Nonpartisan local voter guide • Last updated
Laguna Beach Election 2026
Laguna Beach voters will elect three City Council members and three LBUSD Board members on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. This nonpartisan So Laguna election hub covers both local candidate races, Measure E, campaign finance, candidate positions, voting deadlines and results—with direct links to primary records.
Quick answer
What is on Laguna Beach’s 2026 local ballot?
“At large” means every registered voter in Laguna Beach can vote in the Council race; candidates do not run from geographic districts. Councilmembers serve four-year staggered terms and exercise the city’s legislative authority, including adopting ordinances, setting policy, approving budgets and making major land-use and public-project decisions.
Candidate tracker
Who is running for Laguna Beach City Council in 2026?
Each City Council candidate is covered using the same standards. Unknown positions are labeled rather than inferred.
Sue Kempf
Currently serves on the Laguna Beach City Council and is seeking another term.
Ashley Cintas
Does not currently hold a Laguna Beach City Council seat.
Laura Parisi
Does not currently hold a City Council seat; currently serves as Laguna Beach’s elected City Treasurer.
Mark Orgill
Current City Councilmember and Laguna Beach mayor; seeking another Council term.
Nick Aronoff
Does not currently hold a Laguna Beach City Council seat.
Edward Bayuk
Does not currently hold a Laguna Beach City Council seat.
Joy Berry
Does not currently hold a Laguna Beach City Council seat.
Alex Rounaghi
Currently serves on the Laguna Beach City Council and is seeking another term.
Karen Martin
Does not currently hold a Laguna Beach City Council seat.
Cards follow the official ballot order published by the City Clerk on August 13, 2026. Select a profile for sourced background, issue positions, campaign finance, official statements and public questions.
Public appearances
2026 candidate forums and debates
The City currently lists five forums hosted by independent community organizations. The hosts have affirmed that candidates were offered equal time and opportunity to appear. A listing does not establish that every candidate has confirmed attendance.
Village Laguna
6:00 p.m. · Council Chambers
505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
KXFM
5:30 p.m. · Neighborhood Congregational Church, Bridge Hall
340 St Ann’s Drive, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Greater Laguna Beach GOP
6:00 p.m. · Council Chambers
505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Laguna Beach Arts Alliance
9:00 a.m. · Forum Theater at Festival of Arts
650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce
6:00 p.m. · Council Chambers
505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Open the So Laguna events calendarVerify the City’s current schedule
Same facts for every City Council candidate
2026 City Council candidate comparison
This live table uses identical financial fields for every City Council candidate. Figures appear only after So Laguna reviews the underlying City filing; each reporting period links to its official record.
| Ballot | Candidate | Incumbent | Total contributions | Spent | Cash on hand | Debt | Reporting period | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sue Kempf | Yes | $50.00 | $1,233.98 | $50.00 | $0.00 | Jun. 30, 2026 filing | Sue Kempf profile |
| 2 | Ashley Cintas | No | $7,000.00 Form 497 transaction | Pending periodic statement | Pending periodic statement | Pending periodic statement | Form 497 · Aug. 24, 2026 | Ashley Cintas profile |
| 3 | Laura Parisi | No — City Treasurer | No reviewed finance summary published yet | Laura Parisi profile | ||||
| 4 | Mark Orgill | Yes | No reviewed finance summary published yet | Mark Orgill profile | ||||
| 5 | Nick Aronoff | No | $2,850.00 | $0.00 | $2,850.00 | $1,000.00 | Jun. 30, 2026 filing | Nick Aronoff profile |
| 6 | Edward Bayuk | No | No reviewed finance summary published yet | Edward Bayuk profile | ||||
| 7 | Joy Berry | No | No reviewed finance summary published yet | Joy Berry profile | ||||
| 8 | Alex Rounaghi | Yes | $15,500.00 | $5,448.75 | $8,157.16 | $16,750.00 | Jun. 30, 2026 filing | Alex Rounaghi profile |
| 9 | Karen Martin | No | No reviewed finance summary published yet | Karen Martin profile | ||||
Total contributions follows FPPC Form 460 Line 5 and can include loans or candidate self-funding. A Form 497 amount is labeled as an individual accelerated transaction—not a complete campaign total. Figures reflect each candidate’s latest reviewed filing and may cover different reporting periods. Open the source filing before comparing totals.
