{"id":334624,"date":"2026-05-27T17:03:13","date_gmt":"2026-05-27T17:03:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/334624\/"},"modified":"2026-05-27T17:03:13","modified_gmt":"2026-05-27T17:03:13","slug":"elections-2026-meet-the-candidates-running-for-long-beach-city-council-press-telegram","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/334624\/","title":{"rendered":"Elections 2026: Meet the candidates running for Long Beach City Council \u2013 Press Telegram"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Long Beach may soon have several new representatives on the City Council, with the primary election slated for Tuesday, June 2.<\/p>\n<p>Voters, though, have already received their vote-by-mail ballots, which were sent out beginning May 4 \u2014 so ballots are already being cast. More than 100 Voting Centers opened across Los Angeles County on Saturday, May 23, including multiple polling places in Long Beach.<\/p>\n<p>This year, Long Beach residents will be tasked with electing representatives for the City Council\u2019s odd-numbered districts, including the First, Third, Fifth, Seventh and Ninth Districts.<\/p>\n<p>Unless one candidate wins a majority vote during the primary \u2014 that is, more than 50% \u2014 the top-two candidates will carry on their campaigns until the November general election.<\/p>\n<p>The City Council has multiple responsibilities, including implementing local legislation, citywide budget oversight and approval, hiring and overseeing the City Manager, City Clerk and city commissioners, and representing the constituents of their respective districts. City Council members are elected to four-year terms.<\/p>\n<p>Keep reading to learn more about the candidates running for City Council.<\/p>\n<p>District 1<\/p>\n<p>District 1 includes much of the downtown area, including the Pike Outlets, the Queen Mary Harbor, the Civic Center and the Long Beach Entertainment &amp; Convention Center.<\/p>\n<p>This year, there are six candidates vying for the District 1 seat in the primary election, including incumbent Mary Zendejas, who originally joined the nine-member panel after winning a special election in 2019 following former Councilmember and current state Sen. Lena Gonzalez\u2019s departure.<\/p>\n<p>Zendejas won her first <a href=\"https:\/\/www.presstelegram.com\/2022\/07\/01\/election-2022-long-beach-councilwoman-zendejas-wins-1st-full-term-outright-barely\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">full term on the City Council in 2022<\/a>, and is now seeking reelection to her seat for a second time. This time around, Zendejas\u2019 campaign priorities include investing in public safety, building affordable housing, supporting the local economy and businesses, and addressing homelessness, according to her campaign website.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOur efforts are making real impacts on the lives of people experiencing homelessness and helping move people off the street,\u201d Zendejas said in response to the Southern California News Group\u2019s Voter Guide questionnaire regarding homelessness. \u201cIn District 1, we\u2019ve made targeted investments to advance that progress, including securing $6.5 million for the shelter on West Anaheim. That site provides up to 125 beds, expands our indoor shelter capacity and connects individuals with critical services.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Mary Zendejas is a candidate for Long Beach City Council...\" class=\"size-article_inline\"   src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/LDN-L-VG-MZENDEJAS-1.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Mary Zendejas is a candidate for Long Beach City Council District 1 in 2026. (Photo by Christina Merino, Press-Telegram\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n<p>Show Caption<\/p>\n<p>1 of 1<\/p>\n<p>Mary Zendejas is a candidate for Long Beach City Council District 1 in 2026. (Photo by Christina Merino, Press-Telegram\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#\" class=\"icon-enlarge mng-gallery-fullscreen-expand\" aria-label=\"Expand fullscreen slideshow\">Expand<\/a><\/p>\n<p>If elected, Zendejas added, she aims to continue strengthening the city\u2019s homeless prevention efforts in District 1 through rental assistance, stronger rental protections and legal support.<\/p>\n<p>Read Zendejas\u2019 entire Voter Guide questionnaire at <a href=\"http:\/\/shorturl.at\/Tp7Fz\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">shorturl.at\/Tp7Fz<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Those challenging Zendejas\u2019 reelection include community organizer and activist Anthony Bryson, trucker and U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary member Brock Goleman, Realtor and small business owner Deb Kahookele, Long Beach Continuum of Care board co-Chair Tamika Wagner-Osio, and retired laboratory technician Lori Logan.<\/p>\n<p>Bryson\u2019s campaign is focused on reimagining policing, finding a way to keep U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents out of Long Beach, expanding the city\u2019s Community Crisis Response Teams, and implementing \u201ccommon-sense\u201d safety improvements in the district, according to his website.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Anthony Bryson is a candidate for Long Beach\u00e2\u0080\u0099s First City...