City Council

Candidates by City

Aliso Viejo

District 1


Jennifer Engle Democrat Website Candidate statement

Key Endorsements

Dem Party of OC, WAVE…

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Replied to Questionnaire: Does not condone blaming the Jewish community but also doesn’t support many of the acts of the Israeli Government

Tim Zandbergen Republican Website Candidate statement

Key Endorsements

Rep Party of OC, Lincoln Club; CA Apt Assoc., Mayor Munzing, Newport Beach Mayor Will O’Neill

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

District 3


Richard Hurt (I) Democrat Website Candidate statement Instagram

Note

Running Unopposed

Key Endorsements

Dem Party of OC, WAVE…

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

District 5


Mike Munzing (I) Republican Website Candidate statement Facebook Instagram

Note

Current Mayor

Key Endorsements

Rep Party of OC, Reform California

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Post October 7, stated that reluctantly had to pull a city statement in support of Israel due to pressure and threats.

Key Endorsements

Dem Party of OC, WAVE, OC Justice for Palestine

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Personal Meeting note: Stands by local Jewish community; The conflict is not part of city business

Anaheim

District 1


Key Endorsements

Anaheim Police; Anaheim Fire

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Personal Meeting note: will only allow matters related to city business; will support and protect the Jewish community’s right to practice their religious freedom

Ojaala Ahmad Democrat Website Candidate statement Instagram

Note

CAIR employee

Endorsements

CAIR, OC Justice for Palestine

District 4


Norma Kampos Kurtz (I) Democrat Website Candidate statement Facebook Instagram

Note

Mayor Pro Tem

Key Endorsements

Dem Party of OC, US Rep. Lou Correa, CAIR, OC Justice for Palestine

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Francisco Rosas Candidate statement

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

District 5


Key Endorsements

Anaheim Mayor, OC Labor Federation…

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Andrew Sarega Republican Website Candidate statement

Note

Recent mayor of La Mirada

Key Endorsements

Anaheim Police Assoc.

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Brea

Council (at large)-Elect 2


Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Christine Marick (I) Website Candidate statement

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Replied to Questionnaire: Adamantly against divestment, hateful protests; strong advocate of upholding the law on campus

Marty Simonoff (I) Website Candidate statement

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Treasurer


Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Buena Park

District 2


Yong “Chuy” Choi Website Candidate statement

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Key Endorsements

Dem Party of OC, Tammy Kim and other elected officials

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

District 3


John Dade Republican Website Candidate statement Facebook

Key Endorsements

OC Republican party and multiple elected officials

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Replied to Questionnaire: Israel was violently attacked by terrorists on 10/7; will combat any illegal boycotts and violent/aggressive protests

Susan Sonne (I) Democrat Website Candidate statement Facebook

Note

Current Mayor

Key Endorsements

Dem Party of OC, Farrah Khan and other elected officials

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

District 4


Paul Gonzales Candidate statement

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Replied to Questionnaire: Views boycott campaigns as directed towards ending a war that has led to many deaths, vs. against Israel or the Jews; believes existing ordinances are sufficient

Lamiya Hoque Democrat Website Candidate statement Facebook

Key Endorsements

Dem Party of OC, US Rep Lou Correa, CA Sen. Josh Newman, Buena Park Mayor

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Costa Mesa

Mayor


John Stephens (I) Democrat Website Candidate statement Facebook Instagram

Note

Current Mayor

Key Endorsements

Dem Party of OC

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Outspoken in support of the Jewish people; condemned the burning of American flags, issued strong stmt against antisemitism. Feels the same about Islamophobia and any form of political violence.

