The Anaheim Police Association Political Action Committee has suspended its endorsement for Mayor Ashleigh Aitken’s reelection campaign, following allegations that the mayor used a racist slur and repeatedly questioned her chief of staff’s sexual orientation. The committee, which represents 400 police officers, announced its board's decision in a Tuesday news release, stating they had voted to pull back their support.
Cesar Aguilar, chair of the Anaheim Police Association Political Action Committee, emphasized the importance of due process and a fair investigation into the accusations. He noted that the committee’s endorsement carries significant responsibility. Aguilar stated that had such allegations been pending when Mayor Aitken first sought their endorsement, they would have likely awaited the investigation's completion before making a decision. Suspending the endorsement now, he explained, aligns with that approach, asserting that stepping back is appropriate when serious allegations involving discrimination or inappropriate conduct are raised. The political action committee board has asked Mayor Aitken to remove their endorsement from her campaign website until the allegations are investigated.
Mayor Aitken has denied the allegations. In a social media post last week, and again on Facebook Thursday evening, she stated she did not use the racial slur attributed to her and affirmed her consistent support for the LGBTQ community. Aitken also indicated she is limited in how she can fully respond to the allegations. She has committed to complying with an investigation into the accusations, which was called for by her council colleague Natalie Meeks. Councilwoman Meeks is reportedly running for reelection unopposed. Mayor Aitken did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Tuesday but later expressed disappointment in the union via text message. She said she would continue her unwavering support for officers and the chief, suggesting the decision “says a lot about the PAC leadership” and “does not reflect the professionalism of our police department at large.”
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 calls from First Amendment advocates for its public release under state law, comparing it to a claim against the government, the city has not yet publicly released this mediation letter. Some residents and activists have already called for Mayor Aitken's resignation in light of these claims.
Campaign finance records available 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 reelection campaign. The PAC had also made over $2,500 in individual contributions to support Mayor Aitken in this election period so far.
Mayor Aitken is seeking 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 identify as Latino. Beyond the police association’s PAC, Mayor Aitken retains the endorsement of the Democratic Party of Orange County, which still lists her on their website. Florice Hoffman, Chair of the Democratic Party of Orange County, confirmed that the party is taking the allegations seriously and supports a fair and independent investigation. Hoffman emphasized that if substantiated, the reported remarks and conduct would be inexcusable, stating 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.
Anaheim officials are scheduled to convene for their regular city council meeting on Tuesday at 5 p.m., with a protest expected outside City Hall at 3:30 p.m.
