Al Austin, a former Long Beach city council member and current Long Beach utilities commissioner, is running for the Southern California Water Replenishment District Board of Directors, Division 3. The nonpartisan seat is on the Nov. 3 general election ballot.
"Families deserve clean, reliable water at a price they can afford," Austin said, according to Random Lengths News. He described the district as playing a critical role in protecting one of the region's most valuable resources. Austin faces three other candidates: Mike Murchison, Tonia Reyes Uranga and Tracy Burns, according to BallotReady election data.
Candidate information
- Name: Al Austin
- Party: Nonpartisan
- Office sought: Southern California Water Replenishment Board, Division 3
- Election date: Nov. 3, 2026
- Education: Bachelor of science in public administration, University of La Verne
Experience and public service
Austin served twelve years on the Long Beach City Council representing District 8, from 2012 to 2024, according to Random Lengths News. He chaired the Budget Oversight Committee. He also helped establish the city's ethics commission and independent redistricting commission, Random Lengths News reported.
Mayor Rex Richardson appointed Austin to the Long Beach Board of Public Utilities Commissioners on Sept. 2, 2025. The Long Beach City Council confirmed the appointment on Sept. 16, 2025, according to Long Beach Utilities.
Austin's career began as a UAW aerospace worker at McDonnell Douglas and Boeing, according to his campaign website. He later served as a district field representative for state Sen. Kevin Murray, then as campaign director for the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, according to Random Lengths News. He serves as political and legislative director at American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 57, responsible for over 35,000 public service workers across California, according to his campaign.
Austin also served on the Gateway Cities Council of Governments board of directors and with the League of California Cities, according to Long Beach Utilities.
On the issues
Water policy: Austin outlined five priorities for the board, according to Random Lengths News. They include protecting local groundwater supplies, managing taxpayer and ratepayer dollars, investing in reliable water infrastructure, preparing for future droughts and climate challenges, and strengthening partnerships that secure Southern California's long-term water future.
Policy positions reflect the candidate's own statements. This profile was compiled from publicly available sources and candidate materials reviewed by the newsroom.