James Peters Republican Website Candidate statement

Key Endorsements

Rep Party of OC

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Replied to Questionnaire: Believes in Israel’s right to survive and attack Hamas or other enemies; supports more police presence to enforce rights of Jewish students

District 1


Key Endorsements

Rep Party of OC, Lincoln Club…

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Replied to Questionnaire: Stands by Jewish community and Israel, but also reserved in favor of free speech and ‘not the business of the city’

Adam C. Ereth Democrat Website Candidate statement

Key Endorsements

Dem Party of OC, WAVE, Mayor Stephens

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

District 2


Loren Gameros (I) Democrat Website Candidate statement Facebook Instagram

Note

Running Unopposed

Key Endorsements

Dem Party of OC

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

District 6


Jeffrey Harlan (I) Democrat Website Candidate statement Facebook Instagram

Note

Mayor Pro Tem

Key Endorsements

Dem Party of OC, CA Sen Dave Min and Josh Newman, OC Sup. Katrina Foley…

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Reply to questionnaire: As a Jew, I am acutely aware of the rise in antisemitic incidents, In Costa Mesa, we have no tolerance for these kinds of crimes. I have not been asked by any constituents to make any kind of resolution regarding a ceasefire and would not oblige if requested.

Key Endorsements

Rep Party of OC, Lincoln Club, Scott Baugh, Mayor Will O’Neill

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Replied to Questionnaire: Strong supporter of Israel’s right to defend itself, as well as against any hate towards Jews

Cypress

District 3


Mark H. Plager Republican Website Candidate statement Facebook Instagram

Note

Member of Temple Beth Sholom in Long Beach

Key Endorsements

Rep Party of OC, US Rep. Michelle Steel…

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Meeting note: “If elected, I can ensure that Jewish residents are not forgotten, and the city council members and employees are educated and sensitive to Jewish issues and customs.”

Key Endorsements

Dem Party of OC

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Gayel Kaplan Candidate statement

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

District 4


Key Endorsements

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Blaze Bhence Democrat Website Candidate statement Facebook

Key Endorsements

Dem Party of OC, WAVE, CA Sen Newman…

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Replied via email, would not answer our questions – felt they were divisive, although confirmed support for Israel

Glenn Button Republican Website Candidate statement

Key Endorsements

Rep Party of OC, US Rep. Michelle Steel, Assm Janet Nguyen

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Replied to Questionnaire: Strongly opposed to any discrimination and harassment; will “pray for the peace of Jerusalem and Israel, right after their decisive victory over their terrorist attackers”

Dana Point

District 4


Note

Running Unopposed

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

District 5


Michael Villar (I) Website Facebook

Note

Running Unopposed

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Fountain Valley

Council (at large)- Elect 2


Glenn Grandis (I) Democrat Website Facebook Instagram

Note

Current Mayor

Key Endorsements

Dem Party of OC

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Replied to Questionnaire: Member of the Jewish community, pro-Israel. Has worked with local synagogue; agrees the conflict is outside the jurisdiction of city business

Ted Bui (I) Republican Website

Key Endorsements

Rep Party of OC, Lincoln Club, US Rep. Michelle Steel, Assm Janet Nguyen

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Alicia “Rudy” Huebner Democrat Website Facebook Instagram

Key Endorsements

Dem Party of OC

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Katy V. Wright

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Fullerton

District 1


Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Replied to email: Israel & Gaza are not within the subject matter of the Fullerton City Council. Jewish community should feel safe in Fullerton, home of Temple Beth Tikvah.

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Replied to Questionnaire: Condemns acts of Hamas, ok to criticize Israel but not ok to take it out on innocent Jews. Does not believe blanket condemnation and boycotts are in order.

District 2


Nicholas Dunlap (I) Republican Website Candidate statement Facebook

Notes

Current Mayor

Key Endorsements

Rep Party of OC, Fullerton POA

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Jan M. Flory Democrat Website Candidate statement Facebook

Key Endorsements

Dem Party of OC

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Replied to Questionnaire: Equated 10/7 to Israel’s 9/11. Does not understand why Palestinians do not condemn Hamas. Firmly committed to protecting the Jewish community’

District 4


Vivian “Kitty” Jaramillo Democrat Website Candidate statement

Key Endorsements

Dem Party of OC, CAIR

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Jamie Valencia Website Candidate statement

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Linda Whitaker Republican Website Candidate statement

Key Endorsements

Rep Party of OC

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Scott Markowitz Candidate statement

Key Endorsements

Rep Party of OC

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Arrested on 10/14 for falsifying campaign paperwork. No longer eligible to take office if elected.

