Surf City isn't just about the pier and the Pacific Airshow anymore. Honestly, if you’ve spent any time on Main Street lately, you know the vibe has shifted. It’s gotten political. Very political. The 2024 election for the Huntington Beach City Council wasn't just another local vote; it was a full-blown battle for the soul of the city. We saw two distinct "slates" of candidates facing off, each promising a completely different future for our 9.5 miles of coastline.
Basically, you had the incumbents trying to hold the line and a trio of challengers looking to solidify a conservative "supermajority." It was a high-stakes game of musical chairs with three seats up for grabs.
The Candidates Who Shook Up the 2024 Race
The lineup was divided into two clear camps, which made things simple for voters but incredibly tense for the city. On one side, you had the "slated" challengers backed by the current council majority. These were Chad Williams, Butch Twining, and Don Kennedy. They campaigned on a platform of "Saving Surf City," which mostly meant fighting state-mandated housing and doubling down on the "parents' rights" movement in local libraries.
Then you had the incumbents: Dan Kalmick, Natalie Moser, and Rhonda Bolton.
They weren't exactly a formal slate in the same way, but they were definitely unified in their opposition to the "Fab 4" majority that has governed the city for the last two years. They argued that the city's current path was leading to expensive, losing lawsuits and unnecessary culture wars.
Chad Williams: The Frontrunner
Chad Williams isn't your average politician. He’s a former Navy SEAL and a pastor. That’s a heavy-hitting resume in a town like HB. He raised a massive amount of money—over $360,000—which is pretty wild for a local council race. His message resonated with people who felt the city needed to take a harder stand against Sacramento.
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Butch Twining and Don Kennedy: The Business Duo
Butch Twining and Don Kennedy rounded out the conservative trio. Twining brought decades of experience running a geotechnical engineering firm, while Kennedy leaned into his background as a business executive and his deep roots in the community. Both were appointed to city commissions before running, so they weren't exactly newcomers to the local government scene.
What Was Really at Stake?
It’s easy to get lost in the names, but the issues were where the real heat was. This wasn't just about fixing potholes.
Housing was a massive sticking point. The state of California wants Huntington Beach to plan for thousands of new housing units. The conservative candidates, including the eventual winners, said "no thanks." They believe the state is overreaching and that Huntington Beach should maintain its low-density, suburban feel. The incumbents warned that fighting the state would cost millions in legal fees—and they weren't wrong, the bills are already piling up.
Then there was the library.
If you haven't been following the "Parent Guardian Review Board" drama, you've missed a lot. The council majority pushed to have a board of residents review children's books for "sexual content." Williams, Twining, and Kennedy were all in favor of this, seeing it as a way to protect kids. The incumbents saw it as a move toward censorship that would damage one of the city's most beloved institutions.
The Results: A New Era for Surf City
When the dust finally settled after the November 5, 2024, election, the results were clear. Huntington Beach voters went for the change—or rather, the reinforcement of the current majority.
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- Chad Williams came in first with roughly 19.3% of the vote.
- Butch Twining secured the second spot with about 16.2%.
- Don Kennedy took the third seat with 16%.
The incumbents—Moser, Kalmick, and Bolton—all lost their seats. It was a clean sweep for the conservative slate. This means the 4-3 split on the council has now shifted to a much more lopsided majority. It’s kinda a big deal because it gives the current leadership a clear mandate to continue their legal battles with the state and their reforms of city departments.
Why This Election Matters for You
If you live in HB, your daily life is about to feel the ripple effects of this vote. With a solidified majority, the council is likely to move faster on several controversial fronts.
We can expect continued resistance to high-density housing projects. This might keep the neighborhoods looking the same, but it also keeps the city in the crosshairs of the California Attorney General. There's also the matter of the Pacific Airshow. The settlement with the airshow organizers has been a point of massive contention, and the new council members have shown strong support for keeping the event at almost any cost.
Then there are the charter amendments. Remember Measure A and Measure B from earlier in the year?
Those measures—voter ID for municipal elections and restrictions on which flags can fly at City Hall—were precursors to this council shift. The 2024 candidates were the final piece of that puzzle.
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Actionable Insights for HB Residents
Now that the election is over, what should you actually do? Staying quiet isn't really an option in a town this engaged.
1. Watch the Planning Commission
Since the new council members will be making appointments, keep an eye on who ends up on the Planning Commission. This is where the real fights over housing and development happen before they even reach the council.
2. Follow the Legal Bills
The city is juggling multiple lawsuits. As a taxpayer, you should be looking at the "Consent Calendar" on city council agendas. That’s usually where the legal payments are tucked away. It’s your money, after all.
3. Show Up to Library Board Meetings
If the future of the library matters to you, these meetings are where the specific books and policies will be debated. Don’t just complain on Facebook; go to the meetings.
4. Track the State’s Response
Sacramento hasn't historically played nice with "rebel" cities. Watch for news from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). Their next moves could determine if the city faces major fines or loses local control over zoning.
The 2024 election was a turning point. Whether you think it’s a turn for the better or a slide into chaos depends on your perspective, but one thing is certain: Huntington Beach is doubling down on its "Charter City" rights. The next four years are going to be anything but boring.