The 2024 General Elections are right around the corner, which makes this the perfect time to get involved. High school students may feel reluctant to approach politics, which has too often become a game of personal agendas instead of a fight for the people. Regardless, the leaders elected on November 5th will directly impact the lives of every US citizen for years to come.
The first step to getting involved is registering to vote. In California, 16 and 17-year-olds can pre-register. Once pre-registered, your registration status will automatically update on your 18th birthday, ensuring you can vote in the next election. Voting does not only apply to presidential candidates; local politicians have a more significant direct impact on our day-to-day lives. That’s why it is critical to stay updated on city, county, and state elections just as much as nationwide races.
Here’s a breakdown of the leading candidates in the presidential, congressional, and Laguna Beach City elections.
Presidential Race
Kamala Harris – Democratic Nominee for President of the United States
Vice President Kamala Harris began her career as a prosecutor before winning the election for California Attorney General. From there, she ran for Senate and represented California in D.C. for four years. Although Vice President Harris’ first bid for the presidency in 2019 was unsuccessful, President Joe Biden selected her as his running mate. During her time as Vice President, Harris has strongly advocated for reproductive rights, cast the tie-breaking vote to secure passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, and worked diligently to codify voting rights protections. As President, she vows to provide tax credits to middle-class and lower-income families, lower prescription drug prices, and protect a woman’s right to make choices about her own body.
Donald Trump – Republican Nominee for President of the United States
Former President Donald Trump began his career in real estate and later entered the entertainment world as a reality show host. In 2015, Trump ran for President, promising to stop illegal immigration and terrorism, all the while raising a storm with his unconventional and often taboo language when discussing gender, race, and religion. After losing to President Joe Biden in 2020, he touted false election fraud claims despite overwhelming evidence. In a third bid for the presidency, Trump vows to close the southern border, implement tax cuts for corporations and the wealthy, as well as expand tariffs.
Senate Race
Adam Schiff – Democratic Candidate for Senator of California
Adam Schiff was a State Senator from 1996-2000 and has served in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2001. His platform is mainly based on his record in Congress, including his role as impeachment manager during Donald Trump’s impeachment, his work to reduce prescription drug prices, and his desire to increase access to affordable housing.
Steve Garvey – Republican Candidate for Senator of California
Steve Garvey is a former LA Dodgers and San Diego Padres baseball player who presents as a centrist candidate. His campaign focuses on education, quality of life, and public safety, as he cites a “common sense campaign.”
Congressional Race
Dave Min – Democratic Candidate for Representative of California’s 47th District
Dave Min was elected to the California State Senate in 2020 and previously worked as an attorney and senior economic advisor to Senator Chuck Schumer. Min’s priorities include protecting abortion access, ending gun violence, and curbing climate change. Dave Min has the endorsement of current Representative Katie Porter.
Scott Baugh – Republican Candidate for Representative of California’s 47th District
Scott Baugh is an attorney and former California State Assemblyman. He served as the chair of the Orange County Republican Party for over ten years. Baugh feels strongly about federal spending and debt and vows to work to curb national debt. His priorities, if elected, include securing the border, balancing the budget, and banning insider trading.
Local Race
Bob Whalen – Incumbent Candidate for Re-election to Laguna Beach City Council
Bob Whalen served on the School Board for ten years, the Planning Commission for four years, and the Laguna Beach City Council for 12 years and counting with five of those years as Mayor. He strives to mitigate the impacts of tourism, improve wildfire safety, and work to protect the environment.
George Weiss – Incumbent Candidate for Re-election to Laguna Beach City Council
George Weiss has served on the Laguna Beach City Council since 2020. His primary goals include solving traffic congestion, prioritizing spending on the most beneficial projects, and enhancing infrastructure to prevent sewage spills.
Hallie Jones – Candidate for Election to Laguna Beach City Council
Hallie Jones is a Laguna Beach native with deep ties to the city. Her career has focused on land and ocean conservation through the non-profit sector. She has the endorsement of four of five current City Council members. Her priorities include public safety, fire protection, climate resiliency, and affordable housing.
Judie Mancuso – Candidate for Election to Laguna Beach City Council
Judie Mancuso is a Laguna Beach-based non-profit leader. As current Vice-Chair of Laguna Beach’s Environmental Sustainability Committee, she values the protection of our ocean and land environments. Mancuso values affordability, public safety, transparency, and fiscal responsibility.
Although this information is very baseline and additional research is recommended, this is a great place to gather information about this year’s ballot. Many candidates support resolving the same issues; however, the methods they propose for solving the problem may differ. Check out each candidate’s website and utilize contact information to ask questions and find ways to get involved! Voting is the first step to being an engaged citizen. Getting informed is the first step to voting.