Garden Grove

Mayor


Diedre Thu-Ha Nguyen Democrat Website Facebook Instagram

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

John O’Neill (I) Website Facebook

Note

Current council member (D2)

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Replied to email: The Jewish community has my full support! As a lifelong resident of Garden Grove, I was raised Catholic and became a born-again Christian in 1984. We worship the one true God and believe in absolute right and wrong.

Lan Quoc Nguyen

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Musaab B. Mughal

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Stephanie Klopfenstein (I) Website Facebook Instagram

Note

Current council member (D5)

Key Endorsements

Garden Grove Mayor, Police

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Thomas Thai Nguyen

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

District 2


John Ramirez Republican Website Instagram

Key Endorsements

Rep Party of OC

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Phillip Nguyen Democrat Website

Key Endorsements

Dem Party of OC, Santa Ana council member Thai Phan

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

District 5


Mariyan Bahadarakhann Website

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Sandra Thomas

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Yesenia Muneton Democrat Website Instagram

Key Endorsements

Dem Party of OC, OC Sup. Sarmiento

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

District 6


Ariana Aristegui Democrat Website Facebook Instagram

Key Endorsements

Dem Party of OC

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Tri T. Lam Website

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Huntington Beach

Council (at large)- Elect 3


Rhonda Bolton (I) Democrat Website Facebook

Key Endorsements

Dem Party of OC, WAVE, Planned Parenthood, Sierra Club

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Voted for, but didn’t sign the council’s statement supporting Israel after 10/7; Abstained from vote to adopt Ramat Gan as sister city

Dan Kalmick (I) Democrat Website Facebook Instagram

Key Endorsements

Dem Party of OC, WAVE, Planned Parenthood, US Rep. Katie Porter, CA Sen. Dave Min, Working Families Party

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Voted for, but didn’t sign the council’s statement supporting Israel after 10/7; Abstained from vote to adopt Ramat Gan as sister city; expressed concern re not enough empathy to deaths in Gaza; Aligns with extreme left candidates in Santa Ana

Natalie Moser (I) Democrat Website Facebook Instagram

Key Endorsements

Dem Party of OC, WAVE, Planned Parenthood, US Rep Katie Porter, CA Sen Dave Min and Josh Newman.

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Voted for, but didn’t sign the council’s statement supporting Israel after 10/7; Abstained from vote to adopt Ramat Gan as sister city

Amory Hanson Facebook Instagram

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Replied to Questionnaire: Stands by city’s decision to support Israel

Marissa Jackson Republican Website

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Reply to Questionnaire: I have called our police department to make sure our Jewish community in Huntington Beach is protected . I support Israel and believe they have the right to defend themselves against a terrorist organization. My prayer is that Hamas will surrender and stop the violence inflicted on the people, It is important that we understand the difference between hate speech and freedom of speech.

Don Kennedey Republican Website Facebook Instagram

Key Endorsements

Rep Party of OC, Lincoln Club, Scott Baugh, HB city council member Tony Strickland

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Running as part of 3-member Rep slate; very pro-Israel

Butch Twining Republican Website

Key Endorsements

Rep Party of OC, Lincoln Club, Scott Baugh, Tony Strickland

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Running as part of 3-member Rep slate; very pro-Israel

Chad Williams Republican Website Facebook Instagram

Key Endorsements

Rep Party of OC, Lincoln Club, Scott Baugh, Tony Strickland

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Part of 3-member slate; Replied to Questionnaire: Strongly support Israel; worked behind the scenes to support the city’s resolutions

Irvine

Mayor


Larry Agran Democrat Website Candidate statement

Note

Vice Mayor and Council member in District 5 (term ends in 2026)

Key Endorsements

CAIR, OC Justice for Palestine

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Supported vote for a ceasefire resolution; did not support the Jewish community while attacked during City Council meetings; proposed to adopt Gaza as a sister city and consider spending city funds on humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Tammy Kim Democrat Website Candidate statement

Note

Current council member in District 3; Term ends this year.

Key Endorsements

Dem Party of OC, multiple US Congress members incl. US Reps. Katie Porter and Lou Correa; CA Attorney General Bonta, multiple mayors, CA Assembly members and OC Supervisors; Irvine PD, OC Fire…

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Stood steadfastly in support of the Jewish community despite multiple personal threats. Voted against every anti-Israel resolution – not business of the city.

