In the closely contested District 1 race, Councilmember Melinda Liu overcame an early deficit against John Park and declared victory.
As of November 11, Liu led by 392 votes, positioning her to retain her seat and continue serving as Irvine’s first Chinese American woman on the City Council.
Rematch Battle, Comeback Lead
The District 1 contest featured three candidates: incumbent Melinda Liu, California Republican Party Vice Chair John Park, and former Irvine Mayor Sukhee Kang.
Liu and Park first faced off in 2024, when Liu won by just 109 votes, 5,896 to 5,787, making history as Irvine’s first Chinese American woman elected to the City Council.
Their rematch proved equally competitive. After voting ended November 3, the lead changed hands.
Liu briefly trailed on November 4 before moving ahead the following day. Her margin gradually widened as additional ballots were counted.
According to the Orange County Registrar of Voters, Liu had received 5,762 votes (40.5%) as of November 11, compared with Park’s 5,370 (37.7%) and Kang’s 3,108 (21.8%).
Liu’s 392-vote lead marked a decisive turn in another closely watched race.
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Gratitude & Goals, Looking Ahead
Following her victory announcement, Liu thanked campaign volunteers, supporters, and community members for their contributions and for helping advance city initiatives over the past two years.
Many supporters, she noted, were friends and neighbors she had come to know during her 20 years in Irvine.
She also expressed gratitude to those who first encouraged her to seek public office and continued supporting her campaign.
Looking ahead, Liu hopes to build on recent progress and complete projects that improve residents’ quality of life.
Her priorities include addressing Irvine’s structural budget deficit, keeping public safety at the forefront, and making housing and everyday living more affordable.
She reaffirmed her commitment to preserving Irvine as a community where future generations can live, work, and raise families.
Results Unfold, Incumbents Prevail
In the mayoral race, incumbent Larry Agran held a commanding lead with 56,022 votes (69.8%), compared with 24,214 (30.2%) for Maksim V. Egorov.
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In City Council District 5, incumbent Betty Martinez Franco led a five-candidate field with 5,308 votes (34.9%). Anthony Kuo followed with 4,020 (26.5%), Steven Alves with 3,660 (24.1%), Byron Salvatierra with 1,442, and Julie Glossbrenner with 761.
In District 6, sitting Councilmember Kathleen Treseder led Scotty Hong with 5,147 votes (58.3%) to 3,676 (41.7%). Previously elected at large, Treseder was seeking a seat representing District 6 rather than reelection to her former at-large position.
Both incumbents seeking reelection to the Irvine Unified School District Board of Education also maintained substantial leads.
In Trustee Area 2, Katie McEwen received 10,352 votes (74.5%), ahead of Ron Scolesdang’s 3,553 (25.6%).
In Trustee Area 4, Jeff Kim led Jane Wood with 7,355 votes (58.3%) to 5,264 (41.7%).
Overall, the results suggest continuity in Irvine’s city and school district leadership.
As counting nears completion, fiscal responsibility, public safety, housing affordability, and educational quality remain central issues for the city’s next chapter.
Note: Results reflect votes counted through November 11, 2026, and remain unofficial pending certification.