2026
Below you will find every single race that can be found in Yorba Linda, 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.
Yorba Linda
City Council Race
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Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District
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PYLUSD Area 4 Trustee Candidate
“TODD FRAZIER | AGE: 45 | Governing Board Member, Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District
As your Placentia-Yorba Linda school board trustee, a Certified Public Accountant, and a father of three PYLUSD students, I have worked to put students first and be consistent with the promises I made to our families in 2022. In every decision, I always focus on student interests first.
When I first ran, I pledged fiscal discipline, transparency, and an education system focused on academics rather than politics. On the board, I have applied my CPA training to scrutinize the
budget, protect classroom dollars, and hold spending accountable to results, because every dollar counts.
There is still work to do, and I am asking for your vote to continue confronting challenging issues.
I will keep defending parental rights, protect girls' sports, and focus on student success in and outside the classroom. Parents deserve transparency about what is taught in the classroom, timely notifications, and a genuine voice in their children's education. I believe classroom instruction should be academic and age-appropriate so students can focus on reading, writing, math, and critical thinking. Political agendas including CRT and DEI advocated by some local universities have no place in PYLUSD.
Our daughters have a right to compete on a level playing field. I oppose biological males in girls athletic competitions or in girls locker rooms. I will fight to defend these rights, and keep communication between the district and its families open and honest.
As a business owner, I believe our schools should prepare all students for success, not only those bound for a four-year university. I will expand real career pathways in the skilled trades, technology, entrepreneurship, and artificial intelligence, so graduates leave PYLUSD immediately prepared to earn, build, and Lead.
For more than thirty years, Yorba Linda has been my home. My wife and I have raised our family here, worshiped here. I have coached and supported local youth sports. I love this community, and our schools should reflect its values: integrity, hard work, and respect
for every family.
I would be honored to keep serving you. Thank you for your trust, your prayers, and your vote.
Learn more at voteforfrazier.com.”
Email:
Campaign Website: https://voteforfrazier.com/
Todd’s campaign website leads with a photo of him in front of an American flag, and the words, “Faith. Family. Freedom.”
Priorities:
Protect Girls’ Sports
Parents’ Rights
Student Academic Success
Career Pathways
Any Other Interesting Info:
Frazier’s campaign signs have a piece added to the top of them that say “Protect Girls Sports” source
Incumbent, first elected in 2022. Source
Frazier is originally from Missouri, having received his BS in Mathematics Education from Southeast Missouri State University, and later obtaining a teaching certificate in Missouri. Teaching certificates from out-of-state are still considered valid in California. Source
During an October 10, 2023 PYLUSD meeting regarding forced outing policies, Frazier suggested repeatedly that being transgender is a mental illness, since ‘gender dysphoria’ is in the DSM-V (The standard reference book published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) that defines and classifies mental health and behavioral disorders.) Find the conversation around the 2:05:00 mark here.
FACT CHECK: The DSM-V explicitly states that being transgender is not a mental illness, and has not been considered as such for quite some time. The American Psychiatry Association states, “With the publication of DSM–5 in 2013, “gender identity disorder” was eliminated and replaced with “gender dysphoria.” This change further focused the diagnosis on the gender identity-related distress that some transgender people experience (and for which they may seek psychiatric, medical, and surgical treatments) rather than on transgender individuals or identities themselves (...) The DSM–5 articulates explicitly that “gender non-conformity is not in itself a mental disorder.” The 5th edition also includes a separate “gender dysphoria in children” diagnosis and for the first time allows the diagnosis to be given to individuals with disorders of sex development (DSD). DSM–5 also includes the optional “post-transition” specifier to indicate when a particular individual’s gender transition is complete. In this “post-transition” case, the diagnosis of gender dysphoria would no longer apply but the individual may still need ongoing medical care (e.g., hormonal treatment). Nevertheless, discussions continue among advocates and medical professionals about how best to preserve access to gender transition-related health care while also minimizing the degree to which such diagnostic categories stigmatize the very people that physicians are attempting to help.”
Social Media Links:
On his personal instagram on May 3, 2022, he shared an image that said, “Truth without Love is harshness, Love without Truth is hypocrisy!” and the caption “The concept of what love IS seems to have been lost in today's culture. ❤️🙏” (source)
On his personal instagram on October 27, 2022, he shared a gif that said, “Society: You’re a Bigot! | Me: You keep using that word, I do not think you know what it means”, and the caption “Some people. 🤣🤣🤣 🙌” (source)
On his personal instagram May 1, 2022, he shared a screenshot of a Twitter post of Christian Nationalist actor Kevin Sorbo saying “Remember kids, the party that says that men can get pregnant wants to control ‘misinformation’ on the internet”, with the caption, “…and want to “educate” our children. 😳” (source) FACT CHECK: Trans men can, in fact, get pregnant.
On March 15, 2022, he shared a post on his personal instagram with a photo of the Bible verse 1 Corinthians 13:4–7 (Love is patient, love is kind…) and the caption, “The biblical definition of love does not AVOID truth but REJOICES in it. When Christians talk about loving our neighbor, if they require us to avoid, ignore, or compromise truth, they are redefining what biblical love is.” source
On his personal Twitter account on May 4, 2022, he replied to a post rejoicing in SCOTUS Justice Alito calling for the overturning of reproductive freedom precedence cases Roe and Casey, saying, “Agreed! People were talking about it years ago but I never thought it would come to pass. Wow! 🙌❤️🙏” source
Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:
Benny Johnson, far-right influencer who said the following at a late 2025 TPUSA event; “God doesn’t make mistakes. Transgenderism is a lie from the pit of Hell, and I’m sick of seeing transgender violence and murderers in my country. And what has made me so angry about this moment is that it should have been a unifying moment for us all to say, what a horrid and wretched ideology. Now it’s time to kick in doors, right? Come on, FBI, do some door kicking. Round them up. The violent Antifa members, the Transtifa members, it’s time, okay?” Source NOTE: Frazier follows Johnson from his public campaign instagram account, one of only 34 accounts he followed from that page at the time of this research. His campaign has, by following this account specifically from his campaign page, made a choice to reflect Johnson’s values as the values of Frazier’s campaign.
Jack Posobiec, alt-right influencer, white supremacist, and peddler of conspiracy theories such as Pizzagate. Read his profile on the Southern Poverty Law Center here. NOTE: Frazier follows Posobiec from his public campaign instagram.
Matt Walsh, alt-right influencer, white supremacist, and anti-LGBTQ activist. Walsh has openly called for the arrest, imprisonment, and death penalty of medical professionals who provide gender affirming care to minors. (source) He has been repeatedly tied to propaganda campaigns targeting American hospitals that have provided care to transgender youth, resulting in a wave of bomb threats towards those hospitals, and describes himself as a fascist. You can read his profile on the Southern Poverty Law Center here. NOTE: Frazier follows Posobiec from his public campaign instagram.
Madison Miner, former Orange USD Trustee who was recalled and now serves as the Orange County Chair of Moms for Liberty
Dan Bongino, far-right influencer and fmr. Deputy Director of the FBI (2025-2026). On his show, “The Dan Bongino Show”, he repeatedly discusses the LGBTQ community in negative and conspiratorial ways.
Nick Shirley, far-right influencer who has made a career out of pushing racist conspiracies
Jack Hibbs, openly Christian Nationalist head pastor of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills, who is deeply involved in anti-LGBTQ political efforts here in SoCal
Candidate’s Public Comments:
During a PYLUSD Board meeting while discussing an agenda item - a resolution from Leandra Blades to thank ICE and state that school faculty should not obstruct ICE if their operations occur on PYLUSD property - Frazier spoke in support. He said, “I think the point of this is that in general, no matter the circumstances, you don’t obstruct, right?” Trustee Carrie Buck responded with questions about what faculty should do in the case of ICE efforts to abduct a student from school property. Frazier replied, “I mean, I feel like we have this conversation a lot about trying to put actual actionable steps inside the policy when that’s not the place for them. (...) I think the important part here is that just like you said, Carrie, you should not be throwing your body in front of law enforcement and doing things to obstruct the law enforcement as they come on campus, regardless of how it happens, because we want to keep our staff safe. We want to keep our students safe in all this.” source
In October 2023, Frazier brought a watered down Forced Outing Policy to the PYLUSD board at the same time as other districts were working to pass similar policies. However, Frazier’s agenda item did not have any specific references to gender identity in it, creating what LGBTQ+ allies felt was a vague loophole to create a policy in practice that would be harder to get past the board majority if it was spelled out in writing. Frazier said about this policy, “This is a tool to be able to make sure that our parents are informed about things all the way from disruption of student learning up through extreme situations (...) It’s not an outing policy, it’s parent communication.” source
Endorsed by:
Nancy’s Picks - Nancy’s Picks (far-right voter guide in Orange County, whose criteria for endorsement include “PRO-LIFE & PROTECTIONS for the UNBORN”, “PRO-SANCTITY of HETEROSEXUAL MARRIAGE”, “PRO-PARENTAL RIGHTS in EDUCATION”, “PRO-NUCLEAR FAMILY”, “SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL and IT’S RIGHT to EXIST”, “SECURE & SEAL OUR BORDERS”, and more.
Reform California - (far-right organization led by Carl DeMaio)
Madison Miner (Chair, Moms for Liberty’s Orange County Chapter. Her public positions and endorsements are posted at her Instagram social media site madison4oc. Madison Miner won an Orange Unified school board seat in 2022. Voters recalled her in 2024. The L. A. Times reported that Miner was one of two conservative board members who had spearheaded policies widely opposed by advocates for LGBTQ+ youth in a recall election viewed as a local bellwether for the culture wars in education.)
Candidate in the News:
(Opinion: OC Register) “Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified trustees OK creepy plan to censor books”
(Voice of OC) “An OC School District Adopts New Parent Alert Policy; Will it Impact LGBTQ+ Students?”
(EdSource) “Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified adopts parental notification policy excluding terms ‘gender identity’ and ‘transgender’”
(OC Register) “Placentia-Yorba Linda school board majority strikes ICE support references, updates policy for enforcement response”
Public Voting Record:
Voted Yes on a Forced Outing Policy in 2023
Voted Yes on a Resolution to Support ICE in 2026
Frazier has not submitted his campaign finance filings yet
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PYLUSD Area 4 Trustee Candidate
“CHRIS LOWE | Educator/Businessowner/Parent
My children all graduated from or currently attend Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District schools, just like I did. At Chapman University, I currently teach graduate students and have served as:
Assistant Dean
Director of Executive Education
Founding Director of a master’s program in the College of Business and Economics
At the Richard Nixon Foundation, my work includes developing civics education platforms for students from 3rd grade to college and launching the new American Civics Academy to expand civics education nationally. I worked for Governor Pete Wilson, helping launch California’s landmark 1996 Class Size Reduction Initiative.
As a former Mayor, I championed reopening an elementary school and authored a civic history book and engagement program for 3rd graders. Even in college, I cared deeply about education policy, serving on the California State University System Board of Trustees.
I’m a concerned parent, educator, taxpayer, and small business owner who is profoundly worried about the state of the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District: outstanding teachers leaving, ongoing budget deficits, and frequent leadership turnover. Cal State Fullerton is so concerned that they’ve stopped placing student teachers in Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District schools.
If elected as your Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District
Trustee, I will:
Protect academic opportunities
Recruit and retain great teachers
Prioritize special education
Strengthen school safety
Restore fiscal stability
Please vote for Chris Lowe for Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District. www.loweforpylusd.com”
Email: chris@loweforpylusd.com
Campaign Website: https://www.loweforpylusd.com/
Under his “Why I’m Running” section of his webpage, Chris says, “Most parents want the same things: safe schools, great teachers, strong academic programs, and confidence that their children are being prepared for the future. That's what I want too. Being on the school board isn't about creating conflict or chasing political battles. It's about helping schools succeed. That means supporting teachers and staff, listening to parents, being a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars, and making decisions based on what's best for students. That’s the assignment. And that’s what I’ll do.”
Priorities:
Protect the programs that make Placentia-Yorba Linda schools worth choosing.
Keep great teachers in our classrooms.
Support special education instead of treating it as an afterthought.
Address real safety concerns like e-bikes, vaping, and AI misuse.
Be a responsible steward of the budget and finances.
Any Other Interesting Info:
Lowe is a lecturer at Chapman University’s George L. Argyros College of Business and Economics source
Former Placentia City Councilmember and Mayor, with a term between 1998 and 2006. As far as our research went, most of the controversial city council agenda items during this time centered mostly around zoning issues, train whistles, public comment procedures, and property usage in the downtown core, rather than anything that would have impacted marginalized communities especially. source source source
One issue that DID receive a lot of community attention while he was on the council was around whether city streets in Placentia could be named after current/living city councilmembers. We’ve quoted him on the issue further down, under “Public Comments”.
Served as the Executive Director of the Fullerton Chamber of Commerce between 1999 and 2004.
From 1995-1997, Lowe worked as the Deputy Director for the Governor’s Office in Orange County under Governor Pete Wilson, who he refers to in an instagram post as “my favorite boss”. Wilson served as Governor of California during a substantial period of LGBTQ activism, and has a complicated track record. In 1991, he vetoed Assembly Bill 101, which would have outlawed employment discrimination against gays and lesbians. After a significant backlash to his veto, Wilson changed course and in 1992, signed a modified version of the bill that called for civil consequences for violators rather than criminal consequences. This was 35 years ago, and we don’t know how Chris felt about that specific part of Wilson’s legacy - his role in the Wilson administration was focused on business, trade, and commerce issues, although he has referenced that he also was involved in the Wilson administration's work on reducing class sizes for K-12 schools.
He’s worked extensively within executive leadership at the Disney Company, primarily in government relations. One of the things that he marks as a success on his linkedin is how he “created coalition of 10K+ residents in historic initiative campaign that led to new legislation protecting resort district [sic].” This is a reference to his time as a Disney advisor for Save Our Anaheim Resort District (SOAR), a citizen group that worked to lobby against a 1,500 unit housing development being built in the Disney Resort district in Anaheim in the late 2000’s. The approximately 10,000 community members in the group contributed approximately $2,000 total, but Disney invested over $2,000,000 in the effort. Chris spoke at city council meetings as Disney’s representative and served as advisor to SOAR, and the housing development was blocked. Source source
He’s a consultant with Cal Pacific Partners, a business strategy, government relations, and public policy consulting firm located in Anaheim, California. source
He’s written a children’s history book aimed at 3rd grade level readers. source
https://schoolnewsrollcall.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/PYL_MAY_23.pdf (page 22)
Social Media Links:
In 2018, he visited the Trump White House, captioning an Instagram post of the visit with “Proud to be an American, Visiting the White House is always a humbling experience.” Visiting the White House does not necessarily mean that he supported the administration residing within the White House at that time. He geotagged it with “Trump White House”.
Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:
***Chris follows a lot of Disney corporate accounts, which aligns with his professional career working in high level Disney leadership. We didn’t find any especially partisan accounts one way or the other, beyond a handful of accounts belonging to elected officials local to the region.
Jon Dumitru (Councilmember in the City of Orange)
Richard Nixon Foundation (Chris has worked for this foundation, which is located here in the area and is not overtly partisan in today’s politics - it’s part of the Richard Nixon Presidential Library in Yorba Linda)
Chapman University (Lowe is a professor at Chapman)
Janet Nguyen (Current OC Supervisor)
Steps of Faith (Nonprofit providing aid to uninsured and underinsured amputees receive medical care/prosthetics)
Dennis Bilodeau (Councilmember in the City of Orange)
Trevor O'Neil (Councilmember for the City of Anaheim)
Candidate’s Public Comments:
In 2000, when Lowe was on the Placentia city council, there was controversy around whether city streets in Placentia could be named after current/living city council members. While we can’t find a digitized version of the votes or transcriptions of the meetings online, the LA Times quoted Lowe as seeming to be disapproving of the practice; “Some who have been passed over voiced concern, albeit couched in humor. “So there is no Lowe Drive there, huh?” quipped Councilman Chris Lowe, who has yet to see his name attached to a thoroughfare. “What does one have to do to get one of these?’” Source
Paraphrase quote from the OC Register when he stepped down from the Placentia city council; ‘He said he ran on the platform of getting new blood into council and new ideas, so according to his own philosophy, it was time for him to stop running for the office.’ source
Endorsed by: Not yet publicized
Candidate in the News:
(OC Register) Lowe steps down
(LA Times) Placentia Plays Name Game With Streets
(LA Times) Placentia’s Not Whistling a Happy Tune
Public Voting Record:
Lowe served for his considerable amount of time in an elected seat with the Placentia City Council - however, it was 20, 25 years ago, prior to agendas and votes being digitized, and we struggled to find much in the way of actual voting records without going to the Placentia Library and searching in the microfilm newspaper records - which, unfortunately, we don’t have the bandwidth for.
Contributed:
Lowe gave $250 to Lisa Sparks’ OC Board of Ed 2026 campaign. Sparks is openly antagonistic to LGBTQ+ rights, and has supported reallocating funds from public schools into charter schools. donation source find our Lisa Sparks profile here
Lowe gave $500 to Dr. Stephen Bean’s OC Board of Ed 2026 campaign. Bean is openly antagonistic to LGBTQ+ rights, and has supported reallocating funds from public schools into charter schools. donation source find info about Stephen Bean here
Lowe gave $100 to Ryan Balius’ 2024 campaign for Anaheim City Council. Balius was also financially supported by the OC Lincoln Club, a deeply conservative organization. donation source
Lowe gave $500 to Norma Campos Kurtz’ 2024 campaign for Anaheim City Council. Kurtz was also financially supported by Planned Parenthood, and was endorsed by Planned Parenthood, WAVE, and the OC Dems. donation source
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PYLUSD Area 4 Trustee Candidate
“BARBARA ‘BARB’ BUCKLEY | Business Owner
I want to represent you, your student, and our community because it matters. Students matter. Families matter. Educators matter. Community matters. Integrity matters.
I have been a proud resident and dedicated community advocate of Yorba Linda since 1997, and small business owner since 1998. My husband, Jim, and I have been married for over 30 years. Together, we founded Jim Buckley and Associates, an independent insurance
adjusting firm, where I manage budgets, contracts, benefits, payroll, and human resources. We raised our two children through PYLUSD, from Fairmont Elementary to Bernardo Yorba Middle School to Yorba Linda High School. Our daughter Emely is now a kindergarten teacher, and our son Jimmy is an engineer.
For over 15 years, I have served our schools and community as founder of Making a Difference, a nonprofit providing food, school supplies, and financial support to local families in need, as a
board member of Homeless Intervention Services of Orange County and Placentia Yorba Meals on Wheels, and serving through many local organizations such as Love Yorba Linda and Charity’s Closet. My work with PTA units across our district has been recognized
with multiple California State PTA service awards. This hands-on experience has given me a clear understanding of what our students, teachers, and families truly need, and how to get things done for them.
I am running for every student to ensure each child receives an excellent education that prepares them for a successful future. We must come together in support of our students, teachers, and administrators. This is not us versus them. When leadership falls
short, we should make thoughtful changes, but tearing down our educators helps no one; instead, let us be their advocates and partners.
With our district facing declining enrollment and potential budget cuts - while operating at a deficit, fiscal responsibility must be a top priority. Drawing on my business experience, I will
reassess spending and contracts, and will pursue renegotiations and competitive bidding to secure cost-effective solutions, while protecting class sizes and jobs. I am ready to roll up my sleeves and do the hard work required.
In today's climate, we must focus on what is best for our students and community, not on party agendas, sound bites, or culture wars. With your support, experience, integrity, and dedication, I will bring steady, student-first leadership to our school board.
I respectfully ask for your vote.
Email:
Campaign Website: https://barbbuckley4pylusd.com/
Her website leads with the phrase, “Because… Students Matter. Community Matters. Integrity Matters.”