Akshat Bhatia Website Facebook Instagram

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Felipe Delgado Website Candidate statement

Key Endorsements

OC Superintendent of Education Dr. Bean; OC BoE Trusty Mari Barke

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Replied to Questionnaire: has zero tolerance for discrimination and hate; Irvine should only address matters within city borders

Ron Scolesdang Republican Website Candidate statement Facebook Instagram

Key Endorsements

Rep Party of OC, Christina Shea

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

During recent candidate forum, stated that Israel is not a true ally of the US, although clarified subsequently that he did not fully hear the question.

Note

Mayor Farrah Khan’s Finance Commissioner

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Meeting Note: Against divestment and boycotts – we live in a global economy; Against ideals of extremes from both sides; No issues outside of Irvine should affect Irvine residents. At recent candidate forum, also stated that Israel is not an ally of the US and is committing genocide in Gaza.

District 1


Michelle Johnson Republican Website Candidate statement Facebook Instagram

Key Endorsements

Larry Agran

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Email reply: Supports CA’s Golden State Plan to combat antisemitism

Key Endorsements

Irvine Mayor Farrah Khan, Working Families Party, CAIR, OC Justice for Palestine

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Part of extreme left slate

Jeff Kitchen Candidate statement

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Replied to Questionnaire: Supports civil discourse, cooperation with intelligence agencies

Key Endorsements

Dem Party of OC, US Rep Katie Porter, Irvine council member Tammy Kim, CA Sen Josh Newman…

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Meeting Notes: committed to upholding the law including meeting decorum in chamber meetings; empathizes with our concerns as a Taiwanese immigrant; foreign conflicts do not belong in city chamber.

Key Endorsements

Rep Party of OC, Lincoln Club, US Rep Michelle Steel and Young Kim

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Stands firmly with the Jewish community. Does not support anyone attempting to pursue or harass members of the community. Irvine has enough critical priorities and should not weigh in on international conflicts nor should it bow down to related pressure.

District 2


Gang Chen Republican Website Candidate statement

Key Endorsements

Rep Party of OC, Christina Shea, Stephen Choi…

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Replied to Questionnaire: Jewish community should feel safe, should not tolerate any antisemitic incidents; conflict is not city’s business

Key Endorsements

Dem Party of OC, Tammy Kim, Dave Min

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Mohamed Kothermydeen

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Key Endorsements

Irvine Mayor Farrah Khan, CAIR

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Key Endorsements

US Rep Katie Porter, Irvine council member Kathleen Treseder

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Meeting Notes: International issues do not belong in city chamber; will support better lines of communication and education with Jewish community

District 3


Key Endorsements

Larry Agran

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Email Reply: council members are not in a position to opine on the conflict; Jews and their institutions should feel safe; committed to facilitating working relations with public safety groups.

Key Endorsements

Rep Party of OC, Lincoln Club, OC Sup. Don Wagner

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Can empathize with our plight as someone who has endured 3 years of harassment during public meetings from an individual who was savvy enough to use the law and freedom of speech. Has a family history with the Jewish community (adopted father/god father was part of the liberating forces in Germany and freed many prisoners during WW2. Have also lived among many Palestinians who fled their lands due to war in the 80s, and grew up with the children during this time. Has friends and business partners living in Tel Aviv. I believe public comments should be addressing the subject matter and public comments cannot be used to defame, slander, or attack any individuals (that is abuse). We must focus on matters within the city’s jurisdiction. Disruptive individuals may be also removed from a meeting and/or warned if they threaten anyone (all up to the discretion of the chair or whoever is running the meeting). I will condemn any hate speech of any kind towards any group regarding race/national origin, religion, and all forms of hate speech/bigotry.

Key Endorsements

Dem Party of OC, US Rep Katie Porter, Tammy Kim, Dave Min, Kathleen Treseder

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Meeting Note: Does not believe in bringing any international conflict into the city, believes that all citizens should be free of hate and harassment, specifically when blame is assigned for matters not in their control and miles away from the US.

