Fountain Valley Voters Head to Council Polls
Residents are selecting candidates for three open city council seats as in-person voting centers prepare to open across the city.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Elections
Live Poll
Do you trust that the current local city council candidates reflect your community's values?
Fountain Valley voters are casting ballots to fill three of the five seats on the city council. Incumbents Jim Cunneen and Kim Constantine are seeking reelection, while long-serving council member Patrick Harper is stepping down.
Why it matters
The election will shape local policy direction, as candidates remain divided on significant municipal issues including the transient occupancy tax, potential status as a charter city, and the deployment of license plate reader cameras.
There are three city council seats up for election out of the five total seats on the council. Patrick Harper is vacating his seat after serving for 8 years.
The players
Kim Constantine
An incumbent city council member who has served on the council since 2018.
Jim Cunneen
An incumbent member of the city council currently seeking reelection.
Patrick Harper
A departing city council member who is not seeking another term after serving for 8 years.
Fountain Valley Chamber of Commerce
A local business organization that facilitates candidate forums to educate voters on municipal issues.
The details
Candidates Elizabeth Andrade, Harrison Dibblee, Dan Hay, Patricia Neal, John Nguyen, Mark Leonard, and Katy Wright are campaigning for the open positions. The Fountain Valley Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a forum where participants addressed local concerns through rapid-fire question rounds.
Timeline
2018 marked the first year Kim Constantine was elected to the city council.
October 7, 2026, was the date of the candidate forum hosted by the Chamber of Commerce.
October 24, 2026, is when the first in-person voting location opens at Freedom Hall.
October 31, 2026, marks the opening of three additional voting centers.
Political Context
The opposition has raised concerns regarding the fiscal implications of potential charter city status and the privacy impacts of automated surveillance technology. These arguments represent the primary policy pushback against the candidates advocating for expanded municipal authority.
Residents will experience shifts in local governance that may impact the city's approach to the transient occupancy tax and community security measures. Taxpayers should monitor these changes as they will influence future municipal regulations and local public services.
The takeaway
Voters should review the candidates' specific stances on license plate readers and tax policy to understand the potential impact on city operations. Engaging with the recorded candidate forum provides valuable insight into how each person plans to manage the city's future.
Further reading
For more information on local races, visit Fountain Valley Elections.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Los Angeles Times.
Live Poll
Do you trust that the current local city council candidates reflect your community's values?