She also has a section labeled “Sound Bites”, where she further explains small ‘sound bites’ that she’s had on the campaign trail. One of them is titled “Transgender females in women’s Sports”, and leads to a 77 page document that Buckley wrote. She describes this paper, which is set up in an academic, legal manner, in the following manner. “This paper was prepared as an independent educational resource for school board members, superintendents, administrators, educators, policymakers, parents, and community stakeholders. Its purpose is not to advocate for a particular policy outcome, but to provide an objective, evidence-based overview of the legal, scientific, and governance issues surrounding transgender participation in girls' interscholastic athletics.” The paper (clocking in at over 22,000 words) does not present a stance, but does debunk a significant amount of the anti-trans propaganda that has been present in recent PYLUSD school board meetings, both from incumbent board members and during public comments, just in the nature that it is an academic, evidence-based paper.
You can read it in full here. The chapters of the document are titled as such; “Executive Summary”, “Chapter 1: Guidance for California School Boards and Education Stakeholders”, “Chapter 2: Why Girls’ Athletics Exist: The Development of Womens’ Sports and Title IX”, “Chapter 3: California’s Legal Framework”, “Chapter 4: Federal Law, Title IX, and the Evolving National Legal Landscape”, “Chapter 5: The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF): Governance and Administration of High School Athletics”, “Chapter 6: The Science of Athletic Performance”, “Chapter 7: Student Safety, Privacy, and District Responsibilities”, “Conclusion: Bringing the Issues Together”.
She also provided a similarly academic, although considerably shorter, document on her website, titled, “What are Charter Schools and which ones do we have in PYLUSD?”. You can read her paper on that here in full.Buckley’s Priorities listed on her campaign website:
Strengthen Fiscal Responsibility
Put Teaching and Learning First
Support Our Educators and Staff
Improve Communication and Transparency
Expand Student Opportunities Through Community Partnerships
Better Support Students Experiencing Homelessness
Any Other Interesting Info:
Barbara reached out to us to ask about taking our School Board Advocacy Pledge. We did not send the advocacy pledge out to all candidates this year unlike our 2024 guide due to bandwidth issues, but sent her our existing pledge to review, and she agreed to take it. The Advocacy Pledge includes the following commitments:
Acknowledgement of the Separation of Church and State: Affirmation of the importance of maintaining a clear separation between religious beliefs and public policy.
Open Dialogue with the LGBTQ+ Community: Commitment to seeking out and engaging in open and respectful dialogue with members of the LGBTQ+ community in your role.
Prioritizing Safety, Dignity, and Equity: Pledge to prioritize the safety, dignity, and equity of all constituents, including marginalized communities.
Acknowledgement of Federal and State Protections: Pledge to abide by AB 1955, The Safety Act, which prohibits enforcement of forced outing policies. Pledge to abide by the current Title IX language, which prohibits discrimination and harassment based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics in schools that receive federal funding.
Respect for Students’ Human Rights: Pledge to acknowledge that students in your jurisdiction are full fledged human beings who are not “owned” by any other human being, and should feel safe and have the autonomy to be themselves in school spaces.
NOTE: This Advocacy Pledge is from 2024, and has not been re-written for the 2026 election season.
Supporters of Todd Frazier’s campaign started putting small trans pride flags on her signs in an attempt to redefine her campaign on their own terms. Buckley responded to this by issuing the following statement from her campaign, “Recently, someone added transgender flags to my campaign signs without my authorization. I want to be clear about where I stand: I believe every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. As a candidate for school board, I believe representation means serving ALL students, ALL families, and ALL members of our community. We may not always agree, but we can always choose respect, kindness, and civility.” source
In 2012, she founded MAD Women, dba Making a Difference, a local 501c3 nonprofit filled with primarily women volunteers who work to contribute to their community through food drives, meal trains, CPR classes, etc. She is still the president of that nonprofit today. Source
Barbara has been on the board of the Homeless Intervention Services of Orange County since 2021. source
Buckley was elected by her peers as one of two parent representatives for the YLHS School Site Council in 2014. source
She was awarded with the “Golden Oak” PTSA Honorary Service Award in 2019 in connection with YLHS, and was also a recipient of PYLUSD PTSA Service Awards in 2013, 2015, and 2017. source
She has professional connections with Nancy Watkins, a public education advocate, former OC Board of Education candidate, and LGBTQ+ ally, through their work together on Buckley’s organization, MAD Women.
Social Media Links:
She shared her academic-style paper about trans athletes in school sports on her campaign instagram, with the caption, “What is the school board's responsibility when it comes to Transgender females in women's sports? I've done the deep dive for you. (link provided)” source
Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:
The REACH Foundation (Non-profit for student success in PYLUSD)
Carrie Buck 4 PYLUSD (Buck is an incumbent on the PYLUSD board and has been an ally to marginalized community members)
Nancy Watkins (Watkins is a public education advocate, fmr. Candidate for the OC Board of Ed, and has been an ally to the LGBTQ+ community)
Friends Church | Orange County (Friends Church, a subsidiary of Friends Southwest, is a progressive Christian denomination descended from the Quakers, albeit more modernized and focused on the evangelism of faith. Not all evangelist sects of Christianity are conservative)
Candidate’s Public Comments:
None Found
Endorsed by:
Buckley’s endorsements page is currently filled with endorsements from local community members, rather than elected officials and organizations. source
Candidate in the News:
None Found
Public Voting Record:
Buckley has not served in elected public office, so no public voting record is available.
Buckley has not yet filed her contribution campaign finance filings yet
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PYLUSD Area 5 Trustee Candidate
“JUSTIN AGUIRRE | Parent
It’s time to bring common-sense leadership back!
I’m Justin Aguirre, a lifelong Placentia resident, PYLUSD graduate, and father of three children currently attending our district schools.
For years, I have been actively involved in PYLUSD, advocating for students, parents, and our community. I’m running because I believe our schools must return their focus to what matters most: academic excellence, parental involvement, school safety, and preparing
every student for future success.
I will fight to protect parental rights, protect girls’ sports and spaces, keep inappropriate political ideology out of our classrooms, and ensure parents remain the primary decision-makers in their children’s education. I will demand transparency and fiscal responsibility, prioritize classroom spending, and oppose unnecessary debt and bonds that place additional burdens on taxpayers.
I will work to expand partnerships with our local colleges. However, college is not the only path to success. We must also expand career technical education programs, including skilled trades,
apprenticeships, and other pathways that prepare students to meet workforce demands.
When elected, I’ll be the trustee with children currently attending PYLUSD schools. I’m personally invested in the future of our district and respectfully ask for your vote.
www.JustinAguirreForPYLUSD.com”
Email: None Found
Campaign Website: https://justinaguirreforpylusd.com/
Justin’s campaign website has a whole section labeled “Girls’ Sports & Spaces”. This section is a polished description of his experience over the last few years as an anti-trans activist. We will cover more of this further down.
Under his priorities, his site says, “The Supreme Court has made clear that parents have a fundamental role in directing the upbringing and education of their children.” Based on public comments he’s made at PYLUSD meetings, we believe he is referring to the Supreme Court ‘Mahmoud v. Taylor’. This SCOTUS ruling set the precedent that schools must allow parents/guardians of students to “opt out” of LGBTQ+ inclusive curriculum if that curriculum interferes with their religious beliefs.
Priorities:
Academic Excellence
Safe Learning Environments
Fiscal Responsibility
Parent Trust and Transparency
Any Other Interesting Info:
Justin has been known to Pride at the Pier for multiple years at this point, as he’s been in attendance at a number of anti-trans rallies hosted by California Family Council, a Focus on the Family associated organization with a 23 year history of anti-LGBTQ+ policy work, including their efforts to; prevent gay marriage from being legalized in California, prevent LGBTQ+ curriculum being available in schools, and most recently, their crown jewel anti-trans propaganda program, “Save Girls Sports”.
Justin is known to be associated with a significant number of anti-LGBTQ extremists in Southern California. Some of these are covered in his social media section, but we can confirm that his connections with many of these individuals extends to in-person friendship.
Social Media Links:
Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:
***This is a very small selection of the accounts he follows from his campaign and personal instagram accounts. The full list is a fairly comprehensive collection of the major election deniers, anti-vaxx, anti-LGBTQ, and anti-public education Christian Nationalists across the spectrum, from local activists to national advocacy organizations.
Sonja Shaw (PYLUSD president who runs her political career on attacks against the LGBTQ+ community)
Beth Bourne (anti-LGBTQ extremist who stalks and doxxes trans minors, had a temporary restraining order placed against her by Davis USD because of her harassment of students and faculty)
Anthony Cabassa (far-right influencer who calls for Franco-style fascism)
Karen England (book banning activist who is highly active in CA despite living in Nashville, TN)
Real Impact (political arm of Christian Nationalist church Calvary Chapel)
Bill Essayli (Assistant Attorney General within the Trump administration with a history of targeting protesters, whose political career was launched through his partnership with Sonja Shaw to push for anti-LGBTQ+ policies in CA)
Erin Friday (anti-LGBTQ+ activist lawyer with a documented history of transphobic harassment, including against Pride at the Pier director and trans man Kanan Durham)
Manuk Grigoryan (Leader of Leave Our Kids Alone, an anti-LGBTQ+ hate group in Southern California associated with repeated acts of violence against trans activists)
PYLUSD Common Sense (anti-LGBTQ account)
PYL4Choice (anti-LGBTQ account)
Candy Olson (Redlands USD Trustee, anti-trans activist)
Jen Wiersma (Temecula Valley USD Trustee, anti-trans activist)
Sophia Lorey (spokeswoman for California Family Council and loud opponent of LGBTQ+ rights, including gay marriage)
Protect Our Kids (CA organization seeking to ban LGBTQ+ and racial educational curriculum)
California Family Council (CA organization with ties to Focus on the Family, which led the Prop 8 effort to ban gay marriage in 2008 and is currently focused on anti-trans efforts)
Madison Miner (Former OUSD Trustee, current chair of Orange County Moms for Liberty)
Teacher Freedom Alliance (anti-teacher union organization)
Leandra Blades (PYLUSD Trustee, anti-LGBTQ+ extremist and openly supportive of ICE)
Corey DeAngelis (Research Fellow with the Heritage Foundation, anti-LGBTQ extremist)
This is a Woman Podcast (anti-trans extremist podcast hosted by Sophia Lorey)
Candidate’s Public Comments:
At the May 12, 2026 PYLUSD board meeting, Aguirre said, “Regarding the issue of boys being allowed in the girls bathroom, what we are witnessing in our schools is not simply a policy debate anymore. It is a gradual normalization, a slow acceptance of something many parents, students, and especially young girls know in their hearts is wrong. The girls who have spoken up have learned something painful. They will be ignored. Fathers who have raised their concerns have learned the same lesson, and mothers are being forced into a position where they tell their daughters to avoid their own restrooms and instead use office or staff bathrooms just to feel safe or comfortable. (Current Trustees) Carrie, Marilyn, and Trisha, why are the girls expected to adjust? Why are the girls expected to relocate, stay quiet, or simply get used to it? That is not equality. And for many families, the Pride flag has become a reminder that the rights of one boy are being placed above the privacy concerns of an entire community of girls.”
FACT CHECK: Studies have consistently shown that the existence of laws allowing trans people to use the facilities consistent with their gender have zero impact on the safety of cisgender people, with studies covering the rate of harassment, violent crimes, sexual crimes, etc. Source
FACT CHECK: Studies have consistently shown that transgender people are at much higher rate of victimization in bathrooms and other gender-specific spaces than cisgender people - both cisgender women and cisgender men. Source
FACT CHECK: Studies have consistently shown that the rates of violence and harassment faced by transgender people are higher in spaces where laws, policies, and rhetoric push an idea that transgender people make cisgender women and girls less safe. Source
FACT CHECK: Studies have consistently shown that the majority of transgender people actively avoid public bathrooms where possible out of fear of violence and harassment, leading to a higher rate of urinary tract infections, kidney infections, and other adverse medical consequences than in the cisgender population. Source
On the “Girls Sports and Spaces” section of his campaign website, Aguirre says, “I stood with the girls at Esperanza High School when they walked out in protest after a biological male used the girls' restroom. I stood alongside athletes from across California at Yorba Linda High School during a CIF track and field event, and I sat in the bleachers at Valencia High School as the same athlete competed against our Lady Tigers in a CIF volleyball match.”
FACT CHECK: We can confirm that he was in attendance at these events. All three events were coordinated with California Family Council, the anti-LGBTQ+ organization behind both Prop 8 (the 2008 effort to ban gay marriage and the current anti-trans political campaign in CA). All three of these events were targeted at two different transgender minors who were going about their lives in accordance with California law, and who have not committed any acts of harm against their peers.
At the October 21, 2025 PYLUSD board meeting, Aguirre spoke from the podium. “Although I regularly attend board meetings, this is my first time to speak. I have been silent too long. I speak tonight to support my oldest child, and only daughter, and every girl across this district who deserves fairness, safety, and respect. Superintendent and board, please protect my daughter when she is in your care. Do not let biological boys invade her bathrooms and locker rooms. Do not ask her to compete against biological boys in sports, as we now see happening at Valencia High School. Please respect my right as a parent to have a voice in my children's education. Thank you for allowing me to speak, I urge other fathers to speak up as well.”
FACT CHECK: There are no trans athletes in Placentia Yorba Linda USD. Aguirre may have been referring to a trans athlete from a different school district that competed against PYLUSD athletes at a sporting event - there are fewer than 5 active trans high school athletes in CA at this time. CA law allows these minors to play on the teams that align with their gender, and school districts do not have the authority to violate that law within their own districts, much less within a different district.
Endorsed by:
Nancy’s Picks - Nancy’s Picks (far-right voter guide in Orange County, whose criteria for endorsement include “PRO-LIFE & PROTECTIONS for the UNBORN”, “PRO-SANCTITY of HETEROSEXUAL MARRIAGE”, “PRO-PARENTAL RIGHTS in EDUCATION”, “PRO-NUCLEAR FAMILY”, “SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL and IT’S RIGHT to EXIST”, “SECURE & SEAL OUR BORDERS”, and more.
Reform California - (far-right organization led by Carl DeMaio)
Madison Miner (Chair, Moms for Liberty’s Orange County Chapter. Her public positions and endorsements are posted at her Instagram social media site madison4oc. Madison Miner won an Orange Unified school board seat in 2022. Voters recalled her in 2024. The L. A. Times reported that Miner was one of two conservative board members who had spearheaded policies widely opposed by advocates for LGBTQ+ youth in a recall election viewed as a local bellwether for the culture wars in education.)
Candidate in the News: None Found
Public Voting Record: Candidate has not held elected office before, none found
Received:
$3,500 from the Lincoln Club of Orange County, an explicitly anti-LGBTQ group
$10,000 from Linda Cone, a far-right anti-LGBTQ activist
$100 from Andy Falco Jimenez, far-right Christian Nationalist podcaster and close friend of Leandra Blades
$500 from Ben Stubbs, connected to Maria Stubbs, who ran unsuccessfully on an anti-LGBTQ platform for PYLUSD in 2024
Donated:
Aguirre donated $100 to Maria Stubbs’ PYLUSD campaign in 2024. Stubbs ran openly as a “parental rights” candidate in 2024, and was very clear about her stances in opposition to LGBTQ+ rights. Stubbs did not win that race.
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PYLUSD Area 5 Trustee Candidate
“CARRIE BUCK | Governing Board Member, Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District
Public education is about more than reading, writing, and arithmetic. It’s about preparing students to think critically, adapt confidently, and thrive in a rapidly changing world. I will continue to build on PYLUSD’s tradition of excellence while preparing students for tomorrow.
Under my leadership the district has pivoted from wasteful spending to responsible budgeting benefiting all students. I am proud of the progress we are achieving; strengthening
our district’s financial future, building trust through integrity and transparency, advancing academic excellence, strengthening special education, expanding career technical education, athletics, & arts opportunities, and supporting every student.
Our community deserves transparent, accountable governance where every decision is guided by what is best for students.
As the daughter of two special educators, a mother of three PYLUSD graduates, and a nonprofit leader dedicated to ending youth and family homelessness, I understand students’ strengths and challenges. My record reflects a commitment to students, families, community partnerships, fiscal responsibility, and transparent, accountable governance that puts students first.
The choices we make today will shape our students’ futures for years to come. Experience matters, so does a clear vision for the future.
I’m asking for your vote for re-election to the PYLUSD School Board.
Email: carriebuck4pylusd@gmail.com
Campaign Website: https://www.carriebuck4pylusd.com/
Buck’s campaign slogan, visible at the top of her campaign site, is “Building Stronger Schools. Creating Brighter Futures”.
Buck lists the accomplishments she’s proud of having achieved during her time as the incumbent in office. She lists:
Strengthening Our District’s Financial Future
Building Trust Through Integrity & Transparency
Advancing Academic Excellence
Strengthening Special Education
Expanding Athletics & Arts Opportunities
Supporting Every Student
Priorities:
Fiscal Responsibility
Safe Schools
College and Career Readiness
Belonging and Access
Any Other Interesting Info:
Buck is the incumbent in this race, and was first elected to the board in 2010. Source
Carrie is currently serving on the California Child Nutrition Advisory Council for the State Superintendent of Instruction and as a Housing and Community Development Commissioner for the Orange County Board of Supervisors. Source
In 2025, AB Hernandez, a SoCal transgender girl and track athlete that has been the subject of targeted hatred from the local extremists to Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and JK Rowling, competed at a track meet in Yorba Linda. Buck was there in attendance, ensuring that security was working to protect all the students, since there had been a significant social media virality about Hernandez being there ahead of the meet itself. While there, she greeted AB’s mother, spending time chatting with her and watching all of the athletes on the field compete. This gesture has made Buck the target of ire from some individuals within the PYLUSD coverage area who felt that her friendliness towards the mother of a trans athlete ran counter to their own opposition to trans athletes being able to play K-12 public school sports. Leandra Blades’, one of Buck’s fellow incumbents on the PYLUSD board, has expressed her disapproval of this repeatedly. Source - content warning for transphobia
You can find Buck’s candidate statement for her successful 2022 campaign here.
Carrie serves as the Executive Director for the Family Solutions Collaborative, a nonprofit connected to United Way that works to aid families struggling with housing insecurity and homelessness. Prior to this role, Bucked served as the Executive Director of Homeless Intervention Services of Orange County. Source
Social Media Links:
On her campaign instagram in 2025, she published a post for Pride Month with the traditional Pride Flag and the words, “Say No to Hate / Celebrate Pride Month / Stick with Love” Source
Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:
Contemporary Policy Institute (a 501c3 pro-public education organization that promotes a framework of secular, fact-based public policy, based in Anaheim)
Allyson Muñiz Damikolas (Tustin USD Trustee, public voting record of LGBTQ allyship)
Natalie Moser (Fmr. HB City Councilwoman, Exec. Director of Robyn’s Nest, non-profit serving youth experiencing housing insecurity, public voting record of LGBTQ allyship)
Voices for PYLUSD (Pro-LGBTQ+ account, supportive of student engagement, ethnic studies, lgbtq inclusion, and anti-bullying)
Spotlight Schools (Local journalism source for TK-12 schools in Orange County)
Nancy Watkins (Fmr. Candidate for OC Board of Education, Public Education Advocate, LGBTQ+ ally)
Public School Defenders Hub (Non-profit coalition seeking to keep public education accessible and accountable)
Christina Gagnier (Candidate for San Bernardino County Supervisor, co-founder of Our Schools USA)
Andrea Yamasaki (Orange USD Trustee, public voting record of LGBTQ allyship)
Todd Spitzer (Orange County District Attorney)
Candidate’s Public Comments:
On her campaign website, Buck says, “A sense of belonging leads to better academic outcomes, which is why I support ALL students and have worked to expand athletic & arts opportunities, increase preschool & after school programs, and expanded support through a second family resource center.” Emphasis on “ALL” is hers.