District 4


Mike Carroll Republican Website Candidate statement Facebook

Key Endorsements

Rep Party of OC, Lincoln Club, OC Sup. Don Wagner, Christina Shea…

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Voted against ceasefire resolution, repeatedly affirms his support of the Jewish community and Israel.

Key Endorsements

Dem Party of OC, US Rep Katie Porter, Tammy Kim, Dave Min, Kathleen Treseder and the Working Families Party

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Meeting Note: would resist any attempt at any discussion related to the Israel/Hamas conflict – not the city’s business;. Included in a slate with extreme left Santa Ana candidates

La Habra

Council (at large)- Elect 3


Rose Espinoza (I) Democrat Website

Key Endorsements

Dem Party of OC

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Daren Nigsarian (I) Democrat Website Facebook Instagram

Note

Current Mayor

Key Endorsements

Dem Party of OC, US Rep Lou Correa, Sen. Josh Newman…

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Carrie Surich (I) Democrat Website Facebook Instagram

Key Endorsements

Dem Party of OC

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Michelle Bernier Democrat Website Facebook

Key Endorsements

Working Families Party, Santa Ana council members Jesse Lopez and Jonathan Hernandez, CAIR

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Aligned with the extreme left Santa Ana slate

Delwin Lampkin Website

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Susan M. Pritchard Republican Website Candidate statement

Key Endorsements

Rep Party of OC, OC BoE Trustee Tim Shaw, Sen Bob Huff.

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Call Notes: Willing to help ensure inclusion and safety of Jewish community. Does not believe issues such as divestment and a ceasefire should be discussed at the city level.

La Palma

District 1


Debbie S. Baker (I) Website Candidate statement

Note

Running unopposed

Key Endorsements

Rep Party of OC

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

District 3


Vikesh P. Patel Candidate statement

Note

Running unopposed

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

District 5


Mark I Waldman (I) Website Candidate statement

Note

Running unopposed

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Laguna Beach

Council (at large)- Elect 2


George Weiss (I) Democrat Website

Key Endorsements

Dem Party of OC, CAIR Preferred

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Supported unanimous adoption of a resolution condemning Hamas after 10/7.

Bob Whalen (I) Democrat Website

Key Endorsements

CA Sen Dave Min, CA Assm. Cottie Petrie Norris, OC Sup. Katrina Foley, CAIR Preferred

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Supported unanimous adoption of a resolution condemning Hamas after 10/7.

Judie Mancuso Democrat Website

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Hallie Jones Democrat Website Instagram

Key Endorsements

CA Sen Dave Min, CA Assm. Cottie Petrie Norris, OC Sup. Katrina Foley…

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Laguna Hills

Council (at large)- Elect 2


Don Caskey (I) Republican Website Facebook Instagram

Key Endorsements

Rep Party of OC, US Rep Young Kim…

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Jared Mathis Republican Website Facebook Instagram

Key Endorsements

Rep Party of OC, OC Sup Don Wagner…

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Reply to Questionnaire: No tolerance for hate; supports monetary awards for tips that lead to arrest; do more to acknowledge minorities

Laguna Woods

Council (at large)- Elect 3


Shari L. Horne (I) Candidate statement

Notes

Dual US and Israeli citizen

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Reply to Questionnaire: Pushed against consideration of ceasefire resolution; ” It was shortly after Oct 7 and I was very distraught about the hostages. I don’t know what is right. It is an awful situation all around now, but no one in the Middle East cares what Laguna Woods thinks.”

Cynthia S. Conners (I) Candidate statement

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Email response: We make every effort to use the authority and influence of the City to celebrate diversity and foster inclusion.