\" class=\"size-article_inline\"   src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Anthony-Bryson_16x9-1.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Anthony Bryson is a candidate for Long Beach\u2019s First City Council District in 2026. (Photo courtesy of Anthony Bryson).\n<\/p>\n<p>Show Caption<\/p>\n<p>1 of 1<\/p>\n<p>Anthony Bryson is a candidate for Long Beach\u2019s First City Council District in 2026. (Photo courtesy of Anthony Bryson).\n<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#\" class=\"icon-enlarge mng-gallery-fullscreen-expand\" aria-label=\"Expand fullscreen slideshow\">Expand<\/a><\/p>\n<p>If elected, Bryson would want to implement stronger protections for renters, expanding the hours of operation for the city\u2019s homeless shelters and more, he said in his response to the Voter Guide questionnaire.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHuman solutions for our unhoused neighbors and cleaner streets without homelessness,\u201d Bryson said. \u201cShelters should allow families to remain together. Partners should not have to separate based on gender. Solutions for people with pets who need shelter.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Read his full Voter Guide questionnaire at <a href=\"http:\/\/shorturl.at\/HZfDN\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">shorturl.at\/HZfDN<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>For Goleman \u2014 who, besides his career in trucking and U.S. Coast Guard experience, also serves on the Long Beach Police Department Citizens\u2019 Advisory Committee \u2014 said he would focus on a housing-first policy to address homelessness, if elected.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt (housing) is a basic right like healthcare, education and police\/fire protection,\u201d Goleman said in response to the Voter Guide questionnaire. \u201cAs the population grows and the city fights inequity, we will need to create spaces of housing for our fellow citizens.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Brock Goleman is a candidate for Long Beach\u00e2\u0080\u0099s First City...\" class=\"size-article_inline\"   src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Brock-Goleman16x9-1.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Brock Goleman is a candidate for Long Beach\u2019s First City Council District in 2026. (Photo courtesy of Brock Goleman).\n<\/p>\n<p>Show Caption<\/p>\n<p>1 of 1<\/p>\n<p>Brock Goleman is a candidate for Long Beach\u2019s First City Council District in 2026. (Photo courtesy of Brock Goleman).\n<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#\" class=\"icon-enlarge mng-gallery-fullscreen-expand\" aria-label=\"Expand fullscreen slideshow\">Expand<\/a><\/p>\n<p>He would also seek to expand capacity at Long Beach\u2019s existing shelters and seek to improve economic prospects and educational opportunities for Long Beach residents. Besides addressing homelessness, Goleman\u2019s campaign priorities include supporting small businesses, public safety improvements and being available to address the concerns of District 1 residents.<\/p>\n<p>Read his full Voter Guide questionnaire at <a href=\"http:\/\/shorturl.at\/I1cUB\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">shorturl.at\/I1cUB<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Kahookele, meanwhile, is running for the City Council to address the concerns of residents, according to her website. Her main campaign priorities include bringing back the district\u2019s community spirit, improving safety and cleanliness and addressing homelessness, according to her campaign website.<\/p>\n<p>If elected, she plans to address homelessness through prevention and accountability, she said in response to the Voter Guide questionnaire, including auditing city partnerships with nonprofit service providers, shifting funding toward homelessness prevention, and more.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Deb Kahookele is a candidate for Long Beach\u00e2\u0080\u0099s First City...\" class=\"size-article_inline\"   src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Deb-Kahookele16x9-1.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Deb Kahookele is a candidate for Long Beach\u2019s First City Council District in 2026. (Courtesy of  Deb Kahookele)\n<\/p>\n<p>Show Caption<\/p>\n<p>1 of 1<\/p>\n<p>Deb Kahookele is a candidate for Long Beach\u2019s First City Council District in 2026. (Courtesy of  Deb Kahookele)\n<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#\" class=\"icon-enlarge mng-gallery-fullscreen-expand\" aria-label=\"Expand fullscreen slideshow\">Expand<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u201cInstead of expensive, temporary hotel renovations, we need diversified shelters that offer a true path to permanent housing,\u201d Kahookele said, adding that the city needs to track the long-term success of its efforts. \u201cMany individuals cycle back into homelessness; we need long-term drug rehabilitation and support to break that loop.