The 2026 Meet the Irvine Candidates Forum, hosted by the South Coast Chinese Cultural Center (SCCCC) and more than a dozen Asian American organizations, takes place Saturday, October 17, at the center’s gymnasium.
All 16 officially listed candidates for Irvine mayor, City Council, and Irvine Unified School District (IUSD) Board of Education have confirmed plans to attend, share their platforms, and engage directly with voters. The public and media are welcome.
A longstanding nonpartisan event, the forum gives voters a chance to hear candidates’ priorities, explore key local issues, and make informed choices ahead of the November 3 election.
Candidates Present Platforms at 2024 Irvine Forum (File Photo)
Six Seats | 16 Candidates
On November 3, 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. IUSD voters will also elect board members in Trustee Areas 2 and 4, bringing the total to six contested seats.
The races feature two mayoral candidates; three in Council District 1, five in District 5, and two in District 6; plus two IUSD board candidates in each of Trustee Areas 2 and 4.
All 16 candidates appear on the official ballot. See the accompanying graphic for the full list and incumbent status..png)
The regular filing period closed August 7, while write-in candidates may register through October 20.
All 16 officially listed candidates have indicated they plan to attend, with final attendance subject to organizer updates.
Asian Voices | Policy Priorities
SCCCC Executive Director Yulan Chung said the center is dedicated not only to celebrating Chinese culture but also to encouraging Asian American civic engagement.
She hopes those elected will listen to Asian American voices and respond to community needs when shaping policies on education, public safety, the economy, and other key issues.
Chung encouraged Asian American voters to attend the forum, hear directly from candidates, and vote on November 3 to help shape Irvine’s future.
Open Dialogue | Informed Choices
The forum will feature separate sessions for mayoral, City Council, and IUSD board candidates. See the accompanying graphic for session times and election details.
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Candidates will introduce themselves and answer questions from moderator Norberto Santana, founder, publisher, and editor-in-chief of Voice of OC, sharing their positions and plans on major local issues.
Organizers emphasize that the forum is strictly nonpartisan and neither endorses nor opposes any candidate.
Its goal is to provide an open, fair platform for voters to hear directly from candidates and make informed decisions.
Admission is free. Attendees may join individual sessions or stay for the entire forum.
Location: South Coast Chinese Cultural Center Gymnasium, 9 Truman Street, Irvine, CA 92620.
Strong Turnout at the 2024 Irvine Candidates Forum (File Photo)
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