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Tammy Kim
Tammy Kim was an at-large member of the Irvine City Council in California. She assumed office on December 8, 2020. She left office on December 10, 2024.
Kim ran in a special election to the Irvine City Council to represent District 5 in California. She did not appear on the ballot for the special general election on April 15, 2025.
Biography
Tammy Kim was born in Seoul, Korea. She attended Michigan State University. Her career experience includes working as an executive and as a small business owner.[1][2]
Elections
2025
See also: City elections in Irvine, California (2025)
General election
Special general election for Irvine City Council District 5
Betty Martinez Franco defeated Anthony Kuo and Dana Cornelius in the special general election for Irvine City Council District 5 on April 15, 2025.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Betty Martinez Franco (Nonpartisan) | 48.8 | 3,883 |
 | Anthony Kuo (Nonpartisan) | 41.5 | 3,305 | |
 | Dana Cornelius (Nonpartisan) | 9.7 | 776 | |
| Total votes: 7,964 | |||
 = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Tammy Kim (Nonpartisan)
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Kim in this election.
2024
See also: Mayoral election in Irvine, California (2024)
General election
General election for Mayor of Irvine
The following candidates ran in the general election for Mayor of Irvine on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Larry Agran (Nonpartisan) | 38.8 | 42,652 |
 | Tammy Kim (Nonpartisan) | 34.5 | 37,924 | |
 | Ron Scolesdang (Nonpartisan) | 11.7 | 12,891 | |
 | Lee Sun (Nonpartisan) | 5.5 | 6,001 | |
 | Felipe Delgado (Nonpartisan) | 4.8 | 5,325 | |
 | Akshat Bhatia (Nonpartisan) | 2.5 | 2,761 | |
| Wing Chow (Nonpartisan) | 2.3 | 2,496 | ||
| Total votes: 110,050 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Endorsements
To view Kim's endorsements as published by their campaign, click here. Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Kim in this election.
2020
See also: City elections in Irvine, California (2020)
General election
General election for Irvine City Council (3 seats)
The following candidates ran in the general election for Irvine City Council on November 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Tammy Kim (Nonpartisan) | 14.8 | 43,744 |
| ✔ |  | Mike Carroll (Nonpartisan) | 13.1 | 38,615 |
| ✔ | | Larry Agran (Nonpartisan) | 12.9 | 38,156 |
| Lauren Johnson-Norris (Nonpartisan) | 12.8 | 37,931 | ||
 | John Park (Nonpartisan) | 11.0 | 32,521 | |
| Carrie O'Malley (Nonpartisan) | 9.3 | 27,440 | ||
 | Mark Newgent (Nonpartisan) | 5.4 | 15,894 | |
| Diana Jiang (Nonpartisan) | 5.0 | 14,837 | ||
 | Laura Bratton (Nonpartisan) | 3.5 | 10,305 | |
| Dylan Green (Nonpartisan) | 3.0 | 8,814 | ||
| Christina Dillard (Nonpartisan) | 2.8 | 8,321 | ||
| Anshul Garg (Nonpartisan) | 2.2 | 6,420 | ||
| Abigail Pole (Nonpartisan) | 2.2 | 6,406 | ||
| Hai Yang Liang (Nonpartisan) | 2.0 | 5,944 | ||
| Total votes: 295,348 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Endorsements
To view Kim's endorsements in the 2020 election, please click here.
Campaign themes
2025
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Tammy Kim did not complete Ballotpedia's 2025 Candidate Connection survey.
2024
Tammy Kim completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Kim's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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As a working mom, Tammy understands the day-to-day realities that residents face. Since being elected to the Council, Tammy has actively tackled key issues such as housing affordability, environmental sustainability, public safety, and economic development. A staunch advocate for affordable housing, she has spearheaded new policies to make housing more accessible to everyone in Irvine. Tammy has been instrumental in enhancing public safety and promoting economic growth. Her transformative vision for the Great Park will make it a center of recreation enriching the quality of life for Irvine residents.
In addition to her council duties, Tammy has been actively involved in various influential regional boards and committees. Her involvement in these organizations and committees provides her with valuable insights into a wide range of issues affecting the entire region.- As Irvine grows, Tammy remains committed to keeping Irvine the safest city in the country. As a forward-thinking leader, she has enhanced public safety by integrating advanced technologies into our strategy. As your mayor, she will continue to prioritize innovative solutions to keep our neighborhoods safe.
- As the founder of Irvine Tech Week, Tammy is dedicated to boosting Irvine’s economic future by fostering business relations that enhance our job market, expand our tax base, and ensure Irvine leads in innovation and economic development.
- HOUSING ACCESSIBILITY: Tammy will continue to prioritize creative solutions in addressing Irvine's housing needs through thoughtful and balanced development. Her top priority is to create workforce housing programs that benefit working professionals like teachers, nurses, police officers, and firefighters who add to the fabric of our community, but are priced out of the existing housing market.
