Special Election for District 5 Heating Up

The ink is barely dry on the November 2024 General Election, but due to the fact that Larry Agran was elected Mayor, there will be a special election in April of 2025 to fill the remaining term of the District 5 seat which covers University Park, Woodbridge, Westpark, and Rancho San Joaquin.

So far, two previously elected Councilmembers, Tammy Kim and Anthony Kuo have announced their candidacies for the seat. The nomination period opens on December 23, 2024 and close on January 17, 2025.

Tammy Kim formally announced her candidacy on December 18 with an email blast, however has drawn sharp criticism after claiming early endorsements from multiple organizations who had not, in fact, endorsed her for this election. VALOR, a Veteran's group, the Orange County Professional Firefighters Association, and the Western State Carpenters were all listed on her announcement, but each had corrected the record stating that they had not endorsed her for this race. No official word withdrawing these claims has been received from the campaign at this time.

Further controversy has arisen due to the fact that Kim lives and works in District 1, however, began renting an apartment in District 5 last year despite owning a condo in another District. Critics have alleged that Kim is "District Shopping" to try to find a District where she can get elected.

Kuo's announcement was received with no such criticism, having lived in the District for over 30 years and attending schools with District 5. Community Services Commissioner and Irvine Philanthropist Dick Owens said, "Anthony Kuo knows and loves Irvine more than any person I have ever known, we are excited to get him back on the City Council."

Stay tuned for more news about the special election as it breaks.