Eun Ju “Pearl” Lee Candidate statement

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

James Ping-Ya Tung Candidate statement

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Lake Forest

District 1


Doug Cirbo (I) Candidate statement Facebook

Notes

Running unopposed

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

District 5


Robert Pequeno(I) Republican Candidate statement Facebook

Notes

Running unopposed

Key Endorsements

Rep Party of OC

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Los Alamitos

District 1


Tanya Doby (I) Republican Website Candidate statement

Key Endorsements

Rep Party of OC

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Replied to Questionnaire: committed to safety of all residents; does not support any discussion of ceasefire resolution, just like the city blocked discussions of BLM

Wendy Grose Republican Website Candidate statement

Key Endorsements

OC BoE Trustee Mari Barky, CA Assm. Tri Ta…

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

District 2


Trisha Murphy (I) Republican Website Candidate statement Instagram

Key Endorsements

Rep Party of OC

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Key Endorsements

Rep Party of OC

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

District 3


Jordan Nefulda (I) Website Candidate statement

Notes

Current Mayor; Running unopposed

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Newport Beach

District 2


Michelle Barto Republican Website

Notes

Currently sits on Newport Mesa School Board (D5)

Key Endorsements

Rep Party of OC, US Rep Michelle Steel, Sup Don Wagner, Sherrif Don Barnes…

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Meeting Notes: Would not welcome calls for ceasefire or divestment; Supports Holocaust education; wants to promote better Ethnic Studies curriculum

Nancy Scarbrough Website

Key Endorsements

Select council members and former mayors

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

District 5


Noah Blom (I) Republican Website

Key Endorsements

US Pres. Donald Trump, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, OC Rep Party

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Call notes- stands strongly with Israel and heavily supports our cause, Received pressure from Muslim groups as Mayor last year to make statements on conflict but refused bc it is out of the city’s focus, strong ally to Temple Bat Yahm and Jewish Community

Jeff Herdman Website

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Replied to Questionnaire: committed to safety of the entire community; will not support any boycott

District 7


Miles Patricola Democrat Website

Key Endorsements

Dem Party of OC, CA Young Dems, Planned Parenthood, OC Justice for Palestine

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Replied to Questionnaire: believes most protesters have good intentions, worry about loss of life, but also need to blame Hamas; students who harass other students must face consequences

Sara J. Weber Republican Website

Key Endorsements

Rep Party of OC, Lincoln Club…

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Orange

Mayor


Dan Slater (I) Website

Notes

Running unopposed

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

District 2


Jon Dumitru (I) Republican Website

Notes

Running unopposed

Key Endorsements

Rep Party of OC

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Call Notes: Stands by Israel as a US ally; family members perished in the Holocaust; would help local temples; would not cave to any ceasefire or divestment calls

District 7


Kathy Tavoularis (I) Republican Website

Note

Running unopposed

Key Endorsements

Rep Party of OC, US Rep Michelle Steel, Sup Don Wagner, Sherrif Don Barnes…

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not Provided

District 5


Ana Gutierrez (I) Website

Note

Running unopposed

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Placentia

District 1


Thomas Hummer Candidate statement

Key Endorsements

Reform California

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

District 5


Jeremy Yamaguchi (I) Website Candidate statement

Note

Current Mayor

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Kenneth Stevenson Democrat Candidate statement

Key Endorsements

Dem Party of OC

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

District 7


Ward L. Smith (I) Democrat Website Candidate statement

Key Endorsements

Rep Party of OC

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Rancho Santa Margarita

Mayor


L. Anthony Beall (I) Republican Website

Key Endorsements

Rep Party of OC

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Myrta Rivera

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Tony Mata

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

District 5


Carol Gamble (I) Republican Website

Note

Current Mayor

Key Endorsements

Rep Party of OC, US Rep Young Kim

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Keri Lynn Baert Website Facebook Instagram

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

San Clemente

District 3


Rick Loeffler (I) Website

Key Endorsements

Chamber of Commerce, Lisa Davis (Board member, Capistrano Unified school district)

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Amanda Quintanilla Website

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Lois McNicoll Website

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Angela Watts Democrat Website Facebook Instagram

Key Endorsements

Dem Party of OC, US Rep Mike Levin, OC Sup. Katrina Foley..

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

District 4


Zhen Wu Republican Website Facebook

Key Endorsements

Rep Party of OC

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Reply to email: Will take the Israeli side against Hamas in a heartbeat. San Clemente has an active Jewish community, I will be meeting with them later this month to listen to their concerns. San Clemente is not a place for hate, and I will fight against racism and hatred of any type including antisemitism and Asian Hate.