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>To read Kahookele\u2019s full Voter Guide questionnaire, visit <a href=\"http:\/\/shorturl.at\/TmjFa\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">shorturl.at\/TmjFa<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Wagner-Osio, founder and executive director of Connections for Women, an organization that provides temporary emergency shelter and services for homeless families, has also focused her campaign on homelessness and housing solutions.<\/p>\n<p>While Wagner-Osio hailed some of Long Beach\u2019s existing efforts to address homelessness and housing affordability in her response to the Voter Guide questionnaire, she argued that the city is not doing enough.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Tamika Wagner-Osio is a candidate for Long Beach\u00e2\u0080\u0099s First City...\" class=\"size-article_inline\"   src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Tamika-Wagner-Osio_16x9-1.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Tamika Wagner-Osio is a candidate for Long Beach\u2019s First City Council District in 2026. (Photo courtesy of Tamika Wagner-Osio\u2019s campaign)\n<\/p>\n<p>Show Caption<\/p>\n<p>1 of 1<\/p>\n<p>Tamika Wagner-Osio is a candidate for Long Beach\u2019s First City Council District in 2026. (Photo courtesy of Tamika Wagner-Osio\u2019s campaign)\n<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#\" class=\"icon-enlarge mng-gallery-fullscreen-expand\" aria-label=\"Expand fullscreen slideshow\">Expand<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u201cExpanding shelter beds that don\u2019t impede residential neighborhoods is a start, but that\u2019s a band-aid, not a permanent solution,\u201d Wagner-Osio said. \u201cWe can cut homeless spending significantly, as my organization has done, by implementing data tracking, outcomes and cost allocations tied to length of stay in shelters and realistic housing plans at intake, which has saved millions in spending.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Her other campaign priorities include bolstering public safety, helping resolve Long Beach\u2019s ongoing financial challenges, and putting additional protections for seniors in place.<\/p>\n<p>Read her full Voter Guide questionnaire at <a href=\"http:\/\/shorturl.at\/MNkgk\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">shorturl.at\/MNkgk<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The final District 1 challenger, Lori Logan, did not respond to the Voter Guide questionnaire and did not have an active campaign website at the time of writing.<\/p>\n<p>District 3<\/p>\n<p>The Third District \u2014 which includes Belmont Shore, Bixby Village, Naples and Alamitos Heights \u2014 consists mostly of single-family homes, includes gated communities and yacht clubs, and has the city\u2019s highest average income.<\/p>\n<p>Four candidates are campaigning for the District 3 seat, including incumbent Kristina Duggan, who was first elected to the position in 2022. A key concern facing the Third District is public safety along Belmont Shore\u2019s Second Street corridor, which has seen an uptick in violent crime in recent years.<\/p>\n<p>For Duggan, addressing residents\u2019 concerns about public safety is a major focus of her campaign, she said in response to the Voter Guide questionnaire.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDistrict 3\u2019s biggest issue is public safety, which is foundational to maintaining the quality of life in our neighborhoods,\u201d Duggan said. \u201cResidents need to feel safe at home, in our parks and beaches and in our business corridors. When safety is compromised, it affects daily life and erodes trust in the city.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Kristina Duggan is the incumbent candidate for Long Beach\u00e2\u0080\u0099s Third...\" class=\"size-article_inline\"   src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Kristina-Duggan-1.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Kristina Duggan is the incumbent candidate for Long Beach\u2019s Third City Council District in 2026. (Photo courtesy of Kristina Duggan)\n<\/p>\n<p>Show Caption<\/p>\n<p>1 of 1<\/p>\n<p>Kristina Duggan is the incumbent candidate for Long Beach\u2019s Third City Council District in 2026. (Photo courtesy of Kristina Duggan)\n<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#\" class=\"icon-enlarge mng-gallery-fullscreen-expand\" aria-label=\"Expand fullscreen slideshow\">Expand<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Duggan also said that during her first term, she has worked to address those concerns by pushing to increase police staffing levels in the district, leading neighborhood-based solutions such as the \u201cLights, Camera, No Action\u201d program, and more.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI have fought to give our police department more tools, including championing Proposition 36, and supported a district attorney committed to restoring accountability in our justice system,\u201d Duggan said. \u201cIf reelected, I will continue pushing for more action on public safety, restoring staffing, investing in proven solutions and delivering the visibility and responsiveness residents deserve.