San Clemente Mayor · Nov 3, 2026
Kathy Ward
Candidate for Mayor
Kathy Ward is running for mayor of San Clemente in the Nov 3, 2026 election, against Victor Cabral and Shane Hirschman.
Vote-by-mail ballots available · Mon, Oct 5, 2026
TodayFormer two-term San Clemente councilmember and two-time mayor who works as a certified shorthand reporter.
- Occupation (from candidate statement)
- Certified Shorthand Reporter
- Campaign website
- www.kathywardformayor.com
Steve Camp, Aaron Washington, Donna Vidrine, Kathy Ward, Victor Cabral, Shane Hirschman, Mark Enmeier and Steve Knoblock all took part in the Sept. 14 San Clemente Chamber of Commerce candidate forum. San Clemente Times
Where Kathy Ward stands: positions on the record
Candidate statement1 sourced position
Calls for council decisions to be in full public view, with complete transparency and public participation.
“I will support proper procedures within our city so that decisions of the council are in full public view, providing complete public transparency and participation.”
Own statementOC Registrar of Voters
Outdoor dining1 sourced position
As reported by San Clemente Times; not a direct quote
Said outdoor dining has contributed to downtown parking problems and called for a comprehensive plan that could keep it while potentially moving it out of the street.
Forum answerSan Clemente Times
Measure M1 sourced position
As reported by San Clemente Times; not a direct quote
Raised concerns about how much Measure M would generate and how fire prevention money would be used; said she would ensure funds went to their intended purposes.
Forum answerSan Clemente Times
Housing1 sourced position
As reported by San Clemente Times; not a direct quote
Discussed identifying potential affordable housing sites and ensuring units remain affordable over time.
Forum answerSan Clemente Times
City revenue1 sourced position
As reported by San Clemente Times; not a direct quote
Opposed raising taxes and emphasized controlling spending and encouraging economic growth.
Forum answerSan Clemente Times
Past candidacy1 sourced position
Ran for San Clemente City Council in 2018 (won).
Own statementOC Registrar of Voters
Also running for Mayor
All 8 San Clemente candidates →Every claim here links to its source and was checked against it before publishing. How this guide works →
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