May 27, 2025

Newport Beach, Calif. - Today, Republican Gracey Van Der Mark announced the endorsement of every member of the Newport Beach City Council in her campaign for the 72nd Assembly District. This week's announcement of Newport Beach City Council endorsements follows last week’s announcement that Gracey had received the endorsements of every member of the Huntington Beach City Council—the largest city in the 72nd District.

The announced endorsements include:

Mayor Joe Stapleton, District 1

Mayor Pro Tem Lauren Kleiman, District 6

Councilmember Michelle Barto, District 2

Councilmember Erik Weigand, District 3

Councilmember Robyn Grant, District 4

Councilmember Noah Blom, District 5

Councilmember Sara Weber, District 7

Gracey Van Der Mark’s life story exemplifies the American Dream. Gracey is the daughter of immigrants and she grew up in a poverty-stricken immigrant neighborhood in Los Angeles where families faced many challenges, not the least of which was under-performing schools. Her parents taught her to be independent, stand up for what she believed, and protect those who cannot protect themselves.

A survivor of domestic violence in her first marriage, Gracey moved to Huntington Beach over two decades ago with her second and current husband, Pieter Van der Mark. Together they raised their seven children in their blended family and they own and operate a property management business. 

The 72nd District is currently represented by Assemblywoman Diane Dixon, who has announced her candidacy for the Orange County Board of Supervisors.

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