2024 Irvine elections
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5 out of 7 seats on the City Council 4 seats needed for a majority | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Elections in California |
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The 2024 Irvine elections were held on March 5, 2024, and November 5, 2024. In the March primary, voters approved Measure D, expanding the Irvine City Council from five to seven members and transitioning the city from at-large to by-district elections.
Measure D took effect in time for the November general election, creating four new council districts — three of which would elect representatives to four-year terms, and one short-term seat (District 1) to be contested again in 2026. The mayoralty was also on the ballot.
Municipal elections in California are officially nonpartisan; candidates' party affiliations do not appear on the ballot, but every major candidate was registered with or endorsed by a major political party.[1]
Mayor
The 2024 mayoral election was held on November 5, 2024 and coincided with elections for city council.[2] Incumbent mayor Farrah Khan, who was first sworn into office in 2020, could not seek re-election due to term limits.[3]. Councilmember Larry Agran defeated fellow councilmember Tammy Kim and was sworn in as Mayor on December 10, 2024
Results
| Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Larry Agran | 42,652 | 38.76 | |
| Tammy Kim | 37,924 | 34.46 | |
| Ron Scolesdang | 12,891 | 11.71 | |
| Liqing Lee Sun | 6,001 | 5.45 | |
| Felipe Delgado | 5,325 | 4.84 | |
| Akshat Bhatia | 2,761 | 2.51 | |
| Wing Chow | 2,496 | 2.27 | |
| Total votes | 110,050 | 100.0 | |
City council
District 1
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| Turnout | 75.4% [4] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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 Precinct results Liu: 30–40% 40–50% Park: 30–40% No votes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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District 1 covers north Irvine, including Orchard Hills, West Irvine, Northpark, Stonegate, and parts of Northwood. It was designated as a short-term seat, to be contested again in 2026.[5]
The race was competitive, with five candidates — three of whom held or had held city commission seats. Key issues included traffic congestion on Jeffrey Road, preservation of open space in Orchard Hills, and fire risk management.
Candidates
- Melinda Liu (Democrat), estate planning attorney and Irvine Finance Commissioner.[6]
- John Park (Republican), business owner, Irvine Transportation Commissioner, and perennial candidate.[7][8]
- Michelle Johnson (Republican), Irvine Planning Commissioner.[9]
- Jackie Kan (Democrat), small business owner.
- Jeff Kitchen(Democrat), senior project engineer.
Results
| Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melinda Liu | 5,896 | 32.3 | |
| John Park | 5,787 | 31.7 | |
| Michelle Johnson | 3,274 | 17.9 | |
| Jackie Kan | 2,243 | 12.3 | |
| Jeff Kitchen | 1,050 | 5.8 | |
| Total votes | 18,250 | 100 | |
| Invalid or blank votes | 2,890 | 13.7 | |
District 2
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| Turnout | 75.9% [4] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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 Precinct results Go: 20–30% 30–40% Starke: 20–30% Yazdani: 30–40% No votes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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District 2 covers portions of central and southeastern Irvine, including Great Park, parts of Cypress Village, Woodbury and areas adjacent to the Irvine Spectrum.
During the campaign, Irvine Watchdog reported that Yazdani had filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in April 2024, resulting in the discharge of approximately $900,000 in state and federal tax debt, as well as related fines.[10] Subsequent reporting by the Orange Juice Blog detailed an ongoing civil lawsuit in which a creditor alleged that Yazdani had misrepresented her ownership role in a business when obtaining loans, and sought to have the debt declared non-dischargeable due to fraud and misappropriation claims. Yazdani filed a response in court denying all allegations.[11] The reports drew media and community attention in the weeks leading up to the election.
Candidates
- William Go (Democrat), business leader and community volunteer.[12]
- Jeff Starke (Democrat), community advocate.[13]
- Gang Chen (Republican), engineer and author.
- Parrisa Yazdani (Independent), nonprofit leader.
- Mohamed Kothermydeen (Independent), small business owner.
Withdrawn
- Alex Mohajer (Democrat), nonprofit executive and former candidate for the California State Senate in 2024.[14] Mohajer ended his campaign in July 2024, announcing plans to relocate to Arizona to work on voter outreach efforts ahead of the 2024 U.S. presidential election.[15]
Results
| Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
| William Go | 5,352 | 30.9 | |
| Jeff Starke | 4,441 | 25.7 | |
| Gang Chen | 3,624 | 20.9 | |
| Parrisa Yazdani | 3,199 | 18.5 | |
| Mohamed Kothermydeen | 689 | 4.0 | |
| Total votes | 17,305 | 100 | |
| Invalid or blank votes | 3,047 | 15.0 | |
District 3
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| Turnout | 77.7% [4] | ||||||||||||||||
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 Precinct results Mai: 30–40% 40–50% 50–60% Chomyn: 30–40% No votes | |||||||||||||||||
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District 3 is located in central and north-central Irvine, including neighborhoods such as Walnut Village and portions of El Camino Real.
