Young Democrats Announce Endorsements

The Orange County Young Democrats yesterday voted to endorse local Democrats who are running for local office. At last night’s endorsement meeting in Orange, dozens of young Democrats and guests from around Orange County gathered to listen to local candidates and elected officials discuss their plans for the future in a speed dating endorsement meeting. The candidates offered a vision of what change would look like at the local level, sharing their thoughts about their priorities and the role young democrats will play the upcoming election.

 
The following candidates received the endorsement of the Orange County Young Democrats:

Bill Dalati, Anaheim City Council
John Santoianni, Anaheim City Council
Jordan Brandman, Anaheim Union High School District
Greg Ferguson, Buena Park City Council
Jerry Kong, Buena Park City Council
Art Montez, Centrallia Elementary School District
Jim Moreno, Coast Community College District, Area 1
Lynne Riddle, Coast Community College District, Area 5
Steven Weinburg, Dana Point City Council
Doug Chaffee, Fullerton City Council
Aaruni Thakur, Fullerton Schol District

Vicky Calhoun, Fullerton Joint Union High School District
Bao Nguyen, Garden Grove Unified School District
Shawn Roselius, Huntington Beach City Council
Dan Kalmick, Huntington Beach City Council
Bonnie Castrey, Huntington Beach Union High School District
Larry Agran, Irvine City Council
Shiva Farivar, Irvine City Council
Sharon Wallin, Irvine Unified School District
Gavin Huntley-Fenner, Irvine Unified School District
Daren Nigsarian, La Habra City Council
Katrina Foley, Newport Mesa Unified School District
Donna Miller, North Orange County Community College Board of Trustees, Area 4
Barbara Dunsheath, North Orange County Community College District Trustee, Area 2
John Palacio, Board of Education for Santa Ana Unified School District
David Benavides, Santa Ana City Council, Ward 4
 

Interestingly enough, no endorsements were made in a competitive Santa Ana mayor’s race or in a competitive Santa Ana city council Ward 6 race.  Santa Ana mayor Miguel Pulido and his opponent Al Amezcua both attended and made their pitch.  Ward 6 councilman Sal Tinajero skipped the event but his Democratic opponent Helen Martinez was there.  OCYD wisely issued a “no endorsement” in either race.

“The disparity in turnout between national and local elections is shocking, especially among Young Democrats,” said Chair Nick Anas. “The decisions made at the local level have are often the ones that have the most impact on our lives. We are extremely proud that so many Young Democrats are running for office this year, and we are looking forward to working with their campaigns.”

The Orange County Young Democrats (OCYD) is the official voice for young people in the Democratic Party of Orange County. OCYD is comprised of young workers, young families, college and high school students, ages 14 – 35, who are dedicated to the Democratic values that make America strong and provide opportunity for all. OCYD is committed to establishing a bloc of young voters who will elect Democrats for an entire generation.

Using proven peer-to-peer campaign methods, young Democrats have made significant differences in races throughout the county.