Key Takeaways

• Huntington Beach politics has swung from a blue-leaning council to a conservative majority.
• Seven Republican council members, nicknamed the MAGA-nificent Seven, lead bans on books and pride flags.
• The city stands 13,368 homes short of meeting state housing mandates.
• Deep voter apathy and sharp divides make change unlikely for years.

Just a few years ago, Huntington Beach had a city council led by Democrats. Today, Republicans hold every seat. This stunning turnaround highlights how Huntington Beach politics can shift fast. Once famous as a laid-back surfer town, the city now grabs national attention for its conservative stance.

A group of seven Republicans—calling themselves the MAGA-nificent Seven—won control of the council. They push hard for culture war measures. These include banning children’s books in the public library and removing pride flags from city property. Moreover, they opposed vaccine and mask mandates. They even dissolved a watchdog committee set up after white supremacist attacks in the 1990s.

At its core, Huntington Beach politics reflects a fight over government power. As Mayor Pat Burns puts it, residents “just want to live our lives with as little government control as possible.” Burns and his allies argue that they protect the city’s middle-class roots by resisting state rules.

Huntington Beach Politics Fuel Culture Wars

However, critics see a very different side of this political shift. They warn that the new council’s actions hurt free speech, LGBTQ rights, and minority communities. Former council member Dan Kalmick says most fights focus on housing. In his view, blocking new homes threatens the city’s future.

California law requires every city to plan for more housing. Since 2021, Huntington Beach has stuck to its own plan and ignored the state. As a result, the city falls 13,368 units short of its legal goal. A court now orders the city to comply within 120 days or face penalties.

Mayor Burns dismisses the push for new homes as “forcing us to build low-income housing.” He fears that taller apartment buildings will make Huntington Beach more urban—and therefore more Democratic. Meanwhile, State Senator Tony Strickland argues residents care most about public safety, patriotism, and keeping a suburban feel.

Voter Numbers and Deep Divides

Today, just over 56,000 registered Republicans live in the city, compared with about 41,000 Democrats. Yet the real shift came from lower turnout among Democrats. Kalmick blames “voter apathy” and “a lot of lies” spreading in local debates. Because fewer Democrats vote, Republicans secured council seats that once swung the other way.

Gracey Van Der Mark, a city councilwoman, openly switched from Democrat to Republican. She says she changed her mind after “realizing Latinos tend to hold conservative values.” She now focuses on what she calls “family first,” faith, and culture. She accuses Democrats of wanting to “exclude parents and break up families.”

Historical Echoes of Extremism

Even as the city debates housing and books, a darker past lingers. In 1993, local papers asked if Huntington Beach was “the skinhead capital of the country.” As the new century began, the city saw violent hate crimes against minority groups. Although the old watchdog committee tried to keep tabs on threats, the current council disbanded it.

Protests still flare up on city streets. Activist groups accuse the council of ignoring hate. Yet many worry that protests alone cannot reverse the political wave. Pat Goodman, who fights book bans, fears that too few people will run for city council next year. If only a handful of candidates step forward, conservatives may hold power for another four years.

A Long Road Back?

Dan Kalmick doubts Huntington Beach will swing back soon. He believes Democrats will struggle to win seats for at least a decade. He points to deep voter apathy and rigid party lines. Unless more residents get involved, the current conservative stronghold looks here to stay.

Still, some locals cling to hope. Neighborhood groups plan voter-registration drives. Community centers host debates on affordable housing. Youth activists organize beach cleanups that double as political forums. They aim to show fellow residents that civic action can shape local life.

At its heart, Huntington Beach politics now serves as a warning. Even sleepy beach towns can become battlegrounds. When citizens stop showing up at the polls, others take the wheel. As Huntington Beach charts its future, the question remains: Will more voices rise to challenge the status quo?

FAQs

What caused Huntington Beach politics to shift so quickly?

Low turnout among Democrats and strong local campaigns by Republicans drove the fast change.

Why does the city oppose state housing rules?

Leaders fear new apartments will make the city more urban and more Democratic.

Who are the MAGA-nificent Seven?

They are the seven Republican council members leading culture war actions in the city.

Can Huntington Beach return to Democratic leadership?

Local activists think it could happen in a decade if more voters get involved.