Mission Viejo City Council Candidates 2026: An Early Look

The Mission Viejo City Council Chamber

Get to Know the Candidates for Mission Viejo City Council

The candidates are set for Mission Viejo’s five City Council districts. Here’s an early look at their backgrounds, priorities and positions as their campaigns get underway ahead of the November 3, 2026, municipal election.

We encourage you to dig deeper by visiting the candidates’ websites and social media pages. Look beyond party lines, consider the issues that matter to you and your family, and make your own informed decision about who you believe will best serve Mission Viejo.

Most importantly, get out there and vote in November.

The information below was provided by the candidates or their campaigns and has been lightly edited for length and formatting. Mission Viejo Buzz has not independently verified candidates’ statements.

District 1

Robert "Bob" RueschKristen Wilcox
Mission Viejo City Councilmember Robert "Bob" RueschKristen Wilcox, candidate for District 1 Councilmember in Mission Viejo
OccupationMission Viejo CouncilmemberWriter
Priorities
  • Preserve the Mission Viejo lifestyle

  • Fight increased traffic and high-density housing

  • Support development and growth of local businesses
  • Public safety, with appropriate oversight

  • Spend taxpayer dollars carefully, responsibly and with accountability

  • Review state housing mandates and their effects on the city’s character, infrastructure, traffic and parking
    		•
    StatementIt would be my honor to continue to serve the people of Mission Viejo as Councilman for District 1.I'm a fiscal conservative and plan to comb through the city's budget to justify spending 50% of it on police services and a million dollars a year on FLOCK. I will also make sure that no data centers pop up here.
    Contact InfoMVDistrict1@gmail.com
    Bob4MVCouncil2026.com    		Coming soon

    District 2

    Saga ConroyPeter Molinari
    Saga Conroy, candidate for Mission Viejo City Council in District 2Peter Molinar, running for City Council in Mission Viejo's District 2
    OccupationCommunity Outreach DirectorSmall Business Owner
    Priorities
  • Fully funding our law enforcement and firefighters

  • Fiscal responsibility through prudent budgeting, without raising taxes

  • Protecting our open spaces and parks
    		•
  • Supporting our first responders with the equipment and personnel they need

  • Thoughtful growth that adds value while maintaining our neighborhoods

  • Revitalizing our civic core and beautifying our neighborhoods
    		•
    StatementI lived under oppressive communist rule during my childhood and immigrated to the United States to pursue freedom. I earned my citizenship and settled in this beautiful city with my husband and our two children. I am committed to giving back to the community that made my American Dream possible.I have spent nearly twenty years building my life, career and family as a Mission Viejo resident and homeowner, raising my daughter and supporting local schools and community organizations. These experiences have given me a strong understanding of the values and priorities that make Mission Viejo a special place to live.
    Contact Infosaga@sagaconroy.com
    sagaconroy.com    		molinari4missionviejo@gmail.com
    Molinari4MV.com

    District 3

    Cynthia VasquezBrian Zahn
    Mission Viejo City Councilmember for District 3 Cynthia VasquezBrian Zahn, candidate for Mission Viejo City Council District 3
    OccupationMission Viejo City Council MemberRetired Mission Viejo City Supervisor
    Priorities
  • Fiscal responsibility: spend tax dollars in alignment with community needs

  • Public safety: respond nimbly to challenges, such as unsafe e-bike use, hate speech and accessibility to mental health treatment

  • Civic development: attract new businesses and engage with existing ones to support their continued success
  • Ensure funding for public safety, including school resource officers and wildfire preparedness

  • Build productive relationships with county, state, federal and school district partners

  • Help small business by reducing bureaucratic red tape
    		•
    StatementMission Viejo deserves transparent, accountable leadership focused on residents. I will continue working to keep Mission Viejo safe, financially responsible and thriving. Let’s move forward together.Mission Viejo decisions should be made by Mission Viejo residents, not Sacramento politicians.
    Contact Infocynthia@cynthiavasquez.com
    cynthiavasquez.com    		Bryanzahn184@gmail.com
    www.zahnforcitycouncil.com

    District 4

    Laura LackoJames Morrison 
    Laura Lacko, candidate for Mission Viejo City Council in District 4James Morrison, candidate for Mission Viejo City Council in District 4
    OccupationCommunity VolunteerHuman Resources Professional
    Priorities
  • Protect our quality of life and make sure the city continues to deliver for its residents

  • Support seniors who want to remain in their homes and the workforce that serves them

  • Provide transparency and build and maintain trust between the city and residents
  • Preserving Our Roots: Focus on public safety, strong neighborhoods and fiscal responsibility

  • Living the Mission: Deliver responsive local government and a strong Mission Viejo economy

  • Preparing for the Future: Keep Mission Viejo safe, financially strong and resilient
    		•
    StatementI am running for City Council to bring fresh eyes and a fresh perspective to City Hall. I will listen to residents and make sure community voices are heard before important decisions are made—not after.I believe we can honor Mission Viejo's proud legacy while embracing thoughtful innovation that benefits every generation. Together, we can preserve what makes Mission Viejo special, live the mission that inspired our city, and confidently prepare for the future.
    Contact Infolaura@lackoforMV.com
    LackoforMV.com    		james@morrison4mvcouncil.com
    morrison4mvcouncil.com

    District 5

    Steven Thornton (unopposed)
    Steven Thornton, candidate for Mission Viejo City Council in District 5
    OccupationDefense Acquisition Contractor
    Priorities
  • Enhance Public Safety: Keep Mission Viejo among the safest cities in America

  • Strengthen the City’s Economy: Sustain services without increasing the burden on taxpayers

  • Sustain Our Community Assets: Prioritize maintenance of our roads, parks, open spaces and recreation facilities
    		•
    StatementMy service in the United States Navy, my work as a congressional aide, and my experience on the Community Services Commission have prepared me to lead with integrity, practical judgment and accountability. I understand that good government starts with listening to residents, solving problems, and following through on commitments.
    Contact Infosteventhornton4mv@gmail.com
    Steven-Thornton.com
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