Public record
Incumbent City Council candidate voting records
This comparison uses the same source-linked rows as each candidate profile. Each row links to the official meeting record; voice votes without an individually recorded position are labeled rather than inferred.
| Date and decision | Sue Kempf | Mark Orgill | Alex Rounaghi | Official record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Adoption of ordinance extending the Design Review Efficiency Ordinance and required 10-day report, finding project exempt from CEQA. | YES | YES | YES | Meeting Official City meeting record |
Adoption of ordinance extending the urgency Design Review Efficiency Ordinance and adoption of required 10-day report, finding actions exempt from CEQA. | YES | YES | YES | Meeting Official City meeting record |
Adoption of resolution establishing objective design standards for single and two-family residential development and finding the action categorically exempt from CEQA, with addition to include Laguna Canyon Area annexation area specific plan on the map. | YES | YES | YES | Meeting Official City meeting record |
Appointment of Alex Rounaghi as alternate to South Orange County Wastewater Authority (SACWA) board, retaining Michelle Banigan as alternate. | YES | YES | YES | Meeting Official City meeting record |
Approval of consent calendar items excluding items 10, 16, 17, 18, and 19. | YES | YES | YES | Meeting Official City meeting record |
Authorization to enter into a 12-month pilot contract with Crossbeam AI for plan checking and permitting process improvements. | YES | YES | YES | Meeting Official City meeting record |
Environmental Sustainability Committee recommendation on renewable energy and CCA policy. | YES | YES | YES | Meeting Official City meeting record |
Motion to deny the appeal and direct staff to prepare a revised resolution with four more restrictive conditions of approval and revised public view protection section, with resolution to be returned for adoption on September 22nd. | YES | YES | YES | Meeting Official City meeting record |
Motion to postpone hearing on appeal to September 22nd. | YES | YES | YES | Meeting Official City meeting record |
Motion to postpone the hearing on appeal of Design Review Board decision for 315552 Eagle Rockway to September 22nd. | YES | YES | YES | Meeting Official City meeting record |
Recognition of Matt Lawson as Emergency Operations Center (EOC) namesake honoree and adoption of resolution with direction to add previously approved recitals. | YES | YES | YES | Meeting Official City meeting record |
Support for herbicide-free pilot program in Aliso Creek channel with direction to explore Laguna Canyon Creek addition. | YES | YES | YES | Meeting Official City meeting record |
Verification notice: Source-linked records have not all been manually reviewed by So Laguna. Confirm details through the linked official record. “Not recorded” is not an abstention, absence or inferred position.
Council composition
Which City Council seats are up in 2026?
| Current member | First elected | Current term expires | 2026 status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Orgill, Mayor | 2022 | 2026 | Qualified candidate |
| Alex Rounaghi, Councilmember | 2022 | 2026 | Qualified candidate |
| Sue Kempf, Councilmember | 2018 | 2026 | Qualified candidate |
| Hallie Jones, Mayor Pro Tem | 2024 | 2028 | Not regularly scheduled for election in 2026 |
| Bob Whalen, Councilmember | 2012 | 2028 | Not regularly scheduled for election in 2026 |
Titles and terms reflect the City of Laguna Beach’s published City Council roster reviewed August 14, 2026.
Issue-based coverage
Issues So Laguna will ask every City Council candidate about
Public safety and hospital access
The future of emergency and acute-care services at Mission Hospital Laguna Beach, ambulance transport times and emergency-response coverage.
Housing and land use
State housing mandates, development review, neighborhood character, historic resources and resident participation.
