Aliso Viejo to Hold City Council Elections
Residents will vote to select representatives for District 2 and District 3 on November 3.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in City Hall
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Aliso Viejo voters are set to head to the polls on November 3 to decide the representatives for City Council Districts 2 and 3. The election features incumbent candidates facing challenges in both districts.
Why it matters
The outcome of this election will influence the city approach to state housing mandates as officials work to rezone business parks into residential and mixed-use areas. Candidates have indicated a focus on increasing available housing stock for purchase.
This election encompasses two of the electoral districts within the city, which is one of 34 cities located in Orange County. The final vote tallies remain unknown until the election concludes on November 3.
The players
Max Duncan
He is the incumbent council member for District 2 who has served on the City Council since 2022 and as mayor since 2026.
Steven Von der Porten
He is a candidate seeking election to the District 2 City Council seat.
Garrett Dwyer
He is the incumbent serving in the District 3 City Council seat.
Marie Tsaasan
She is a candidate competing for the District 3 City Council seat.
The details
Incumbent Max Duncan, who has served on the City Council since 2022 and as mayor since 2026, faces challenger Steven Von der Porten for the District 2 seat. Meanwhile, incumbent Garrett Dwyer is running against candidate Marie Tsaasan for the District 3 position.
Timeline
Max Duncan began serving on the City Council in 2022.
Max Duncan began serving as mayor in 2026.
The election is scheduled to take place on November 3.
Political Context
The push to rezone local business parks into residential areas represents a mandatory compliance effort with California state housing mandates. Opposition groups often cite concerns regarding the pace of new development and the resulting impact on existing community infrastructure.
The outcome of the District 2 and 3 elections will directly impact local zoning policies and the timeline for upcoming residential developments. Residents should monitor these results to understand how the new council leadership plans to manage housing availability and land use.
The takeaway
Voters will decide the direction of the city council regarding future housing developments and the conversion of commercial office sites. Prospective voters can review candidate responses to local policy questions to better understand the specific positions held by incumbents and challengers.
What happens next
The election will take place on November 3, when final votes will be cast and tallied to determine the representation for Districts 2 and 3.
Further reading
For more information on the upcoming local races, see the Aliso Viejo City Hall section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Orange County Register.
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