Four Candidates to Compete for La Habra Council Seats
The La Habra City Council election will determine who fills two available seats on the city council this November.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Elections
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La Habra voters will head to the polls on November 3, 2026, to decide which two candidates will fill council seats for four-year terms. Four candidates are competing for the open positions in the upcoming at-large election.
Why it matters
The election decides the composition of the La Habra City Council for the next four years as incumbents seek to retain their positions against new challengers. Voters will help shape local policy and city governance through their participation in this cycle.
Four candidates are running for two open seats on the La Habra City Council, with each position serving a four-year term. Voters are participating in an at-large election format to determine the city's leadership.
The players
James Gomez
James Gomez is an incumbent member of the La Habra City Council who has held office since 2002.
Jose Medrano
Jose Medrano is an incumbent city council member who has been serving on the council since 2018.
Miles Matias
Miles Matias is a candidate competing for one of the two open seats in the La Habra City Council election.
Susan Pritchard
Susan Pritchard is a candidate running for a seat on the La Habra City Council.
The details
Incumbents James Gomez, who has served since 2002, and Jose Medrano, who has served since 2018, are seeking reelection. They face challengers Miles Matias and Susan Pritchard for the two available seats on the council.
Timeline
James Gomez began serving on the city council in 2002.
Jose Medrano began serving on the city council in 2018.
First vote centers open for in-person voting on October 24, 2026.
The deadline for ballots to be postmarked is November 3, 2026.
Political Context
The choice between at-large and district-based elections reflects ongoing debates over the California Voting Rights Act. This election operates under an at-large system, which is a common focus of litigation and reform efforts under the act.
Residents can return their ballots by mail or use official drop boxes to cast their votes in the local election. Eligible voters may also visit designated vote centers starting in late October to participate in person.
The takeaway
Voters should review the candidates and plan their voting method well before the November 3 deadline. Participating in local elections is the primary way residents influence the long-term direction of city governance.
What happens next
In-person voting begins October 24, 2026, and the election concludes on November 3, 2026.
Further reading
For additional information on upcoming contests, visit the Elections section.
More information
View the Orange County Register voter guide for more details on the candidates.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Orange County Register.
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