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Duggan\u2019s full voter guide questionnaire is available <a href=\"https:\/\/www.presstelegram.com\/2026\/05\/05\/kristina-duggan-long-beach-city-council-district-3-candidate-2026-primary-election-questionnaire\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>One of Duggan\u2019s opponents, design engineer Ronald Sampson, agrees that public safety is the Third District\u2019s main concern. He supports increasing Fire Department and EMS services in the district, and will not support budget cuts that could impact public safety, he said in response to the Voter Guide questionnaire.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCutting fire and emergency services puts residents, neighborhoods and first responders at unacceptable risk and should never be used as a short-term budget solution. There should never be a time when profit is put over public safety,\u201d Sampson said. \u201cTo ensure long-term stability, I support securing public safety funding through multiple reliable sources, including grants, dedicated revenues and voter-approved local funding, where appropriate.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Ronald Sampson is a candidate for Long Beach\u00e2\u0080\u0099s Third City...\" class=\"size-article_inline\"   src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Ronald-Sampson_16x9-1-1.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Ronald Sampson is a candidate for Long Beach\u2019s Third City Council District in 2026. (Courtesy of Ronald Sampson)\n<\/p>\n<p>Show Caption<\/p>\n<p>1 of 1<\/p>\n<p>Ronald Sampson is a candidate for Long Beach\u2019s Third City Council District in 2026. (Courtesy of Ronald Sampson)\n<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#\" class=\"icon-enlarge mng-gallery-fullscreen-expand\" aria-label=\"Expand fullscreen slideshow\">Expand<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Read Sampson\u2019s full Voter Guide questionnaire <a href=\"https:\/\/www.presstelegram.com\/2026\/05\/05\/kristina-duggan-long-beach-city-council-district-3-candidate-2026-primary-election-questionnaire\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Neither of the other challengers, Brian Cochrane and Rebecca Hinderer, responded to the Voter Guide questionnaire. Cochrane also did not appear to have an active campaign website at the time of writing.<\/p>\n<p>But Hinderer, a restaurant owner, says on her campaign website that she is running for the seat in hopes of addressing District 3 residents\u2019 concerns about rising costs, public safety, infrastructure and neighborhood investment.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cShe\u2019s watched District 3 neighbors struggle with rising costs, public safety concerns, and a City Hall that doesn\u2019t always listen,\u201d Hinderer\u2019s<a href=\"https:\/\/www.becksforlb.com\/issues\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> campaign website<\/a> says. \u201cShe decided it was time to do something about it.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>While Hinderer\u2019s campaign website lists public safety as one of her top concerns, it does not state her plans to improve safety in District 3.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cLong Beach needs a real public safety strategy,\u201d the website says.<\/p>\n<p>District 5<\/p>\n<p>District 5 runs east and west from the Orange County border to the Los Angeles River, and includes most of the Long Beach Airport. The western section of the district includes Bixby Knolls and California Heights.<\/p>\n<p>There are just two candidates running for this seat, incumbent Megan Kerr and challenger Tara Riggi.<\/p>\n<p>For Kerr, who was first elected to the council in 2022, her biggest priorities for the Fifth District are improving infrastructure, safety and economic development.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Megan Kerr is a candidate for Long Beach City Council...\" class=\"size-article_inline\"   src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/LDN-L-VG-MEGANKERR-1.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Megan Kerr is a candidate for Long Beach City Council District 5 in 2026. (Photo by Christina Merino, Press-Telegram\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n<p>Show Caption<\/p>\n<p>1 of 1<\/p>\n<p>Megan Kerr is a candidate for Long Beach City Council District 5 in 2026. (Photo by Christina Merino, Press-Telegram\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#\" class=\"icon-enlarge mng-gallery-fullscreen-expand\" aria-label=\"Expand fullscreen slideshow\">Expand<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u201cResidents across District 5 believe that whether it\u2019s driving, walking or biking, we all want safer and better-maintained streets and sidewalks,\u201d Kerr said in her Voter Guide questionnaire. \u201cLike all districts, District 5 faces significant infrastructure needs, including street rehabilitation, sidewalk repair and tree and park maintenance. As the economy continues to slow along our business corridors, we are seeing increased business closures and empty storefronts, leading to vandalism and blight.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Boosting economic development, Kerr said, is a key solution to those problems, alongside continued investment in public safety and emergency services.