Traffic, parking and transit
PCH parking policy, neighborhood spillover, trolley and microtransit service, pedestrian safety and summer congestion.
City spending and capital projects
Budget priorities, project oversight, cost escalation, public contracts and transparent reporting on major civic projects.
Beaches, climate and wildfire
Coastal access, marine protections, water quality, fuel modification, evacuation routes and climate resilience.
Arts, businesses and village character
Support for artists and independent businesses, public art, downtown activity, festivals and the character of Laguna Beach.
Local ballot measure
Ballot Measure E: Laguna Beach City Council term limits
What a “Yes” vote means
A Yes vote favors adopting the proposed City Council term-limit rules.
What a “No” vote means
A No vote favors keeping the current system, under which Laguna Beach voters may continue reelecting a Councilmember without a local term limit.
This is a neutral summary of the measure’s legal effect, not an endorsement. Arguments and rebuttals are advocacy documents written by their signers; they are linked below so voters can read each side in full.
California ballot
2026 statewide propositions—and why Laguna Beach voters may care
Housing, development and environmental review
These measures have the most direct connection to Laguna Beach housing costs, local project review and development decisions.
1
Housing affordability bonds
Would authorize $11.25 billion in state bonds for affordable and veterans housing programs.
Laguna connection: State housing, homeownership and supporting-infrastructure funds can shape resources available to local and regional projects; awards are not guaranteed.
Read the official analysis37
Middle-income homebuyer loan program
Would create a state assistance program for buyers of qualified new homes, funded by as much as $25 billion in revenue bonds repaid through homeowner loans.
Laguna connection: The program could matter to income-qualified buyers in a high-cost housing market, subject to eligibility and qualified-home rules.
Read the official analysis45
Environmental review for certain projects
Would create optional, tighter review and court-challenge procedures for certain projects defined by the measure as essential.
Laguna connection: Housing, school facilities and infrastructure projects can involve CEQA review, permits and public challenges.
Read the official analysisElections and local government
These measures govern how Californians vote, how statewide recalls work and what local governments or voters may do in future elections.
4
Public campaign financing
Would remove the state prohibition and allow state or local governments to create public campaign-financing programs under specified limits.
Laguna connection: It would permit—but not automatically create—a future Laguna Beach public campaign-finance program.
Read the official analysis5
Statewide recall election process
Would remove the replacement-candidate question from recalls of statewide officers and generally fill a vacancy later by special election or appointment.
Laguna connection: Laguna Beach voters participate in statewide recall elections; this does not change local City Council recall rules.
Read the official analysis39
Government-issued voter identification
Would require voters to provide additional government-issued identifying information each time they vote.
Laguna connection: The new identification rules would apply directly to Laguna Beach voters in state and local elections.
Read the official analysis43
Vote threshold for certain local taxes
Would require two-thirds voter approval for certain local special taxes proposed by voters.
Laguna connection: It could change the approval threshold for future voter-proposed Laguna Beach or other local-government revenue measures.
Read the official analysisSchools, health and the state budget
These measures concern state reserves, school and health funding, research bonds and nonprofit clinic spending.
2
State rainy-day fund
Would change state reserve and debt-payment rules, increasing the reserve target and extending extra debt payments.
Laguna connection: State budget stability can affect the reliability of funding for schools, health care, housing and other local-facing programs.
Read the official analysis3
High-income tax for schools and health care
Would make permanent an income-tax increase on high-income earners that otherwise expires in 2031.
Laguna connection: The revenue supports statewide school and health programs, including systems serving Laguna Beach residents.
Read the official analysis38
Immunology medical-research bonds
Would authorize $8.4 billion in state bonds for immunology and immunotherapy research at California institutes and universities.
Laguna connection: It is a statewide borrowing and research-funding decision with potential regional health and university effects.
Read the official analysis40
One-time tax on billionaires
Would impose a one-time state tax equal to 5 percent of wealth on specified billionaires.
Laguna connection: The measure would change state revenue and spending for public programs; the direct tax applies only to taxpayers who meet its criteria.