During an April 2022 PYLUSD meeting, Buck was a dissenting vote, in opposition to banning critical race theory in district curriculum. She said, “Curriculum development belongs in the hands of our educators…This (ban) is being done to fit an agenda and not wanted by the majority of our community, parents, teachers and most importantly, as you’ve seen tonight, our students.” Her vote was in the minority, and Critical Race Theory has been banned in PYLUSD schools since 2022, with unclear parameters of what qualifies as CRT. Source
In October 2023, the PYLUSD board passed a watered down forced outing policy. Buck voted in opposition, saying, “We’re doing this right after all of these other districts are doing it. I think it’s all tied to the other policies, which is why it sounds political.” For transparency’s sake, this was also the stance that Pride at the Pier took in our public opposition to the policy. Source
Endorsed by:
Association of Placentia Linda Educators
Orange County Labor Federation
California School Employees Association, Chapter 293
Women for American Values and Ethics
Marilyn Anderson, PYLUSD School Board Trustee
Kris Erickson, Orange Unified School Board Trustee
Lauren Klatzer, Fullerton Elementary School Board Trustee
Carol Downey, Former PYLUSD Board Trustee and Former Mayor of Placentia
Tricia Quintero, PYLUSD Board Vice President and Teacher
Carrie Flanders, Brea-Olinda School Board President
Deana Miller, NOCROP and Brea-Olinda Unified School Board Vice President
Richard Barrera, Candidate for State Superintendent of California
Lauren Brooks, Irvine Unified School Board President
Andrea Yamasaki, Orange Unified Board Trustee
Katie McEwen, Irvine Unified School Board Trustee
Sara Pelly, Orange Unified School Board Clerk
Candidate in the News:
(Voice of OC) “An OC School District Adopts New Parent Alert Policy; Will it Impact LGBTQ+ Students?”
(Voice of OC) “Placentia-Yorba Linda School Trustees Narrowly Ban Critical Race Theory”
(OC Register) “Placentia-Yorba Linda School Board settles Orange County DA’s requests over potential Brown Act violations”
(The LAist) “The 'Parental Rights' Movement Has Its Sights On This OC School Board”
Public Voting Record:
On February 10, 2026, PYLUSD Trustee Leandra Blades introduced a resolution asking the district to explicitly affirm support for federal immigration officers alongside local law enforcement, and to state that staff should not obstruct ICE on campuses. As this was in the immediate aftermath of PYLUSD student-led walkouts in protest of ICE activity and the targeting of a PYLUSD student by ICE, there was significant backlash from the community. Buck, along with Trustees Quintero and Anderson, voted in the majority to change the language to express support specifically for law enforcement officers who work in PYLUSD schools (i.e. Resource Officers). Source Source Source
In April of 2022, PYLUSD voted to ban critical race theory in the district’s curriculum. Buck was one of the dissenting votes, calling the ban politically motivated censorship. Source
$1,456.67 from Association of Placentia Linda Educators (APLE CBS)
$10,659.52 from Association of Placentia Linda Educators (APLE CBS) for signs
$1,000 from Women for American Values and Ethics (WAVE)
$100 from Kristin Erickson, Orange USD Trustee with a voting record of LGBTQ allyship
$200 from Marilyn Anderson, current PYLUSD Trustee
Brea Olinda Unified School District
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Brea Olinda USD School Board Area 4 Candidate (Incumbent) (Appointed)
“NATALIE JOHNSON
Appointed Governing Board Member, Brea Olinda Unified School District, Area 4
As the current Trustee for Brea Olinda Unified School District Area 4, appointed by the Board of Education to fill the Area 4 vacancy, it has been an honor to serve the students, families, educators, and community of Brea. As both a parent of two children attending BOUSD schools and an educational leader with more than a decade of experience, I bring the perspective of someone who understands the importance of strong public schools from both the family and
professional viewpoints.
Since joining the Board of Education, I have been committed to thoughtful, transparent decision-making, supporting student achievement, and working collaboratively with fellow trustees, district leadership, staff, families, and the community. I remain focused on maintaining safe and welcoming schools, supporting our dedicated educators, ensuring responsible stewardship of district resources, and providing every student with the opportunity to succeed.
I respectfully ask for your support so I can continue serving Trustee Area 4 with integrity, collaboration, and a strong commitment to excellence for all students.”
Email: electnataliejohnson@gmail.com
Campaign Website: https://johnson4bousd.com/
Natalie’s campaign website leads with the words, “Focused on Students. Committed to Our Community.”
Priorities:
Student-Centered Academic Excellence (high-quality instruction, personalized learning)
Safe & Modern Facilities (campus safety, transparent use of Measure H bond money)
Inclusive & Transparent Leadership (special education, collaboration with staff, communication with families)
Supporting & Valuing BOUSD Staff (professional development, coaching, resources)
Any Other Interesting Info:
Tagline: “Empowering Education Together.”
Brea resident, BOUSD parent of two daughters, and longtime educational leader
Husband is a school principal in Orange County.
Over a decade in education. Currently an assistant director at a public charter school, overseeing and supporting special education; previously an education facilitator and classroom teacher (BOUSD press release).
Education: master’s degree in Elementary Education from Biola University (a private Christian university in La Mirada).
Brea resident since 2019; parent of two children at Laurel Elementary. Served three years on Laurel’s School Site Council and five years as a PTO Special Education representative (Spotlight Schools).
Social Media Links:
Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:
Note: All of the accounts Johnson follows on her instagram appear to be either other electeds and officials in and around Brea (none of whom appear to be particularly involved in political battles involving marginalized people), Brea community accounts, and Brea Olinda school district accounts.
Candidate’s Public Comments:
Before her appointment, she spoke during public comment at BOUSD board meetings on campus safety and fencing projects (per the district’s press release).
Campaign website: Among other first-person statements, she says she believes “effective governance is built on collaboration, transparency, thoughtful decision-making” (johnson4bousd.com). Pull further quotes directly from the site.
Natalie responded to the OC Register’s candidate questionnaire.
Question: How do you believe schools can better teach or engage students in civil discourse? How would you like to see your district tackle this issue? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)
Answer: “Civil discourse is foundational to a healthy community. Our goal must be teaching students how to think critically, listen respectfully, and express their ideas constructively. Never telling them what to think.
Focusing on core civic skills: We can better prepare students by strengthening non-partisan civic education, evidence-based debate, and critical thinking skills. Teaching students how to evaluate sources, analyze multiple perspectives, and communicate with mutual respect helps them navigate complex issues thoughtfully.
Encouraging active listening: True discourse requires listening to understand rather than simply responding to win. Incorporating structured classroom discussions where students practice summarizing opposing viewpoints builds empathy and mutual respect across differences.
Adult modeling and shared values: As a school district, leadership starts at the top. The board and district leadership must model civility, transparency, and respectful dialogue during public meetings.
Grounding our approach in universal values of respect, intellectual curiosity, and free expression creates a safe environment where every student feels heard, valued, and empowered to contribute to our shared community.”
Question: How do you feel artificial intelligence is, or isn’t, safe in the classroom? In what instances should it be expanded in the classroom? What about when it should be limited? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)
Answer: “Artificial intelligence is a powerful tool that is safe and effective when guided by strong guardrails, but harmful when permitted to replace critical thinking.
Where AI should be expanded: AI should be integrated as an educational assistant to teach digital literacy, help students brainstorm ideas, build coding/robotics skills, and provide personalized tutoring support. It should also be leveraged to assist teachers with lesson planning and administrative tasks so they can spend more face-to-face time with students.
Where AI must be limited: AI must be strictly restricted during direct student assessments, essay writing, and core problem-solving tasks where independent thought is evaluated. Protecting student data privacy and ensuring zero algorithmic bias are non-negotiable safety requirements.
Our governing principle: The ultimate goal of classroom technology must always be student driven, original work. We must teach our students how to ethically navigate AI tools as modern resources without allowing technology to shortcut authentic learning, critical thinking, or academic integrity.”
Endorsed by:
Nancy’s Picks - Nancy’s Picks (far-right voter guide in Orange County, whose criteria for endorsement include “PRO-LIFE & PROTECTIONS for the UNBORN”, “PRO-SANCTITY of HETEROSEXUAL MARRIAGE”, “PRO-PARENTAL RIGHTS in EDUCATION”, “PRO-NUCLEAR FAMILY”, “SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL and IT’S RIGHT to EXIST”, “SECURE & SEAL OUR BORDERS”, and more.
Kate Alcala—Brea parent and former BOUSD teacher
Kim Sommer—Brea parent, local business owner, nonprofit board member
Lisa Cristea—Brea parent and Laurel PTO executive board member
Leah (Trybulski) Allgeie —current BOUSD education specialist
Mandy Burdett–—Brea parent
Natalie Montano–—Brea parent
Amy Kim–—Brea parent
Ana Paniagua–—Brea parent
Elizabeth Ellison—Brea parent and educator
Monica DeMarti—Teacher
Candidate in the News:
• Brea Olinda USD Board of Education Appoints Natalie Johnson as Area 4 Trustee — Spotlight Schools, April 22, 2026 (republished district press release).
• Newly appointed trustee Natalie Johnson sworn in — Citizen Portal, April 23, 2026.
Public Voting Record:
June 11, 2026: made the motion to appoint the district’s new Administrative Director of Child Development Services (Citizen Portal).
July 24, 2026: absent for the closed-session votes appointing two assistant principals (passed 4-0) (Citizen Portal).
Follow the Money: None Found
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Brea Olinda USD School Board Area 4 Candidate
“WENDY CRINER | Teacher
My name is Wendy Criner, and I am running for Brea Olinda School Board, Area 4. My entire career has been centered on supporting our youth–in the classroom as a public school teacher, on the pool deck and the field as a coach, and at the decision-making table on the School Site Council. With your support, I’m ready to bring that experience to the school board.
My husband and I moved to Brea over 15 years ago for its exceptional schools. Our two daughters attended Falcon Academy, Brea Junior High, and Brea Olinda High School. I believe in practical, thoughtful solutions that support student growth and foster critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and global readiness.
As a district, we must address complex challenges responsibly. As we move forward with Measure H projects, it is vital that funds are invested with fiscal prudence to ensure safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments for all students.
Our schools are the heart of Brea. Our community deserves a leader who understands both the classroom and local values. I am committed to protecting our investments, empowering teachers, and putting children first. I respectfully ask for your vote.”
Email: wendycrinerforbousd@gmail.com
Campaign Website: Candidate does not appear to have a campaign website.
Any Other Interesting Info:
She is the only candidate endorsed by the Brea Olinda Teachers Association
Honors/Awards (source):
2005 Apple of Character Award
2008 Apple of Character Award
2009-10 Western High School Teacher of the Year
2011-12 Anaheim Union High School District EL Teacher of the Year
As of 2017 National Board Certified Teacher in Adolescent English Language Arts
Background: Her staff profile at Western High School in the Anaheim Union High School District describes her as an Orange County native who studied at UC Berkeley, earned an English teaching credential and an M.S. from Cal State Fullerton, began teaching in 1998, and has taught at Western High since 2001. It also says she has been an adjunct at Cal State Fullerton since 2005, teaching future teachers, and that she is the mother of two daughters (staff profile).
Social Media Links:
Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:
Campaign Instagram:
SOPE OC (Supporters of Public Education OC)
Donald Torres (openly LGBTQ+ Stanton City Councilmember)
Students for Privacy (a student group in BOUSD that is protesting the ‘cLocked’ app that students are required to download onto their phones that will prevent them from accessing their phones during school hours)
Michael McWhorter (TizzyEnt)
Groundswell (OC organization that works to build intersectional community and fight hate crimes. A Pride at the Pier partner organization)
Angel City Football Club (Los Angeles Womens’ Football/Soccer)
Candidate’s Public Comments:
Source: OC Register Questionnaire
What are the top two needs of your school district, and how are you prepared to address them? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)
“As we are implementing the funds from Measure H approved in 2024, we need to ensure fiscal responsibility while modernizing the learning experience. As a district, we must address complex challenges with integrity to ensure these funds provide safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments for all students. Our Brea schools are the heart of our community, and our students deserve facilities that provide them with the best we can provide them. We need to ensure our oversight committee has the time and resources needed to provide the proper checks and balances to those projects.
Another need is to provide resources and training to support the whole child. As technology advances and students are gaining access to more information, the use of electronic devices becomes critical. It is imperative that we monitor use carefully, provide learning opportunities on cyber safety, and educate our students on appropriate technology use. Furthermore, the impact of students’ mental health by technology and social media cannot be underestimated. Although the district has already dedicated funds to alleviating some of these concerns, we need to evaluate their effectiveness to ensure that we are implementing the most impactful programs with our funding.”
Endorsed by:
Brea Olinda Teachers Association
Candidate in the News:
OC Register Questionnaire
To you, what is the role of a school board in education? Is it driving policy, being involved in curriculum, something else entirely? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)
The school board provides oversight on items such as: program implementation, staffing, funding allocations, and school/classroom policies, to name a few. While it serves as a form of checks and balances to the functioning of the district, it is also the board members’ responsibility to ensure they have the whole picture prior to voting on decisions presented to the board. Decisions should be based on the collaborative input of district personnel, teachers, administrators, classified staff, parents, community leaders, and of course, the students. I believe wholeheartedly that we are better when we come together to share ideas, resources, and efforts.
As a board, we directly oversee the superintendent, her roles and responsibilities, and support her in how programs and policies will be implemented. It is then her responsibility to fulfill those needs by working with our staff within the district office, as well as each school site.
Finally, it is my job as a board member to maintain a pulse on the schools. I need to be present at the sites and speak to the people: administrators, teachers, classified staff, students, and parents. Staying connected to the people, their stories, and their needs, helps me determine important next steps.
Public Voting Record:
None found
North OC Community College District
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North OC College District Area 1 Trustee Candidate
“BARBARA DUNSHEATH | Trustee, North Orange County Community College District, Area 1
Proven Leadership – Passionate Supporter of Community Colleges
History Professor.
Doctorate - Educational Leadership.
NOCCCD Board of Trustees, President 2026.
President, Community College League Trustee Board.
Chair, Community Colleges Women's Caucus.
President-elect, Cypress College Foundation.
Former Accreditation Commissioner
Barbara Dunsheath: Vigilantly protects tax dollars from waste. Community Colleges yield the community $14 for every $1 spent. Maintains balanced budget. Ensures facilities like Cypress College STEM and Veterans’ Buildings enhance student success and serve
the community.
Advances academic and vocational needs of our community with superior quality and efficiency. Degrees awarded by Fullerton and Cypress College increased 3.3% last year. Building strong workforce through 5,729 credit and noncredit certificate completers. Advocate for expanding Community College Baccalaureate Degrees, Dual Enrollment, and Promise Program - Free College.
Barbara Dunsheath’s important activities include: Her family (husband Jim, three adult children and our puppy Lally), Sunday school teacher, PTA, Girl/Boy Scouts, Habitat for Humanity, YomHashoah, Sierra Club, Daughters of Charity, OC Animal Allies, Red Cross, League of Women Voters, AAUW, California Historical Society.
I have Bi-partisan support.
Please contact Barbara Dunsheath for issues of concern to you: 562-344-6391 BarbDunsheathTrustee@gmail.com
Visit website: BarbforNorthOrange.com
I humbly request your vote. Thank you, Barbara Dunsheath”
Email: BarbDunsheathTrustee@gmail.com
Campaign Website: http://barbfornorthorange.com/
Priorities:
Fiscally Responsible
Educational Opportunities
Life-Long Learning
Inclusivity
Any Other Interesting Info:
From LinkedIn - Experience
Professor - East Los Angeles College
Member, Board of Trustee - North Orange County Community College District
2004 – Present
From LinkedIn - Education
Bradley University - Bachelor's degree, History
California State University, Long Beach - Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Community Colleges
North Orange County Community College District Biography for Dr. Barbara Dunsheath, Board President
Social Media Links:
Personal Facebook - Regular posts on a mix of topics from personal, professional,etc.
April 17, 2026 “Thanks Colleen for sharing this ❤️” on repost of realmamabears.org “What do parents of trans kids want?”
NOTE: Real Mama Bears is a pro-LGBTQ group.
Three possible Twitter accounts - not enough details to confirm - two with only one post, third with no posts; one following zero, two following only one
LinkedIn - Regular posts on career related topics
Three additional LinkedIn appear to also be the candidate’s:
Not found on Instagram; Threads; Bluesky; TikTok;
Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:
Personal Facebook - following many including.
Conservatives Are Destroying Our Future - “This page is for Americans who are tired of right-wing bigotry.”
Katie Porter - Former Congresswoman for Orange County.
Second Personal Facebook - not following anyone
Third Personal Facebook - not following anyone
Candidate’s Public Comments:
Barbara Dunsheath, North Orange County Community College District Area 1 candidate, 2026 election questionnaire - By Kaitlyn Schallhorn | kschallhorn@scng.com - PUBLISHED: October 5, 2026 at 1:54 PM PDT
Q: What are the top two needs of your college district, and how are you prepared to address them? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)
“Our mission at North Orange County CCD is to serve and enrich our diverse communities by providing comprehensive educational programs. We work diligently to provide relevant, accessible and academically excellent learning opportunities.
Two needs of the district are:
1. Ongoing support for student success. As president of the board, I am successful when our students thrive. Students thrive when they achieve their goals. As trustee, I carefully monitor student success metrics, such as degree/certificate attainment and implement strategies that strengthen completion. Trustees must provide student support services to help them along their educational journey. We need to continue to offer: tutors, basic needs such as our food pantries, wraparound services, and mental health counseling. We need to maintain affordable college at the $46 per unit in-state cost.
2. Ongoing fiscal prudence. As your representative, I have a fiduciary responsibility to ensure tax dollars are spent wisely. North Orange County Community College District’s financial impact on our community is $2.7 billion in added income. For every dollar invested in NOCCCD, students gain $6.90 in lifetime earnings; taxpayers gain $1.70 in added tax revenue and public sector savings; and our society gains $11.90 in added income and social savings.”
Q: To you, what is the role of community college in education? Is it driving policy, being involved in curriculum, something else entirely? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)
“Community Colleges provide educational opportunities for the top 100%. We are the people’s college, offering academic and vocational needs with superior quality and efficiency to 63,129 students. Cypress and Fullerton Colleges offer over 225 associate degree programs, nearly the same number of career certificates, three baccalaureate degrees, and at North Orange Continuing Education (NOCE) a variety of lifelong learning options. We offer the first drone baccalaureate degree in the western United States, certificates in artificial intelligence, as well as traditional areas of academic study. Cypress College’s nursing program has been ranked No. 1 in the nation based on license passage rate.
North Orange County CCD offers the lowest fees — merely $46 per unit (for residents), far below the national average of over $150. College is free for two years through the Promise Program for local high school graduates who enroll full time immediately after graduation. We provide wraparound services to assist students along their educational journey — including zero textbook costs, basic-need assistance (food banks, low-cost transportation) and emergency loans through our foundations because tuition is not the only cost for attending college.
In October, Long Beach City College will break ground on a new student housing facility at its Liberal Arts Campus that will provide 431 total units to students. Is student housing a priority that your college should pursue? If so, explain how you intend to take on such an endeavor in a timely, cost-effective manner. If you don’t, how should your college district support students searching for affordable housing options near campus? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)
“The high cost of housing in Orange County is a barrier for student success, and North Orange County CCD has worked diligently to offset costs. Cypress College submitteda cost-effective, shovel-ready proposal for state-funded student housing in 2024, but the state reversed its financial support for student housing.
We (NOCCCD) have recently purchased property near both our colleges to address student housing needs. We are happy to partner with our cities, community organizations such as Pathways for HOPE and sister universities to coordinate housing solutions.
Our foundations provide emergency funds for students unable to pay rent. I personally donate to both Cypress and Fullerton Foundations, understanding the real- life hurdles our students face. Donations support hope and resilience.
A safe, affordable place to live is essential for our students to thrive. Supporting basic needs is a core priority of mine as trustee.”