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe must support economic engines such as the Port of Long Beach, our downtown entertainment district and the emerging opportunities around the Queen Mary,\u201d Kerr said. \u201cAs a tourism-driven city, enhanced amenities along the waterfront draw people to our hotels, restaurants and special events, increasing much-needed revenue for our city.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Kerr\u2019s complete Voter Guide questionnaire is available <a href=\"https:\/\/www.presstelegram.com\/2026\/05\/05\/megan-kerr-long-beach-city-council-district-5-candidate-2026-primary-election-questionnaire\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>For Riggi, a Realtor who also serves on the California Heights Neighborhood Association, D5\u2019s biggest issues include public safety, homelessness and infrastructure improvement needs on both the east and west sides of the district.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMy promise is to make sure both sides of the district feel heard, supported and equally represented. That means being present, accessible and responsive, working closely with residents and prioritizing resources where they are most needed so no neighborhood feels overlooked,\u201d Riggi said. \u201cThis district requires balanced, thoughtful leadership that understands its differences and delivers real improvements to quality of life across the board.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Tara Riggi is a candidate Long Beach\u00e2\u0080\u0099s Fifth City Council...\" class=\"size-article_inline\"   src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Tara-Riggi_16x9-1-1.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Tara Riggi is a candidate Long Beach\u2019s Fifth City Council District. (Courtesy of Tara Riggi\u2019s campaign)\n<\/p>\n<p>Show Caption<\/p>\n<p>1 of 1<\/p>\n<p>Tara Riggi is a candidate Long Beach\u2019s Fifth City Council District. (Courtesy of Tara Riggi\u2019s campaign)\n<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#\" class=\"icon-enlarge mng-gallery-fullscreen-expand\" aria-label=\"Expand fullscreen slideshow\">Expand<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Riggi\u2019s other campaign priorities include stronger fiscal accountability across the city, increasing street safety by addressing dangerous driving behaviors, addressing residents\u2019 concerns about general aviation noise pollution at Long Beach Airport and neighborhood preservation.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m not a career politician,\u201d Riggi said. \u201cI bring a hands-on, problem-solving approach grounded in experience, accountability and responsiveness. I understand how to listen, how to work through challenges and how to get things done.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Riggi\u2019s full Voter Guide questionnaire can be found <a href=\"https:\/\/www.presstelegram.com\/2026\/05\/05\/tara-riggi-long-beach-city-council-district-5-candidate-2026-primary-election-questionnaire\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>District 7<\/p>\n<p>There are three candidates running for the open District 7 seat on the City Council, all of whom are hoping to replace longtime Councilmember Roberto Uranga, who has been termed out.<\/p>\n<p>The Seventh District is mostly consolidated on the west side of the Los Angeles River and 710 Freeway. It includes Arlington, the upper and lower Westside, Wrigley Heights, North and South Wrigley, and the Port of Long Beach.<\/p>\n<p>The three hopefuls are longshore worker and Long Beach City College Trustee Vivian Malauulu, Long Beach Homeless Coalition President Jamies Shuford, and homeless case manager Dameon Gordon.<\/p>\n<p>Malauulu, the only candidate with prior experience in an elected office, said in her Voter Guide questionnaire that a key priority for the district is addressing the decades-long burdens its residents have faced as a result of pollution from the port and port-related traffic on the 710 Freeway.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Long Beach City College Trustee Vivian Malauulu. (Courtesy photo)\" class=\"size-article_inline\"   src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/unnamed-4-e1546996378115.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Long Beach City College Trustee Vivian Malauulu. (Courtesy photo)\n<\/p>\n<p>Show Caption<\/p>\n<p>1 of 1<\/p>\n<p>Long Beach City College Trustee Vivian Malauulu. (Courtesy photo)\n<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#\" class=\"icon-enlarge mng-gallery-fullscreen-expand\" aria-label=\"Expand fullscreen slideshow\">Expand<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u201cMy priority is to make sure District 7 is no longer treated as a pass-through corridor, but as a community worthy of investment and protection,\u201d Malauulu said. \u201cThat starts with fighting for cleaner air and stronger mitigation strategies tied to goods movement, including definitive accountability from industry partners. It also means investing in street repairs, traffic calming and green space improvements that directly impact quality of life.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Malauulu said that if elected, she would work to identify and secure resources for the Seventh District\u2019s neighborhoods, including support for small businesses, workforce development, and investments in parks and public spaces.