Political Party:
Democrat
Ballot Designation:
Community Advocate
Law Enforcement Contributions:
None as of 4/16/26
Background:
Chris Kluwe is a former professional football player who spent 8 seasons playing for the Minnesota Vikings. After leaving the NFL, Kluwe became a local activist advocating for causes such as marriage equality and most recently advocating against a MAGA plaque being placed at a Huntington Beach library.
Public Safety Platform:
Kluwe does not express his views on public safety on his campaign website, but uplifts other causes such as building more affordable housing and improving education.
Although not much is said about his public safety views, IJ Action recommends Kluwe as the Harm Reduction candidate given the strong law enforcement backing of the most viable opponent.
Website:
Political Party:
Republican
Ballot Designation:
Councilwoman/Business Owner
Law Enforcement Contributions:
Background:
Gracey Van Der Mark has served on the Huntington Beach City Council since 2022. She previously served on a bond oversight committee for the Huntington Beach City School District and was a member of the Huntington Beach Finance Commission.
Public Safety Platform:
On the Huntington Beach City Council, Van Der Mark says that she has “championed” public safety, but does not share her policy platform. She also shares her accomplishments of leading efforts to sweep unhoused people off of the streets and passing a voter ID ballot measure at the city level.
Van Der Mark is endorsed by the Huntington Beach Police Officers’ Association and the Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs
Website:
Political Party:
Republican
Ballot Designation:
Small Business Owner
Law Enforcement Contributions:
None as of 4/16/26
Background:
Matthew Harper has no campaign website and no information about his background is readily available online
Public Safety Platform:
Website:
No Website
Political Party:
No Party Preference
Ballot Designation:
CEO
Law Enforcement Contributions:
None as of 4/16/26
Background:
Frank Wagoner has no campaign website and no information about his background is readily available online.
Public Safety Platform:
Website:
No Website
