Fullerton 2024 City Council Race: The Final Lineup is Set

With election season in full swing, Fullerton’s 2024 City Council race has officially reached its final days, and the list of candidates is now set. Voters in Districts 1, 2, and 4 will soon decide who will represent them for the next term, and the race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent years. With issues such as infrastructure repairs, housing development, and budget management at the forefront, the candidates vying for these seats are making their final pitches to the residents of Fullerton.

District 1: The Incumbent vs. The Challenger

In District 1, Fred Jung, the current councilmember and mayor, is seeking re-election. Jung, who has led initiatives to address Fullerton’s budget deficit and infrastructure problems, is emphasizing his track record and experience as he looks to retain his seat.

Challenging him is Matt Truxaw, a newcomer to the race. Truxaw is running on a platform focused on accountability and public engagement, arguing that Fullerton needs fresh leadership to tackle ongoing citywide issues. While Jung holds strong name recognition, Truxaw has been working to build grassroots support in the district.

District 2: A Battle Between Experience and Fresh Leadership

District 2’s race features two well-known names: Nick Dunlap and Jan Flory.

• Nick Dunlap, a developer and current councilmember, is running for re-election on a platform of economic growth and responsible city planning. He has been a strong advocate for housing development and business-friendly policies, aiming to attract new investment into Fullerton.

• Jan Flory, a former councilmember, is looking to reclaim a seat, bringing decades of experience in city governance and fiscal responsibility. Flory, known for her outspoken approach to council matters, has emphasized the importance of preserving Fullerton’s identity while addressing critical city challenges.

The race is expected to be one of the closest contests in the election, as both candidates bring strong support bases and opposing visions for the city’s future.

District 4: A Wide-Open, Multi-Candidate Race

District 4 has the largest and most competitive field, with four candidates looking to take the seat.

• Jamie Valencia – A registered nurse, Valencia is focusing on public health, safety, and emergency preparedness as key campaign priorities. She has positioned herself as a community advocate who will prioritize residents over developers.

• Vivian "Kitty" Jaramillo – A retired city employee and commissioner, Jaramillo has extensive experience in community services and local government. She is advocating for transparency, improved city services, and stronger oversight of city finances.

• Linda Whitaker – Running on a platform of fiscal oversight and responsible growth, Whitaker has emphasized the need for infrastructure improvements and efficient budgeting. She has garnered support from residents who are frustrated with past budget mismanagement.

• Scott Markowitz – Though on the ballot, Markowitz has faced legal challenges leading up to the election, casting uncertainty over his campaign’s viability. His platform focuses on business development and economic revitalization, but concerns over his candidacy have raised questions about whether he remains a serious contender.

With four candidates splitting the vote, this race remains highly unpredictable, and it may come down to which candidate can rally the most support in the final stretch.

One of the biggest surprises in this election season is the absence of Adrian Meza from the candidate list. The popular 20-year-old commissioner, known for his tireless advocacy for infrastructure improvements, tenant protections, and community development, was widely expected to make a run for city council, has not put his name in the hat. Two years ago Adrian did want to put his name but later retracted it, he said when Fullerton High School interviewed him, "I was not ready maybe next year...I appreciate the humongous support, to know all my advocacy work has made me a real contender I love that. I just feel like maybe its not a real fit for me at this time, but maybe next election". So, it's quite surprising that, despite Adrian's soaring popularity over the last two years after he said that comment, he chose not to run.

Key Issues Driving the 2024 Election

No matter which district voters reside in, the following key issues are dominating conversations across Fullerton:

-Infrastructure & Roads – Fullerton’s deteriorating roads and aging infrastructure remain a major concern for residents. Candidates are proposing different solutions for funding road repairs and improving public transportation.

-Housing & Development – The need for affordable housing continues to spark debate, with some candidates supporting increased housing development while others push for stronger community planning and protections against overdevelopment.

-City Budget & Fiscal Responsibility – With past budget deficits still affecting city operations, how Fullerton spends its money is a major talking point. Voters want clear plans for financial accountability and preventing unnecessary cuts to city services.

-Public Safety – Concerns over crime, emergency response times, and policing policies have also played a role in campaign discussions. Candidates have varied approaches to addressing these concerns, from increased police funding to alternative public safety strategies.