Aaron Washington to Run for San Clemente Council Seat
Retired Navy commander Aaron Washington will seek the District 1 seat in the city's general election on November 3, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Military
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Retired Navy commander Aaron Washington is launching his bid for the San Clemente City Council District 1 seat in the November 3, 2026, general election. He is currently a member of the San Clemente Planning Commission and has previously sought the council position twice.
Why it matters
Washington emphasizes his 35 years of military experience and background managing large budgets as qualifications for navigating municipal challenges. He explicitly opposes the proposed 1 percent sales-tax increase known as Measure M, citing potential financial strain on residents.
Candidate Aaron Washington holds 35 years of military experience and has served as a Planning Commissioner for San Clemente. He opposes the 1 percent sales-tax increase in Measure M, arguing that municipal savings can be found by reviewing consulting contracts.
The players
Aaron Washington
A 62-year-old retired Navy commander who currently serves on the San Clemente Planning Commission.
Steve Camp
A candidate running for the San Clemente City Council District 1 seat.
Donna Vidrine
A candidate running for the San Clemente City Council District 1 seat.
The details
Washington, 62, advocates for prioritizing beach sand replenishment and reducing unnecessary spending. He enters a competitive field for District 1, facing candidates Steve Camp and Donna Vidrine, following his previous runs for the council in 2020 and 2022.
Timeline
Washington ran for City Council in 2020.
Washington ran for City Council in 2022.
Measure BB, a sales-tax proposal, failed in 2024.
The San Clemente general election occurs on November 3, 2026.
Political Context
Supporters of Measure M argue that additional revenue is necessary to fund critical municipal services and infrastructure projects in the city. Conversely, opponents argue that the tax hike imposes an unnecessary burden on local households during a period of economic uncertainty.
Residents should note that the election outcome could determine the future of the proposed 1 percent sales-tax increase under Measure M. The result of this vote directly influences local fiscal policy and the funding status of major projects like beach sand replenishment.
The takeaway
Voters will need to weigh the importance of military-style budget management against specific stances on city taxation. Understanding the candidate platforms is essential for residents concerned with the potential financial impacts of upcoming ballot measures.
What happens next
The San Clemente general election is scheduled for November 3, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on local service initiatives, visit the San Clemente Military section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Picket Fence Media.
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