What actions would you suggest to prevent a cyberattack similar to the Canvas data breach in May? How can your district ensure students’ information is safe? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)
“North Orange County has in place multiple layers of protection against cyberattacks and to ensure student data is safe, including:* Utilize MFA (multifactor authentication) for student and employee accounts.* Deployed SentinelOne, an advanced Endpoint Detection and Response tool, allowing for 24/7 ongoing monitoring and risk mitigation.* Cybersecurity Awareness Training for all employees.* Fully implemented Microsoft Defender for email and endpoint protection.* Created a backup process for all IT operations for redundancy to ensure disaster recovery and business continuity.* Two dedicated cybersecurity positions centralize monitoring.* Conducted cybersecurity vulnerability testing and assessment on an annual basis with monthly phishing simulations.”
How do you feel artificial intelligence is, or isn’t, safe in the classroom? In what instances should it be expanded in the classroom? What about when it should be limited? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)
“As a history professor, I see first-hand the use of AI in my classroom. Through professional development events, I have learned the most effective way to harness the potential of AI while mitigating its harm is to create guidelines regarding its use.
The ability to generate instantly a plethora of information is now at our fingertips. The trick is to engage students to utilize critical thinking to discern credible sources and the integrity of information.
I tell my students, “Just because somebody said something, doesn’t make it true.” AI-generated information is a great way to begin a discussion but never the definitive answer — that requires human thought.”
How do you believe schools can better teach or engage students in civil discourse? How would you like to see your district tackle this issue? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)
A core value at NOCCCD is respect. We believe that all members of the district are entitled to work and learn in an atmosphere of courtesy, civility, and collegiality by nurturing a culture of open, transparent, and authentic communication, taking care to invite traditionally marginalized voices to the center.
As a trustee, it is important to model civil discourse by respectful disagreement, focusing on facts, not personality, and active listening to different points of view.
I would follow guidelines for civil discourse set by the League of Women Voters that begins with a thoughtful conversation.
Our district offers a variety of convenings for students to learn about topics such as Earth Day symposium and Yom HaShoah. We set guidelines for faculty to facilitate meaningful classroom discussions that separate personal opinion from subject-area viewpoint. Freedom of speech is a core component of our district.
Q: What experiences and priorities do you bring to this role? What have you learned in prior leadership roles that makes you the person for the job? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)
“My greatest experience is being a long-time resident of Cypress, where I’ve raised my family. I participated in: PTA, AYSO, Boy/Girl Scouts, St. Irenaeus, League of WomenVoters and Friends of Seal Beach Animal Care. Professionally, I have served in multiple roles at NOCCCD, statewide, as accreditation commissioner and professor.
Community College experience is my strength.
Currently, I am president of the California Community College Trustee Board. My focus is: trustee professional development and advocacy, including support for baccalaureate degrees at the Community Colleges.
I also am elected for the fourth time president of the NOCCCD board. Over my tenure, I have acquired in-depth experience in budgets and finance, curriculum and construction.
As commissioner for the accrediting agency (ACCJC), I ensured peer colleges in California, Hawaii, and the Pacific area met standards of educational quality and vigor. As a professor, I know what it’s like to be in the classroom interacting with students. I have a bird’s-eye view of student needs, struggles, and strengths.
I hold a doctorate in educational leadership specializing in Community Colleges. While there is always more to learn, I am excellently prepared to be your Trustee.”
If your campaign had a mascot, what would it be and why? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)
“The Sankofa bird. It is an African symbol of a mythical bird looking backward with the egg in its beak. It emphasizes that learning from the past is essential to moving forward. It is a sign of hope and resilience rooted in respect for ancestors and history.
I choose this symbol to represent my lifelong service to community colleges and ongoing energy and commitment to sustaining educational quality for our students and community.”
Q: Bonus question: What is the best book you’ve read this year? Explain why you found it compelling.
I am an avid reader and belong to three book clubs. I could never choose one book. Here are three: “Theo of Golden”: Teaches you to give back to the community and be a good person. “How We Learn to be Brave”: Decisive Moments in Life and Faith. How to respond with clarity and grace in tough situations. “Becoming Madame Secretary”: A historical fiction novel about Fransis Perkins, the first female Cabinet member who crafted Social Security and the Fair Labor and Standards Act while taking care of her mentally ill husband. As a hobby, I am writing a historical fiction novel, “Faithfully Yours,” based on love letters from my great-grandfather, a Chicago lawyer, to my great-grandmother, an Irish immigrant who worked next door to him as a nursemaid.
Endorsed by:
Candidate in the News:
Nothing found but see Social Media links, especially YouTube
Public Voting Record:
From netfile.com
Suzanne Chan - Ohlone College - paid to Re-Elect Barbara Dunsheath Trustee 2026 - 10/06/2026 $200.00
Note, only record for 2026, there are records back to 2005
-
North OC College District Area 1 Trustee Candidate
“RAMA R. MALINE | State Prosecutor/Professor
It's time for a leader who listens. Elect Rama Maline to the NOCCCD Board of Trustees.
The NOCCCD Board has too often ignored the community it serves. I'm running to represent Cypress, Los Alamitos, Stanton, Seal Beach, Garden Grove, Westminster, and Anaheim with a more logical approach that puts students and community first.
For nearly 30 years, I've served California as a state prosecutor, taking on organized crime and fraud, securing more than thirty published legal opinions. That same commitment to accountability and the rule of law will guide my work on the Board.
For nearly 20 years, I've also taught legal courses, mentoring students into the workforce and law school. I know what students need: rigorous instruction, real-world skills, meaningful career
opportunities, and a fiscally sound institution.
As Trustee, I'll prioritize student success and workforce readiness at Fullerton College, Cypress College, and North Orange Continuing Education, insist on fiscal responsibility and transparency, and expand career and technical training.
As former Treasurer of my statewide attorneys' association, I grew our reserves from $500,000 to over $6,000,000 — a 1,000% increase — proof I deliver results, answering only to students,
faculty, and taxpayers.
I respectfully ask for your vote.
Email: rama.maline@gmail.com
Phone: (562) 673-7437
Campaign Website: https://voterama.org/
Priorities:
None stated on the campaign site - see Public Comments section below for survey answers.
Any Other Interesting Info:
From LinkedIn -
Experience - Deputy Attorney General - STATE OF CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE · Full-time - Apr 1997 - Present · 29 yrs 7 mos
Education - Southwestern Law School - Juris Doctor (J.D.), Law - 1992 – 1996
The State Bar of California Attorney Profile - Rama Ronald Maline #187923
California Attorney Registry - Rama R. Maline · Criminal Defense Attorney
NOTE: this site is just an aggregator of other sources, use with caution
CASE - California Attorneys, Administrative Law Judges and Hearing Officers in State Employment - 2023 candidate statement to RE-ELECT CASE Treasurer Rama R. Maline PDF
Rama R Maline - DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL IV
Transparent California brings transparency to public-sector compensation. Search salaries, pensions, and benefits across government agencies free, open, and accountable to the public.
Social Media Links:
Campaign Facebook - Five posts all campaign related
LinkedIn - No posts
Not found on Twitter; Instagram; Treads; Bluesky; TikTok; Youtube
Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:
Campaign Facebook - Following five:
Cerritos College
Cypress College
Orange County Register
The OC Local - North Orange County, CA
North Orange County Community College District
Candidate’s Public Comments:
Rama Maline, North Orange County Community College District Area 1 candidate, 2026 election questionnaire - By Kaitlyn Schallhorn | kschallhorn@scng.com - PUBLISHED: October 5, 2026 at 1:56 PM PDT
What are the top two needs of your college district, and how are you prepared to address them? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)
Workforce readiness: The first need is program alignment with real career outcomes — credentials that translate directly into jobs, particularly in the legal, healthcare, and technical fields where local employers are actively hiring. Too often, programs stay static while the job market moves, and students end up with credits that don’t convert into employment.
Accountability: The second need is fiscal accountability — ensuring every dollar the district spends is tied to a measurable outcome for students, not absorbed into administrative overhead that no one is required to justify.
My approach: I’m prepared to address both because I’ve lived them from different sides of the desk. I’ve taught paralegal studies at Cerritos College since 2007, so I know firsthand what employers expect graduates to walk in the door knowing, and where our curriculum lags behind. Before I was a lawyer, I passed the CPA exam and worked as a state tax auditor, which gave me a disciplined, numbers-first approach to budgets. As trustee, I’d push for stronger industry advisory partnerships to keep programs current, and for regular, transparent budget review so every spending decision is explainable — not just to the board, but to the taxpayers and students funding it.
To you, what is the role of community college in education? Is it driving policy, being involved in curriculum, something else entirely? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)
Mission: Community colleges exist to make opportunity affordable and reachable for the students they serve. They should also vigorously support transfer pathways to four-year universities, career training that leads to real, high-paying jobs, and a genuine second or third chance for students whose paths haven’t been linear. I don’t see the trustee’s role as writing curriculum; that’s faculty expertise, and trustees who wade into it are usually working outside their competence.
Oversight: Setting policy direction, managing the budget responsibly, hiring and evaluating district leadership, and making sure programs stay connected to what students and local employers actually need rather than what’s administratively convenient.
My approach: I think of it much like appellate litigation, my career for nearly 30 years — you’re not re-litigating every ground-level decision, but making sure the process was sound and the institution genuinely serves the people it exists for. Trustees who overreach into curriculum decisions create confusion and resentment among faculty; trustees who disengage from budget and policy oversight are failing the actual job they were elected to do. I want to bring the same rigor I’ve applied in courtrooms for three decades to this oversight role, without ever micromanaging the classroom itself.
In October, Long Beach City College will break ground on a new student housing facility at its Liberal Arts Campus that will provide 431 total units to students. Is student housing a priority that your college should pursue? If so, explain how you intend to take on such an endeavor in a timely, cost-effective manner. If you don’t, how should your college district support students searching for affordable housing options near campus? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)
Identifying the problem: Long Beach City College’s 431-unit project reflects a real problem — housing costs are pushing capable students out of school before they finish. Whether my district should pursue a comparable large-scale build depends on honest answers about land availability and debt capacity that I don’t have yet as a candidate, and I wouldn’t promise a specific project without a real feasibility study first.
Realistic solutions: Where a large housing development isn’t realistic in the near term, the district still has an obligation to act rather than shrug. That means formal partnerships with local cities and affordable-housing developers, emergency housing grants or short-term rental assistance for students facing sudden crisis, and a real, actively maintained resource hub connecting students to existing local housing programs rather than leaving them to search alone with a stale list of links.
Cost-efficient solutions: Cost-effectiveness matters here — a rushed or over-leveraged housing project that strains the district’s budget doesn’t actually help students either. I’d rather see a phased approach: stand up partnerships and emergency support quickly, then evaluate a larger housing project once the real numbers are vetted.
What actions would you suggest to prevent a cyberattack similar to the Canvas data breach in May? How can your district ensure students’ information is safe? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)
The Canvas breach showed that a district’s data is only as safe as the vendors it contracts with — the vulnerability wasn’t in the district’s own servers; it was in a third-party platform everyone trusted without asking hard enough questions. As trustee, I’d push for real vendor accountability: independent security audits and strict breach-notification requirements written directly into every technology contract, not left to the vendor’s discretion or public relations timeline.
Internally, I’d want mandatory multi-factor authentication district-wide, regular independent penetration testing rather than self-reported compliance, and a dedicated cybersecurity budget line that exists before an incident happens, not one improvised in a panic afterward. Just as important is transparency toward the people actually affected — students and employees deserve fast, plain-language notice when their information may be exposed, not a delayed, lawyer-scrubbed disclosure months later.
My background as a career prosecutor handling sensitive cases, and as an auditor who understands internal financial controls, gives me a practical sense of what real accountability looks like in practice. It’s a system that’s actually tested, audited, and verified on a regular schedule — not just a compliance checkbox the district can point to after something has already gone wrong.
How do you feel artificial intelligence is, or isn’t, safe in the classroom? In what instances should it be expanded in the classroom? What about when it should be limited? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)
AI belongs in the classroom as a tool that sharpens student work, not a substitute for the thinking behind it. I already see its value in paralegal education — students use it to draft, research, and issue-spot faster, the same way they’ll use it in law offices right after graduation. It should be expanded wherever it builds real, transferable workplace skills: legal research, structured writing feedback, accessibility accommodations for students with disabilities, and tutoring support for students juggling jobs and family who can’t always get office hours. It should be limited wherever it substitutes for a student’s own reasoning — exams, case briefs, anywhere we’re trying to measure whether someone can think and argue like a working professional. The line isn’t the technology itself; it’s whether the student is still doing the intellectual work.
What concerns me most right now is inconsistency — AI policy is often decided ad hoc, course by course, sometimes instructor by instructor, which isn’t fair to students trying to understand what’s actually allowed. The district needs clear, uniform guidelines developed with faculty input, so expectations are consistent and students aren’t penalized for guessing wrong. Trustees need to provide direction on this important policy ground.
How do you believe schools can better teach or engage students in civil discourse? How would you like to see your district tackle this issue? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)
I’ve spent nearly 30 years arguing before appellate courts, including at every level of the state and federal courts, where disagreement is structured, evidence-based, and still fundamentally respectful of the other side. That’s the model I’d bring to campus discourse — not avoiding hard topics out of discomfort, but teaching students how to argue a position, genuinely engage the strongest version of the opposing view, and reach a reasoned conclusion without personal contempt or attacks for whoever disagrees with them.
I’d like to see the district invest in structured debate and moot-court-style programming across disciplines, not confined to pre-law students, so that students practice disagreement as a learnable skill rather than experience it as raw conflict to be avoided. Trustees can support this concretely by protecting faculty and students from outside political pressure, and by making sure civics and critical thinking remain embedded in general education rather than treated as an optional elective. Civil discourse isn’t taught by simply telling students to be nicer to one another. It’s taught by giving them a rigorous framework for how to disagree well, which is exactly what my legal practice has demanded of me every working day.
What experiences and priorities do you bring to this role? What have you learned in prior leadership roles that makes you the person for the job? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)
Proven experience for 30 years: I’ve spent nearly 30 years as a California deputy attorney general handling criminal trials and appeals, with more than 30 published opinions and arguments before the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and the California Supreme Court.
I’ve also taught paralegal studies at Cerritos College since 2007, so I know community college students and faculty from the inside, not just from a boardroom seat once a month.
Before law, I passed the CPA exam and worked as a state tax auditor, which shaped how I think about budgets, internal controls, and accountability long before I ever set foot in a courtroom.
What I bring to this role is the combination of all three: courtroom-tested judgment under real pressure, direct classroom experience with what students actually need to get hired, and a numbers person’s discipline about where district money goes and why. Leadership in the Attorney General’s Office and in the classroom has taught me the same lesson repeatedly — results matter more than good intentions, and you owe the people you serve a clear, honest account of your decisions, especially, and most importantly, when something didn’t go the way you planned it to.
If your campaign had a mascot, what would it be and why? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)
My mascot would be a guide dog stationed at a lighthouse — two protectors working the same shift, at two different scales.
The lighthouse does the quiet, structural work: standing watch, warning people away from the rocks before they ever ask for help. That’s the prosecutor in me — building systems, policies, and safeguards that protect people who never even know they were at risk.
The guide dog does the personal work: walking alongside one person at a time, making sure they actually get where they’re going, safely, step by step. That’s the professor in me — the part of the job where I’m not managing a system; I’m sitting across from a single student who needs someone to actually notice them and help them get through.
I don’t think protection only happens at the policy level, and I don’t think it only happens one relationship at a time either. It takes both. A trustee who only builds structure from a distance misses the students standing right in front of them. A trustee who only mentors individually never fixes what’s broken for everyone else. I want to be both the lighthouse and the dog leading someone safely past it.
Bonus question: What is the best book you’ve read this year? Explain why you found it compelling.
“Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI” by Wharton professor Ethan Mollick.
I found it compelling because its central idea — that AI succeeds and fails unpredictably, so the real skill is learning to work alongside it rather than ban it or blindly trust it — matches exactly what I already see teaching paralegal studies and forces the same shift I’m now proposing for the whole district: grading students on their thinking and process, not just the polished final product.”
Endorsed by:
Nancy’s Picks - Nancy’s Picks (far-right voter guide in Orange County, whose criteria for endorsement include “PRO-LIFE & PROTECTIONS for the UNBORN”, “PRO-SANCTITY of HETEROSEXUAL MARRIAGE”, “PRO-PARENTAL RIGHTS in EDUCATION”, “PRO-NUCLEAR FAMILY”, “SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL and IT’S RIGHT to EXIST”, “SECURE & SEAL OUR BORDERS”, and more.
Moms on the Ground — California parental-rights advocacy group that has worked in coalition with Moms for Liberty and other organizations promoting parental-rights and school-choice/charter-school policies. (momsonthegroundca, Moms for Liberty)
Reform California - (far-right organization led by Carl DeMaio)
Candidate in the News:
None found
Public Voting Record:
None found
From netfile.com records from 2001 through 2019 but nothing newer
-
North OC College District Area 3 Trustee Candidate
“LARRY ANDRE | Business Owner
My Top Priority, Student Success.
High-paying skilled jobs have been leaving California. One of the best ways to bring those jobs back is to build a highly trained workforce. That begins with education.
Not every student follows the same path. Some will earn a university degree. Others will build successful careers through career and technical education, apprenticeships, certificate programs, or workforce training. Hundreds of rewarding careers require education beyond high school, and every path deserves respect, support, and opportunity.
Our community colleges must prepare students for college transfer and high-demand careers. This means expanding career education, strengthening partnerships with local businesses, industry, labor organizations, and providing training that leads directly to good-paying careers.
California needs more skilled workers in construction, manufacturing, healthcare, technology, transportation, public safety, and many other essential industries. Our colleges must
provide the knowledge, technical skills, hands-on experience, and problem-solving abilities employers need.
As Trustee, I will work with local, state, and federal elected officials to secure funding to build modern campuses, expand career training facilities, and provide the classes, equipment, and student support services needed for success.
Together we can build stronger students, stronger families, a stronger workforce, stronger communities, and a stronger California tomorrow.”
Email: not found
Campaign Website: https://andrefornorthoc.com/
Priorities:
Student Success
Smart Budgeting
Foster A Safe, Open Environment
Any Other Interesting Info:
From LinkedIn - Experience
Adjunct Instructor - Santa Ana Community College · Part-time
Jan 2018 - Present · 8 yrs 10 mos
Company Owner - Masonry & Tile Tool www.groutbags.com www.groutstop.com
www.nylonmasonline.com · Full-time
Jun 1978 - Present · 48 yrs 5 mos
Owner - Masonry & Tile Tool · Full-time
Jun 1978 - 2024 · 45 yrs 8 mos
From LinkedIn - Education
= [NOTE that is not a mistake, it appears Larry has removed the name] - Bachelor's Degree, Pastoral Studies - 1995 – 1999
- [NOTE that is not a mistake, it appears Larry has removed the name] - Associates Degree, Business Administration and Management, General - 1972 – 1974
From LinkedIn - Volunteering
Construction Services - Berea Baptist Missions, Inc. Rancho Sordo Mudo - 1992 – Present
Social Media Links:
Personal Facebook - regular posts, mostly resposting with some personal items generally aligning with right-wing talking points - examples like:
Personal Twitter - Posts consistent up to July, 2024 - Posts and reposts are strongly right leaning - examples:
Jul 14, 2024 - “Morning Joe, you are responsible along with the other leftist news organizations, you ginned this up, how your are proud of yourself. Special spot in hell for evil like you. I am a Kennedy supporter. @JoeNBC”
Dec 3, 2022 - “@robreiner Has become a slave to his hatred of Donald Trump. Get a life. But the Hunter Biden laptop that was suppressed by the media, not concerned at all.”
