May 28, 2025

Huntington Beach, Calif. -- Today, Republican Gracey Van Der Mark announced the endorsement of Senator Tony Strickland in her campaign for the State Assembly. Senator Strickland represents the largest cities in the 72nd Assembly District.

“Gracey has always been a fighter,” said Senator Tony Strickland. “I’ve worked alongside her on the City Council and I know that she isn’t shy about standing up for what she believes, and that’s why she is so well respected across Orange County. Gracey is exactly the type of representative we need in Sacramento. She will be a great leader and she has my full support.”

The announcement of Senator Strickland follows other key endorsements in Gracey’s campaign for the 72^nd Assembly District. Previously, Gracey announced endorsements from Orange County Supervisor Janet Nguyen, Huntington Beach City Council members and every member of the Newport Beach City Council.

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

A survivor of domestic violence in her first marriage, Gracey moved to Huntington Beach more than two decades ago with her second and current husband, Pieter Van Der Mark. Together, they raised their seven children in a blended family and now 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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