The Anaheim Police Association Political Action Committee announced Tuesday that it has suspended its endorsement for Mayor Ashleigh Aitken’s re-election campaign. This move comes as allegations have surfaced claiming the mayor used a racist slur and repeatedly questioned her chief of staff’s sexual orientation, accusations Mayor Aitken has denied.
Cesar Aguilar, chair of the Anaheim Police Association Political Action Committee, confirmed the board's decision in a Tuesday news release. Aguilar stated that the mayor is entitled to due process and a fair investigation into the accusations before any conclusions are reached. He clarified the committee’s stance, saying, “Suspending our endorsement now is consistent with that approach,” and noted that if such allegations had been pending when Aitken first sought their endorsement, they would have likely waited for an investigation to be completed. Aguilar added that stepping back from an endorsement is appropriate when serious allegations involving discrimination or inappropriate conduct are raised, while facts are being established. The association represents 400 police officers, and its political action committee board has requested that Mayor Aitken remove their endorsement from her campaign website until the allegations are investigated.
Mayor Aitken addressed the allegations in a social media post last week, denying the use of the racial slur and asserting her long-standing championship of the LGBTQ community. She posted on Thursday evening that the allegations are extremely serious and deserve investigation, and reiterated her denial of the slur. Mayor Aitken has also stated her commitment to complying with an investigation into the allegations, an inquiry that was called for by her council colleague, Natalie Meeks. Meeks is currently running for re-election unopposed. While Mayor Aitken did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Tuesday regarding the PAC's decision, she later stated in a text message that she was unaware of the decision but expressed disappointment. She affirmed her unwavering support for officers and the chief, suggesting the decision reflects on the PAC leadership rather than the professionalism of the police department at large.
The investigation into these allegations follows a report by TimesOC about 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 Aitken and former City Manager Jim Vanderpool, who could not be reached for comment. The city has not yet publicly released this mediation letter. First Amendment advocates contend the document should be publicly accessible under state law, drawing comparisons to a claim against the government.
Mayor Aitken is facing re-election in approximately one month, competing against two 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 its residents are Latino. Campaign finance records on the city’s website show that the Anaheim Police Association Political Action Committee has contributed nearly $50,000 this year to another committee supporting Councilwoman Natalie Rubalcava’s re-election campaign. The PAC has also made over $2,500 in individual contributions to support Aitken during this election period so far. Beyond the police association’s PAC, Mayor Aitken is also endorsed by the Democratic Party of Orange County, with her listing still present on their website.
Florice Hoffman, Chair of the Democratic Party of Orange County, noted that the party is taking the allegations against Aitken seriously and supports a fair and independent investigation. In a Monday text message, Hoffman commented that if the reported remarks and conduct were substantiated, they would be inexcusable. She emphasized that racist, denigrating, or otherwise offensive treatment has no place in their party or in public service, stressing the importance of accountability for elected officials to their staff and the people they serve. Hoffman added that every public employee deserves dignity and respect, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or background, and affirmed solidarity with marginalized groups across Orange County, including women of color and the LGBTQIA+ community.
Anaheim officials are scheduled to convene for their regular City Council meeting on Tuesday at 5 p.m. A protest is anticipated to occur outside City Hall at 3:30 p.m. on the same day.