Personal Instagram - Posts from 2019 through August 2026 are mostly pictures of pets and flowers with a racist and anti-vax joke sprinkled in:
May 3, 2023 - meme of Munsters family with text “THAT ONE FAMILY MEMBER WHO REFUSED THE VACCINE”
December 30, 2022 - picture of a racially insensitive joke based on a person’s access
Personal Threads - Posts starting in 2024 with a link to an anti-trans article and others referenced below through to now mostly about pets.
04/20/24 - link to anti-trans article “The Trans Reckoning Is Here | RealClearPolitics”
01/20/25 - “Biden has dementia, likely mid-stage dementia. The earmark of dementia is incapacity to make decisions of legal importance. Now is the time to challenge the pardons, commutations, give aways, and decisions of Biden. Important because our Republic is at stake.”
09/10/25 - “CHARLIE KIRK WAS MURDERED TODAY AND SOME ON THE LEFT CHEERED. THEY BELIEVED THEY SILENCED THE CONSERVATIVE YOUTH MOVEMENT.
The colleague is now—Fight, fight, FIGHT
Organize, organize, organize”
LinkedIn -
First post on May 31, 2016 is a comment of Charlie Brown’s “wha, wha, wha” sound when adults are talking on a post by Hillary Clinton, with a small number of comments over the years after
Second LinkedIn - Instructor at Long Beach City College - No posts
Third LinkedIn - Adjunct Instructor at Santa Ana College - No posts
Not found on Bluesky; TikTok; YouTube
Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:
Personal Facebook - following 1.2k set to private
Personal Twitter - following 674, including
Personal Instagram - following 564, including
The entire Trump family
realwilloneill - Will O'Neill (Chair of OCGOP, regularly user homophobic and trans phobic language in newsletters)
Tony Strickland (CA State Senator, Fmr. Huntington Beach Mayor who voted for the Pride flag ban)
Kim Colleen Bengard (Member of the Council for National Policy, Director of It Takes A Family Foundation, Director at Prager University Foundation & Family Action PAC President. For anyone unfamiliar, these are extremist, far-right organizations in the Heritage Foundation network pushing policy at a national level). (x)
Pacific Research Institute (PRI was a founding member of the State Policy Network, at the top level of the Heritage Foundation network implementing Project 2025 at the state and local level)
Personal Threads - not following anyone
Candidate’s Public Comments:
Larry Andre, North Orange County Community College District Area 3 candidate, 2026 election questionnaire - By Kaitlyn Schallhorn | kschallhorn@scng.com - PUBLISHED: October 5, 2026 at 2:05 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 outcomes for student success are my top priority. Some students are on an academic path, while other choose vocational education, apprenticeships, certificates, or other classes designed to help students obtain high-paying careers
Students first. Positive student outcomes. Fair pay for instructors that takes into consideration their education, their needs, and their commitment to the NOCCCD and their sacrificial giving to their students.
As a retired college instructor who taught vocational education, I understand the value of both academic and career education. I am prepared to bring that experience to the Board and keep the focus where it belongs: students first and preparing them for a successful future.
To you, what is the role of community college in education? Is it driving policy, being involved in curriculum, something else entirely? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)
For a large percentage of students seeking higher education, community colleges offer a world-class education at a low cost. Plus, community colleges offer a wide range of educational opportunities that allow students to work while attending college.
The needs of the students and the community at large should be the driving factors for policy and curriculum. We need to move away from the misguided belief that only college-educated students can obtain high-paying careers. About 50% of high school graduates seek careers in some type of vocational field.
Since middle schools and high schools have not offered meaningful vocational education opportunities for many decades, training for many careers was removed, and those students have been underserved and neglected in favor of the academic-path student.
My goal is to make sure community colleges continue to provide opportunities for both paths. Academic education and vocational education are both important, and both can lead to successful, high-paying careers.
In October, Long Beach City College will break ground on a new student housing facility at its Liberal Arts Campus that will provide 431 total units to students. Is student housing a priority that your college should pursue? If so, explain how you intend to take on such an endeavor in a timely, cost-effective manner. If you don’t, how should your college district support students searching for affordable housing options near campus? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)
I believe student housing is important, but we should first look at why students need housing and how we can help them through short-term programs, vocational education, preparing them for work and to become self-sufficient.
Many students at community colleges pursue an academic path because they have not established a viable path forward to receive the career education that could lead to a high-paying career. Career-path education is often short-term. For example, training for custodians might be completed within two weeks, with the student earning a certificate demonstrating their skills. Other career training, such as welding or cosmetology, might be completed in a two-year program.
Housing needs could be lessened when academic and career-path students can receive diplomas or certificates quickly and enter the workforce in a high-paying career after completing an academic path or a short vocational training program.
If on-campus short-term housing were offered to students, I believe a path forward and a successful outcome for the student should be established before offering housing, which includes measurable goals that would drive student success.
What actions would you suggest to prevent a cyberattack similar to the Canvas data breach in May? How can your district ensure students’ information is safe? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)
Reevaluate current security protocols, determine if the protocols need updating and take appropriate steps to correct deficiencies. Establish a robust login protocol and install state-of-the-art security software to protect students’ data. Additionally, purge the system of former students to keep the database up to date and lessen the chances of a data breach.
How do you feel artificial intelligence is, or isn’t, safe in the classroom? In what instances should it be expanded in the classroom? What about when it should be limited? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)
Artificial intelligence should have limited use in the classroom and in the completion of homework. One way to resolve this is to have students complete in class with pen and paper and compare their in class work to their homework. Use software to determine if homework was completed with AI resources.
How do you believe schools can better teach or engage students in civil discourse? How would you like to see your district tackle this issue? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)
I am a believer in the First Amendment and the peaceful use of freedom of speech. Peaceful is the key word. As long as discourse is peaceful, no violence or intimidation or denial of others’ rights, the discourse can continue. If the discourse is violent, intimidating or denying others their rights, and if the participants refuse to cooperate, then steps should be taken to return the event to civility.
What experiences and priorities do you bring to this role? What have you learned in prior leadership roles that makes you the person for the job? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)
I have been a college instructor for 12 years, and I have owned businesses for over 50 years. My priorities are successful student outcomes that are measurable and quickly prepare students for success in the real world.
If your campaign had a mascot, what would it be and why? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)
A collage of careers that represents opportunities through an academic path, and the other half of the collage, careers that represent the programs offered on the non-academic path.
Bonus question: What is the best book you’ve read this year? Explain why you found it compelling.
“When Things Fall Apart, Heart Advice for Difficult Times” by Pema Chodron. My partner of 12 years passed away in the spring of 2026, and this book helped me address the grief, anger, loneliness and difficult days that follow the death of a partner.
Endorsed by:
Nancy’s Picks - Nancy’s Picks (far-right voter guide in Orange County, whose criteria for endorsement include “PRO-LIFE & PROTECTIONS for the UNBORN”, “PRO-SANCTITY of HETEROSEXUAL MARRIAGE”, “PRO-PARENTAL RIGHTS in EDUCATION”, “PRO-NUCLEAR FAMILY”, “SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL and IT’S RIGHT to EXIST”, “SECURE & SEAL OUR BORDERS”, and more.
Moms on the Ground — California parental-rights advocacy group that has worked in coalition with Moms for Liberty and other organizations promoting parental-rights and school-choice/charter-school policies. (momsonthegroundca, Moms for Liberty)
Reform California - (far-right organization led by Carl DeMaio)
Candidate in the News:
Nothing found
Public Voting Record:
Nothing found
From netfile.com
Larry Andre - paid to Larry Andre - 10/16/2026 $8,000.00
Larry Andre - Paid to Andre for North OC Community College 2026 - 10/16/2026 $8,000.00
NOTE: This is indicative of Larry self-funding his own campaign.
Note - there are also records for 2013 back to 2010
-
North OC College District Area 3 Trustee Candidate
“CHLOE SERRANO | Education Policy Advisor
My experience working with community colleges, public policy, and local government will help guide our district through the challenges facing higher education while keeping students at the center of every decision.
As your community college trustee, I will work to:
Expand workforce development and career education programs that prepare students for well-paying careers while strengthening partnerships with local employers.
Address declining enrollment by reaching out to former students, adult learners, and working families, making it easier to return to college and complete a degree or certificate.
Support student success by expanding academic support, transfer opportunities, mental health resources, and basic needs programs that help students stay enrolled and graduate.
Champion first-generation college students by improving access to counseling, financial aid, and mentoring so every student has the opportunity to succeed.
Strengthen services for veterans by supporting programs that help them transition to college, earn credentials, and enter the workforce.
Ensure the district remains financially responsible while maintaining high-quality instruction and preparing students for the changing workforce of tomorrow.
As a UCLA graduate, former Fullerton College Student Trustee, and California higher education policy advocate, I have dedicated my career to expanding educational opportunity and helping students succeed.”
Email: serrano4nocccd@gmail.com
Phone: (714) 555-0148
Campaign Website: https://chloeserrano.com/
Priorities:
Affordable Pathways
Student Support
Career Readiness
Transparent Leadership
Any Other Interesting Info:
From LinkedIn - Experience
Social Media Assistant - When We All Vote
Sep 2026 - Present · 2 mos
Local Leader Fellow - She Should Run
Sep 2026 - Present · 2 mos
City of Buena Park - Part-time · 3 yrs 2 mos
Chairperson of the Community Development Block Grant Committee
Jan 2026 - Present · 10 mos
Community Development Block Grant Committee Member
Sep 2023 - Present · 3 yrs 2 mos
State Policy Manager - What We All Deserve · Part-time
Sep 2025 - Present · 1 yr 2 mos
Website and Branding Intern - Kaya Press · Internship
Mar 2026 - Jun 2026 · 4 mos
Program Associate - UCLA Labor Center · Part-time
Jan 2026 - Jun 2026 · 6 mos
Ambassador - Advocates for Youth · Freelance
Oct 2025 - Jun 2026 · 9 mos
Smart Justice Fellow - Michelson 20MM Foundation · Part-time
May 2025 - Mar 2026 · 11 mos
Communications & Social Media Assistant - UCLA Asian American Studies Center · Part-time
Sep 2025 - Jan 2026 · 5 mos
Immigration Rights Research Intern - Brave New Films · Internship
Sep 2025 - Dec 2025 · 4 mos
Americans United for Separation of Church and State - 1 yr 3 mos
National Youth Organizing Fellow
Sep 2024 - Aug 2025 · 1 yr
Social Media Intern
Jun 2024 - Aug 2024 · 3 mos
Digital Media Intern - UCLA Alumni Association · Part-time
Feb 2025 - Jul 2025 · 6 mos
Editorial Intern - Ms. Magazine · Part-time
Sep 2024 - Dec 2024 · 4 mos
Co-Founder & Executive Director - Melanated Youth · Part-time
Sep 2020 - Dec 2024 · 4 yrs 4 mos
Digital Intern - California Democratic Party · Part-time
Jun 2024 - Aug 2024 · 3 mos
Political Intern - New American Leaders · Internship
May 2024 - Aug 2024 · 4 mos
Joe Kerr for Congress - Self-employed · 3 mos
Canvasser
Jun 2024 - Jul 2024 · 2 mos
Call Time Assistant
May 2024 - Jul 2024 · 3 mos
National Youth Policy Fellow - The Gathering for Justice · Internship
Feb 2023 - Jul 2024 · 1 yr 6 mos
North Orange County Community College District - 1 yr
Student Representative District Consultation Council
Oct 2023 - May 2024 · 8 mos
Student Trustee
Jun 2023 - May 2024 · 1 yr
Fullerton College - 1 yr 9 mos
Chair of Athletics Task Force
Oct 2023 - May 2024 · 8 mos
Student Representative APIDA (Asian Pacific Islander Desi American) Advisory & Support Team
Nov 2022 - May 2024 · 1 yr 7 mos
Chair of Safe Speech Task Force
Nov 2022 - May 2024 · 1 yr 7 mos
President of Associated Students
Sep 2022 - Jun 2023 · 10 mos
Phone Banker - City of Fullerton · Part-time
Oct 2022 - Nov 2022 · 2 mos
Student Intern - Young Legislators Program for Sharon Quirk Silva · Internship
Feb 2022 - Jun 2022 · 5 mos
Spring Intern - Blue Future + the Youth Progressive Action Catalyst · Internship
Feb 2022 - Apr 2022 · 3 mos
Co-North Regional Director - Orange County Voter Empowerment Coalition · Part-time
Sep 2019 - Dec 2021 · 2 yrs 4 mos
From LinkedIn - Education
UCLA - Bachelor of Arts - BA, Asian-American Studies
Sep 2024 – Jun 2026
Fullerton College - Associate's degree, Ethnic Studies
Aug 2022 – May 2024
Fullerton Union High School
High School Diploma
From LinkedIn - Volunteering
Member - Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA)
Jan 2026 - Present · 10 mos
Member - Democratic Party of Orange County
Aug 2026 - Present · 3 mos
Chapters Committee Member - Public Interest Law Association
Aug 2025 - Jun 2026 · 11 mos
Mentor - Americans United for Separation of Church and State
Sep 2025 - May 2026 · 9 mos
Student Ambassador - FIIRE - Filipinos in Institutional Real Estate
Sep 2024 - Sep 2025 · 1 yr 1 mo
Pilipinx Advancing Leadership Success Intern - UCLA Pilipino Council of Mabuhay Collective (PCMC)
Jan 2025 - Apr 2025 · 4 mos
Volunteer - Pathways of Hope
Aug 2023 - May 2024 · 10 mos
Partnerships Volunteer - Polluters Out
Jun 2021 - Mar 2022 · 10 mos
Debate Coach - Beatty Middle School
Oct 2021 - Oct 2022 · 1 yr 1 mo
Judge - Orange County Debate League
Sep 2019 - May 2023 · 3 yrs 9 mos
Campaign Volunteer - Congressman Gil Cisneros
Sep 2019 - Jun 2021 · 1 yr 10 mos
Volunteer - March For Our Lives
Feb 2017 - Jul 2017 · 6 mos
Social Media Links:
Personal Facebook - Posts between 2023 and now, most are campaign related
Campaign Instagram - 16 posts all campaign related
Campaign TikTok - No posts
LinkedIn - regular posting, career topics moving into campaign focus
Not found on Twitter; Threads; Bluesky;
Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:
Personal Facebook - following 14 including
melanatedyouth - bi&poc led youth coalition based on the mobilization of marginalized identities
Felicity Figueroa - Core member at OC Rapid Response Network, Ministries Board Chair at Irvine United Congregational Church and Board Member at Orange County Justice Fund
Campaign Instagram - following 82, including
stonewalldems - Stonewall Democrats
yaritza4inglewood - Yaritza A. González
davemin_ca - Dave Min
Campaign TikTok - Not following anyone
Candidate’s Public Comments:
Meet the Candidates Chloe Serrano - FC Hornet Media - Oct 21, 2026
Chloe Serrano, North Orange County Community College District Area 3 candidate, 2026 election questionnaire - By Kaitlyn Schallhorn | kschallhorn@scng.com - PUBLISHED: October 5, 2026 at 2:09 PM PDT
What are the top two needs of your college district, and how are you prepared to address them? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)
The district’s first major need is improving student access, persistence, and completion. Too many students face barriers involving cost, housing, food insecurity, transportation, course availability, and confusing pathways to transfer or a degree or certificate.
The second need is maintaining long-term fiscal stability while responding to changing enrollment and workforce needs. The district must use public funds responsibly, protect high-quality instruction and student services, and expand programs that prepare students for transfer and well-paying careers.
To you, what is the role of community college in education? Is it driving policy, being involved in curriculum, something else entirely? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)
Our state has 73 community college districts with 116 colleges serving over 2 million students, many the first in their families to earn a college degree. Community colleges are the most accessible entry point to higher education. They provide pathways to university transfer, career preparation, lifelong learning, and economic mobility while serving students at every stage of life. When we see the successes of our alumni in the community, we see the transformational results.
The board’s role is to establish policy, approve budgets, set district priorities, hire and evaluate the chancellor, and ensure accountability to students and the public.
In October, Long Beach City College will break ground on a new student housing facility at its Liberal Arts Campus that will provide 431 total units to students. Is student housing a priority that your college should pursue? If so, explain how you intend to take on such an endeavor in a timely, cost-effective manner. If you don’t, how should your college district support students searching for affordable housing options near campus? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)
Cypress College is currently working on a student housing project that includes “two buildings connected by a covered glass-walled bridge and with 164 parking spaces that would be located in the temporary lot east of the baseball field (Lot G).” 53% of students in the North Orange County Community College District (NOCCCD) are classified as economically disadvantaged (low-income). As trustee and someone who has experienced food insecurity, I would work with the Basic Needs Centers and food banks in the district and look forward toward strengthening the amazing partnership with Pathways of Hope at NOCE and Cypress.
What actions would you suggest to prevent a cyberattack similar to the Canvas data breach in May? How can your district ensure students’ information is safe? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)
As a trustee, I would not presume to have every operational answer. My role would be to ask informed questions, listen to students, faculty, classified professionals, administrators, labor partners, and community employers, and evaluate recommendations using evidence. In the event of a cyberattack or breach of data, I would work with and trust the district’s IT. I would also emphasize the importance of training the next generation with our curriculum programs when it comes to digital safety and internet privacy.
How do you feel artificial intelligence is, or isn’t, safe in the classroom? In what instances should it be expanded in the classroom? What about when it should be limited? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)
As a trustee, my personal opinion about AI should not determine district policy or classroom practice. Policy should be developed through shared governance and informed by faculty expertise, student perspectives, legal requirements, privacy and cybersecurity professionals, and evidence about educational outcomes. Faculty should retain appropriate authority over how AI is used in their courses and assignments.
It should be limited when it compromises student privacy, produces biased or unreliable information, replaces meaningful learning, undermines academic integrity, or creates inequities between students. Students should also understand when AI is permitted, how to cite its use, and how to evaluate its accuracy.
How do you believe schools can better teach or engage students in civil discourse? How would you like to see your district tackle this issue? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)
I would like NOCCCD to support a districtwide culture of civic engagement while respecting faculty authority over curriculum and instruction. The board can establish clear expectations protecting free expression, academic freedom, and student safety. Our district already supports voter education, candidate and public forums, and encourages partnerships with nonpartisan civic organizations like the League of Women Voters. When I was involved with Associated Students, we developed a resolution on hate speech.
What experiences and priorities do you bring to this role? What have you learned in prior leadership roles that makes you the person for the job? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)
I am prepared to set clear policy priorities, insist on measurable outcomes and transparent budgeting, and hold the chancellor accountable for implementing the board’s direction.
Effective trustees govern collaboratively while keeping student success and the public interest at the center of every decision.
If your campaign had a mascot, what would it be and why? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)
Drawing upon my Filipino and Korean ethnicities, my mascot would be the carabao or Siberian tiger. In Filipino culture, the carabao represents hard work, patience, and strength in service to the community. It does not need to be the loudest animal to make an important contribution. Siberian tiger is the national animal of South Korea and a profound cultural symbol representing guardian strength, courage, resilience, and good fortune.
Bonus question: What is the best book you’ve read this year? Explain why you found it compelling.
“All About Love” by bell hooks is my favorite book this year. The book grounded my belief that love is action-oriented, service-oriented, and ethical. I learned that love is not a short-term feeling, but a conscious, disciplined action of care, respect, and responsibility. The book gave me a great opportunity for me to reflect on what my love for my community means and what kind of conscious and intentional leader I want to continue growing to be.
Endorsed by:
Democratic Party of Orange County
Orange County Young Democrats
New American Leaders Action Fund
United Faculty
Planned Parenthood OCSB
Adjunct Faculty United
Candidate in the News:
North Orange County community colleges deny Pride flag ban amid public pushback - By Hugo Rios Aug 4, 2023
“In contrast to recent decisions of local city officials and school boards banning symbols of the LGBTQ+ community in Orange County this year, the North Orange County Community College District will continue to wave Pride flags at both of their college campuses.”