Empathy is equally important, enabling elected officials to truly understand and connect with the diverse experiences and needs of their constituents. By listening actively and considering different perspectives, I strive to make decisions that reflect the values and well-being of the entire community, drawing on the belief that every voice matters and deserves to be heard.
Integrity serves as the cornerstone of effective public service. Elected officials must consistently demonstrate honesty, fairness, transparency, and ethical behavior in all their decisions and actions, earning and maintaining the public's trust. I hold myself to this standard, knowing that trust is built over time through actions that reflect these principles.
Courage is also vital, especially when making difficult decisions that may be unpopular but are in the best interest of the community. I understand that leadership sometimes requires standing by one’s principles, even when it’s challenging, and I am committed to advocating for what is right, no matter the opposition.
Community engagement is something I prioritize because I believe a responsive government is one that stays connected to its people. Maintaining regular communication, keeping the public informed, and being a strong voice in policy discussions aren't just responsibilities; they are how I build trust and ensure transparency in everything I do.
Setting a clear vision for the community is another responsibility I take to heart. I strive to anticipate challenges and seize opportunities that promote long-term prosperity.
Managing public funds responsibly is something I’m particularly committed to, ensuring that every dollar is used transparently and efficiently to benefit the community. Financial oversight, to me, is not just a duty but a cornerstone of maintaining the public's trust.
A significant part of that legacy would be the successful development of the Great Park into a world-class destination that serves as a cornerstone of our community. I envision the Great Park featuring a stunning botanical garden, a state-of-the-art amphitheater, a place where nature, culture, and recreation come together to enrich the lives of our residents and attract visitors from all over. Building out these features would not only provide incredible amenities but also symbolize our commitment to preserving green spaces and enhancing the cultural vibrancy of our city.
I also hope my legacy includes a city where economic growth and environmental stewardship go hand in hand, where we’ve successfully balanced development with the preservation of our natural spaces, and where we’ve made strides toward achieving a sustainable future. I want to leave behind a community that is more resilient, one that has the infrastructure, resources, and social fabric to withstand future challenges.
Most importantly, I want to be remembered for fostering a sense of unity and trust in our city—where government is transparent, accountable, and truly reflective of the people it serves. I hope to have strengthened the bonds between our diverse communities, creating a city where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered to contribute.
Being a mayor means embodying the role of a dedicated servant-leader who is deeply connected to the community and committed to its well-being. I believe that to lead effectively, a mayor must set a clear vision and direction for the future, ensuring that all residents feel heard, valued, and represented. This role involves making tough decisions that balance the needs of various stakeholders while always prioritizing the common good—a principle I hold close in every decision I make.
As mayor, I see myself as the bridge between the city government and the public, facilitating open communication, transparency, and engagement to build trust and ensure that everyone feels actively involved in the decision-making process. This connection is personal to me because I’ve always believed that a city thrives when its residents are heard and valued.
In addition to guiding the city’s vision, the mayor must also prioritize building consensus within the council, guiding discussions, and mediating differing viewpoints to achieve balanced and thoughtful decisions. I know that our strength as a community comes from our ability to work together, even when we don’t always agree.
Moreover, a mayor should be responsible for bringing resources and economic development into the city. This includes actively seeking funding opportunities, working with legislative partners, and attracting businesses that will create jobs and boost the local economy. For me, this isn’t just about growth—it's about ensuring that our city remains vibrant, sustainable, and full of opportunities for all its residents.
Irvine’s global profile is something I take great pride in. As a truly multicultural city, Irvine is a melting pot of cultures and traditions. This diversity is reflected not only in our community but also in our vibrant food scene, with restaurants offering flavors from around the world. Hubs like the Irvine Spectrum and Diamond Jamboree bring this cultural richness to life, offering an exciting mix of dining, shopping, and entertainment that celebrates our city’s global connections.
Irvine’s commitment to community is also evident in its amazing community service programs and a full schedule of free community events throughout the city. These programs and events bring residents together, fostering a strong sense of belonging and engagement.
Education is at the heart of Irvine, with top-tier schools and the University of California, Irvine (UCI) driving academic excellence and innovation. UCI plays a key role in our city’s intellectual and cultural vitality, reinforcing Irvine’s leadership in education.
Irvine’s commitment to preserving open spaces and promoting outdoor living is evident in our extensive biking paths, hiking trails, and parks, including the iconic Great Park balloon. This dedication to green spaces enhances our quality of life and reflects our focus on environmental sustainability.
Another major challenge will be upgrading and expanding infrastructure to keep pace with growth, including transportation networks, utilities, and digital infrastructure. The city must balance expansion with sustainability, minimizing environmental impact and ensuring new developments are resilient to future challenges like climate change.
