Newport Beach Candidates Released Campaign Finance Forms
The latest disclosure filings reveal individual contributions and fundraising totals ahead of the November election.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Philanthropy
Live Poll
Does high campaign spending in your area undermine trust in local council elections?
Newport Beach City Council candidates have released campaign disclosure forms detailing their financial standing for the upcoming Nov. 3 election. The reports outline fundraising efforts for the eight individuals running for four open seats.
Why it matters
Understanding these financial disclosures allows voters to see how candidates are funding their campaigns, which relies on a mix of individual contributions and personal loans. These figures highlight the resources available to contenders as they prepare for the final stretch of the race.
Official filings show Walter Stahr has collected over $215,000 in contributions, while Joe Stapleton reports approximately $190,000 in cash on hand from a total of $380,000 raised. Mayor Lauren Kleiman holds $157,000 in cash on hand, supported by a $12,000 contribution from the Republican Party of Orange County.
The players
Joe Stapleton
He is a current Newport Beach City Councilmember seeking to maintain his seat.
Walter Stahr
He is a candidate for the Newport Beach City Council who has raised over $215,000.
Lauren Kleiman
She serves as the Mayor of Newport Beach and is running for re-election.
Republican Party of Orange County
This is a regional political organization that donated $12,000 to Mayor Kleiman.
Robyn Grant
She is a current Newport Beach City Councilmember running unopposed for her seat.
The details
Candidates for the four City Council seats funded their efforts through a combination of individual donations and personal loans. While Councilmember Robyn Grant is running unopposed, seven other candidates are actively competing for the remaining three council seats.
Timeline
July 1 through Sept. 19: Period for campaign contributions and spending.
Sept. 24: Campaign disclosure forms were released.
Sept. 27: Republican Party of Orange County contributed to Kleiman.
Nov. 3: Election Day for Newport Beach City Council seats.
Market Landscape
The release of these forms follows the transparency standards set by the California Political Reform Act, which mandates public disclosure for municipal campaigns. This reporting cycle provides the community with a clear look at the financial backing for local leadership roles.
These disclosures provide residents with a transparent view of the financial interests influencing their local City Council candidates. By reviewing these totals, voters can better evaluate the campaigns as they head to the polls on Nov. 3.
The takeaway
Voters should review the detailed contribution sources listed in the disclosures to understand which groups or individuals are supporting each candidate. Awareness of these financial ties can inform electoral decisions ahead of the Nov. 3 ballot.
Further reading
For more on local governance and transparency, visit the Philanthropy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Los Angeles Times.
Live Poll
Does high campaign spending in your area undermine trust in local council elections?