“The resolution would have banned public displays of the Pride flag at Fullerton College and Cypress College. Community members who were primarily against the ban packed the meeting room and watched as the rule failed to proceed due to lack of a second after the motion was made.”[...]
[text on image] “Chloe Serrano, student trustee for Fullerton College, displayed a Pride flag before Tuesday's board meeting in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.”
[...] “Similarly, Cypress College student trustee Jesus Ramirez and Fullerton College student trustee Chloe Serrano confirmed that pushback was mainly student-led and began roughly a week before the meeting. “
“Ramirez highlighted that students needed the opportunity to provide feedback and was shocked by the quickness of trustee Bent to push an unpopular policy.”
“In a joint statement regarding the resolution by the Fullerton College Faculty Committee and trustee Serrano, “This is an attempt to establish a flag policy without collegial consultation. In fact, discussions between students, faculty, staff, and administration are already underway and the development of a flag raising policy with full participation of all stakeholders is planned for the start of the fall 2023 semester.” “
Public Voting Record:
None found, has not held office
From netfile.com
Chloe Serrano for NOCCCD Trustee 2026 - paid to Chloe Serrano - Reimbursement for Campaign Expenses - 10/17/2026 $0.00
Chloe Serrano for NOCCCD Trustee 2026 - paid to Democratic Party of Orange County - PDI Access 10/16/2026 $1,052.00
Chloe Serrano for NOCCCD Trustee 2026 - paid to Chloe Serrano - Reimbursement for Campaign Expenses 10/13/2026 $1,086.61
Chloe Serrano for NOCCCD Trustee 2026 - paid to COGS South Signs - 10/13/2026 $2,184.76
Leo Medrano - paid to Chloe Serrano for NOCCCD Trustee 2026 - 10/12/2026 $100.00
United Faculty North Orange County Community College District (NOCCCD) Political Action Committee (PAC) - paid to Chloe Serrano for North Orange County Community College District Trustee 2026 - 10/09/2026 $25,000.00
United Faculty North Orange County Community College District (NOCCCD) Political Action Committee (PAC) - paid to Chloe Serrano for NOCCCD Trustee 2026 - 10/09/2026 $25,000.00
Chloe Serrano for NOCCCD Trustee 2026 - paid to IMPACT Posting - Sign Posting Services 10/09/2026 $1,200.00
American Federation of Teachers COPE Local 6106 - paid to Chloe Serrano for North Orange County Community College District Trustee 2026 - 10/06/2026 $10,000.00
American Federation of Teachers COPE Local 6106 - paid to Chloe Serrano for NOCCCD Trustee 2026 - 10/06/2026 $10,000.00
Chloe Serrano for NOCCCD Trustee 2026 - paid to McIntyre & Barcelona, LLC - 10/06/2026 $400.00
Chloe Serrano for North Orange County Community College District Trustee 2026 - paid to Chloe Serrano - Reimbursement for Campaign Expenses 09/19/2026 $1,086.61
Jane Chon - paid to Chloe Serrano for North Orange County Community College District Trustee 2026 - 09/15/2026 $150.00
Chloe Serrano for North Orange County Community College District Trustee 2026 - paid to McIntyre & Barcelona, LLC - 09/02/2026 $300.00
Nicola Dedmon - paid to Chloe Serrano for North Orange County Community College District Trustee 2026 - 08/18/2026 $100.00
Jodi Balma - paid to Chloe Serrano for North Orange County Community College District Trustee 2026 - 08/18/2026 $300.00
Chloe Serrano - paid to Chloe Serrano for North Orange County Community College District Trustee 2026 - 08/17/2026 $450.00
Chloe Serrano - paid to Chloe Serrano for NOCCCD Trustee 2026 - 08/17/2026 $0.00
Chloe Serrano for North Orange County Community College District Trustee 2026 - paid to Democratic Party of Orange County - Endorsement Fee - 08/04/2026 $100.00
Chloe Serrano for North Orange County Community College District Trustee 2026 - paid to Orange County Registrar of Voters - 07/20/2026 $986.61
-
North OC College District Area 6 Trustee Candidate
“JEFFREY P. BROWN | NOCCCD Boardmember/Engineer
Community colleges have never been more important. NOCCCD provides low-cost education to nearly 56,000 students, including returning veterans, displaced workers needing new skills, young adults preparing for university transfer, and residents of all ages who value education to improve their lives.
As your trustee, I focus on long-term effectiveness and fiscal responsibility. Community colleges belong to you, the public. A trustee's primary role is to represent and protect your interests
while ensuring an excellent education for students. I have been an independent voice, asking hard questions and insisting on accountability. I am not any group’s "special interest” candidate.
Trustees oversee a $574,000,000 construction bond and a $306,000,000 annual budget. As a Registered Professional Engineer, I have the expertise needed to ensure that we receive the
most benefit for each tax dollar spent.
My wife, two daughters, and I attended Fullerton College, and I have been a local homeowner for 46 years. In addition to Master's degrees in Engineering and Public Administration, I have over 45 years' experience in project management, taught in public schools, and served as a Director for two nonprofit organizations.
I want to continue my service to you and would appreciate your vote.
Email: JBrown@nocccd.edu
Campaign Website: https://www.jeff-brown-trustee.com/
Brown has the following tabs on his campaign website; “Home; Who I Am; What I Believe; Priorities and Promises; Endorsements; Campaign Finances; Spanish; Contact”.
This is the first time we’ve ever seen a candidate explicitly include their campaign finances on their website.
Priorities:
“Fulfill a trustee's fundamental responsibility of protecting the public interest in all decisions.
Meet student educational needs, evaluating every decision as it contributes to student success and focusing on factual evidence.
Maintain NOCCCD's financial health with prudent, conservative, responsible budgeting decisions, taking into account both short-term and long-term needs and priorities.
Ensure NOCCCD engages in robust and visionary planning to keep our educational programs relevant and focused on the needs and goals of our students and our community.”
He also lists three promises:
“I promise never to sacrifice the public's interest to gain favor with one special interest group.
I promise to be diligent in insisting on accountability, openness, and effectiveness, asking hard questions when necessary.
I promise to continue supporting the open enrollment vision of community colleges to serve all parts of our community.”
Any Other Interesting Info:
Brown is the incumbent in this seat.
Brown was appointed to this seat in 2002. (x)
Social Media Links:
None Found
Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:
None Found
Candidate’s Public Comments:
Jeff has a “What I Believe” page on his website, where he says, “I have been personally involved in California community colleges since I was 15 years old and enrolled in a 7:00 a.m. college mathematics class. My mother was an RN who also taught nursing at our local community college. During the past 40 years, my entire family has attended NOCCCD colleges.
Other trustee candidates run for multiple public offices, trying to get elected to whatever seems available. They don't care what the position is, only whether they can get it. Their interest is themselves.
I believe in the mission and value of community colleges, and this belief is reinforced at every graduation I attend and by every student success story I hear.
At NOCCCD, we provide high quality education and vocational training to nearly 56,000 students from all walks of life. The needs we are meeting are continually expanding, and we are constantly asked to do more with less. But NOCCCD faculty, staff, and administrators rise to the challenge every day.
As a trustee, I focus on fiscal responsibility and educational effectiveness. Community colleges belong to the public, and a trustee’s role is to represent and protect the public’s interests while ensuring an excellent education for students.
Financially, trustees are to make prudent, conservative, responsible decisions in the best interests of the public and of all NOCCCD, not favoring any special interest group and considering both short-term and long-term goals and priorities.
Academically, trustees should hold administration accountable for identifying and meeting educational needs, allocating resources based on demonstrated effectiveness and necessity.” (x)
Endorsed by:
Jeff’s campaign website has the following language under his “endorsements” page. “As a public official, I have been asked to endorse other officials and candidates I have never met nor even talked to. Such people believe voters are impressed by long lists of endorsements, regardless of whether those endorsements mean anything. I give voters more credit than that.
Do you doubt that endorsements are meaningless? Simply compare the lists of their endorsers by the other candidates. How many times do two of them claim endorsements from the SAME PERSON?? (Hint: it’s more than once or twice…) They’re just hoping you don’t notice this attempt to scam you as the hoax it is.
Are endorsements by political parties any better? I was invited to ask for a party endorsement. Did my views on important issues matter? Apparently not as much as the $100 I would have to pay to get the endorsement. Was I surprised? Yes, though maybe I shouldn’t have been. Was I disgusted? Yes, absolutely.
Early in my service as a trustee, I made a deliberate decision not to request endorsements, and I have continued that policy. I have received unsolicited expressions of support from people inside and outside of NOCCCD, but I have not publicized the specifics of them. I am deeply appreciative of everyone who believes in the value of my service as a trustee, but you can be certain that if any person or group chooses to endorse me, it was on their own initiative, not because I asked them to do so.”
CONTEXT: Of the three people challenging Brown for this seat, two of them are Democrats. Jesus Silva is former Fullerton mayor and the husband of sitting CA Assemblywoman Sharon-Quirk Silva, and Paulette Chaffee is the wife of sitting OC Supervisor Doug Chaffee.
Candidate in the News:
(OC Register 2026) Jeffrey Brown, North Orange County Community College District Area 6 candidate, 2026 election questionnaire
(Fullerton Observer 2026 - Left Wing Opinion) Opinion: Fullerton Voters – Don’t Split Our Vote!
Public Voting Record:
None Found
Jeffrey has the following language on his endorsements page; “My approach to campaign finances is simple. I don't ask anyone for donations. Ever. Period.
I am not obligated or expected to reward anyone's monetary support with actions or decisions that favor their priorities, businesses, or group members.
My priority is the public interest and the students of NOCCCD. No one buys me or my service as a trustee.” (x)
Jeffrey does not appear to have any campaign contribution filings publicly available, which either means they just haven’t been filed yet, or he really doesn’t collect contributions.
-
North OC College District Area 6 Trustee Candidate
“PAULETTE CHAFFEE | Educator/Nonprofit Boardmember
My name is Paulette Chaffee, and I've dedicated much of my life to improving public education in North Orange County. I'm running for College Board to expand access to higher education and advocate for our students, as I believe firmly in both the power of education and the potential of our students.
I'm a mother, educator, attorney, and longtime community leader who has been active in dozens of local organizations. I'm also a former public school teacher and speech therapist with decades of experience in our schools. I grew up in Fullerton, raised my children here, and have deep roots in our community.
As your trustee, I'll work to:
Increase job-training programs.
Make transferring easier.
Improve counseling programs.
Support and enhance programs for our veterans.
Responsibly manage the district's budget and precious tax dollars.
I currently serve on the North Orange County Community College District's Oversight Committee where I work to ensure our tax dollars are being appropriately spent. I've also raised scholarship funds for Fullerton College students.
Our community colleges are centers of opportunity, and I am committed to seeing them thrive. I'm honored to be endorsed by many local leaders, and I would be honored to receive your vote.
Learn more at www.paulettechaffee.com.”
Email: Paulette has a contact form on her campaign website.
Campaign Website: https://www.paulettechaffee.com/
Priorities:
Paulette doesn’t list her priorities on her campaign website, but she does state in her “about me”, that she is running “to expand access to higher education locally and serve as a responsive and effective advocate for the district’s students.”
Any Other Interesting Info:
Paulette is married to OC Supervisor Doug Chaffee.
She ran for the OC Board of Education in 2022, but did not win.
On April 11, 2022, she attended a rally in support of Ukraine, although the posts she made about it don’t specify location or who organized it. (x)
On February 22, 2022, she attended a Global Hope 365 event that advocated for the End Child Marriage and Human Trafficking. (x)
Social Media Links:
Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:
Trustee Gina Clayton-Tarvin (Progressive, Ocean View School District Trustee)
Aliso Niguel Democratic Club
Anaheim Democrats
Democratic Party of OC
Supporters of Public Education
Democratic Women of South Orange County
Placentia PD
Bike Fullerton
California Young Democrats Latine Caucus
Woman's Club of Fullerton
Ashleigh Aitken
O.C. Supervisor Doug Chaffee
Haven for Hope
Paulette also follows a number of roller derby accounts from her personal Instagram accounts. We just thought that was interesting.
Candidate’s Public Comments:
On her personal instagram on August 26th, she posted, “Today, August 26, is Women’s Equality Day! This day commemorates the 19th Amendment which was certified in 1920 and gave women the right to vote.” (x)
The OC Register asked Paulette, “How do you feel artificial intelligence is, or isn’t, safe in the classroom? In what instances should it be expanded in the classroom? What about when it should be limited?” She replied, “AI is a tool that can be used by faculty in the classroom. Faculty should be given paid training sessions on the use and potential misuse of AI. The district should protect the personal data of students, faculty, and staff. AI should not be used to cheat, and policies should be implemented to reject work by students that is solely AI-generated.” (x)
Endorsed by: (abridged for brevity)
Doug Chaffee, Orange County Supervisor
Lou Correa, U.S. Representative
Derek Tran, U.S. Representative
Tom Umberg, California Senator
Josh Newman (Ret.), California Senator
Avelino Valencia, California Assemblymember
Vicente Sarmiento, Orange County Supervisor
Gaddi Vasquez, former US Ambassador to the UN for Food and Agriculture
Connor Trout, Buena Park Councilmember
Carrie Buck, Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District Trustee
Nick Berardino, President of the Veterans Alliance of Orange County (VALOR)
Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs (AOCDS)
Dan Hughes (ret), Fullerton Police Chief
Bobby McDonald (emeritus), CA Community College Board of Governors
Candidate in the News:
OC Register 2026: Paulette Chaffee, North Orange County Community College District Area 6 candidate, 2026 election questionnaire
Public Voting Record:
None Found
-
North OC College District Area 6 Trustee Candidate
“JESUS SILVA | AGE: 62 | Teacher/Business Owner
I have dedicated my career to uplifting the lives of students and improving our community.
First, as a teacher for Fullerton School District’s Nicolas Junior High School, where I taught math for over two decades.
Then as a Fullerton City Council Member and Mayor, where I addressed homelessness, invested in roads, and helped neighborhoods during the unprecedented challenges of COVID.
I am running for the North Orange County Community College District Board to use my unique educational and civic experience to ensure that everyone has access to high-quality and affordable education.
On our Community College Board, I will focus on providing students with the resources needed to earn an associate’s degree, further their education by transferring to a four-year college, or begin their professional career.
I will increase training programs, workforce development, student housing and partnerships with the private sector, trade associations & municipalities.
I am honored to be endorsed by Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva, Congressmembers Lou Correa & Linda Sanchez, State Senator Tom Umberg, Assemblymember Avelino Valencia, Orange County Supervisors Katrina Foley & Vince Sarmiento, hardworking union families, and many more school board members, elected officials and community leaders.
I hope to earn your support as well. With your vote I will be a Board member who opens doors, creates opportunities, and speaks for all of North Orange County.
Email: None Found
Campaign Website: https://jsilva4communitycollege.com/
Priorities:
Ensure students have the resources to earn a certificate program and/or degree so they can secure employment or transfer and seek higher education.
Increase middle skills training programs and partnerships with the private sector, trade associations & municipalities.
Increase middle skills training programs and partnerships with the private sector, trade associations & municipalities.
Any Other Interesting Info:
Jesus is married to Sharon Quirk-Silva, the Democratic Assemblywoman for the 67th district, which includes areas across Anaheim, Buena Park, Cypress, Fullerton, La Palma, and portions of LA county. (x)
He is the Former Mayor of Fullerton, serving on the council between 2012 and 2022. (x)
Jesus is a teacher in Fullerton School District, having taught in the district since 1999.
In 2020, he supported a fundraiser for Pathways of Hope, a local organization that supports community efforts to provide access to food, shelter, and housing to those experiencing hunger and homelessness in North Orange County. (x)
He was born in Chihuahua, Mexico, and emigrated to the United States at six years old, becoming a citizen in 1987. (x)
Social Media Links:
Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:
None Found
Candidate’s Public Comments:
Jesus went on “Chamber Talk”, a nonpartisan internet talk show sponsored by the North Orange County Chamber of Commerce, to talk about his 2026 campaign for this seat. In it, Jesus discussed;
Apprenticeships, skilled trades, and partnerships with local employers
Student housing, food insecurity, and support for working parents
University transfer pathways, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship
Childcare, community programs, and student engagement
Trustee responsibilities, advocacy, and term limits
You can find the full 49-minute long episode here.
Endorsed by:
NOTE: This is an abridged list for brevity. You can find the full list here.
Orange County Labor Federation
Fullerton Elementary Teacher Association
Fullerton Secondary Teacher Organization
International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 36
International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Local 5
Laborers International Union of North America Laborers Local 652
Southern California District Council of Laborers
Teamsters Joint Council 42
UA Journeymen & Apprentices Local #250
Democratic Party of Orange County
Orange County Young Democrats
Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley
Orange County Supervisor Vince Sarmiento
Candidate in the News:
Voice of OC 2018: Fullerton Rejects Joining OC Fire Authority Despite Staffing Concerns Over Existing Department
Voice of OC 2022: Fullerton City Council Members Consider Mandating Affordable Housing in New Developments
Public Voting Record:
While on the Fullerton city council, he voted to retain the Fullerton Fire Department and to move forward with negotiations with their union, cancelling plans to switch over to the OC Fire Authority. This vote saved the city approximately $5M, although there was concern about the understaffed levels of the FFD. (x)
While on the Fullerton city council, he voted in favor of creating inclusionary housing policies that force developers to account for low income housing in their proposals. (x)
$500 from Jesse Caloza, candidate for CA State Assembly District 52 (East Los Angeles area)
$5,000 from U.A. Plumbers & Steamfitters Local Union no.582 PAC (ID# 890440)
$1,500 from IUPAT Political Action Together Legislative Education Committee
NOTE: IUPAT stands for International Union of Painters and Allied Trades
$250 from Frank Reyes for College Board 2024 (ID# 1444433)
$250 from Juan Garza, Public Relations with Six Heron LLC
NOTE: Six Heron LLC is a public affairs and government relations consulting company, founded by Juan Garza
$250 from Ezra Garrett, executive with Oportun
NOTE: Oportun is a loan company
$15,000 from Sharon Quirk-Silva for Assembly 2024 (ID# 1456932)
NOTE: Sharon Quirk-Silva is married to Jesus
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“ZONYA TOWNSEND | Educator/Parent/Nurse
Education changed the course of my life, and I believe every student deserves that same opportunity to discover their potential and build a brighter future through education. Higher education opened doors I never imagined, leading to a lifetime of service, leadership, and a passion for helping others succeed.
For more than 30 years, I have served as a Registered Nurse, Nurse Manager, Adjunct Clinical Nursing Professor, educator, and mentor. From teaching middle school science and health to preparing future nurses and investing in young people through church and community programs, I have seen firsthand how education transforms lives.
My commitment extends beyond the classroom. As a Fullerton Public Library Trustee, nonprofit board member, and president of a statewide professional nursing organization, I have developed the leadership, governance, financial stewardship, and collaborative decision-making skills needed to serve our community effectively.
As your North Orange County Community College District Trustee, I will champion academic excellence, career and technical education, workforce readiness, university transfer opportunities, strategic planning and responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources. I will listen thoughtfully, lead with integrity, and always put students first.
It would be an honor to earn your trust and your vote!
Zonya Townsend
Please visit my website at Zonya.org”
Email: zonya@voicesfortruth.us
Campaign Website: https://zonya.org/
Her campaign website is at least somewhat made by AI, with the majority of the graphics being AI-generated. Towards the bottom of the homepage, she has a photo of American flags planted in the grass, and another photo of a graduation taking place at Cypress College in front of the Campanile tower.
On her “Zonya’s principles” page, she links two videos, one of the Declaration of Independence, and the other of the US Constitution.
Priorities: (These are pulled from an AI-graphic on her “Zonya’s principles” page, which show her at a desk overlooking the beach with a California-Spanish Mission on the other side.)
