Councilwoman Kathy Tavoularis’s campaign announced she has surpassed her goal of raising $80,000 for her election bid this November.
Tavoularis, who has lived in Orange for more than 40 years, was appointed to vacant District 3 seat – which represents north Orange – in April of 2021.
Tavoularis’ fundraising haul is huge by Orange standards, and it more than any other candidate running for council this November.
“I am grateful for the outpouring of support from both volunteers and contributors to my campaign,” said Tavoularis. “This will enable me to have a fully funded campaign to ensure that the voters of District 3 hear my message advocating for public safety, fiscal responsibility, and other important issues facing Orange.”
The Tavoularis campaign also announced she had garnered key endorsements from both the Orange City Firefighters and the Orange Police Association. Tavoularis successfully pushed for hiring more police officers and the addition of an additional rescue ambulance for the Orange Fire Department.
“It is an honor to be endorsed by our brave first responders who know I am the candidate who will best advocate for public safety in Orange District 3,” said Tavoularis. “Our firefighters and police officers put their lives on the line to keep Orange families safe, and I am proud to stand with them.”
Tavoularis’ other endorsements include Orange Mayor Mark Murphy, Orange Councilmembers Kim Nichols, Chip Monaco and Jon Dumitru, Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes and OC Supervisor Don Wagner.
Thus far, Tavoularis faces one opponent, John Russo, who reported raising $2,300 during the same period. Russo is in his early 20s and works as an IT support specialist and coaches volleyball at Orange High School. He ran unsuccessfully for District 3 in 2020. In 2018, he ran unsuccessfully for mayor.
As a child, Tavoularis immigrated to the United States from Greece with her family, and graduated from the Orange Unified School District before going on to earn her degree from Cal State Long Beach.
As a councilmember, she has focused on public safety, homelessness, fostering a better business environment and ensuring a strong community voice regarding re-development of the Village at Orange Mall and the North Tustin Redevelopment Plan.
Tavoularis operates a small business in Orange, and is active in her church and community events such as the Orange Street Fair. #
Paid for by Kathy Tavoularis for Orange City Council 2022. ID# 1438389.
