Incumbent Newport Beach City Council members secure re-election while Measure H fails. Joe Stapleton, Erik Weigand, and Lauren Kleiman are set to continue their terms after leading in their respective districts during the recent election. Councilmember Robyn Grant also returns unchallenged in District 4.
Election Results for Newport Beach City Council
Joe Stapleton, representing District 1, maintained a significant lead with nearly 70 percent of the vote against challenger Tina Babajanians. In District 3, Erik Weigand garnered approximately 59 percent of the votes, defeating Walter Stahr and Tim Stoaks. Lauren Kleiman in District 6 also led with nearly 56 percent against Andrew Gerken. Robyn Grant will return to the council without opposition in District 4.
Measure H Fails to Pass
Measure H, a resident-sponsored initiative aimed at reducing the number of housing units in Newport Beach, is projected to fail, with over 67 percent of voters opposing it. The measure sought to decrease the number of units in the city’s state-mandated housing element from 8,174 to 2,900. Opponents of the measure, including three council members, argued it undermined years of planning and could conflict with state requirements.
Statements from Re-elected Council Members
Stapleton attributed his victory to active communication with residents, stating, “We broke the record in fundraising and knocked on a lot of doors and talked to the people.” He expressed gratitude for the community’s trust and outlined his focus on various projects, including the completion of Fire Station 1 and beach restoration. Weigand echoed similar sentiments, thanking voters for recognizing their hard work and pledging to maintain local safety and control.
Background on Newport Beach City Council and Measure H
The Newport Beach City Council consists of seven districts, with all voters participating in the election of council members. The council adopted a housing plan in July 2024, which the state approved, requiring the city to prepare for potential housing developments. Measure H was sponsored by the Newport Beach Stewardship Association, which advocated for a significant reduction in proposed housing units.
The Orange County Registrar of Voters will continue to update the vote count daily, excluding weekends, until all ballots are processed.