Candidates
- James Mai (Republican), County Commissioner, Small Business Owner.[16]
- Tom Chomyn (Democrat), Community Services Commissioner.[17]
- Jing Sun (Democrat), Realtor.[18]
Results
| Candidate | Votes | % | |
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| James Mai | 8,968 | 44.0 | |
| Tom Chomyn | 5,845 | 28.7 | |
| Jing Sun | 5,569 | 27.3 | |
| Total votes | 20,382 | 100 | |
| Invalid or blank votes | 3,647 | 15.2 | |
District 4
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| Turnout | 79.2% [4] | ||||||||||||
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 Precinct results Carroll: 50–60% 60–70% 80–90% Craciun: 50–60% No votes | |||||||||||||
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District 4 encompasses southwestern Irvine, including Quail Hill, Turtle Rock, portions of University Park, Irvine Spectrum and areas bordering Laguna Canyon. Incumbent Mike Carroll, previously elected at-large in 2020, sought and won re-election to the district seat.
The contest was one of the most closely watched in the city, with Carroll facing sustainability commissioner Ayn Craciun. The campaign drew renewed scrutiny amid questions about Carroll’s use of his official city portrait on campaign materials,raising concerns about blurring the boundary between public duty and campaign activity.[19]
This was not Carroll’s first such controversy. In late 2020, he came under fire for using approximately $70,000 from his staff budget on city mailers that critics argued served to promote his political profile rather than purely inform constituents. Following the backlash, the City Council in January 2021 approved new budget policies—by a 4–1 vote—that shifted oversight responsibilities to the city manager, aiming to increase transparency and accountability for council members' spending.[20]
Candidates
- Mike Carroll (Republican), incumbent Irvine City Councilmember (at-large).[21]
- Ayn Craciun (Democrat), nonprofit director and Chair of the Irvine Sustainability Commission.[22]
Results
| Candidate | Votes | % | |
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| Mike Carroll | 10,255 | 57.9 | |
| Ayn Craciun | 7,446 | 42.1 | |
| Total votes | 17,701 | 100 | |
| Invalid or blank votes | 3,050 | 14.7 | |
Ballot measures
Measure D
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Amendment to Expand City Council and Establish City Council Districts | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Sources: [23] | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Measure D was a charter amendment placed before Irvine voters in the March 5, 2024 primary election. It proposed expanding the Irvine City Council from five to seven members, including the mayor and six councilmembers, and changing the electoral system so that the six councilmembers would be elected by individual districts rather than at large. The measure passed with approximately 59.8 percent of the vote.
The measure stipulates that if a councilmember elected at large—but residing in District 5 or District 6—vacates their seat, the position must be filled through a by‑district special municipal election (rather than appointment). Following the election of Councilmember Larry Agran to mayor a special election was held on April 15, 2025, to fill the remainder of his term for District 5.
School Boards
The city of Irvine is served by several school districts, including the Irvine Unified School District, Tustin Unified School District, Santa Ana Unified School District, and the South Orange County Community College District. School board elections held in Irvine are listed below.
Irvine Unified School District
Area 1
The general election for IUSD Area 1 was cancelled, with incumbent Lauren Brooks securing a four year term.
Area 3
The general election for IUSD Area 3 was cancelled, with incumbent Cyril Yu securing a four year term.
Area 5
The general election for IUSD Area 5 was cancelled, with Connie Stone securing a four year term after incumbent Paul Bakota opted to not run for re-election
Tustin Unified School District
Area 2
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| Turnout | 82.2% [4] | ||||||||||||
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 Precinct results Copeland: 50–60% Pevehouse: 50–60% No votes | |||||||||||||
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Incumbent James Laird opted to not run for re-election. District 2 covers portions of Northpark and Orchard Hills in Irvine. Kathy Copeland was elected over Bill Pevehouse
| Candidate | Votes | % | |
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| Kathy Copeland | 7,753 | 54.0 | |
| Bill Pevehouse | 6,599 | 46.0 | |
| Total votes | 14,352 | 100 | |
| Invalid or blank votes | 2,290 | 13.8 | |
South Orange County Community College District
Area 1
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| Turnout | 80.2% [4] | ||||||||||||||||
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 Precinct results Inmon: 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% 80–90% No votes | |||||||||||||||||
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Incumbent Carolyn Inmon was re-elected to a four year term ending in 2028. Area 1 covers much of south west Irvine, including UCI, Woodbridge and University Park. Inmon defeated Marlene Bronson and perennial candidate Katherine Daigle.
