The MAGA-nificent 7: How Huntington Beach Became a Symbol of Red Politics in Blue California
Huntington Beach, a sun-soaked surf town in Southern California, has become an unlikely battleground in America’s cultural and political wars. Once a laid-back beach community, the city has gained national attention for its sharp turn to the right under the leadership of its all-Republican City Council, affectionately—or sarcastically—referred to as the “MAGA-nificent 7.” The council’s recent decision to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the city’s central public library with a plaque bearing the phrase “Magical Alluring Galvanizing Adventurous” has thrust the city into the spotlight. This bold, politically charged design reflects the council’s deep embrace of the Trumpian “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) ideology, a move that has divided the community and sparked intense debate.
A City’s Political Identity Crisis
The transformation of Huntington Beach from a traditionally moderate beach town into one of the reddest cities in deep-blue California is no accident. In 2022, Republicans secured a 4-3 majority on the City Council, which has since grown to a 7-0 Republican stronghold after the 2023 elections. This shift has been marked by a series of polarizing decisions that align with former President Donald Trump’s agenda. The council has passed a voter ID law, banned non-governmental flags (including the rainbow flag) from city property, prohibited COVID-related mask and vaccination mandates, and even amended the city’s declaration on human dignity to remove references to hate crimes and emphasize “genetic differences between male and female.” These moves have solidified Huntington Beach as a hub of conservative activism in a state dominated by liberal politics.
Pushback and Controversy
The council’s aggressive push to the right has not gone unnoticed—or unchallenged. Residents, former officials, and even some Republicans who oppose Trump havespoken out against the city’s direction. Critics argue that the council is using divisive cultural issues to distract from more pressing problems, such as a looming budget deficit and allegations of mismanagement in handling city affairs. Former Councilman Dan Kalmick, a Democrat who lost his seat in the last election, expressed frustration over the council’s priorities, joking that they were “going to ‘own the libs’ into bankruptcy.” Kalmick and others have considered leaving the city, citing its increasingly unwelcoming political climate.
A Bitter Divide
The plaque controversy has become a microcosm of the larger political divide in Huntington Beach. Councilwoman Gracey Van Der Mark, the driving force behind the plaque’s design, framed it as a celebration of American greatness, declaring, “If people do not think America is great and don’t want to make it great again, they’re in the wrong country.” However, opponents see the plaque as a thinly veiled political statement that alienates those who disagree with the council’s ideology. The plaque’s design, which includes the phrase “Through hope and change, our nation has built back better to the golden era of Making America Great Again!” has been criticized for co-opting slogans from both Trump and his political opponents, including former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden. While some council members insist the plaque is nonpartisan, others openly celebrate its connection to the MAGA movement.
Resistance and Rebellion
The backlash against the council’s agenda reached a boiling point during a recent City Council meeting, where former NFL player and Huntington Beach resident Chris Kluwe made headlines by denouncing the MAGA movement as akin to Nazism. Kluwe’s fiery speech ended with his arrest after he refused to leave the podium, sparking outrage and galvanizing opposition groups like ProtectHB, which has organized protests and grassroots campaigns to challenge the council’s policies. These efforts reflect a broader frustration among residents who feel the council’s actions are undermining the city’s reputation and harming its economy, which relies heavily on tourism. As one resident noted, Huntington Beach risks becoming “Nazi Central” in the public eye—a reputation that could deter visitors and hurt local businesses.
The Council’s Defense
Despite the backlash, the MAGA-nificent 7 remain defiant, framing their agenda as a reflection of the city’s values and a rejection of California’s progressive politics. Mayor Pat Burns and other council members argue that national issues, such as immigration and border security, have a direct impact on Huntington Beach, justifying their support for policies like Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s deployment of the National Guard to the southern border. They also dismiss critics as a vocal minority, insisting that their actions enjoy broad support from the city’s residents. However, the council’s decisions have drawn legal challenges, including lawsuits from the state over its voter ID law and refusal to comply with housing mandates. These legal battles have further polarized the city, with no resolution in sight.
The Road Ahead
As Huntington Beach prepares to unveil the controversial plaque in April, the city’s political drama shows no signs of subsiding. The council’s embrace of the MAGA agenda has transformed the city into a national symbol of red-state defiance in a blue state, attracting both admiration and condemnation. While supporters view the council as a beacon of conservative values, critics warn that its actions are eroding the city’s inclusivity and stability. The coming months will reveal whether Huntington Beach can find a path forward that balances its political identity with the needs and values of all its residents. For now, the plaque stands as a powerful reminder of the deep divides that define not just this city, but America itself.
