News Summary

Betty Martinez Franco has been sworn in as Irvine’s first Latina councilmember, marking a significant milestone in the city’s governance. Her election was part of a city council expansion from five to seven members, and she triumphed in a competitive race to represent District 5. With a focus on grassroots campaigning, Martinez Franco aims to advocate for minority-owned businesses and tackle pressing community issues. Her journey from surviving domestic violence to holding public office serves as an inspiration for underrepresented groups within the community.

Irvine, California Welcomes First Latina Councilmember

Betty Martinez Franco was sworn in as Irvine’s first Latina councilmember on May 14, 2025, marking a historic milestone for the city’s governance. Her election was part of significant changes within the city council, transitioning from a five-member to a seven-member council.

Martinez Franco’s path to office began in late 2024 when she entered a special election to occupy the District 5 council seat until 2026, following the departure of Larry Agran, who vacated the position to assume the role of mayor. District 5 covers several neighborhoods including Woodbridge, Westpark, and a residential area south of the 405 Freeway adjacent to the Rancho San Joaquin Golf Course.

In the race for the council seat, Martinez Franco faced noteworthy competition from former councilmembers Tammy Kim and Anthony Kuo, although Kim withdrew from the election due to a residency lawsuit earlier in February. In terms of campaign financing, Martinez Franco raised approximately $18,000, while Kuo secured around $28,000, and another contender, Dana Cornelius, reported no campaign expenses. Ultimately, Martinez Franco triumphed with around 49% of the vote, against Kuo’s 41.5% and Cornelius’s third-place finish.

The newly elected councilmember relied heavily on grassroots campaigning, which included knocking on doors and directly engaging with community residents to share her vision and gather support. During her swearing-in ceremony, she expressed profound gratitude, an emotional moment highlighted by her daughter, Paola Cosmicki, reading the oath of office.

Education and Personal Background

Martinez Franco holds a master’s degree in public administration from University of Southern California (USC). She also completed a training program with Emerge California, aimed at equipping Democratic women for positions in public office.

Her personal story is one of resilience; she is a survivor of domestic violence and raised two daughters as a single mother after escaping an abusive relationship. Initially, she lived in Section 8 housing in Irvine, seeking support from the nonprofit Human Options to rebuild her life.

Vision and Goals

Martinez Franco’s objectives for her tenure include advocating for small minority-owned businesses, collaborating with local and ethnic chambers of commerce, and tackling vital community issues such as affordable housing, traffic congestion, public safety, and environmental concerns.

The city’s recent shift to district-based elections has empowered residents to choose representatives specific to their districts for the first time, a reform that Martinez Franco’s election amplifies as a movement toward diversity in local governance.

Through her role, Martinez Franco aspires to inspire others, particularly underrepresented groups and women, to engage in public service and pursue office-holding to mirror the diverse makeup of the community. Her successful campaign represents not only her personal achievements but a step forward for representation in Irvine’s political framework.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Additional Resources

• Orange County Register: Betty Martinez Franco Sworn In
• ABC7: Betty Martinez Franco Projected Win
• LA Times: Betty Martinez Franco Joins City Council
• Wikipedia: Irvine, California
• Encyclopedia Britannica: City Council