Student Success
Community Focused
Fiscal Responsibility
Workforce Readiness
Academic Excellence
Any Other Interesting Info:
Zonya is the lone conservative running in this race, with three other candidates (the incumbent Jeff Brown, and two challengers, Jesus Silva and Paulette Chaffee) causing concern among some progressive voters, as Marcy Fry writes in an editorial for the Fullerton Observer, “Opinion: Fullerton Voters – Don’t Split Our Vote!”. We know this is a long page, but we highly recommend reading everything we have to share here about Zonya Townsend to understand who she is, as her public-facing campaign materials seem to obfuscate her values and involvement in Christian Nationalist movements at a leadership level.
Zonya used to be a Central Committee member for the Orange County Republican Party. She ran again in 2024, but came in 9th, with only six available spots. (x) (x)
In 2021, she was identified as the President of the Fullerton chapter of the California Republican Assembly in a post in the Fullerton Republican Assembly Facebook group. (x)
In 2011, she attended an OC GOP event at Rogers’ Gardens in Newport Beach with then-Texas governor and anti-abortion advocate Rick Perry as a special guest, and identified herself as the Secretary for the OC Republican Party. (x)
In 2015, she identified herself as the President of the organization Nurses For Ethical Standards - this small organization is not a union, but specifically a lobbying arm of the Christian Nationalist movement, opposing reproductive freedom, supporting the right of healthcare workers to deny care to patients if it violates their religious belief systems, opposing end-of-life legislation, opposing childhood vaccine mandates, and opposing embryonic stem cell research. (x)
According to some limited campaign finance filings, she’s a Perioperative Registered Nurse at St. Jude Medical Center.
At a 2015 OC GOP Central Committee meeting, she proposed delaying Young Kim’s early endorsement, citing her vote on SB 277, the vaccination bill, preferring a later endorsement. She stated many Democrats left their party over SB 277. Townsend argued the OC GOP resolution was contrary to Kim’s position. She criticized Kim for speaking on the Assembly Floor in favor of SB 277. (x)
NOTE: California Senate Bill 277 (SB 277), signed into law on June 30, 2015, and effective July 1, 2016, eliminated personal belief and religious exemptions for required childhood vaccinations in California. (x)
In the same 2015 OC GOP Central Committee meeting where discussions were being held over the potential endorsement of Assemblywoman Ling-Ling Chang, Zonya Townsend asked Chang’s position on abortion and Planned Parenthood. (x)
The OC Register identified Townsend as an “anti-abortion activist” in an editorial by Martin Wisckol. (x)
In 2013, Townsend traveled to Texas for a Right to Life convention, where then-governor Rick Perry criticized Texas lawmaker Wendy Davis, who had completed a record-setting filibuster in an effort to protect reproductive freedom in the state. In an interview with the Toronto Star, Townsend said she agreed with Perry’s criticism of Davis. (x)
Zonya is a board member and employee of La Habra Life Center, an anti-abortion organization and crisis pregnancy center - a center designed to convince pregnant people to carry their pregnancies to term, usually with the goal of intercepting people who are considering an abortion for whatever reason. (x) (x)
She’s an organizing member of Informed Parents of California, a far-right group that is deeply involved in orchestrating the rise in anti-sex education, anti-LGBTQ hysteria across California directed towards school boards, starting in earnest in SoCal in 2023. (x)
Zonya is a ministry leader in Calvary Chapel La Habra’s ‘Voices of Truth’ ministry. Calvary Chapel is an extreme right-wing Christian Nationalist church network, with significant involvement in politics, both in SoCal and further out. The following language is taken directly from the webpage for this ministry. (x)
“Voices For Truth is a ministry of Calvary La Habra focused on equipping our church to be biblical citizens, and to care for those without a voice.
We desire to be a Voice for Truth in our Church and in the public square. As believers, we are to be salt and light in the world, a commission we must take seriously.
We accomplish this goal by focusing on 4 main areas that allow us to have a significant Voice For Truth. 4 Areas of Focus:
#1 In the World (The Pre-born): We believe in the sanctity of human life, and that every human being has inherent dignity and worth. The value of human life is unconditional because God, the Author of life, has created all humans in His image and likeness.
#2 In The World (School-age Children in Public Schools): Designed to help parents learn from experts, and take an in-depth look at issues facing children and parents in our local school districts.
We receive help from Karen England, President of Capitol Resource Institute, and host of “Kitchen Table Activist." She explains the real truth behind “Book Banning,” exposing the already present, sexually explicit books on the shelves of school and classroom libraries, and gives us the tools to take action!
#3 As Biblical Citizens (Election Responsibility): Voter guides, Ballot collection, Understanding propositions, Voter Registration help
#4 As Biblical Citizens (Legislative & Social Updates): Legislation & Action Alerts: There are thousands of bills being introduced every year in California. We help you stay up to date with state and federal legislation.
We will provide timely action alerts that notify you when to take simple and effective action.
Social Media Links:
On November 5th, 2024, Zonya updated her Facebook profile picture, with the caption, “Our Heavenly Father has entrusted us to stand firm on Biblical Values”. (x)
On October 1st, 2024, she posted a meme to her Facebook that said, “It’s no longer Republicans vs. Democrats. It’s America vs. Communism. And that’s a battle we must win.” (x)
On March 15, 2024, she posted a meme to her Facebook that said, “The Church is not an audience to be entertained, it’s an Army to be empowered.” (x)
On January 28, 2024, she posted a meme to her Facebook that said, “This is not a democracy, it’s a constitutional republic.” (x)
On December 7, 2023, she posted a meme to her Facebook that said, “We live in a day where Biblical Truth is considered hate Speech, even to those who profess Christ. It is loving to speak the Truth no matter how much it may hurt the hearer.” (x)
Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:
This is an extremely small sample, abbreviated for brevity.
Townsend follows a number (at least 13 that we counted) of Flat Earth Facebook pages, including;
Flat Earth Life
Flat Earth Exposed
Flat Earth Theory
Flat Earth is Truth?
Flat Earth Doctrine
Flat Earth Facts
Flat Earth International Conference
Gracey Van Der Mark (HB City Councilmember within the same pro-book banning and anti-LGBTQ Calvary Chapel circles at Zonya)
Donald Trump For President
Matt Walsh (far-right commentator who has openly called for the eradication of trans people)
Politi-Bible
Freedom Watch USA
Blue Lives Matter
Moms For Liberty OC
Take Back the Classroom
Sonja Shaw (CVUSD Board President, CA Superintendent of Public Instruction candidate, extremely anti-LGBTQ)
Brenda Lebsack (SAUSD Board member, professional anti-LGBTQ activist)
Rebecca Friedrichs (Among other things, the Founder of For Kids and Country, a Christian Nationalist organization that guides parents from removing their children from public schools to protect them from ‘indoctrination’)
Madison Miner (Chair, Moms For Liberty OC)
Karen England (Professional Book Banning Activist)
Denise Aguilar (far-right extremist, co-founder of the Freedom Angels)
Gina Gleason (Director of Real Impact, the political wing of the openly Christian Nationalist Calvary Chapel church network)
Anthony Cabassa (far-right activist who openly calls for Franco-style fascism in America)
Benny Johnson (far-right activist who called for the FBI to ‘kick down doors’ and start arresting trans people at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest in 2025)
Candidate’s Public Comments:
On March 24, 2026, Zonya posted on Facebook an AI-generated event flyer for a “Voices for Truth, Equipping Biblical Citizens” event with Raul Ortiz, candidate for CA Assembly District 64, and Bertha Manzanares, candidate for school board. She captioned it, “Patriots cannot afford to remain on the sidelines....it's past time to be involved in every sphere, especially in civic life. Our six-week US Constitutional Class journey made one thing clear: good governance requires an informed, engaged, and morally grounded people, and that responsibility is ours. Join us this Thursday at our monthly fellowship meeting as we take the next step in action. We'll hear from Rev. Raul Ortiz, candidate for Assembly District 64, and Bertha Manzanares, candidate for La Habra School Board....leaders stepping forward with conviction and principle. Even if they are not in your immediate district, supporting righteous leadership at every level matters. Your voice, your presence, and your participation are essential in this moment. Come be equipped, encouraged, and ready to stand for truth in our communities.@Raul For Assembly @Bertha Ayala-Manzanares” (x)
Zonya was a part of a sit-down conversation with Gina Gleason, Director of Real Impact, and Karen England, professional book-banner and Executive Director of Capital Resource Institute. Both of these women are part of the leadership of the political Christian Nationalist movement in America. The conversation was about abortion, which is Zonya’s real focus within the Christian Nationalist political movement, and was essentially an hour long propaganda piece. Towards the end, Zonya said, “What you think about what the church should be doing, well, I think the condition we're at, I mean, we are to be salt and light. And the light, we have to expose—that's what we're doing right now. We're exposing the darkness, we're exposing the confusion as darkness. So we're exposing, we're telling Truth.
Jesus Christ said, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life.' The truth is a person. So we are sharing the truth because, you know, our Lord, He loves all of us, but He expects that special relationship, you know, with us.
And I think that the churches need to do exactly what, you know, this church is doing, and that is just speak the truth and have courage. You know, one day we're going to be accountable to our Creator, and we're going to be standing before Him. And we're going to, like, boy, I don't want to stand there and, you know, thinking I didn't have the courage. I mean, I care more about, you know, what God has to say.
But I think that, as all the church(es), I know many of them think, 'Oh, we can't speak out because of the tax exempt (status), we can't.' You can. Pastor Jack (Jack Hibbs, Lead Pastor at Calvary Chapel and Founder of Real Impact) has been one—I mean, he pushes that envelope. And you know what? They don't know how to handle courage, because they think we're dummies. They really do. They think we can't read this by ourselves, they think we can't interpret it, they think that we don't have the ability to logically process this, you know? But they're wrong. I think we need—we're going to show them with God's help." (x)
Zonya campaigned for the OC Board of Education in 2016, running partially on the platform of removing wireless technology from schools, which was, at the time, a major Calvary Chapel talking point. She said at an OC Board of Education meeting, "Evening. My name is Zonya Townsend, and I'm a candidate for the Orange County Board of Education District 4, and I come to you today, um, as a mom, as a registered nurse, and as a concerned citizen.
I have, um, an article that I submitted to Mr.—Mr.—what? I submitted the article, I guess it went all the way down, okay. And this is regarding, um, Dr. Ronald Powell, and he has a message to schools and colleges about wireless devices and health. And obviously, as a registered nurse, I'm really concerned about this, and I became aware of this issue just this last year.
Um, first of all, let me go ahead and give you a little bit of a background so you know who he is, and don't—that he's just, uh, a fly-by-night. So, um, Dr., uh, Powell, he's a retired U.S. government scientist, a PhD [in] applied physics [from] Harvard University in 1975. During his government career, he worked for the Executive Office of the President, the National Science Foundation, the National Institute of Standards and Technology. And those—for those organizations, he respectively addressed federal research and development program evaluation, energy policy research, and measurement development supportive electronics. His bio goes on and on and on, but I just kind of wanted to give you a taste of what he's about. Has, um, this is really concerning.
A little bit of a background: um, obviously wireless devices transmit information using radio frequency or microwave radiation. The international biomedical research community has been studying the biological impact of such radiation for decades, but more intensely in these last years. So there's been thousands of peer-reviewed studies published by the biomedical research journals that have contributed to understanding of this impact. There are many serious biological effects that have been found that immediate responsive action is warranted. And this is what has gotten me all of a sudden. It hit me that this, um—this is what's going on, and very few of us know what's going on. The crisis of this. So it's a 21st-century crisis.
So basically, we all have had either EKGs or ECGs, and you know that they're all electrical conductivity for the body, the brain, or the heart. Well, these—um, these—the levels of man-made radio frequency microwave radiation in our environment are increasing exponentially and already may exist by many orders of magnitude [above] the levels of which all life on Earth has evolved. So simply stated, we're just drowning in a, um, radio frequency microwave radiation sea.
So my concern comes because, um, of the—uh, our high—our schools. They are not all—they're wireless or they're, you know, not hardwired. And I really would like for you, the board, since it is our, um, responsibility as parents, educators, health professionals, to just take—take note. Just—we know that because of the advertisements and the government, um, economic powers, the political powers of these, uh, profitable wireless industries, they've enabled them to, um, dominate the public dialogue. Well, anyway, I just wanted you to just take note of that. Thank you very much for giving me this opportunity. Thank you very much.” (x)
Zonya responded to the Real Impact candidate questionnaire. Real Impact is the 501(c)4 political wing of Calvary Chapel, founded by Jack Hibbs, one of the major leaders of the Christian Nationalist movement in Southern California and member of the Donald Trump inner circle. Following are the questions and answers.
Question: “What is your position on removing books and materials that contain pervasive vulgarity or explicit sexual content from school libraries?”
Answer: “I support removing books and materials containing pervasive vulgarity or explicit sexual content that is inappropriate for students, while preserving age-appropriate materials that address legitimate scientific or medical topics.”
Question: “What is your position on allowing students to access restrooms, locker rooms, and showers based on gender identity or expression?”
Answer: “I support teaching biological sex accurately, that boys are male and girls are female therefore each deserve their own private rest rooms, locker rooms and showers no matter how they identify.”
Question: “What is your position on allowing biological boys to participate in on girls' sports teams?”
Answer: “I oppose allowing biological boys to participate on the girls sports teams. The science is clear XX or XY and no way to change that.”
Question: “What is your position on requiring that parents to be notified when their minor child uses school-based healthcare facilities or services?”
Answer: “I support parental notification and involvement when a minor receives healthcare services through a school”
FACT CHECK: Minors are not receiving healthcare services through schools.
Question: “What is your position on the constitutional right of parents' to be promptly notified by the school if their child requests or engages in a social gender transition such as a change of name, pronouns, or facility use while at school?”
Answer: “I believe parents have the primary responsibility for their children and should be promptly notified by the school if a minor requests or engages in a social gender transition, including changes to name, pronouns, or any type of facility use.”
Question: “What is your position on allowing education funds to follow a student based on a parents' choice of education for their child?”
Answer: “I support allowing education funds to follow the student, giving parents greater choice in their child's education and encouraging schools to compete for students through excellence and accountability.”
Question: “What is your position on requiring a parental opt-in for student surveys and questionnaires in schools?”
Answer: “I support requiring parental opt-in before students participate in school surveys or questionnaires, particularly when they involve personal, sensitive, or family-related information.”
Question: “The CA Constitution places no limits on abortion. How will you use your position to foster a culture that values babies and children in CA?”
Answer: “I believe every human life has inherent value and should be protected. In my position, I will support policies that protect children, strengthen families, and ensure every student is treated with dignity and respect.”
Question: “What is your position on the tradition of allowing invocations (prayers) at the beginning of school board meetings?”
Answer: “I support allowing voluntary invocations at the beginning of school board meetings, consistent with the Constitution and applicable law.”
Zonya posted an event advertisement flyer she made on her Facebook page on October 12, 2025, advertising, “You’re Invited: A Night of Inspiration, Action, and Advocacy with School Board Trustee Brenda Lebsack”. The event description went on, “Why Parents Must Be Involved in Education - Now More Than Ever: As culture shifts and classrooms become battlegrounds for values, Christian parents can no longer remain silent or sidelined. Join us for a powerful evening with Brenda Lebsack, a bold leader who stands up for truth, transparency, and the well-being of our children. Why Your Voice Matters:
Age-inappropriate, sexually explicit content is making its way into school libraries and classrooms—even at the elementary level.
Parental rights are being ignored or undermined in decisions affecting your child's moral and spiritual development.
Biblical values are being sidelined while agendas that conflict with Christian beliefs are promoted as "inclusive" or "progressive."
God calls parents—not schools—to be the primary educators of their children's hearts, minds, and souls.
Silence is no longer an option. Now is the time to get informed, speak up and take action in love and truth.
Come be Equipped. Be Encouraged. Be a Voice. This is More than a Meeting—it's a Movement. For questions please contact Zonya@VoicesForTruth.us” (x)
NOTE: Santa Ana USD Trustee Brenda Lebsack has been censured by her fellow trustees on the dais for her repeated offensive and discriminatory language towards the LGBTQ community.
Endorsed by:
Nancy’s Picks - Nancy’s Picks (far-right voter guide in Orange County, whose criteria for endorsement include “PRO-LIFE & PROTECTIONS for the UNBORN”, “PRO-SANCTITY of HETEROSEXUAL MARRIAGE”, “PRO-PARENTAL RIGHTS in EDUCATION”, “PRO-NUCLEAR FAMILY”, “SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL and IT’S RIGHT to EXIST”, “SECURE & SEAL OUR BORDERS”, and more.
Moms on the Ground — California parental-rights advocacy group that has worked in coalition with Moms for Liberty and other organizations promoting parental-rights and school-choice/charter-school policies. (momsonthegroundca, Moms for Liberty)
Reform California - (far-right organization led by Carl DeMaio)
Candidate in the News:
(OC Register 2011 - Opinion) Behind the scenes of Pauly’s O.C. GOP surprise win
(Toronto Star 2013) Wendy Davis slammed by Texas governor over stalled abortion bill
Public Voting Record:
As a Trustee of the Fullerton Public Library in 2016, she opposed the selling off of the Hunt Library, advocating for it to instead be re-opened as a children’s library. (x)
NOTE: There is limited publicly available information about Zonya Townsend’s campaign contributions, which is highly unusual. We know that she has some extremely large signs in the district she is campaigning in (which are not cheap), and it’s not the first time she’s campaigned. She also is known to be a significant contributor to the campaigns of other Republicans in Orange County.
She contributed $150 to the campaign of Kongkosonkichkan for Pomona USD Trustee Area 4 2026.
She contributed $100 to the campaign of Bertha Manzanares for La Habra School Board 2026.
She contributed $200 (in two separate transactions) to the campaign of Tim Shaw for Supervisor 2026.
She contributed $100 to Reform Orange County, the OC chapter of Carl DeMaio’s far right Reform California
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North OC College District Area 3 Trustee Candidate
“PAUL GONZALES
Staff Specialist/Businessman
I have been a resident of Orange County for 45 years and local small business owner for the past 35 years. I live in Buena Park with my daughters Paulina, attending Chapman University and Emily, attending Kennedy High School. I am currently employed by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office and have been working there for over 25 years. I am a graduate of California State University Long Beach with a degree in Public Administration and have applied it to my profession as a Safety Representative for Orange County, looking after the safety and well-being of many employees.
I have served as a Member of the Buena Park Planning Commission for over 8 years and Member of the Buena Park Traffic Commission for 8 years. I am a Tier II Volunteer for the Anaheim Union High School District, working with the Walker and Kennedy High School Show Choirs.
I am also a small business owner working for over 35 years at the Cypress College Swap Meet selling watch batteries and bands on Saturdays and Sundays.
Our community colleges are a tremendous benefit to our residents seeking further education, enhancing job training skills, and offering career changing pathways. I’ll work hard to ensure our colleges stay ahead of the rapidly changing demands of today’s society.
I sincerely appreciate your vote!
Website: www.gonzales4trustee.org”
Email: gonzales4assembly@gmail.com
Campaign Website: https://gonzales4trustee.org/
Priorities:
Artificial Intelligence AI
Career Training
University Education
Fiscal Responsibility
Any Other Interesting Info:
NOTE: In research, we found that Paul was referred to as both “Paul Gonzalez” and Paul Gonzales” in a few different places, but we confirmed that all of the research below is referring to THIS Paul. There is another Paul Gonzales/Gonzalez in politics in San Bernardino as well.
Had run for CA State Assembly 67th district in the 2026 Primary - here is the campaign statement (PDF)
From webarchive.org capture of Paul’s 2026 Primary Campaign site Issues:
Stop the war in Iran!
Stop the indiscriminate ICE raids!
