AJ Ricci (Orange City Council, California, candidate 2026)
AJ Ricci (Nonpartisan) is running for election to Orange City Council in California on November 3, 2026.[1]
Elections
2026
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
AJ Ricci completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2026. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Ricci's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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Albert “AJ” Ricci is a lifelong resident of the City of Orange, born at St. Joseph’s Hospital on October 7th 1994. Went to Villa Park High School, Santiago Canyon College, and transferred to Chapman University with a degree in Political Science, AJ is also involved in the Chapman University Real Estate Program. Orange County raised with a first job at the Disneyland Resort working multiple attractions, going on to work for the Costa Mesa Police Department in a civilian role in the traffic division for 4 years. Currently works managing commercial, residential properties, and commercial development in the Orange Area.
AJ is actively involved in the real estate industry at the local, state, and national level through his work with the Realtor® associations. He serves on multiple policy and governance committees with the California Association of Realtors and the Pacific West Association of Realtors, helping review industry standards, professional practices, and public policy issues affecting housing and property rights. He also has served on the National Association of Realtors’ State and Local Issues Policy Committee, where he works with professionals from across the country to evaluate legislation and regulatory issues impacting communities and housing markets.
In his personal life he maintains an Extra class amateur radio license and participates in regional emergency preparedness exercises. Lastly, he supports non-profit organizations such as the Orange Senior Center.
- Transparency: Making sure residents can clearly see how decisions are made, how money is spent, and why policies are adopted
- Efficiency: Running city government in a way that delivers services effectively while respecting taxpayer dollars
- Accountability: Ensuring city leaders and departments are responsible for their decisions and performance.
I am passionate about improving government efficiency, transparency, and accountability at the local level. My experience in real estate and public service has shown me how outdated processes and unclear policies can slow progress and frustrate residents. I am especially focused on modernizing city systems, strengthening public safety, supporting local businesses, and ensuring responsible development that preserves the character of our neighborhoods. I believe city government should work clearly and effectively for the people it serves.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
External links
[1] ↑ Submitted to Ballotpedia's candidate survey in 2026.
