Westminster election filing deadline arrives Friday for mayor and two council seats

Westminster residents considering a run for mayor or City Council have until 5 p.m. Friday, August 7, 2026, to complete regular nomination filing for the city’s November 3 general municipal election.

The deadline applies to the at-large mayor’s seat and Council Districts 1 and 4. Each office carries a four-year term. The November ballot also is scheduled to include a city ballot measure, according to the City of Westminster.

Candidate field remains subject to updates

The city’s candidate-status table, current through August 4, lists three qualified candidates and one pending candidate in the mayor’s contest; two qualified candidates in District 1; and three qualified and one pending candidate in District 4.

For mayor, the city lists Kimberly Ho, Carlos Manzo and Nguyen Hung as qualified, with Chi Charlie Nguyen listed as pending. In District 1, David Johnson and Amy Phan West are listed as qualified. The city recorded Phan West’s nomination filing on August 4.

In District 4, Loan Nguyen, Kelly Daniels and NamQuan Nguyen are listed as qualified, while Khai Dao is listed as pending. Candidates shown as pending should not be described as qualified unless the city updates the table.

The list is a current snapshot, not a final candidate field. Additional filings, qualification updates and the possible extended filing period could change the contests before the ballot is finalized.

How prospective candidates must file

Anyone seeking a Westminster office must schedule an appointment with the Westminster City Clerk to receive a candidate packet and nomination papers. The city says appointments can be arranged by calling (714) 548-3237 or emailing CityClerkCSR@westminster-ca.gov.

Basic eligibility requirements include being a registered voter at a current residence in Westminster, residing in the district sought by a District 1 or District 4 candidate, being a U.S. citizen, being at least 18 years old and not being disqualified from holding office under the Constitution or California law.

The city also says anyone planning to solicit or receive campaign contributions before the official nomination period must first file a Statement of Intention, FPPC Form 501, with the City Clerk’s Office. Additional campaign-disclosure requirements may apply.

The Orange County Registrar of Voters identifies 5 p.m. Friday, August 7, as the regular filing deadline for the November 2026 election. Candidates should complete the required local and county election filing steps by the applicable deadline.

A limited extension may apply in some contests

If an eligible incumbent does not file by 5 p.m. Friday, the nomination period for that incumbent’s office may be extended from August 8 through 5 p.m. Wednesday, August 12, 2026. The extension is available to qualified candidates other than the incumbent.

The extension does not apply automatically to every contest. It applies only to an office with an eligible incumbent who fails to file by the regular deadline, and the incumbent cannot file during the extended period. There is no extension for an office with no eligible incumbent.

Election date

Westminster’s general municipal election is scheduled for November 3, 2026. The final candidate field and ballot order remain subject to the completion of filing, review and qualification procedures.

For residents weighing a campaign, the immediate deadline is Friday at 5 p.m. Prospective candidates should contact the City Clerk and arrange the required appointment before attempting to complete the nomination process.

Sources

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