Newport Beach Voters Reject General Plan Change, Incumbents Hold Seats

Newport Beach residents cast ballots on Tuesday, November 3, deciding four city council races alongside state and federal contests. A measure to amend the city's General Plan failed to gain approval, with voters choosing No by a wide margin. The outcome affects how the city plans future development and land use.

In District 1, incumbent Joe Stapleton secured a decisive victory against challenger Tina Babajanians. Stapleton received 70.13 percent of the vote compared to Babajanians' 29.87 percent. In District 3, incumbent Erik Weigand maintained his seat with 59.18 percent of the vote. Walter Stahr finished second with 28.85 percent, and Tim Stoaks placed third with 11.97 percent.

District 4 saw no competition, as incumbent Robyn Grant ran unopposed and collected 100 percent of the vote. In District 6, current Mayor Lauren Kleiman leads Andy P. Gerken with 57.00 percent of the vote against Gerken's 43.00 percent. These results indicate that the majority of the current city council will return for another term.

Voters rejected Ballot Measure H, which proposed changes to the Newport Beach General Plan. The No side received 67.28 percent of the vote, while the Yes side garnered 32.72 percent. This vote determines the regulatory framework for future construction and zoning within city limits.

Regional races also produced results on the same day. Katrina Foley leads former mayor Diane Dixon in the County Supervisor 5th District race, holding 51.66 percent to Dixon's 48.34 percent. In the U.S. House race for the 47th District, Democrat Dave Min holds a substantial lead over Republican Jenny Rae Le Roux, with 56.90 percent to 43.10 percent. The State Assembly race in the 72nd District remains close, with Republican Gracey Ven Der Mark ahead of Democrat Chris Klume by 50.81 percent to 49.19 percent. These figures were reported by the Orange County Registrar of Voters as of 8 a.m. on November 5.