News Summary
Mayor Gracey Van Der Mark of Huntington Beach has announced her candidacy for the Assembly District 72 seat in the upcoming election. With Republican Diane Dixon stepping down, Van Der Mark aims to represent a strong conservative voice in a diverse political landscape. Her past political experience, including becoming the first Latina mayor of Huntington Beach, will play a crucial role as she navigates issues surrounding local governance and current controversies, including a debate over public library operations.
Gracey Van Der Mark Sets Sights on Assembly District 72
In the sunny city of Huntington Beach, Mayor Gracey Van Der Mark has thrown her hat into the ring for the California Assembly District 72 seat in the upcoming 2026 election. This exciting announcement means that locals will soon see a race to fill a position currently held by Republican Diane Dixon, who has decided to step down. Instead of seeking re-election, Dixon will be challenging incumbent Democrat Katrina Foley for a spot as an Orange County Supervisor.
What’s at Stake?
California Assembly District 72 is quite a diverse area, encompassing cities like Aliso Viejo, Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, Lake Forest, and Newport Beach. With a blend of communities, the district has its fair share of political dynamics, which makes this upcoming election one to watch.
The Road to This Moment
Gracey Van Der Mark isn’t new to the political scene, though. After several attempts to land a local office spot—most notably her runs for the Ocean View School District Board of Trustees in 2018 and the Huntington Beach City Council in 2020—she finally succeeded in 2022. In a significant achievement, she became the first Latina mayor of Huntington Beach.
Under her leadership, the Huntington Beach City Council shifted to a more conservative majority, affectionately dubbed the “MAGA-nificent Seven.” With her conservative alignment, Van Der Mark represents a faction that believes in strong policies and local control of governance.
Issues on Her Agenda
As she gears up for her Assembly bid, Van Der Mark aims to amplify a strong conservative voice in the Assembly, following in the footsteps of prior Republican representation. Some of the policies she’s championed include stringent voter ID requirements, restrictions on non-governmental flags, and the controversial Parents’ Right to Know ordinance.
Interestingly, the voter ID measures, which gained support from Huntington Beach residents, now face legal challenges initiated by the state Attorney General. This situation has added an unexpected twist to her political narrative.
The Library Controversy
Divided Opinions
While some cheer for her strong stance on parental accountability in education and her desire for local governance, others express concern. Critics argue that her initiatives have led to division and controversy within Huntington Beach, often labeling her rhetoric as partisan and divisive. There’s even a lawsuit challenging the controversial measures aimed at limiting children’s access to certain books.
Adding fuel to the fire is her connection with far-right groups, which has stirred up various opinions among local residents and political commentators. It’s clear that her candidacy is already shaping up to be a high-stakes battle for the Assembly seat, with both conservative and liberal factions gearing up for a heated election cycle.
What’s Next?
As Van Der Mark embarks on this new journey toward the Assembly, the local community will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on her campaign efforts. With a pivotal election on the horizon, every voice in the district, whether for or against her policies, will play a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of California.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Huntington Beach Library Measures on Election Ballot
Huntington Beach Community Fights for Library Autonomy
Huntington Beach City Council Approves Lifeguard Tower Ads
Huntington Beach Residents Challenge Symphony of Flowers Event
Huntington Beach City Council Calls for Supervisor’s Resignation
Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Gracey Van Der Mark Announces State Assembly Run
- Orange Juice Blog: Gracey Jumps into Assembly Race
- LAist: Huntington Beach Special Election on Public Libraries
- OC Register: Teenagers Sue City Over Children’s Book Review Board
- Q Voice News: Huntington Beach Passes Parents’ Right to Know Ordinance
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
