Categories: Breaking NewsGovernment NewsNews

Gracey Van Der Mark Announces Candidacy for Assembly District 72

Community members gather to hear Gracey Van Der Mark's vision for Assembly District 72.

News Summary

Gracey Van Der Mark has declared her run for the 2026 state Assembly District 72 seat. Currently serving on the Huntington Beach City Council, she aims to provide a conservative voice and address local governance issues, including voter ID laws and education policies. With Republican Diane Dixon vacating the seat, Van Der Mark seeks to shape the political landscape amidst an ongoing community debate over her leadership style. The upcoming election will be a pivotal moment in defining the region’s political dynamics.

Huntington Beach – Gracey Van Der Mark has announced her candidacy for the 2026 state Assembly District 72 seat, a position currently held by Republican Diane Dixon, who is vacating it to run for Orange County Supervisor. Van Der Mark, who notably served as Huntington Beach’s first Latina mayor in 2022, seeks to represent an area that encompasses cities including Aliso Viejo, Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, Lake Forest, and Newport Beach.

As a council member since 2022, Van Der Mark is part of a Huntington Beach City Council often referred to as the “MAGA-nificent Seven” due to its conservative majority. Her bid for the Assembly comes on the heels of Dixon’s decision to leave her legislative role, leaving the door open for a new representative. Van Der Mark is determined to provide a robust conservative voice in Sacramento, building on the legacy of Republican leadership in the district.

Van Der Mark’s political agenda places significant emphasis on the principles of local control in governance, positioning her as a champion for initiatives affecting residents. Key issues she aims to support include voter ID laws and the rights of parents in educational settings. Recently, Huntington Beach voters passed Measures A and B, which pertain to voter identification and policies on flag displays. However, these measures currently face legal challenges.

In addition to these measures, Van Der Mark is actively engaged in discussions surrounding the city’s public library system. A significant point of contention is the establishment of a parental review board for children’s literature, with Measure A aiming to repeal the law that created a 21-member review board. Measure B, on the other hand, seeks to prevent the outsourcing of library operations without voter consent. The upcoming election regarding these measures is scheduled for June 10, 2023, adding urgency to her campaign.

Despite her strides in local politics, Van Der Mark’s leadership has not been without controversy. Critics frequently cite the extreme partisanship and culture war themes that have accompanied her time on the council. Some community members have expressed concerns that her Assembly candidacy may serve as a strategic maneuver to evade accountability for her local policy decisions and the impact of her leadership style.

In light of her candidacy, local Democrats are encouraged to identify and support a strong candidate to contest Van Der Mark, especially since she may not encounter substantial opposition within her party for the Assembly seat. The race presents an opportunity for both parties to engage in a spirited dialogue on issues impacting constituents in Assembly District 72.

Van Der Mark’s announcement marks a significant step in her political journey, transitioning from local governance to a potential role in state legislation. With public sentiment divided and key local issues at stake, the outcome of her candidacy will significantly shape the political landscape in the region.