Michael Braun is running for the Walnut Valley Water District Board Division 2 seat in the Nov. 3, 2026, California general election.
Braun is certified for the ballot, according to BallotReady election data. The nonpartisan race also includes Brian Worthington. The Walnut Valley Water District board oversees the district's water supply, infrastructure and rates.
Candidate information
- Name: Dr. Michael Braun
- Office sought: Walnut Valley Water District Board, Division 2
- Election date: Nov. 3, 2026
- Party: Nonpartisan
Experience and public service
Braun, who holds a Ph.D., is a criminal justice professor at San Diego State University Imperial Valley, according to the university's program page. His campaign website describes him as "Dr. Michael Braun."
On the issues
The following positions are drawn from Braun's responses on his campaign website. Each reflects the candidate's own stated priorities for the Walnut Valley Water District.
Water security: Braun said the district depends heavily on imported water and needs a plan for drought and demand looking 10 to 20 years out, not just the current cycle.
Infrastructure: Braun said hundreds of miles of pipes, reservoirs and pumps depend on careful oversight of every capital dollar. He called for addressing maintenance rather than deferring it.
Transparency and oversight: Braun said that when rates rise, ratepayers deserve to know exactly where the money goes, project by project and dollar by dollar. He said the district should account for spending at that level of detail.
Water rates: Braun said rates should reflect the demonstrated cost of reliable service, with every increase clearly and publicly justified.
Endorsements
The following endorsements appear on Braun's campaign website, claimed by the endorsers:
- James Crawford, Metropolitan Water District director
- Jorge Marquez, Three Valleys Municipal Water District director
- Scarlett Kwong, former Walnut Valley Water District director
- Juan Garza, Central Basin Municipal Water District director
The race is nonpartisan.
Candidate responses were gathered through a questionnaire process. The Platinum Tribune presents this profile to help voters understand the candidates and issues on their ballot.