<\/p>\n<p>Her full Voter Guide questionnaire is available <a href=\"https:\/\/www.presstelegram.com\/2026\/05\/05\/vivian-malauulu-long-beach-city-council-district-7-candidate-2026-primary-election-questionnaire\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>For Shuford, creating a better quality of life for residents is also a key priority, he said in his Voter Guide questionnaire.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOne of my biggest concerns is the environmental quality of life, including clean air, safe streets and ensuring that our neighborhoods are not carrying more than their fair share of industrial impact,\u201d Shuford said. \u201cIf the Westside carries the load, it should see the benefit. This includes ensuring cleaner trucks and port operations, providing street maintenance on high truck routes and creating green buffer zones between industrial and residential areas.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"James Shuford is a candidate for Long Beach\u00e2\u0080\u0099s Seventh City...\" class=\"size-article_inline\"   src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/James-Shuford-16x9-1-1.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>James Shuford is a candidate for Long Beach\u2019s Seventh City Council District in 2026. (Photo courtesy of James Shuford)\n<\/p>\n<p>Show Caption<\/p>\n<p>1 of 1<\/p>\n<p>James Shuford is a candidate for Long Beach\u2019s Seventh City Council District in 2026. (Photo courtesy of James Shuford)\n<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#\" class=\"icon-enlarge mng-gallery-fullscreen-expand\" aria-label=\"Expand fullscreen slideshow\">Expand<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Shuford\u2019s other campaign priorities include addressing homelessness. He serves as president of the Long Beach Homlessness Coalition and as a board member of the Continuum of Care, and previously experienced homelessness himself.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019ve seen that the system the city has put in place can work. Nothing is perfect, and there is always room to improve it; I\u2019m living proof,\u201d Shuford said. \u201cThat starts with stronger outreach, meeting people where they are and helping those ready to transition into housing, even if that placement is outside of Long Beach.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Shuford\u2019s Voter Guide questionnaire is online <a href=\"https:\/\/www.presstelegram.com\/2026\/05\/05\/jamies-shuford-long-beach-city-council-district-7-candidate-2026-primary-election-questionnaire\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>For Gordon, who also works in homeless services, improving Long Beach\u2019s homelessness prevention and response efforts is a key campaign priority.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDistrict 7 is in crisis. Families are getting priced out, rents are rising and too many residents are left without safe, stable housing,\u201d Gordon said in his Voter Guide questionnaire. \u201cPeople should not have to choose between paying rent, feeding their family or keeping a roof over their heads. This is the most immediate issue facing our community, and it demands bold action now.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>If elected, Gordon said, he would push for policies that help keep people housed and expand resources for people struggling with housing instability, alongside improving services for mental health and substance use disorder.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe cannot wait while people fall through the cracks. District 7 needs a councilmember who will fight for housing, hold the system accountable and create pathways for stability,\u201d Gordon said. \u201cLong Beach can rise to this challenge, but only if we act boldly, strategically and with the people of our community leading the way.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Read Gordon\u2019s full Voter Guide questionnaire <a href=\"https:\/\/www.presstelegram.com\/2026\/05\/05\/dameon-gordon-long-beach-city-council-district-7-candidate-2026-primary-election-questionnaire\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>District 9<\/p>\n<p>District 9 is the northernmost district in the city. It includes the neighborhoods of College Square, Starr King, Hamilton, McKinley and Powell. There are two candidates running for this seat, incumbent Joni Ricks-Oddie and business owner Sequoia Neff.<\/p>\n<p>For Ricks-Oddie, who is also the director of UC Irvine\u2019s Center for Statistical Consulting, her key concern for the district is addressing human trafficking and other public safety concerns along Long Beach Boulevard, she said in her response to the Voter Guide questionnaire.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Joni Ricks-Oddie is a candidate for Long Beach City Council...\" class=\"size-article_inline\"   src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/LDN-L-VG-RICKSODDIE-1.