Laguna Hills will see two new council members elected in the 2026 election due to competitive races in two district seats.

In the upcoming November elections, the Laguna Hills City Council will see a shift in leadership, particularly in Districts 1 and 4, where new candidates are vying for positions left vacant due to term limits affecting current councilmembers Erica Pezold and Dave Wheeler. This electoral shift marks an important transition as the city moves towards district elections.

In District 1, two candidates are competing: Harry Huggins, a retiree and president of the Laguna Terrace Beautification Team, and Laura Thies, a sales and project manager. Huggins emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to housing, advocating for new developments that align with existing infrastructure capabilities. He stresses the importance of maintaining quality of life for residents, highlighting that areas such as parks, infrastructure, and public facilities require careful planning and investment. Huggins believes that the redevelopment of underutilized commercial spaces could offer solutions to housing demands without disrupting established neighborhoods, advocating for integration of affordable and workforce housing as part of the dialogue.

On the other hand, Thies argues for forging relationships with developers to foster a balanced economic environment. She notes that while California mandates that 5% of new residential developments be allocated for low-income households, Laguna Hills has implemented a higher requirement of 15%. Thies expresses that promoting the city as open to innovative growth could revitalize the local economy, especially in light of the revenue sources that have diminished over the last decade.

District 4 presents a more competitive landscape with four candidates: Tiffany Boccieri, Michael Caputo, Valerie Anne Geller, and Scott Miller. Boccieri, an attorney, underscores the necessity for transparent governance and active community engagement in shaping municipal decisions. Caputo, a regional sales manager and traffic commissioner, leverages a straightforward approach, urging effective debate on community needs while ensuring the safety of residents remains a priority. He proposes initiatives like reducing city fees for new housing construction to stimulate first-time homebuyer opportunities.

Geller, who has a background in the arts, brings attention to the importance of meeting state housing mandates with strategic planning to alleviate concerns regarding overdevelopment and its potential impact on local traffic and neighborhood integrity. Her focus lies on concentrating growth in areas already equipped with infrastructure while preserving community character. Miller advocates for thoughtful, locally-driven housing policies that prioritize community needs over generic development strategies.

The countdown to the elections is on, with mail-in ballots due by November 3 and in-person voting opportunities commencing on October 24. The upcoming elections will play a pivotal role in determining the direction of Laguna Hills as it navigates challenges related to housing demand, community growth, and infrastructure improvement. As candidates bring forward their visions for the future, residents can play an active role in shaping the city’s trajectory through informed voting. For further insights into candidates and their positions, a dedicated voter guide is available for review.

This election cycle signifies a crucial opportunity for Laguna Hills residents to engage in the democratic process and advocate for their community’s future direction.