Read the official analysis44
Community health-clinic spending
Would require certain private nonprofit health clinics to spend at least 90 percent of annual revenue on health-care services.
Laguna connection: It could affect qualifying safety-net clinics used by residents locally or elsewhere in the region; not every clinic is necessarily covered.
Read the official analysisState tax and spending rules
These constitutional measures would change how California may design, review or account for certain future taxes.
41
Special-tax audits and state spending limit
Would require state-auditor review of programs funded by new special taxes and could restrict excluding new special-tax spending from the state limit.
Laguna connection: It could shape statewide tax-funded programs and the public reporting available to California taxpayers.
Read the official analysis42
Personal-property and retroactive state taxes
Would prohibit new state taxes on ownership of financial assets or other personal property and restrict certain retroactive state taxes.
Laguna connection: It would limit future state tax policy for residents and businesses throughout California.
Read the official analysisSource and method: Proposition titles and ballot status follow the California Secretary of State. Plain-language effects are condensed from the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office analyses. “Laguna connection” explains a plausible local pathway without claiming that a program, grant or regulation will necessarily apply to a particular resident, organization or project.
Election calendar
Important 2026 voting dates
- Today
California’s randomized alphabet drawing determines City Council candidate ballot order. - Today
County election officials begin mailing vote-by-mail ballots. - Today
Early voting begins at the Orange County Registrar of Voters office. - Today
Standard voter-registration deadline for the November election. - Today
Eleven-day Vote Centers open. - Today
Deadline to request a replacement vote-by-mail ballot. - Today
Four-day Vote Centers open. - Today
Election Day.
Follow the money
Campaign finance and endorsements
Laguna Beach limits contributions to a candidate for elective city office or a candidate-controlled committee to $500 per election, according to the City’s election page. This City Council hub summarizes each Council candidate’s filings using the same reporting periods and definitions.
For every City Council candidate, So Laguna publishes total contributions, total expenditures, cash on hand, outstanding debt, candidate loans or self-funding, unitemized contributions and source-linked itemized contributions when available. Independent expenditures are kept separate from candidate-controlled funds. Endorsements are kept separate from financial support.
How local government works
What does the Laguna Beach City Council control?
The five-member at-large Council performs the City’s legislative functions. Its decisions influence the municipal budget, ordinances, land-use policy, public safety, infrastructure, contracts, appointments and the direction given to city staff. Regular meetings are generally held at 5:00 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, although exceptions occur.
City Council
Adopts ordinances, budgets and citywide policy; hears certain appeals and makes appointments.
Planning Commission
Reviews planning and land-use matters under authority assigned by law and City policy.
Design Review Board
Reviews projects subject to the City’s design-review requirements.
Arts Commission
Advises on arts programming, cultural policy and public-art matters.
Heritage Committee
Works on matters involving historic resources and preservation.
Housing and Human Services Committee
Advises on housing and community human-services priorities.
These are concise orientation summaries. The forthcoming /laguna-beach-government/ directory should provide each body’s legal authority, current members, terms, schedules, public-comment instructions, recent decisions and official records.
Frequently asked questions
Laguna Beach City Council election FAQ
When is the 2026 Laguna Beach City Council election?
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Eligible Orange County voters can also vote by mail, use a ballot drop box or vote early at a Vote Center.
How many Laguna Beach City Council seats are open?
Three of the five at-large Council seats are scheduled for election in 2026.
Does Laguna Beach elect Councilmembers by district?
No. Laguna Beach City Councilmembers are elected at large, meaning all eligible city voters can vote in the Council race.
Who is running for Laguna Beach City Council?
Nine candidates qualified, in official ballot order: Sue Kempf, Ashley Cintas, Laura Parisi, Mark Orgill, Nick Aronoff, Edward Bayuk, Joy Berry, Alex Rounaghi and Karen Martin.
How was the City Council candidate order determined?