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Joni Ricks-Oddie is a candidate for Long Beach City Council District 9 in 2026. (Photo courtesy of the City of Long Beach)\n<\/p>\n<p>Show Caption<\/p>\n<p>1 of 1<\/p>\n<p>Joni Ricks-Oddie is a candidate for Long Beach City Council District 9 in 2026. (Photo courtesy of the City of Long Beach)\n<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#\" class=\"icon-enlarge mng-gallery-fullscreen-expand\" aria-label=\"Expand fullscreen slideshow\">Expand<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis has long been a struggle for our community, and I am proud to have collaborated with my colleague, Councilmember Tunua Thrash-Ntuk, to spearhead a comprehensive response,\u201d Ricks-Oddie said. \u201cI am committed to executing the recently approved Strategic Plan, which shifts the focus beyond conventional policing to address the underlying causes of this issue.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>To address the problem, Ricks-Oddie said, she has worked throughout her first term to implement safety measures such as traffic cameras, better lighting, no parking zones and decriminalization efforts for human trafficking victims. She has also worked with regional and statewide leaders to address the multi-jurisdictional issues.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBy pairing these deterrents with intensified enforcement against traffickers,\u201d Ricks-Oddie said, \u201cwe are creating lasting change.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Ricks-Oddie\u2019s Voter Guide questionnaire is available <a href=\"https:\/\/www.presstelegram.com\/2026\/05\/05\/joni-ricks-oddie-long-beach-city-council-district-9-candidate-2026-primary-election-questionnaire\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Human trafficking is also the key concern for Neff, she said in her Voter Guide questionnaire.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFamilies are seeing practically naked women on the corner, children are being exposed, residents feel unsafe, homes are losing value and local businesses are struggling. We need a dedicated investigation team\/targeted enforcement,\u201d Neff said. \u201cWe need stronger penalties for repeat offenders, with enhanced consequences when minors are involved, or activity occurs near schools.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Sequoia Neff is a candidate Long Beach\u00e2\u0080\u0099s Ninth City Council...\" class=\"size-article_inline\"   src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Sequoia-Neff-1.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Sequoia Neff is a candidate Long Beach\u2019s Ninth City Council District. (Courtesy of Sequoia Neff\u2019s campaign)\n<\/p>\n<p>Show Caption<\/p>\n<p>1 of 1<\/p>\n<p>Sequoia Neff is a candidate Long Beach\u2019s Ninth City Council District. (Courtesy of Sequoia Neff\u2019s campaign)\n<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#\" class=\"icon-enlarge mng-gallery-fullscreen-expand\" aria-label=\"Expand fullscreen slideshow\">Expand<\/a><\/p>\n<p>If elected, Neff added, she would want to implement stricter enforcement for nuisance prevention measures at motels, businesses and other properties tied to human trafficking in an effort to hold them accountable through permit or license revocation.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe need to strengthen partnerships with underfunded outreach and support programs for victims\/survivors,\u201d Neff said. \u201cPrevention is just as important as enforcement. I support strategically placing cameras, increasing public awareness and community education, and more police presence.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Neff\u2019s Voter Guide questionnaire is available <a href=\"https:\/\/www.presstelegram.com\/2026\/05\/05\/sequoia-neff-long-beach-city-council-district-9-candidate-2026-primary-election-questionnaire\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>To check out the candidates\u2019 full Voter Guide questionnaires, go to <a href=\"http:\/\/presstelegram.com\/voter-guide\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">presstelegram.com\/voter-guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>To learn more about Long Beach\u2019s local elections, go to <a href=\"http:\/\/longbeach.gov\/cityclerk\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">longbeach.gov\/cityclerk<\/a>. You can also check your voter registration status or register to vote at <a href=\"http:\/\/lavote.gov\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">lavote.gov<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Long Beach may soon have several new representatives on the City Council, with the primary election slated for&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":334625,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[33],"tags":[1400,7,23,131,133,132,137,100,13],"class_list":["post-334624","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-long-beach","tag-2026-elections","tag-california","tag-local-news","tag-long-beach","tag-long-beach-headlines","tag-long-beach-news","tag-los-angeles-county","tag-news","tag-politics"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/334624","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=334624"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/334624\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/334625"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=334624"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=334624"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=334624"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}