By Katie Ngo
Governor Gavin Newsom has called for a special election for Senate District 36’s vacant seat. This follows after Supervisor Janet Nguyen’s resignation for a position on the Orange County Board of Supervisors.
The primary election will be held on Feb. 25 between four candidates: two Democrats and two Republicans. The top two candidates, regardless of party affiliation, will advance to the general election on April 29. The only exception to this rule is if one candidate manages to obtain a majority of the votes, in which case they will be elected and the general election will be canceled.
District 36 covers cities across Orange and Los Angeles County. It encompasses Huntington Beach, Fountain Valley, Seal Beach, Cyprus and Westminster. It also stretches across parts of other cities including Garden Grove, Stanton and Buena Park.
This February, candidates John Briscoem, Julie Diep, Jimmy Pham and Tony Strickland will be competing to see who will advance to the general election.
Republican John Briscoem was an Ocean View School District trustee for 16 years. He has also served on the Central Committee for both the Orange and Los Angeles Counties for Republicans. He supports reducing taxes and expenses for residents while demanding increased funding for the district, especially in public schools.
“We will focus on student achievement, lowering crime and improving public safety,” Briscoem said. “We must also work to reduce state taxes and make California affordable again.”
Democrat Julie Diep is currently serving as a trustee for the Anaheim Elementary School District. She believes in ensuring that every student and family has all the resources they need for success. With 25 years of experience as a speech pathologist under her belt and being the founder of OC Autism, she is a staunch advocate for people with disabilities.
“I’ve fought for quality education, disability rights and sustainable policies,” Diep said. “I’m ready to amplify those efforts for Orange County.”
Democrat Jimmy Pham currently serves as Chair of the Westminster Traffic Commission. He has deep ties within the district, particularly with Little Saigon, as a member of the Kiwanis Club and Chamber of Commerce in Westminster. He is also a member of various bar associations, including the Vietnamese American Bar Association of Southern California.
“As an attorney and small business owner, I understand the importance of not only fiscal responsibility but also lending a helping hand to those in need,” Pham said. “Should I be elected, I would operate with full transparency and integrity.”
Republican Tony Strickland has worked in various political positions since 1998. He has held positions on the Huntington Beach Finance Commission, the California State Assembly and the California State Senate. He is currently serving on the Huntington Beach City Council as a tax fighter with a Lifetime A Rating from the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association.
“Police officers, firefighters and Sheriff Don Barnes support me to fill this seat because of my proven record supporting increasing funding for public safety and opposing efforts to defund the police or release dangerous criminals early,” Strickland said.
The district as a whole leans more Republican, with Republican candidates winning elections going back to 2010. Republicans also make up the majority of voters at 37.11% of registered voters compared to Democrats with 33.93%. Registered voters without a stated party preference make up 22.61% of the electorate.
Voting centers will open Feb. 15. Although Feb. 10 was the last day to register to vote, conditional voter registration is open all the way through to Election Day. This allows eligible voters to register and vote within 14 days of the election at their county’s voting office, polling place or vote center. Their ballot will be processed and counted once elections officials complete the verification process for voter registration.
Voters can choose to return their ballots through secure drop boxes, vote centers or mail. Some ballot drop box locations include the OC Fountain Valley Branch Library and the Huntington Beach Civic Center. Vote centers are located at Freedom Hall at Mile Square Park, the Huntington Beach Central Library, Golden West College at the RCJTC Building, the Murdy Community Center and the Edison Community Center.