California uses a randomized alphabet drawing to determine candidate order. The City Clerk published Laguna Beach’s official City Council ballot order on August 13, 2026, after the Secretary of State drawing; the order is not alphabetical, based on filing date or an editorial ranking.
What is Laguna Beach Ballot Measure E?
Measure E is a voter initiative proposing a limit of two consecutive four-year City Council terms, followed by a two-year break before a person could run for Council again. Its term count would apply prospectively rather than counting service before the measure.
When is the voter-registration deadline?
The standard registration deadline is October 19, 2026. Conditional same-day registration is available from October 20 through Election Day for eligible voters.
Can I vote anywhere in Orange County?
Orange County uses Vote Centers. Registered county voters may vote at any Orange County Vote Center rather than being limited to one traditional assigned polling place.
How So Laguna verifies the City Council voter guide
So Laguna prioritizes primary election records from the Laguna Beach City Clerk, Orange County Registrar of Voters, California Secretary of State and California Fair Political Practices Commission. City Council candidate biographies and stated positions are attributed to official candidate materials and are not presented as independently verified facts unless supported by additional records.
Every City Council candidate will be offered the same questionnaire and the same opportunity to request a factual correction. Campaign statements, third-party claims, endorsements and So Laguna commentary will be labeled. City Council candidate order will follow the official ballot—not editorial preference.
Primary source set: 2026 municipal election and candidate statements; City Clerk election portal; ballot measures; dated City Clerk announcement. Additional reporting: Orange County Register overview of 2026 city-council candidate fields.
Reporting and research: Michael Kovach, So Laguna
Last checked: August 27, 2026
Corrections and documents: michael@solaguna.com
So Laguna is a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization. This City Council guide is an informational resource and is not an official publication of the City of Laguna Beach or the Orange County Registrar of Voters.
Also on the 2026 ballot
Laguna Beach School Board election
Five candidates are seeking three LBUSD Board seats: Dee Perry, Shaheen Sheik-Sadhal, Kimberly Smith, Elizabeth Bates and Joan Malczewski. School Board coverage has its own detailed voter guide while remaining available here at the bottom of the general Election Hub.
Dee Perry
Current LBUSD Board member; first elected in 2014
Shaheen Sheik-Sadhal
Non-incumbent; attorney, parent and longtime LBUSD volunteer
Kimberly Smith
Non-incumbent; technology executive and LBUSD parent
Elizabeth Bates
Non-incumbent; LBUSD graduate, parent and businesswoman
Joan Malczewski
Current LBUSD Board member; first elected in 2022
Cards follow the official Orange County ballot order. Select a profile for sourced background, priorities, the May 2026 Glass vote and campaign-finance records.
Incumbent School Board candidate voting records
The table covers incumbent candidates Dee Perry and Joan Malczewski. Non-incumbents are not assigned hypothetical votes.
| Date and decision | Dee Perry | Joan Malczewski | Official record |
|---|---|---|---|
Motion to adopt the agenda. | YES | YES | Meeting Official LBUSD voting record |
Motion to approve Resolution 26-08 Ordering a school bond election on November 3, 2026, and authorizing necessary actions in connection therewith. | YES | YES | Meeting Official LBUSD voting record |
Motion to approve Resolution No. 26-07 to establish an interfund transfer of $4,500,000 from the Special Reserve Fund for Other Than Capital Outlay Projects to the General Fund for 2026-27. | YES | YES | Meeting Official LBUSD voting record |
Motion to extend public comments was made at the 20-minute mark. | YES | YES | Meeting Official LBUSD voting record |
Motion to extend the time for public comments. | YES | YES | Meeting Official LBUSD voting record |
Motion to ratify the 2026-2029 Successor Agreement Comprehensive Tentative Agreement negotiated by the designated representatives of the Laguna Beach Unified Faculty Association (LaBUFA) and the Laguna Beach Unified School District. | YES | YES | Meeting Official LBUSD voting record |
Motion to adopt the agenda with the removal of the approval of the VAPA Job Descriptions. | NO | YES | Meeting Official LBUSD voting record |
Motion to adopt the agenda. | YES | NO | Meeting Official LBUSD voting record |
Motion to approve consent calendar items B-U. | YES | YES | Meeting Official LBUSD voting record |
Motion to approve items E, F, and G. | YES | YES | Meeting Official LBUSD voting record |
Motion to approve Resolution #26-05: Education Protection Account (EPA). | YES | YES | Meeting Official LBUSD voting record |
Motion to approve Resolution No. 26-06: Temporary Adjustment to the Routine Restricted Maintenance Account (RRMA) Contribution Level for one year. | YES | YES | Meeting Official LBUSD voting record |
Verification notice: Source-linked records have not all been manually reviewed by So Laguna. Confirm details through the linked official record. “Not recorded” is not an abstention, absence or inferred position.
