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The Brief

The most important stories for you to know today
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  • Civics & Democracy
    Irvine special election
    We're bringing you live election results
    By  Yusra Farzan
    Published April 15, 2025 2:35 PM

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    A person's hand drops a ballot into a ballot box with oranges and a view to snow-capped mountains
    Irvine residents in District 5 are electing a new representative.
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    Erin Hauer / Dan Carino
    /
    LAist
    )

    Topline

    We're bringing you live election results starting as soon as the polls close in the race for a new councilmember to represent District 5 in Irvine.

    Who's running? Newcomers Betty Martinez Franco and Dana Cornelius are on the ballot, along with former Councilmember Anthony Kuo. You can read more about their campaigns and platforms here:

    Why this race matters: This is a big year for one of Orange County's biggest cities. Among key issues on the agenda: How will Irvine carry out its goals to attain carbon neutrality by 2030, and roll out a new residential development of about 1,200 homes. You can read more about the issues facing the city here.

    Read on ... for live results.

    About the vote count

    • It could take several days for this election to be called. As you watch these results keep in mind:

      • Vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked April 15.
      • The election is scheduled to be certified no later than May 9.
      • You can click here to track your ballot and make sure it gets counted.

    What is at stake in this race

    Residents in Irvine’s District 5 are headed to the polls Tuesday to cast their ballots for a new city councilmember: Three candidates are vying for the seat that was vacated when Larry Agran won the mayoral election in November. The person who wins the most votes will serve through the end of 2026.

    Newcomers Betty Martinez Franco and Dana Cornelius are on the ballot, along with former Councilmember Anthony Kuo. You can read more about their campaigns and platforms here.

    Why this race matters

    This is a big year for one of Orange County's biggest cities:

    Irvine has committed to lofty green goals, including attaining carbon neutrality by 2030. Its $1 billion Great Park expansion is underway, and it has pulled out of the Orange County library system and will now oversee its own libraries, raising concerns about whether politics will play a role in book selection. The city is also seeking to convert an asphalt factory into a 700-acre nature preserve with a residential development of about 1,200 homes.

    You can read more about the issues facing the city here.

    Map of the district
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