Sarah Schneider Website Facebook Instagram

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Call Notes: Stands with Israel and denounces Hamas; Israel is America’s biggest ally; city council is not a place to debate this

San Juan Capistrano

District 1


Sergio Farias (I) Website Candidate statement

Note

Current Mayor

Key Endorsements

US Rep Mike Levin

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Reply to Questionnaire: supports strong collaboration between law enforcement and Jewish community; conflict is not business of the city

Jesse “Chip” Nelson Candidate statement

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Reply to Questionnaire: Israel is strongest ally of the US and has right to defend itself; there should be zero tolerance for any antisemitism

District 5


Howard Hart (I) Website Candidate statement

Note

Running unopposed

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Email reply: My response to any calls for antisemitic/ anti-Israeli actions would be unequivocally negative. I believe it is in our country’s interest to give Israel more support, not less.

Santa Ana

Mayor


Valerie Amezcua (I) Democrat Website Facebook Instagram

Note

Current Mayor

Key Endorsements

Dem Party of OC, US Rep Lou Correa, OC Sup. Katrina Foley, CA Sen. Tom Umberg, Dave Min and Josh Newman, Santa Ana Police Officers Assoc. Anaheim and Costa Mesa Mayors

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Stood repeatedly with Jewish community facing multiple personal threats; voted against a ceasefire resolution; Has been accused, harassed and relentlessly attacked by CAIR and others. Firmly believes the Middle east conflict is not the business of the city; staunch supporter of maintaining meeting decorum in council meetings.

Benjamin Vazquez Democrat Website Facebook Instagram

Note

Current council member in Ward 2, term ends 2026

Key Endorsements

Working Families Party, OC Sup. Vince Sarmiento, Council member Jonathan Hernandez, CAIR, OC Justice for Palestine

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Voted for ceasefire resolution; campaign platform directly states support for Palestinian community; signed statement standing with the children of Gaza, referencing CAIR language.

District 1


Thai Viet Phan (I) Democrat Website Facebook

Key Endorsements

Dem Party of OC, US Rep Lou Correa, OC Sup. Sarmiento, Planned Parenthood

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Initially spoke against a proposed ceasefire resolution and explicitly condemned Hamas. In May, supported a modified resolution that also called for the release of Israeli hostages and recognized both a free Palestinian state and Israel’s right to exist.

Julie Tran Republican Website Facebook Instagram

Key Endorsements

OC Young Republicans, US Rep. Michelle Steel, CA Assm. Tri Ta, OC BoE Trustee Jorge Valdez

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

District 3


Jessie Lopez (I) Democrat Website Facebook Instagram

Key Endorsements

Dem Party of OC, Working Families Party, OC Sup. Vince Sarmiento, SAUSD Board President Carolyn Torres, CAIR, OC Justice for Palestine

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Voted in favor of a ceasefire resolution. Aligned with council members Hernandez and Vazquez; signed statement standing with the children of Gaza, referencing CAIR language

Jeffrey Katz Website Facebook

Key Endorsements

Santa Ana Mayor Amezcua and multiple former mayors, OC Sup Don Wagner, Santa Ana POA, OC BoE Trustees.

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Member of Jewish community, actively spoke against ceasefire resolutions in multiple sessions

District 5


Johnathan Ryan Hernandez (I) Democrat Website Facebook Instagram

Key Endorsements

Dem Party of OC, Working Families Party, Sup. Vince Sarmiento, SAUSD Pres Carolyn Torres, CAIR, OC Justice for Palestine

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Actively promoted pro-Palestinian narratives; pushed for and endorsed ceasefire resolution; support antisemitic SAUSD board members.

