District 6, which covers the city’s east side, will see Mayor Pro Tem Jeffrey Harlan seek reelection against challenger Jeff Pettis.
Costa Mesa residents will vote for four seats in the City Council election in less than 40 days, featuring a mix of incumbents looking to continue their work and challengers advocating for new directions in local governance.
Seven candidates are on the ballot after qualifying to run earlier this year. While the victors of District seats 1, 2, and 6 will serve a four-year term, voters will elect a Mayor to serve two years.
District 6, which covers the city’s east side, will see Mayor Pro Tem Jeffrey Harlan seek reelection against challenger Jeff Pettis.
Harlan, a land use attorney and former city planning commissioner, focused his first term on enhancing public spaces, updating local infrastructure, and championing new housing opportunities in his district.
Since 2020, Harlan says his district has invested in public safety, established a homeless shelter, and enforced a sober living home ordinance while maintaining a balanced budget yearly.
“District 6 needs a serious leader with the experience, expertise, and dedication to continue our progress and keep Costa Mesa thriving,” Harlan’s candidate statement reads. “I would be honored to remain the trusted voice and choice of the Eastside.”
But Pettis, who lost to Harlan during the 2020 election cycle, says new leadership is needed because of Costa Mesa’s high crime rates and increased homelessness. Under Pettis, he plans to use his background in mental health to treat root causes holistically while enforcing anti-camping laws.
“My vision of fiscal responsibility in Costa Mesa would be about promoting fiscal discipline, accountability, and transparency in government spending while fostering an environment conducive to economic prosperity and opportunity for all residents, ” his campaign website reads,
Costa Mesa’s next General Municipal Election will be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
