Hosted by the South Coast Chinese Cultural Center and more than a dozen Asian American and community organizations, the 2026 Meet the Irvine Candidates Forum will be held October 17 at the center’s gymnasium.
All 16 candidates listed on the official ballot for Irvine mayor, City Council, and the Irvine Unified School District Board of Education have indicated that they plan to attend and present their platforms.
Residents and members of the media are welcome.
Ahead of the November 3 election, the forum will give voters an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates, ask about key local issues, and compare their priorities and plans before casting their ballots.
Six Seats | 16 Candidates
Irvine voters will elect a mayor to a two-year term and City Council members in Districts 1, 5, and 6 to four-year terms. Irvine Unified School District voters will elect Board members in Trustee Areas 2 and 4, bringing the total to six seats.
The races feature two mayoral candidates; three candidates in Council District 1, five in District 5, and two in District 6; and two IUSD Board candidates in each of Trustee Areas 2 and 4.
Altogether, 16 candidates are listed on the official ballot. See the accompanying graphic for the complete list and incumbent status.
The regular candidate filing period closed August 7, while write-in candidates may file through October 20.
All 16 listed candidates have indicated that they plan to attend the forum. Final attendance is subject to updates from the organizers.
Asian Voices | Policy Priorities
South Coast Chinese Cultural Center Executive Director Yulan Chung said the center is committed not only to promoting Chinese culture, but also to encouraging Asian Americans to participate in civic life.
She hopes those elected will listen to Asian American voices when shaping policies on education, public safety, the economy, and other key issues—and respond to the community’s needs.
Chung also encouraged Asian American voters to attend the forum, hear directly from the candidates, and cast their ballots on November 3 to help shape Irvine’s future.
Open Exchange | Informed Choice
The forum will feature separate sections for candidates for Irvine mayor, City Council, and the IUSD Board. See the accompanying graphic for the schedule and key election information.
The Meet the Irvine Candidates Forum is a longstanding, nonpartisan community event organized by the South Coast Chinese Cultural Center. It neither supports nor opposes any candidate.
The forum provides an open and fair platform for residents to learn about local issues, hear directly from the candidates, and make informed decisions before voting.
This year’s co-hosts include Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California; Asian American Senior Citizens Service Center; Cambodian Family Community Center; Center for Asian Americans in Action; Chinese American Association of Orange County; Irvine Chinese School; Irvine Evergreen Chinese Senior Association; Irvine Watchdog; KCS, Korean Community Service; Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance; Orange County Chinese American Chamber of Commerce; and Orange County Herald Center.
2026 Meet the Irvine Candidates Forum - Mayor Candidate Statements
2026 Meet the Irvine Candidates Forum - City Council Candidate Statements
2026 Meet the Irvine Candidates Forum - IUSD Board Candidate Statements