| Candidate | Votes | % | |
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| Carolyn Inmon | 31,500 | 68.4 | |
| Katherine Daigle | 9,115 | 19.8 | |
| Marlene Bronson | 5,446 | 11.8 | |
| Total votes | 45,061 | 100 | |
| Invalid or blank votes | 13,880 | 23.2 | |
Area 3
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| Turnout | 82.8% [4] | ||||||||||||
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 Precinct results Bartlett: 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% Cifone: 50–60% 60–70% No votes | |||||||||||||
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Incumbent Barbara Jay opted to not run for re-election. Area 3 covers one neighborhood within Turtle Ridge in Irvine. Lisa Bartlett defeated Rocky Cifone to serve a full term of four years on the South Orange County Community College District.
| Candidate | Votes | % | |
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| Lisa Bartlett | 37,354 | 52.0 | |
| Rocky Cifone | 34,501 | 48.0 | |
| Total votes | 71,855 | 100 | |
| Invalid or blank votes | 15,866 | 18.1 | |
Area 6
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| Turnout | 78.3% [4] | ||||||||||||
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 Precinct results Dack 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% Franklin: 60–70% No votes | |||||||||||||
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Incumbent Ryan Dack was re-elected to a full four year term ending in 2028. Area 6 covers the Irvine Spectrum neighborhoods, Great Park neighborhoods, Woodbury, Oak Creek, and portions of Northwood. Dack defeated Michael Franklin.
| Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ryan Dack | 30,125 | 59.7 | |
| Michael Franklin | 20,318 | 40.3 | |
| Total votes | 50,443 | 100 | |
| Invalid or blank votes | 16,933 | 25.1 | |
Notes
- ^ While all districts were newly created under Measure D, the number of Democratic held seats did not change from 2022 to 2024, and are reflected here as being "held".
- ^ Under Measure D, District 5 and 6 were to remain vacant while council members who reside in those areas still serve their council term at-large.
References
- ^ "Did Your Candidate Vote?". Irvine Watchdog. August 24, 2024.
- ^ Petersen, Carl. "General Municipal Election - November 5, 2024". City of Irvine. Retrieved September 28, 2023.
- ^ "Vice Mayor Tammy Kim Announces Candidacy For Irvine Mayor". OC Independent. February 4, 2023. Retrieved September 28, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p "OC ROV 2024 General Election Statement of Votes" (PDF). Orange County Registrar of Voters. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
- ^ "Five candidates vie for new Irvine District 1 seat on City Council". Orange County Register. October 22, 2024.
- ^ "Melinda Liu, Irvine City Council District 1 candidate, 2024 election questionnaire".
- ^ "John Park, Irvine City Council District 1 candidate, 2024 election questionnaire".
- ^ "John Park". Ballotpedia. Ballotpedia. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
- ^ "Michelle Johnson, Irvine City Council District 1 candidate, 2024 election questionnaire".
- ^ "Irvine City Council Candidate Owed $900,000 in Taxes, Received Forgiveness Through Bankruptcy". Irvine Watchdog. July 28, 2024.
- ^ "Alex Mohajer Drops Irvine Council Run to Fight Trump in Arizona — and More". Orange Juice Blog. July 29, 2024.
- ^ "William Go, Irvine City Council District 2 candidate, 2024 election questionnaire".
- ^ "Jeff Starke, Irvine City Council District 2 candidate, 2024 election questionnaire".
- ^ "Alex Mohajer Drops Irvine Council Run to Fight Trump in Arizona — and More". Orange Juice Blog. July 29, 2024.
- ^ "Alex Mohajer suspends Irvine City Council Campaign to Promote Harris Presidential Campaign". The Liberal OC. August 1, 2024.
- ^ "James Mai, Irvine City Council District 3 candidate, 2024 election questionnaire".
- ^ "Tom Chomyn, Irvine City Council District 3 candidate, 2024 election questionnaire".
- ^ "Jing Sun, Irvine City Council District 3 candidate, 2024 election questionnaire".
- ^ "Opinion: Councilmember Mike Carroll Once Again Faces Questions Over Use of City Resources in Campaign Materials". Irvine Watchdog. October 31, 2024.
- ^ "Irvine City Council Changes Budget Policies Following Mailer Spending Controversy". Voice of OC. January 27, 2021.
- ^ "Mike Carroll, Irvine City Council District 4 candidate, 2024 election questionnaire".
- ^ "Ayn Craciun, Irvine City Council District 4 candidate, 2024 election questionnaire".
- ^ Orange County Registrar of Voters. “Statement of Vote — March 5, 2024 (Presidential Primary Election).” PDF. OC Vote. https://ocvote.org/fileadmin/live/PRI2024/sov.pdf (accessed August 11, 2025).