Stop the Russian Invasion of Ukraine
Get the U.S. Military out of the Strait of Hormuz
Restore funding to Medical Recipients
Increase funding for Education
Make Housing More Affordable
Social Media Links:
Not found on: Facebook; Twitter; Instagram; Threads; Bluesky; TikTok; Youtube; LinkedIn
Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:
Not found on: Facebook; Twitter; Instagram; Threads; Bluesky; TikTok; Youtube; LinkedIn
Candidate’s Public Comments:
Paul Gonzales, North Orange County Community College District Area 3 candidate, 2026 election questionnaire - By Kaitlyn Schallhorn | kschallhorn@scng.com - PUBLISHED: October 5, 2026 at 2:07 PM PDT
What are the top two needs of your college district, and how are you prepared to address them? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)
First, our college district needs to be fiscally responsible, knowing that state and federal dollars geared toward education can vary dramatically according to the political party in office. We need to align our programs with the demands of an ever-changing workforce and engage more private program funding in the form of grants and donations from those corporations and entities that will benefit from a well trained workforce.
Second, we need to ensure that those students following a path to universities are able to complete their curriculum while also working full or part-time to support themselves during their community college education.
To you, what is the role of community college in education? Is it driving policy, being involved in curriculum, something else entirely? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)
I believe the word “community” best describes the role that our community colleges have in our lives. Our first priority is to ensure that those students who are on their way to universities have all of the tools and support they need to further their education.
Also, community colleges should provide a pathway for working adults to enhance their education and workforce skills to obtain more job opportunities. Times are changing along with the needs of today’s workforce, so community colleges are the first opportunity to stay ahead of the changes in technology and job training.
In October, Long Beach City College will break ground on a new student housing facility at its Liberal Arts Campus that will provide 431 total units to students. Is student housing a priority that your college should pursue? If so, explain how you intend to take on such an endeavor in a timely, cost-effective manner. If you don’t, how should your college district support students searching for affordable housing options near campus? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)
I applaud the coalition of government entities that came together to create affordable housing for Long Beach students. Long Beach is much different than North Orange County since Long Beach has a much larger population and a single college district that would benefit from this housing project with support from the city of Long Beach. It would be extremely difficult to duplicate a housing project here in North Orange County since the funding required and the land availability would be extremely difficult to create.
Community colleges can participate in local affordable housing projects and initiatives by providing students with the information needed to participate in ongoing, continuous information sharing.
What actions would you suggest to prevent a cyberattack similar to the Canvas data breach in May? How can your district ensure students’ information is safe? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)
Today’s computer-oriented society provides more opportunities for cyber criminals to perform destructive and costly attacks. In order to prevent cyberattacks, I would ensure the community college staff and students take mandatory IT training on how to avoid those attacks, what to look for, and how to report to responsible parties. I would ensure that anyone associated with the district who has computer system access utilizes multi-factor authorization for each sign-on. Aside from the training and access requirements, I would ensure the Information Related Departments are provided with the funding and personnel to update and utilize the most up-to-date software available to prevent unauthorized access to our computer systems.
How do you feel artificial intelligence is, or isn’t, safe in the classroom? In what instances should it be expanded in the classroom? What about when it should be limited? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)
The use of artificial intelligence and its effect on today’s and tomorrow’s society is overwhelming! In the working environment, AI will change the way our workforce operates, and which jobs will depend on AI and which jobs will be reduced or eliminated depending on our utilization of AI. In the classroom, AI should only be used by staff and students in very limited occasions — perhaps in creating a bar graph or searching for scientific medical information. These are time-saving tools that can assist students in time management and will be utilized in their professional careers long after attending community colleges. All other uses of AI in the classroom should be restricted.
How do you believe schools can better teach or engage students in civil discourse? How would you like to see your district tackle this issue? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)
I believe that schools should teach the history and reasoning behind each and every conflict that occurs in today’s and previous societies. Knowing that there are two sides to every story and listening to both sides expands our ability to tolerate and accept those who are different from us. Our classes should be taught without bias and provide students with tools to engage in non-confrontational discussion. Aside from the educational process of civil discourse, the family process should take responsibility in creating thoughtful, accepting and tolerating members of society. Parents should be the standard-bearer of civil discourse in raising great students who have the ability to truly understand how this world works!
What experiences and priorities do you bring to this role? What have you learned in prior leadership roles that makes you the person for the job? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)
I believe that education and the opportunity it provides us are the great equalizer in creating chances for less fortunate students to create and obtain better job opportunities. For myself, I graduated from California State University Long Beach and studied public administration. I was a member of a Traffic Commission and Planning Commission for the city of Buena Park, gaining tremendous understanding about how municipal agencies work. I have also worked in administration for over 25 years for the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, where I learned more about government and how it works and how it benefits the Orange County community.
If your campaign had a mascot, what would it be and why? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)
I would surely choose an eagle as a mascot! The reason is the eagle’s tremendous ability to see great distances. When elected as a trustee, I hope to see all aspects of community college life and how it affects and interacts with the local residents. I also hope that vision gives me the insight to anticipate which direction changes within our society will affect us and how to navigate those changes and create a positive future.
Bonus question: What is the best book you’ve read this year? Explain why you found it compelling.
I must apologize for not reading any books this year. Most of my time is spent writing and creating safety-related documents and training for the County of Orange. I’ll get back to reading soon.
NOTE: This is regarding Paul’s Primary 2026 run for 67th District Assembly Person
Paul Gonzales, AD-67 candidate, 2026 primary election questionnaire - By Mona Darwish | mdarwish@scng.com - PUBLISHED: May 6, 2026 at 9:45 AM PDT | UPDATED: May 7, 2026 at 9:27 AM PDT
Selected from the questions:
“There have been numerous efforts made in the state legislature to curtail federal immigration enforcement in California, from prohibitions on agents wearing masks to banning federal officers from future employment in a public agency. Do you see any area where the state could better protect its residents from the federal government’s widespread immigration crackdown? Would you prefer the state work more hand-in-hand with the federal government on immigration? Where does the role as a state legislator fall into your beliefs here? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
The ICE raids in California have brought fear to all residents. Yes, the masks are imposing, but are only worn for the safety of the officers, as in other undercover or special assignments. Banning federal officers may be a well-intentioned proposition, but does violate the individual’s ability to engage in contracts and may be creating a legal basis for contractual interference and legal ramifications imposed on a municipality with a representative hiring agency suffering the liability.
The federal government is solely responsible for problems associated with immigration and very little on a legislative basis to counteract those immigration enforcement issues. We can organize peaceful protests targeting localities where enforcement action is active, but cannot interfere with the agencies’ jurisdictional activities. I will not tolerate a local police agency working alongside the ICE raids, with crowd control the only exception to their participation. These random raids on the residents of California are uncalled for and not acceptable in any form, but the apprehension of the criminal element on specifically targeted individuals with a judicial warrant will make our neighborhoods safer.
We can’t legislate our way out of this mess, but we can organize peaceful protests and make our protests heard by engaging with our legislators in both houses of the U.S. Congress!”
Endorsed by:
None found
Candidate in the News:
These 3 Orange County Assembly races are ones to watch in the 2026 June primary election - By Kaitlyn Schallhorn | kschallhorn@scng.com - PUBLISHED: May 27, 2026 at 7:00 AM PDT | UPDATED: May 27, 2026 at 7:27 AM PDT
NOTE: This is regarding Paul’s Primary 2026 run for 67th District Assembly Office
“Aside from Briceño and Pulido, Democrats Paul Gonzales, a Buena Park resident who works for the Orange County Office of the District Attorney, and Artesia Councilmember Ali Taj are vying for the seat. ”
“The other three candidates did not raise nearly as much: Gonzales reported bringing in $5,900 his year, Morales $5,625 and Ayub just over $1,700.”
Public Voting Record:
None found, has not held elective office
From netfile.com - None found for current year, large number of results from 2025 and back, but due to the common name, cannot be certain these are from the same Paul
38th District, 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.
32nd 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.
59th District, CA State Assembly
Due to bandwidth limitations, our fully volunteer team will not be able to cover all of the legislative races in this guide. Thank you for understanding, and please check out the local races we did cover.
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.
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*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:
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:
OC investigation found elected assessor treated women as subservient, harassed employee over her disability - LAist Mar 19, 2025
Gender Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation at OC Assessors Office - helmerfriedman - March 19, 2025
OC workforce housing program endangered by war between county assessor, developers - OC Register July 5, 2024
Public Voting Record:
Nothing found
Follow the Money: via the link
OC workforce housing program endangered by war between county assessor, developers - OC Register July 5, 2024
Claude has hired Lysa Ray for campaign consultant/management services. Ray is a Republican campaign consultant who has worked on the campaigns of a significant number of anti-LGBTQ+ candidates in Orange County.
Claude has paid approximately $130,000 in total to five different campaign literature organizations; Budget Watch dogs Newsletter (ID# 1345115), Cal Voter Newsletter (ID# 1468377), and Election Digest (ID# 1345303), and Voter Newsletter (ID# 1355767).
Claude is partially self-funding his campaign, with a loan of $5,000.
We also found donations from Claude to the 2024 campaigns of Janet Nguyen and Don Wagner, notably anti-LGBTQ+ local elected officials.
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*Information as of our June 2026 Primary Guide*
“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:
La Palma Mayor prompts pause after Council member questions reasons for lack of transparency - Jan 30, 2025 - event-newsenterprise.com
“If you don’t fall in line, they’re going to find ways to write a new rule book to control your behavior so they don’t want transparency or accountability,” said Keo Conklin.
Public Voting Record:
No voting results found related to Trans, LGBTQ, Pride, etc. topics
Plenty of results for normal City business
Follow the Money: via the link
https://www.transparencyusa.org/ca/candidate/janet-k-conklin/
$3,950 Total Contributions / $2,250 Total Expenditures
Top contributors:
$2,000.00 Political Reporting Plus
$1,000.00 Acellent Plus LLC(ethan Huynh)
Campaign Disclosure info - https://netfile.com/corp/#public-data?savedSearchId=WuIAg
Details from prior Senate runs: https://cal-access.sos.ca.gov/Campaign/Candidates/Detail.aspx?id=1477623
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.
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*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)
Kelly Felton, anti-trans activist out of Tustin USD
California Family Council, an anti-trans and anti-public education conservative thinktank
Joseph Komrosky, school board trustee out of Temecula Valley USD who sought to remove Harvey Milk from school history book curriculums, calling Milk a pedophile
Beth Bourne, a dangerous anti-trans activist who doxxes children
Salt and Light OC, a Christian Nationalist organization in Orange County
Patty Cabada, an anti-trans activist who supported the HB Book Ban efforts
Assemblyman David Tangipa, who is proudly anti-LGBTQ+
Manuk Grigoryan, anti-trans extremist who runs the SoCal based “Leave Our Kids Alone” hate group
Tish Hyman, LA Mayoral candidate who promised to ‘get rid of’ trans people in LA if she wins
Michael Gates, fmr. Huntington Beach city attorney, who lost his job with the Trump DOJ after complaints from his colleagues that he created a hostile work environment for women
Chloe Cole, radical anti-trans activist
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.)
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:
Sonja Shaw Working to Restore Opening Prayers to Board Meetings
The next generation of Trump-inspired showmen are in Riverside County, California
Chino Valley school board challenges injunction barring prayer at its meetings
Righteous mother or right-wing zealot? The soccer mom leading California’s parental rights movement
California school board battles over LGBTQ+ rights intensify after transgender vote in Chino
How conservatives are waging a coordinated, anti-LGBTQ+ culture war in California schools
Conservative school board kicks out State Superintendent Tony Thurmond from meeting
Back to school: California Republicans bet big on local board races
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;
$9,800 from the Supporters of Chad Bianco for Sheriff-Coroner 2028
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*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:
Richard has served on the San Diego Board of Education since 2008.
As a board member of the San Diego BOE, he has asserted that the district will continue to move forward with ethnic studies requirements, even as Gov. Newsom’s office has withheld the funds associated with the law requirement for those studies.
Berrara is supportive of charter schools, but expresses that there must be greater regulations on the industry than currently exists, to avoid a “Wild West” of charters.
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:
EdSource: Labor unions splits among Dem candidates for State Supe
During federal anti-immigrant crackdown, San Diego schools affirm student protections
What Reforms Did SDU Implement Under Barrera and What Were the Outcomes?
The man who shaped the workers' revolution at San Diego Unified
Fact Check: San Diego Unified's Bragging Rights on Dropout Rates
$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.
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*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:
California v. Trump (Birthright Citizenship): Sued to block the Executive Order ending birthright citizenship; the case is currently before the U.S. Supreme Court (Trump v. Barbara).
Newsom v. Trump (National Guard): Successfully blocked the federalization and deployment of the California National Guard for civilian law enforcement.
California v. Trump (DOGE Data Access): Led a coalition to prevent the Department of Government Efficiency from accessing private state-held data (SSNs and bank info).
California v. Dept. of Education (Teacher Grants): Secured an order restoring $600 million in federal grants for teacher training and student mental health.
California v. HUD (Housing Discrimination): Challenged federal rules that penalized states for inclusive housing policies and gender identity protections.
California v. EPA (Vehicle Emissions): Sued to stop the repeal of the 2009 Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding, which protects state tailpipe standards.
State of California v. Wright (Clean Energy): Filed to recover $1.2 billion in hydrogen hub (ARCHES) funding canceled by the Department of Energy.
California v. DOE (Sable Pipelines): Suing to block federal use of the Defense Production Act to restart oil pipelines in Santa Barbara against state safety laws.
Oregon et al. v. Trump (Tariff Challenge): Co-leading a 24-state suit against the 10% universal tariffs, arguing they are an illegal tax on consumers.
Massachusetts v. USDA (SNAP Conditions): Blocking federal attempts to tie food assistance (SNAP) funding to discriminatory state policy changes.
Pennsylvania et al. v. Trump (Voting Rights): Challenging an Executive Order that attempts to restrict mail-in voting and interfere with state-run election authority.
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:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RobBonta
Campaign Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robbonta
Campaign Twitter: https://x.com/robbonta
Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:
(Twitter) Dave Min
(Twitter) CA Assembly Democrats
(Twitter) Brett Meiselas (Co-Founder of Meidas Touch)
(Twitter) Brady PAC (Gun Violence Prevention PAC)
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)
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:
California LGBTQ community still worried for transgender youth
California, other states sue over Trump administration’s latest cuts to HIV programs
California AG Highlights Increase in Anti-LGBTQ+ Hate Crimes in New Report
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, California AG Rob Bonta receive awards from Victory Fund
Attorney General Rob Bonta Adds Missouri, Nebraska, Wyoming To State Travel Ban
CA attorney general slams conditions at California’s largest ICE detention facility
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
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*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:
On his website, Gates talks about his experience defending police officers in court while serving as the city attorney for Huntington Beach (2014-2025). These cases against HBPD are often on the topic of police misconduct - you can read a bit more about these cases here, on the website of one of the prosecuting attorneys that has been involved in challenging HBPD in these cases.
When Gates left his role as Huntington Beach City Attorney, his salary was over $300,000 a year - higher even than the salary of the City Attorney of Los Angeles, a much larger city.
During his time as Huntington Beach City Attorney, Gates built a reputation for pursuing lawsuits on behalf of the city at a higher rate than the average city attorney, and with lawsuits that were blatantly partisan. A number of these lawsuits panned out poorly for various reasons, causing Gates’ reputation even amongst conservatives in the city to drop. A small sample of these lawsuits can be found here:
Huntington Beach releases details of lucrative settlement with Pacific Airshow operator
Huntington Beach ordered to pay $1M in legal fees for censoring library books
US Supreme Court Goes Dark on Huntington Beach’s Housing Battle Against Sacramento
Huntington Beach Continues to Lose Lawsuits Arguing Charter City Rights
Huntington Beach asks Ninth Circuit to revive challenge to California 'forced outing' ban
Gates is an ardent supporter of Voter ID laws and has spoken in support of the voter fraud conspiracy theories. His work as the Huntington Beach City Attorney was heavily involved with these efforts.
Gates has repeatedly promoted misinformation about transgender issues, especially gender affirming care, inclusivity in schools, and trans athletes.
Gates was one of a number of elected officials in Orange County who joined the pile-on of Olympic athlete Imane Khelif after she was wrongfully accused of being a transgender woman, prompting an anti-trans panic. Gates, to this day, asserts without evidence that Khelif is a transgender woman and that the entire Olympic committee is keeping that a secret from the world.
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:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-e-gates-6b05308a/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michael.e.gates/
Twitter: https://x.com/MichaelGatesESQ
Facebook: Gates does have a Facebook, but this researcher has been blocked by him.
Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:
Tito Ortiz: MAGA, UFC Fighter, short stint as Mayor of HB.
David Tangipa: CA Assemblymember and anti-trans activist
Dana Rohrabacher: Fmr. Congressman, MAGA
Basilico’s HB: Openly fascist Italian restaurant in HB
***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:
Former Huntington Beach City Atty. Michael Gates says claims of DOJ firing are false
Huntington Beach’s Michael Gates announces bid for California attorney general
Trump Administration Chooses a Critic of California Elections to Monitor Them
Michael Gates is back, and so is Huntington Beach’s losing streak
Huntington Beach MAGAs want to take their revolution to Sacramento
Your guide to the California attorney general race: Rob Bonta vs. Michael Gates
Michael Gates, California attorney general candidate, 2026 primary election questionnaire
Public Voting Record:
Not applicable
$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.
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*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)
(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)
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.”
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:
California’s race for secretary of state shows partisan divide over how to count ballots
California made it easier to vote, but some with disabilities still face barriers
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
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*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.”
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:
Don Wagner, California secretary of state candidate, 2026 primary election questionnaire
O.C. Supervisors deem Pride flag ‘divisive,’ ban it from display on county property
Orange County sheriff blasts state sanctuary law but says deputies won’t do immigration enforcement
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.
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*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
“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:
Californians for Safety and Justice (“We advocate for community based solutions that make California safer.)
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:
California treasurer Fiona Ma tied to Chinese school cited in scathing audit - POLITICO
“The audit did not accuse Ma of wrongdoing.” Article from Politico - generally seen as left-leaning
Fiona Ma took money from Chinese school CEO probed for fraud
“Ma, who is running for lieutenant governor, has accepted more than $30,000 from Steven Ma, the founder of a $34,000-per-year, Qingdao-based boarding school under investigation for allegedly churning out bogus California diplomas for well-connected Chinese students.” Article from NY Post - Generally seen as heavily right-leaning
Fiona Ma, California lieutenant governor candidate, 2026 primary election questionnaire
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
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*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:
Her Twitter account contains a number of negative posts about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, which isn’t overtly related to CA politics, but there were enough of them that we found it worth noting.
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
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:
Democrat-turned-Republican Gloria Romero announces run for lieutenant governor
Gloria Romero, California lieutenant governor candidate, 2026 primary election questionnaire
(Opinion Piece) Why a Former Democrat Stumped for Trump in Coachella
(Opinion Piece by Romero) I’m a true-blue Democrat — but I’ve joined the GOP and back Donald Trump
In their words: Fiona Ma v. Josh Fryday v. Michael Tubbs v. Gloria Romero. We asked. They answered.
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.
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*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)
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:
Your guide to the California state treasurer race: Who will replace Fiona Ma?
Lt. Governor Kounalakis Establishes Transgender Advisory Council
Newsom Signs Bill To Ensure Trans, Nonbinary Students’ Diplomas Reflect Identities
(Right-leaning Opinion Piece) Another First from California: the Nation’s First Transgender Voting Place
SF leaders wear Pride on their sleeves at flag raising event
The California Lt. Gov who could soon end up in the U.S. Senate
(Endorsement from SF Chronicle) Eleni Kounalakis for California treasurer
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
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*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 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:
“Jennifer Hawks, California Treasurer Candidate, 2026 primary election questionnaire”
Jennifer Hawks, California treasurer candidate, 2026 primary election questionnaire
In the six-way race to be California’s treasurer, it likely comes down to two Democrats
Public Voting Record:
None found, as Hawks has never served in an elected capacity before.
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