Mario Alvarado Website Instagram

Key Endorsements

OC Labor Federation, OC Young Democrats, Santa Ana and Costa Mesa Mayors, CA Assm. Quirk-Silva

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Stands with the Jewish community; city council is no place for international conflicts

Seal Beach

District 2


Ben Wong Republican Website

Note

Running unopposed

Key Endorsements

Rep Party of OC, Reform CA

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

District 4


Patty Senecal Republican

Note

Running unopposed

Key Endorsements

Rep Party of OC, Reform CA

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Stanton

District 2


Hong Alyce Van (I) Democrat Website

Key Endorsements

Dem Party of OC, US Rep Lou Correa, Sen Newman, Council member Don Torres…

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Proposed city ceasefire resolution; agreed to compromise language

Victor Barrios Republican Website

Key Endorsements

Rep Party of OC, US Reps Michelle Steel and Young Kim…

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

District 4


Mike Montgomery

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

John Douglas Warren Website

Key Endorsements

US Rep Lou Correa, Stanton Mayor…

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Tustin

District 1


Tanner Douthit Republican Website Instagram

Key Endorsements

Rep Party of OC

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Meeting note: strong supporter of the Jewish community (maternal ancestors escaped persecution in Russia); wants to build more connections across interfaith community

Key Endorsements

Dem Party of OC, US Rep Katie Porter, Sup Katrina Foley…

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Reply to Questionnaire: participated in and supports ADL programs as member of Jewish descent; would not support BDS but deeply disturbed by Netanyahu’s positions

District 2


Bill Esbit Candidate statement

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Member of the Jewish Community (Chabad Tustin); Would do anything in his power to help the Jewish Community and Israel; attended Irvine and Santa Ana city council meetings

Key Endorsements

Rep Party of OC

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Nathan Yeargin Website Candidate statement

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

District 4


Ryan Gallagher (I) Republican Website Candidate statement

Key Endorsements

Rep Party of OC, US Rep Young Kim, OC Sup. Don Wagner

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Reply to Questionnaire: supports Israel’s right to defend itself, but conflict is not the business of the city

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Call Notes: Father is Ashkenazi Jew, very committed to support the Jewish community; would encourage and support more education; conflict does not belong in city chambers

Villa Park

Council(at large) – Elect 2


Robert Frackelton Website Candidate statement

Key Endorsements

OC Sup. Don Wagner, Reform CA

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Yan Killy Republican Candidate statement

Key Endorsements

Rep Party of OC, Reform CA

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Active member of OC Jewish community; founded Israel Global Foundation, aimed at strengthening partnerships between OC and Israel; actively promoted adoption of Ramat Gan as Huntington Beach sister city

Kelly McBride Republican Website

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Reply to Questionnaire: Villa Park is a small and tight-knit city with no place for hate; committed to safety of everyone.

Lawrence Talebi Candidate statement

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Westminster

District 2


Key Endorsements

Dem Party of OC

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Thanh Dang Candidate statement

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Hauwie Tieu Candidate statement

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

District 3


Joseph Ngo Candidate statement

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Reply to email: I would love to support everyone and ensure all public safety. Protecting and fighting for the citizens of America is my goal.

Mark Nguyen Candidate statement

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Key Endorsements

Reform CA

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Reply to Questionnaire: Israel is the most pro freedom and pro liberty country in the middle east; strong advocate of the 2nd Amendment; supports ending the federal dept of education and university funding

Yorba Linda

Council(at large) – Elect 3


Anthony Johnson Republican Website Facebook Instagram

Key Endorsements

Reform CA, OC Young Republicans, CA Sen. Janet Nguyen

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Tara Campbell (I) Republican Website Facebook Instagram

Note

Current Mayor

Key Endorsements

Rep Party of OC, Lincoln Club, US Reps Young Kim and Michelle Steel, CA Sen. Seyarto, CA Assm. Phillip Chen

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Longtime friend and supporter of the Jewish community; attended multiple events hosted by Chabad and others

Peggy Huang (I) Republican Website

Key Endorsements

Rep Party of OC, US Rep Young Kim, Michelle Steel, Sup Don Wagner…

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

Jess Battaglia Facebook

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Reply to Questionnaire: strongly support Israel’s military actions against the barbaric Hamas terrorists. There should be no ceasefire without the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas; no tolerance for any hate in our education system.

Shivinder Singh Republican Website Facebook Instagram

Note

current chairman of city planning commission

Key Endorsements

US Rep Michelle Steel, OC BoE trustees, CA Assm. Tri Ta, Lincoln Club OC…

Questionnaire Responses and Notes

Not provided

  1. Incumbent candidates are denoted with an (I).
  2. Party affiliation and website are denoted when available.