Four candidates compete for two council seats in La Habra for the 2026 election.

In La Habra, California, a significant electoral contest is underway as incumbents James Gomez and Jose Medrano vie to retain their seats on the City Council in a competitive four-candidate race. Voters in this Orange County municipality will have the opportunity to cast their ballots for two available four-year terms, a unique feature given La Habra’s practice of at-large elections that allows all residents to influence the outcome.

James Gomez, a longstanding member of the council since 2002, has highlighted the progress made during his tenure, including developments that have bolstered the local economy. He credits various businesses such as Costco, Walmart, Hobby Lobby, and Trader Joe’s for contributing to job creation and enhancing shopping options within La Habra. Gomez emphasizes his dedication to community safety and open spaces, asserting that a collaborative approach has facilitated significant improvements.

Challenging Gomez and Medrano are Miles Matias and Susan Pritchard, both of whom bring distinctive perspectives to the electoral table. Matias identifies key issues including the need for enhanced financial oversight and public safety measures. He advocates for establishing a stringent competitive bidding process for city contracts to ensure taxpayer money is utilized efficiently. Furthermore, Matias has proposed conducting audits of city departments to eliminate unnecessary expenditure, thereby advocating for budgetary reforms that align with public interests.

Incumbent Jose Medrano, serving since 2018, underscores his commitment to public safety through neighborhood “Crime Watch” meetings and initiatives aimed at making local government more efficient and accountable. Medrano emphasizes fiscal responsibility, highlighting his involvement in achieving balanced budgets and completing essential capital and road improvement projects, alongside increasing park space for residents.

Susan Pritchard, a former member of the La Habra City School Board, conveys her dedication to transparency and public engagement. She advocates for business forums that resemble town hall meetings, aiming to foster community dialogue and collaborative problem-solving. Pritchard believes such open communication is essential in addressing local challenges and continuously improving city operations.

Moreover, Matias proposes innovative approaches to engage the community through social media Q&A sessions and the introduction of open-data financial dashboards. He envisions these tools as mechanisms to enhance transparency and accountability in city governance.

Gomez and Medrano also highlight various infrastructure accomplishments, including investments in street improvements, water supply management, and traffic flow enhancements. Both candidates stress the importance of continued progress and strategic development in the face of future challenges.

As the election date approaches, residents of La Habra are encouraged to participate actively in shaping their local governance. Ballots can be returned by mail or at designated drop boxes, with early voting options available. The outcomes of this election will play a crucial role in determining the direction of the City Council and the overall future of La Habra. For further details on candidates and voting procedures, the La Habra voter guide is available for review.

For comprehensive information about the upcoming election, including candidates from various contests, visit Media News Source.