Rancho Santa Margarita to Hold Council Elections
Residents will vote for City Council representatives in Districts 1 and 2 this November.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Elections
Live Poll
Should your city prioritize new housing development even if it alters your neighborhood's existing character?
Rancho Santa Margarita voters will head to the polls this November 2026 to fill two open seats on the five-member City Council. Five candidates are currently vying for the spots in Districts 1 and 2.
Why it matters
The outcome of these races will determine the composition of the local governing body, which oversees city assets including the 92-acre Chiquita Ridge property.
Five candidates are seeking two council seats, while incumbent Brad McGirr runs unopposed for the District 4 seat. The city remains obligated to build a 23-acre sports park on the 92-acre Chiquita Ridge site acquired in a 2009 settlement.
The players
Brad McGirr
He is the current incumbent running unopposed for the District 4 City Council seat in Rancho Santa Margarita.
Josh Bastian
He is one of the candidates running for the District 1 seat on the City Council.
Nicholas Reese
He is a candidate appearing on the ballot for the District 1 City Council seat.
Anne Figueroa
She is a candidate campaigning for the District 2 City Council seat.
Rod Ganjifard
He is a candidate running for the District 2 seat on the City Council.
The details
District 1 candidates Josh Bastian and Nicholas Reese are competing for one seat, while Anne Figueroa, Rod Ganjifard, and Natalie Guse compete for the District 2 seat. Ballots are cast via mail or drop boxes, with in-person voting available at designated centers.
Timeline
The city reached a settlement regarding the Chiquita Ridge property in 2009.
The first vote centers open for in-person voting on October 24, 2026.
The deadline for mail-in ballots to be postmarked is November 3, 2026.
Political Context
Opposing groups often emphasize that local candidates must strictly adhere to the development mandates established by the 2009 Chiquita Ridge settlement agreement. Dissenting voices argue that previous planning efforts have failed to prioritize the required 23-acre sports park.
Residents should prepare for the election by checking their mail for ballots or locating their nearest vote center beginning October 24. These races will influence local regulatory decisions regarding the usage of the 55 usable acres at the Chiquita Ridge site.
The takeaway
Voters are encouraged to research candidate platforms regarding city land usage before submitting their ballots. Ensuring your mail-in ballot is postmarked by November 3 is essential to guarantee your vote is counted in these local contests.
Further reading
Learn more about the upcoming local races in the Rancho Santa Margarita Elections section.
More information
View the voter guide for races and ballots to prepare for election day.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Orange County Register.
Live Poll
Should your city prioritize new housing development even if it alters your neighborhood's existing character?
