James Mai, Vice Mayor of Irvine, has lived a life that defies the odds.
The son of Vietnamese refugees, James was raised between two worlds. His mother—pregnant, young, and escaping abuse—fled from a life-threatening relationship.
James’s biological father left before he was born, and he was later half-adopted by a white American family.
Weekdays were spent in an Asian household in the inner city and government housing, while weekends and summers brought a sharp contrast in a white suburban neighborhood.
This dual upbringing gave James a rare and profound perspective—one that would later fuel his passion for equity, representation, and public service.
Growing up in a city of over 580,000 where Asian students were few, James learned early what discrimination looked like.
“People threw rocks at our car and yelled, ‘Go back to China,’” he recalls. “It didn’t matter that I was Vietnamese—any Asian face became a target.”
Despite the prejudice, his family instilled resilience. “My adoptive mother and grandmother always told me, ‘Life won’t be fair. You’ll have to work ten times harder to succeed.’”
Their family lived in public housing alongside other immigrants and refugees from the Middle East, Latin America, and beyond.
“We played on dirt mounds. Our pets were crickets,” James laughs. “Someone even stole my big-wheel bike while I was inside a candy store at 5 years old.” The memories were humble—but they built the grit and empathy that now define him.
As an adult, James faced subtler barriers. Resumes with his Vietnamese surname, Nguyen (now Nguyen-Mai), were ignored. Only when he applied as simply “James” did doors start to open.
Even then, biases followed. “They didn’t think I’d fit into the company culture,” he explains. So, he made his own path.
“I realized I couldn’t keep waiting for someone else to give me a shot,” James says. He launched his own consulting firm—and faced criticism for his diverse team.
“I hire based on skill and integrity, not skin color,” he told clients. “Diversity isn’t optics. It’s strength.”
James never forgot his roots. Recalling the secondhand clothes he wore—sometimes even girls’ clothing from the Salvation Army—he made a vow: to give back.
He went on to found several nonprofit organizations focused on supporting underserved children, families, and individuals with special needs. “Some families are too embarrassed to ask for help,” he says. “So we just quietly drop off food at their door. No spotlight. No stigma.”
James also challenges cultural taboos.
“In some Asian families, there’s shame around having children with disabilities. Those kids grow up hidden and isolated. I want to change that.”
As Vice Mayor, he’s led with that same hands-on spirit. One of his first major efforts: expanding Irvine’s food distribution program. What started as 15 food boxes has grown into 600 monthly deliveries—no questions asked.
He’s also partnering with Mayor Larry Agran and the Melinda Hoag Hope Foundation to launch a new nonprofit hub in Heritage Park. The center will bring 30–40 agencies under one roof—providing mental health care, legal services, job training, and more.
“If someone needs help, they shouldn’t have to run around the city trying to find it,” James says.
Another of his concerns: access to existing services.
“Did you know there’s free pre-K for all four-year-olds in Irvine? Most immigrant families don’t,” he explains. “Government can’t just build programs—we have to make sure people can actually find them.”
Many of his memos and initiatives can be found on his website jamesmai.com
Despite his full plate, James remains a devoted father—helping with homework, attending birthday parties, and bringing his kids to city events.
“There’s no perfect work-life balance,” he says. “But I want my kids to see leadership in action—and know why it matters.”
Politics was never the plan. Frustration drove James to run.
“The country feels so divided. Too many elected officials forget why they’re there—to serve. I didn’t want to be another pawn in a political machine. I wanted to represent the people.”
In his first campaign for City Council, James had no political experience, no campaign manager, no big fundraisers—just determination.
“I knocked on doors and told my story. If I was meant to serve, the voters would decide.” And they did.
Today, as Vice Mayor, James is working to make the government more responsive, compassionate, and human.
“Policies matter—but people matter more. We can’t forget the faces behind the data.”
To young Asian Americans, he offers this advice:
“Assume you’re starting from behind. It’ll push you harder. Even with a perfect GPA, life isn’t always fair—but if you keep showing up, good things will come. True success isn’t what you achieve—it’s what you help others become.”
James Mai’s story—from refugee roots to Vice Mayor—isn’t just about rising. It’s about reaching back and lifting others up. Being the only one in the room isn’t a weakness. It’s a reason to lead.
James Mai – Vice Mayor of Irvine
James Mai is the current Vice Mayor of Irvine, California, representing District 3. A Vietnamese American refugee adopted by a white American family, he grew up navigating life between cultures.
With over 20 years of experience in corporate strategy and management, he founded the international consulting firm Bristol & Bates.
He is also the founder of multiple nonprofit organizations dedicated to supporting children, underserved communities, and the AAPI population.
James Mai has lived in Irvine’s District 3 for over 15 years. He has been actively involved in civic affairs and was elected to the City Council in 2024. In 2025, he was appointed Vice Mayor.
His priorities include public safety, senior care, environmental sustainability, and revitalizing Irvine’s original neighborhoods.
A proud father of two IUSD students, James believes civic engagement is key to building a more inclusive and equitable future.