Simi Valley Mayoral Candidates Held Public Forum
Four candidates discussed municipal issues at a forum hosted by the local Chamber of Commerce on September 3.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Civic
Live Poll
Is the development strategy in your community heading in the right direction?
Four candidates for the Simi Valley mayoral seat met at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center on September 3 to discuss their platforms. Hosted by the local Chamber of Commerce, the event allowed participants to address the city's future regarding public safety and infrastructure.
Why it matters
The forum provided an essential platform for candidates to detail their approaches to budget shortfalls and development capacity ahead of the upcoming mayoral election. It serves as a key opportunity for voters to compare policy visions before casting their ballots.
Simi Valley is home to approximately 126,000 residents. Candidate biographies include diverse experience metrics, such as Mike Judge's 16 years on the city council and 31 years with the police department, compared to Dee Dee Cavanaugh's 10-year council tenure.
The players
Dee Dee Cavanaugh
She was appointed mayor of Simi Valley in January 2025 and has 10 years of experience on the city council.
Mike Judge
He is a 63-year-old former city council member who served for 16 years and retired from the Los Angeles Police Department in 2021.
Kareem Jubran
He is a 41-year-old candidate who currently serves as a school board trustee.
Wayne Hampton Holland III
He is a 36-year-old candidate for the mayoral office who did not attend the Chamber of Commerce forum.
The details
Candidates presented their distinct approaches to managing public safety, housing development, and economic growth. While four candidates attended, Wayne Hampton Holland III did not participate in the event.
Timeline
January 2025: Dee Dee Cavanaugh was appointed mayor.
September 3: Mayoral candidates participated in a public forum.
November 3: The mayoral election is scheduled to occur.
Industry Dynamics
This election cycle follows the 2025 Simi Valley mayoral appointment, marking a shift from an interim leadership period to a voter-selected mandate. The forum highlights the ongoing transition of local governance as the city approaches its November election.
Residents can use the insights gained from the forum to evaluate how each candidate plans to handle local budget shortfalls and development. The event helps citizens make informed decisions regarding city infrastructure and public safety before the November 3 election.
The takeaway
Evaluating candidate proposals on budget and development is crucial for assessing long-term city fiscal health. Voters should review the platforms discussed to determine which leadership strategy aligns with their priorities for the community.
Further reading
For more information on upcoming local elections, visit the Simi Valley Civic section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Simi Valley Acorn.
Live Poll
Is the development strategy in your community heading in the right direction?
