News Summary
Jordan Kirby, a former U.S. Coast Guard officer, has officially announced his candidacy for the California’s 72nd Assembly District seat in the upcoming election. His campaign focuses on mental health support, homelessness solutions, and environmental issues. Kirby, now running as a Democrat, aims to ensure community voices are heard in the lawmaking process. The election is shaping up to be competitive with several candidates, including former NFL player Chris Kluwe and Huntington Beach Councilmember Gracey Van Der Mark.
California – Jordan Kirby, a former U.S. Coast Guard officer, has officially announced his candidacy for the California’s 72nd Assembly District seat, which will be contested during the upcoming election in 2026. His entry into the race adds to a growing list of candidates, which includes former NFL player Chris Kluwe and Huntington Beach Councilmember Gracey Van Der Mark, both of whom have also declared their intentions to run.
The 72nd Assembly District encompasses various coastal areas, including Seal Beach and Laguna Beach, along with inland regions such as Aliso Viejo, Lake Forest, and Laguna Woods. This diverse district presents unique challenges and opportunities for potential representatives.
Kirby, who grew up in Riverside County, brings a background in military service, having served for 12 years as a U.S. Coast Guard petty officer before leaving the service in 2023. Following his military career, he founded Krieger Gaming, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting veterans and first responders by utilizing video gaming as a means to tackle mental health issues. Kirby’s commitment to mental health support shapes much of his campaign platform and priorities.
In forming his candidacy, Kirby cited a strong passion for improving mental health services and a desire to help individuals receive the necessary support. He aims to address homelessness in the district, advocating for solutions that go beyond simply relocating unhoused individuals. Other priorities include enhancing freedom of speech, protecting individual rights, and putting a focus on coastal protection and environmental issues such as water system safety.
Kirby has a strong academic background, having earned a bachelor’s degree in science and environmental science from American Military University. His decision to run for office was influenced by his experiences during the Trump administration, particularly in response to what he perceives as misuse of power. Kirby witnessed military intervention during protests in Los Angeles in mid-June, which motivated him to advocate for change through public service rather than partisan politics.
While Kirby was previously unaffiliated with any political party, he is now running as a Democrat, as he believes his values align with the Democratic platform. His campaign focuses on giving a voice to everyday citizens and ensuring that those impacted by legislation are involved in the lawmaking process. As part of this initiative, Kirby is proposing a peer review program for legislative documents to promote community engagement in political discussions.
The election for California’s 72nd Assembly District seat is particularly significant as the current Assemblymember, Diane Dixon, is pursuing a position on the Orange County Board of Supervisors, thereby creating an open seat. With several candidates entering the race, including Kluwe and Van Der Mark, the contest is expected to be competitive. Kluwe has recently drawn public attention due to an arrest related to his activism at a Huntington Beach City Council meeting, while Van Der Mark has prior political experience as the former mayor of Huntington Beach.
The emergence of candidates such as Jordan Kirby reflects a renewed interest in local governance and the importance of representative leadership that prioritizes community needs. As the race for California’s 72nd Assembly District advances, voters will have the opportunity to evaluate candidates’ platforms and determine who best aligns with their values and concerns for the district.
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Additional Resources
- OC Register: Former Coast Guard Officer Enters Race for Open Orange County Assembly Seat
- OC Register: Election 2024 – Get to Know the Candidates in California’s 72nd Assembly Race
- LAist: 2024 Election – California General State Assembly
- Orange Juice Blog: In Good News for HB Council, Gracey Jumps into Assembly Race
- Wikipedia: California State Assembly
