here EVEN AGAINST the lawful laws + orders + warrants of other states (#SB107), be exposed to inappropriate materials + ideas + relationships with strange adults w/o repercussion (#AB1955), checked into a “government residential shelter” w/o having to prove they have been abused or are in danger (#AB665) then have their records — name + sex + gender — completely wiped in secret (“under seal”) (#AB223).”
Lists her top 2 priorities on her campaign literature as “school choice” and “parental rights”
Has a post on instagram thanking Liberty Justice Center, the far-right law firm that fights for anti-LGBTQ+ issues, for filing a lawsuit against the state over AB 1955. https://www.instagram.com/p/C9jUTWruox4/
Shared a post from far-right, anti-LGBTQ+ organization Turning Point USA (affiliated with Calvary Chapel) on her instagram. The post from TPUSA says “If you stay silent in this war between right and wrong, your life might be easier, but your children’s lives won’t”. O’Brien added the caption, “Children depend on us. Don't be silent.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C9jU-v9O14w/
On her platform page on her campaign website she says, “Parents Rights: Parents/Guardians are the ones to make education and medical decisions for their children. Through love, Parents/Guardians nurture, comfort, and protect. They know what’s best for their child. Parents should have the right to opt out their child from subjects that go against their beliefs and values”.
She commits on her website to “I’ll lead the efforts in working with board members and parents/guardians to create and implement a Parents Bill of Rights”.
Has a photo on her campaign website at a California Policy Center website - CPC is an extreme, far-right, anti-LGBTQ+ organization. It’s the CA wing of the National Policy Center and is heavily affiliated with the Heritage Foundation. She’s meeting Corey A. DeAngelis, 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.
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Candidate
SVUSD Trustee Area 3
Contact
Email: request for email sent via website contact form
Suzie agreed to take the School Board Advocacy Pledge, saying “I have always been and remain committed to keep our public schools a place where ALL our families and children feel welcome and safe.
I take the pledge and am committed to uphold principles of inclusivity, equity and respect including the five commitments outlined below.”
Endorsed by Women in leadership
Endorsed by the SVEA (local teachers’ union)
Endorsed by California Retired Teachers Association Division 42
Her instagram is followed by the Mission Viejo Pride account.
She is running with the slate of candidates for SVUSD, Amanda Morrel, Suzie Swartz, and Michele Sparks - these candidates are running opposite 3 overtly anti-LGBTQ+ candidates
Her campaign site expresses, “As our public servant on the SVUSD Board of Education, Suzie always focuses on our children first to make our schools the place where all children feel safe, welcome and excited to learn.” (emphasis hers)
Per the website: “In her role as a school board member, Suzie: Provides safe schools where all children feel welcome and excited to learn”
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Candidate
SVUSD Trustee Area 4
Contact
Email: amanda@amandamorrell.com
Endorsed by SVEA (local teachers union)
She is running with the slate of candidates for SVUSD, Amanda Morrel, Suzie Swartz, and Michele Sparks - these candidates are running opposite 3 overtly anti-LGBTQ+ candidates
She says on her campaign website, “As your trustee I will put the needs and well-being of students first”
“I will seize opportunities to reduce class sizes, ensure everyone’s right to safe, prejudice-free learning and work environments. I pledge to evaluate and improve our district’s culture. “
Under her “about me”, she includes; Vacation bible school volunteer. Also “Her time volunteering in organizations serving youth has taught her to advocate on behalf of ALL students. She strives to listen, understand, analyze, problem solve, and govern though informed and thoughtful decisions. She has no ulterior motives and is willing to listen to and represent varying perspectives.”
Has a very long list of involvement in SVUSD schools, which can be found here
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Candidate
SVUSD Trustee Area 4
Contact
Email: michael@stannard4svusd.com
Endorsed by Moms For Liberty
Endorsed by Reform California
Endorsed by Nancy’s List
Endorsed by Stefan Bean
Endorsed by the OC BOE
Endorsed by Don Wagner
Endorsed by Young Kim
He spent 13 years on the ministry team at GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH OF SADDLEBACK VALLEY
His campaign page highlights his plan to “Uphold Parental Authority”: “I firmly believe in upholding the constitutional right of parents to have decision-making authority over their children’s education. It is crucial that parents are fully informed and actively involved in all aspects of their students’ lives. By ensuring transparent communication and respecting parents’ rights to guide their children’s educational paths, we create a more accountable and supportive school environment that honors family values and choices.”
He’s highlighted charter schools and homeschooling on his campaign site, a common theme in far-right takes on public education. “I recognize that every family’s needs are unique. By promoting a variety of educational options—public, charter, private, or home schooling—parents are empowered to select the best learning environment for their children. This commitment to choice ensures that our educational system caters to diverse student needs, fostering a more dynamic and adaptable community of learners.”
His campaign has only received $2,000 in monetary donations
Received $1,000 from Cross Psychological Care, Inc.
Received $1,000 from Los Angeles Harbor Grain Terminal LLC
Neither organizations are located in Orange County
He’s also received a self-loan of $16,000 to round out a total funds raised level of $18,000
From that $18k, he’s spent 4,509.34 on yard signs and door hangers
Saddleback Valley Unified School District
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