Environmental sustainability is critical as climate change continues to pose global risks. The city must advance its climate action goals, reduce carbon emissions, and promote renewable energy, with a focus on water conservation, waste reduction, and protecting natural spaces.
The state, in turn, should support cities by providing necessary funding, technical assistance, and policy guidance, all while respecting local governance. I believe strongly in collaboration, especially when it comes to policy development and implementation. When state policies are crafted, it’s crucial for cities to be involved in the process to ensure that the regulations are not only practical but also beneficial at the local level. Having been directly involved in local governance, I know firsthand how important it is to have policies that truly reflect the needs of our community.
In times of crisis or when tackling complex challenges like housing affordability, climate change, or public health, the relationship between the city and state becomes even more critical. A cooperative approach allows us to pool resources, expertise, and authority, ensuring we can respond effectively. I’ve seen how a strong partnership between city and state can make a real difference in people’s lives.
In turn, cities should align their local initiatives with federal priorities where appropriate, but it's crucial that we maintain the flexibility to tailor these programs to our unique circumstances. This respect for local autonomy is something I’m passionate about, as it ensures that our city’s governance remains responsive and effective in meeting the specific needs of our residents.
In times of crisis—whether due to natural disasters, economic downturns, or public health emergencies—the relationship between the city and federal government becomes even more critical. The federal government should provide immediate support, while cities, drawing on their deep understanding of local conditions, should be prepared to implement federal assistance effectively. I’ve always believed that the insights we provide from the ground level can greatly enhance the effectiveness of federal actions.
At the same time, I believe it’s crucial to align law enforcement with the broader goals of social justice and I am passionate about championing policies that enhance public trust, with a strong emphasis on transparency and accountability in policing. These principles are not just abstract ideals to me—they are the bedrock of building a law enforcement system that the entire community can rely on and respect.
• Federal Officials: Rep. Katie Porter, Rep. Lou Correa, Rep. Judy Chu, Rep. Ted Lieu.
• State Officials: California Attorney General Rob Bonta, State Treasurer Fiona Ma, State Senator Dave Min. Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris
• Local Officials: Orange County Supervisors Katrina Foley, Doug Chaffee and Vincent Sarmiento, Mayor Ashleigh Aitken (Anaheim), Mayor John Stephens (Costa Mesa), Mayor Valerie Amezcua (Santa Ana)
Elected leaders are entrusted with taxpayer dollars, and it is their duty to allocate these resources efficiently and effectively, always prioritizing the community's needs. For me, stewardship is a matter of honor—every dollar represents the hard work of our citizens and must be treated with the utmost respect. Creating a balanced budget that aligns with community priorities is fundamental. This involves not only managing current expenditures but also planning for the future, ensuring that the city or district can weather economic fluctuations and invest in long-term projects that will benefit residents for years to come. Budgeting, to me, is a strategic exercise requiring both vision and discipline, meeting immediate needs while preparing for future challenges.
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.
2020
Video for Ballotpedia
| Video submitted to Ballotpedia Released September 9, 2020 |
Tammy Kim completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Kim's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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As a former Fortune 500 company executive, Tammy Kim has experience managing multi-million budgets, and over seen complex business operations on a global basis. Tammy is able to understand and work through complex financial and business presented to the City Council. Tammy will leverage her business experience to improve economic development by working with small and large businesses. Tammy will help bring high quality jobs for our residents and generate revenues to increase our tax base.
Tammy has been a community activist, providing a voice for Irvine's diverse community. As a nonprofit community leader, Tammy fights for Irvine's working families, promoted bi-lingual education and ethnic studies, protected and expanded language access for voters, and has worked to ensure that Irvine receives its fair share of resources through full participation in the federal census. Tammy has served on the Irvine Global Village Festival Steering Committee, Irvine Census Complete Count Committee, Chair, Language Access Committee for the Orange County Registrar of Voters, and Education Advisory Committee for Cottie Petrie-Norris.- COVID RECOVERY It is critical that we reduce community spread and allow our businesses to open up. We must be bold and visionary in how we reimagine our economy to support small business owners while protecting the public health of our residents.
- We must ensure that the City of Irvine is a leader in the area of environmental sustainability and stewardship. We need to protect our open spaces, and we need to take bold steps in making Irvine 100% energy independent.
- Currently, we, as residents, have no way to understand what progress is being made towards any given project. We need to hold our elected leaders and city officials accountable for providing an open and transparent process.
As a working mom, Tammy understands the day-to-day realities that residents face. Tammy will represent our working families by supporting policies that reinforce her commitment to finding viable solutions for affordable housing. and a community where our working families, our teachers, our public safety personnel, our small business owners, among others, can afford to live, work, and play. Tammy believes our working families enrich our community and she will ensure that Irvine is equitable and livable for all.
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.
See also
2025 Elections
External links
Footnotes
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