Irvine Vice Mayor Tammy Kim has announced her campaign for Irvine Mayor in 2024. Kim, a long-time Irvine resident, made the announcement on Wednesday, Feb. 2. Kim is the founder of the Korean American Center, an Irvine-based nonprofit and has seen success in Irvine politics since running for City Council in 2020.

In fact, in the 2020 election, Kim garnered more votes than any candidate in Irvine history.

Speaking to Irvine Weekly via text message, Kim said she felt like timing was right for the announcement. From Kim’s perspective, starting early is ideal.

“I felt it was important to demonstrate my deep commitment to our city and my desire and willingness to serve in this capacity. Additionally, Irvine is a huge city and our contribution limits are extremely low, so in order to be able to raise enough to be able to adequately outreach, it’s important to start early.”

Kim added that plans for her campaign for Irvine Mayor have progressed quickly in 2023.

“I have been thinking about it for quite some time and worked towards building up my infrastructure for the past month,” she said.

In her statement for candidacy, Kim vowed to continue Irvine’s quest for innovation, deliver affordable housing, while addressing climate change.

“I love Irvine, and I’m running for Mayor because I want to protect our reputation as a global city focused on innovation, opportunity, equity, and sustainability. As Mayor, I’ll fight to enhance public safety, build necessary housing, promote economic development, and work with urgency to address climate change,” Kim said. “There are serious divisions in our city right now, which have been magnified by the revelations of a bribery scheme and FBI investigation. I believe I am the candidate best qualified to bring people together and implement meaningful reforms to ensure transparency and accountability. I’m excited to officially begin my campaign, and I’m looking forward to the many conversations with voters that lay ahead.”

In terms of supporters, Kim has garnered endorsements from several Orange County politicians, including State Senator Dave Min, State Assemblymember Cottie Petrie Norris, State Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva and Orange County 5th District Supervisor Katrina Foley.

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting Irvine Weekly and our advertisers.