Compare the School Board candidates
Review ballot designations, experience, priorities, campaign information and candidate-by-candidate source records.
Jason Glass superintendent transition
See how the two incumbent candidates voted and how the three non-incumbents are identified in the coverage.
Editorial transparency
Election guide update log
This dated record tracks substantive changes to So Laguna’s nonpartisan Laguna Beach Election 2026 voter guide. Routine candidate-profile, campaign-finance and official-source updates are recorded here rather than turned into separate news articles. So Laguna publishes a standalone news report only when a development warrants additional reporting and context.
- Added neutral summaries of all 14 certified statewide propositions, including a specific explanation of each measure’s possible Laguna Beach connection and direct links to the Secretary of State and Legislative Analyst’s Office. Added the five City-listed candidate forums scheduled from August 31 through October 22 to the Election Hub, all nine Council profiles and the So Laguna events calendar. Reviewed all nine City Council profiles against official City records and candidate-controlled sources; added concise candidate-specific summaries and direct City Clerk Form 501 and available Form 410/460 indexes. Expanded Nick Aronoff’s profile with his public campaign Instagram, a candidate interview and a sourced Laguna Canyon Road public comment. Updated Ashley Cintas’s profile and the finance comparison with her verified $7,000 Form 497 transaction. Published Kimberly Smith’s complete candidate response, added consistent factual role pills to School Board profiles and linked named organizations to their official pages. The guide distinguishes accelerated contribution reports from complete periodic totals.
- Expanded the Laguna Beach School Board candidate guide with official ballot order, campaign-disclosure status and source-linked LBUSD voting records. Refined candidate-specific search titles, descriptions, authorship, Article schema and breadcrumb data across all 14 local candidate profiles.
- Added source-linked voting-record comparisons for incumbent Laguna Beach City Council and LBUSD School Board candidates. Connected the election guide to the City meeting archive, municipal and school budgets, public-employee compensation, demographics and issue guides.
- Added the School Board election overview and profiles for Dee Perry, Shaheen Sheik-Sadhal, Kimberly Smith, Elizabeth Bates and Joan Malczewski. Expanded the general election hub with Measure E term-limit information, LBUSD campaign-finance records and neutral context about the superintendent transition.
- Updated Mark Orgill’s City Council candidate profile to separate current public roles from former affiliations and added direct links to the relevant Laguna Beach government committee records.
- Expanded the nine City Council candidate profiles with official candidate-statement summaries, Form 700 economic-interest records, community and business roles, candidate photo galleries, sourced issue positions and campaign social links. Added Mark Orgill’s questionnaire responses and extended biography.
- Published the unified Laguna Beach Election 2026 hub, homepage election overview, official City Council ballot order, candidate navigation and key voting dates for the November 3, 2026 general municipal election.
- Launched So Laguna’s sourced 2026 City Council candidate profiles and campaign-finance comparison for Sue Kempf, Ashley Cintas, Laura Parisi, Mark Orgill, Nick Aronoff, Edward Bayuk, Joy Berry, Alex Rounaghi and Karen Martin.
Last substantively updated: August 27, 2026.