Anaheim Police Association PAC Suspends Endorsement for Mayor Aitken's Reelection

The Anaheim Police Association Political Action Committee (PAC) has suspended its endorsement of Mayor Ashleigh Aitken for her reelection campaign. This decision follows allegations that the mayor used a racist slur and repeatedly questioned her chief of staff’s sexual orientation. The committee's board voted to pull back their support, as announced in a Tuesday news release.

Cesar Aguilar, chair of the Anaheim Police Association Political Action Committee, stated that the mayor is entitled to due process and a fair investigation into the accusations before any conclusions are reached. Aguilar was quoted in a Sept. 29 news release explaining, “Our endorsement carries significant responsibility. If allegations of this nature had been pending when Mayor Aitken sought our endorsement, we would have likely waited for the investigation to be completed before making a decision. Suspending our endorsement now is consistent with that approach.” He further noted that when serious allegations involving discrimination or inappropriate conduct are raised, it is appropriate for the committee to step back from an endorsement while the facts are being established.

The police association, which represents 400 police officers, has asked Mayor Aitken to remove their endorsement from her campaign website until the allegations are investigated.

In a social media post last week, Mayor Aitken denied using the racial slur. On Facebook Thursday evening, she posted a statement acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations and stating that they deserve to be investigated. Aitken asserted that she did not use the racial slur attributed to her and has consistently supported the LGBTQ community. She also stated that she is limited in how she can respond to the allegations, which surfaced amidst calls for her resignation from some residents and activists. Mayor Aitken indicated her willingness to comply with an investigation into the allegations, which was called for by her council colleague, Natalie Meeks. Mayor Aitken did not respond to a request for comment on Tuesday.

The allegations stem from a confidential mediation letter sent to the city on behalf of Berenice Ballinas, Mayor Aitken’s chief of staff. This letter reportedly details alleged harassment by both Aitken and former City Manager Jim Vanderpool, who could not be reached for comment. Despite First Amendment advocates suggesting the document should be publicly released under state law, comparing it to a claim against the government, the city has not yet made the mediation letter public.

Campaign finance records available on the city’s website show that the political action committee has contributed nearly $50,000 this year to another committee supporting Councilwoman Natalie Rubalcava’s reelection campaign. Additionally, the committee has made over $2,500 in individual contributions to support Aitken during this election period so far.

Mayor Aitken is up for reelection in approximately one month, facing two relatively unknown political newcomers: Dr. Imran Sharief, a physician, and Alfredo Rodriguez, a general manager of an environmental services company. Anaheim is a city where 53% of residents are Latino.

Beyond the police association’s PAC endorsement, Mayor Aitken also retains the endorsement of the Democratic Party of Orange County, where she is still listed on their website. Florice Hoffman, Chair of the Democratic Party of Orange County, stated in a Monday text message that the party is taking the allegations seriously and supports a fair and independent investigation. Hoffman commented that if substantiated, "the reported remarks and conduct would be inexcusable," emphasizing that racist, denigrating, or otherwise offensive treatment has no place in public service. She added that elected officials must be accountable to their staff and the people they serve, and that every public employee deserves dignity and respect, regardless of background.

Anaheim officials are scheduled to convene for their regular city council meeting on Tuesday at 5 p.m. A protest is anticipated to take place at 3:30 p.m. outside of city hall today.