July 1, 2025

Huntington Beach Welcomes Jordan Kirby to 72nd Assembly Race

News Summary

Jordan Kirby, a former U.S. Coast Guard veteran, has announced his candidacy for the 72nd Assembly District in California. Focused on protecting rights and addressing community issues, Kirby aims to bring transparency and inclusivity to governance. He joins a competitive race that includes notable candidates like Chris Kluwe and Gracey Van Der Mark, as the current representative shifts to pursue a role with the Orange County Board of Supervisors. The diverse voter demographics will add an intriguing layer to the election ahead.

Huntington Beach Gets New Hope as Former Coast Guard Veteran Jordan Kirby Enters Race for 72nd Assembly District

Excitement is in the air as Jordan Kirby, a former U.S. Coast Guard officer, has officially thrown his hat in the ring for the 72nd Assembly District seat in California. Mark your calendars for 2026 because this race is shaping up to be quite the spectacle! For those unfamiliar, the 72nd Assembly District includes the beautiful coastal areas from Seal Beach to Laguna Beach, with charming neighborhoods in between, such as Aliso Viejo, Lake Forest, and Laguna Woods.

Meet Jordan Kirby: A Veteran with a Cause

Huntington Beach is home to Kirby, who grew up in Riverside County and proudly served as a U.S. Coast Guard petty officer for an impressive 12 years before leaving the military in 2023. After hanging up his uniform, he didn’t sit back and relax. Instead, he took action by founding Krieger Gaming, a nonprofit with a mission to support veterans and first responders. This initiative cleverly uses video games to address mental health issues, creating a platform for connection and healing.

Political Journey Begins

Kirby decided to enter the political arena in mid-June 2023. Why? Well, he was not too happy with the actions of the Trump administration, particularly regarding its use of power during protests in Los Angeles. Understanding the importance of having a voice, Kirby identifies as a Democrat but is not your typical party-line voter. At one point, he was unaffiliated with any political party, feeling that running as an independent would put him at odds with both established parties. His refreshing approach to politics might just resonate with many who feel disillusioned by the status quo.

Political Priorities on the Menu

If elected, Kirby’s main political priorities will include protecting individual and constitutional rights, with a particular focus on freedom of speech. Additionally, he is dedicated to tackling pressing issues like homelessness and improving mental health services within the community. One of his standout proposals involves directly involving citizens—those affected by legislation—in the lawmaking process. Kirby envisions a peer review system for state documents, ensuring transparency and inclusiveness in governance.

Competition Heats Up

Kirby isn’t the only player in this political game. He joins a growing roster of candidates, including former NFL player Chris Kluwe and the well-known Huntington Beach Councilmember Gracey Van Der Mark. Kluwe’s announcement came after a controversial arrest at a Huntington Beach City Council meeting, while Van Der Mark has been making waves since she was the first to declare her campaign. With experience on the Huntington Beach City Council and even a stint as mayor, she certainly knows the ropes of local politics.

Current Assemblymember’s Next Steps

The current representative, Assemblymember Diane Dixon, is shifting gears in her career and running for a position on the Orange County Board of Supervisors. During her time in the Assembly, she focused on significant issues, including imposing greater penalties for ghost guns and advocating for more transparency in rehabilitation facility regulations. The groundwork she laid will undoubtedly shape the future of the 72nd Assembly District.

Voter Demographics and the Road Ahead

As it stands, the 72nd district features a fascinating voter registration breakdown: approximately 39.5% are Republicans, 32.7% are Democrats, and about 21% hold no party preference. This mix adds an intriguing layer to the upcoming race as candidates strategize how best to engage and represent a diverse electorate.

As the countdown to the election unfolds, all eyes are on Huntington Beach and the vibrant political landscape shaping up in the 72nd Assembly District. Will Jordan Kirby’s military background and innovative ideas win over voters? Only time will tell!

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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.

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