Mission Viejo is using the November election to make the transition to district elections.
Read more Election 2026: Orange District 1 voters are promised a new representative
To get the election of City Council members staggered, the winners of the District 1, 3 and 5 races will serve four-year terms and the winners of District 2 and 4 will serve two-year terms.
And with expiring term limits of incumbents, three new faces are also guaranteed to join the dais after the November election.
In all, eight candidates, including two incumbents, are vying for four seats. Steve Thornton is unopposed for the District 5 council seat.
The Orange County Register’s Voter Guide features questions on topics such as how Mission Viejo is handling its state-mandated housing needs, how candidates would maintain a healthy budget, what elements candidates think make a good leader and what each candidate views as the city’s greatest need. Here are a select few responses on these topics from the candidates and read more at ocregister.com/voter-guide.
District 1
Incumbent Robert Ruesch, a businessman, is facing a challenge from Kristen Wilcox, a writer.
On what makes a good leader, Ruesch said his business experience helps him pivot quickly and work with new city staff as long-term employees retire.
He also points to his leadership on issues Mission Viejo has recently tackled, such as “listening to everyone” to make informed decisions, he said, adding that the city has a diverse population in both ethnicity and age.
Reusch noted some of the big newsmaking projects during his tenure, such as helping bring the Dutch national Olympic and Paralympic teams to the city, which is expected to generate $1 million in revenue; the $700 million Mission Hospital addition; and a completely rebuilt Fire Station 24, with plans to rebuild our other two fire stations.
Wilcox said she is a skilled leader because she understands that a council seat is a “speakerbox” for residents.
“I am a good listener and am able to communicate a majority of needs and wants without bias,” she said.
On the city’s most pressing issue, Ruesch said reenergizing the business climate while encouraging new businesses to invest in the community is needed.
“We need to find ways to encourage younger families to move to our community while providing affordable living for both them and our seniors living on fixed incomes,” he added.
Wilcox said the biggest need facing the city is ensuring it continues to evolve. That can be helped, she said, with “fresh faces with creative solutions.”
District 2
Saga Conroy, a community outreach director for Third District Supervisor Don Wagner, is running against Peter Molinari, a current Mission Viejo planning commissioner and consumer products and licensing manager.
“I came to this country fleeing communist rule, and I know what it means to build a life here through hard work and community support,” Conroy said. “That experience shapes my commitment to being a servant leader.”
As a mother, wife and community advocate, she said, she stays grounded and pledges to “represent Mission Viejo by staying accessible, showing up in every neighborhood, and making decisions based on what strengthens the whole community, not just the loudest voices or special interests.”
Molnari said he has “hands-on experience” to bring to the dais from his time as a commissioner. He also grew up in Orange County, he said, listing volunteer work with local schools, booster organizations and community programs.
“I’m truly local and connected to our community,” he said. ” My approach is simple: show up, listen, communicate openly, and make decisions rooted in Mission Viejo’s values rather than ideology.”
Molinari said Mission Viejo’s greatest need is “strong local leadership focused on practical solutions” and that starts with data and public engagement.
“The city must also remain focused on the fundamentals that matter most: public safety, fiscal responsibility, well-maintained infrastructure, quality parks and community facilities,” he said. “It also includes thoughtful growth that preserves Mission Viejo’s character.”
Conroy said the city’s biggest need is protecting residents’ quality of life, public safety, fiscal stability, and open space, while the state pushes mandates that “don’t always fit our community.”
The city must prioritize crime prevention and dedicated support for sheriff’s deputies and firefighters, she said. “We also need to keep our financial position strong, so we’re never forced to choose between public safety and paying our bills.”
District 3
Incumbent Cynthia Vasquez, a legal tech consultant, is facing a challenge from Bryan Zahn, a retired supervisor with the city.
Read more 2 men rearrested in UK on suspicion of assisting Iran over suspected plot at a US-run air base
Vasquez said she puts residents first and has improved transparency.
“I believe effective leadership requires listening to diverse perspectives and engaging the people affected by our decisions,” she said, adding that as a minority woman, working mother of two multicultural daughters, PTA member, Girl Scout volunteer, and mentor, she brings a broad range of experiences and perspectives to public service.
Through these experiences, she said she has listened to “a broad range of voices,” which helps her make “better-informed decisions, build stronger communities, and push for a city where every resident feels heard and represented.”
She said she advocates for responsible management of city finances and isn’t afraid to ask questions about spending.
“The city’s biggest need is fiscal accountability and thoughtful long-term financial planning,” she said. “We must ensure we do not take on debt or other long-term obligations beyond our ability to sustainably fund them. We need a comprehensive prioritization list developed with broad community input that is made publicly available and measured against regular benchmarks to ensure we stay on track.”
Zahn, a candidate who lived in Mission Viejo since childhood and later worked in the city’s Public Services department, says he knows the community intimately. Because of this connection, he said on his campaign website that he hopes to continue serving the community, but now would like a new role as a council member.
As a senior public services supervisor, Zahn said he helped manage multi-million-dollar landscape budgets and understands the importance of delivering results while respecting taxpayer dollars.
He also supported after-hours emergency response, coordinating with police, fire, water districts, and city personnel to respond to issues involving parks, trees, streets, traffic signals, and public facilities.
He said he’s running for the council seat to “bring that same steady, hands-on, accountable approach to the decisions that shape Mission Viejo’s future.”
District 4
Longtime community volunteer Laura Lacko is running against James Morrison, a human resources business partner.
Lacko said good leadership means “showing up,” something she’s done for 25 years, she said, by volunteering with families, students, seniors, and youth sports.
“I have served as an AYSO coach, referee, board member, and child and volunteer protection advocate,” she said, adding that she’s worked with students and families at various schools, including Tesoro High School, and supported organizations serving children, families, health and food security.
“That experience taught me that leadership is not about having the loudest voice,” she said. “It is about being present, asking the right questions, accepting responsibility, and doing the work.”
“My responsibility would be to serve every resident and keep neighborhoods first,” she added.
On the city’s biggest need, Lacko said protecting Mission Viejo’s quality of life is most important while also preparing responsibly for rising costs, housing pressure and changing community needs.
“That starts with staying on top of the basics,” she said. “Public safety must remain strong. Streets, parks and infrastructure need consistent attention.”
When it comes to Mission Viejo’s greatest need, Morrison said, he thinks it’s paying close attention to how the city’s core area — planned to feature upscale dining, entertainment and retail — is revitalized.
He said the goal is to create something so desirable that residents don’t feel a need to leave the city for such amenities elsewhere. It should also help create more jobs and generate revenue for the city.
To achieve this, he said, it “must also be planned responsibly, with careful consideration of traffic, parking, public safety, infrastructure, fiscal impact, and nearby neighborhoods.”
“The goal should not be development for development’s sake, but the creation of a welcoming, family friendly destination that keeps more spending within our city, strengthens our economic base, and enhances the quality of life that makes Mission Viejo special,” he said.
On leadership, Morrison said having served in the U.S. Army, he understands the importance of putting service over self.
“I have led people from different backgrounds through complex challenges while remaining focused on the mission and those I serve,” he said, adding he also has parents of multiple ethnicities, which shapes his leadership.
“Our stories may differ, but we share the same hopes for safe neighborhoods, strong families, economic opportunity, and pride in our community.”
Ballots may be returned by mail (must be postmarked by Nov. 3 and received within a week of Election Day) or by dropping them off at the OC Registrar of Voters’ drop boxes around town now; the first vote centers will open for in-person voting on Oct. 24.
Read more Leadership role arrives for Lakers’ Austin Reaves, but he’s been here before