Santa Ana, CAVoter Guide 2026 · not a ballot

Santa Ana Mayor · Nov 3, 2026

Valerie Amezcua

Candidate for Mayor (incumbent)

9 candidates · 4 seats15 sourced positions

Valerie Amezcua, the incumbent, is running for mayor of Santa Ana in the Nov 3, 2026 election, against Dwayne Shipp and Dan Shimell.

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Mail ballots available · Mon, Oct 5, 2026

Today

Mayor since 2022. Worked more than three decades in the Orange County Probation Department and served eight years on the Santa Ana Unified School District Board.

Occupation (from candidate statement)
Mayor
Endorsed by
LAist lists the Santa Ana Police Officers Association and the Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs among her endorsements. LAist · Oct 1, 2026
Campaign website
www.mayoramezcua.com

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Where Valerie Amezcua stands: positions on the record

Measure N sales tax3 sourced positions

  • as reported by Voice of OC; not a direct quote

    Has argued that approving Measure N is necessary to keep emergency response times from getting longer.

    Own statementVoice of OC · Oct 1, 2026

  • Warned that without the sales tax, future councils would struggle to keep services running.

    “Whoever’s sitting up here, good luck, because I don’t know how you’ll keep the lights on.”

    Own statementVoice of OC · Jul 8, 2026

  • Voted yes on placing a measure to remove the rate reduction and sunset of the local sales tax on the Nov. 3 ballot (passed 5-2, July 2026).

    Council voteSanta Ana City Council minutes, July 7, 2026 · Jul 7, 2026

Homelessness2 sourced positions

  • as reported by Voice of OC; not a direct quote

    At a September 2026 forum, said she would continue a strict stance on homelessness and work with police and public works to clean up the city.

    Forum answerVoice of OC · Oct 1, 2026

  • Lists leading the creation of two Quality of Life Teams, homeless outreach units working seven days a week.

    Own statementValerie Amezcua for Mayor 2026

Police surveillance2 sourced positions
Budget2 sourced positions
Police1 sourced position
Rent stabilization1 sourced position
Rental Housing Board1 sourced position
Priorities1 sourced position

  • Lists combating crime, improving 911 response times and strengthening police oversight among her record as mayor.

    “Combat crime, improve 911 response times, and strengthen police oversight.”

    Own statementValerie Amezcua

Questionnaire1 sourced position

  • Did not respond to LAist's request to discuss the city's budget, homelessness and public safety.

    Own statementLAist · Oct 1, 2026

Past candidacies1 sourced position

What Valerie Amezcua said vs. how Valerie Amezcua voted

Measure N sales tax

In their words

On the record

Also running for Mayor

All 9 Santa Ana candidates →

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