May 23, 2025

by Kaitlyn Schallhorn

Huntington Beach Councilmember Gracey Van Der Mark has launched a 2026 bid for an Assembly seat. [...]

Van Der Mark said she decided to jump into the race because she believes the 72nd Assembly District needs a “strong conservative” to represent it — and with Dixon leaving the seat, it’s losing that type of representation, she said.

“I wanted to honor her service by stepping up and continuing her legacy,” said Van Der Mark, whose term on the City Council is up in 2026.

The 72nd Assembly District spans the coast in Orange County, from Seal Beach to Laguna Beach, jutting inland to include Aliso Viejo, Lake Forest and Laguna Woods.

As of February, the latest report from the secretary of state, registered Republicans make up 39.8% of voters in the district, Democrats account for 32.14% of registered voters, and 21.32% are no party preference.

Read the Full Article HERE

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