Door-to-Door Leader

Lawyer Kevin Muldoon (JD ’06) always loved politics, but not at the local level. Then after he worked on a property rights case for Newport Harbor homeowners, a group of his clients encouraged him to run for the Newport Beach City Council in 2014.

Realizing his deep affinity for the city and its residents, Muldoon was elected to the council. His passion for his community deepened, leading to his election as mayor of Newport Beach in December.

“The campaign trail was an interesting experience,” Muldoon said. “Walking up to strangers’ doors and shamelessly asking for their vote was humbling and educational.”

Such an educational experience didn’t stop at the campaign trail.

“If you want to know how voters feel about any given issue (when running for office), just ask. Once you get in office, voters will tell you how they feel even if you don’t ask,” he said.

Muldoon moved to Newport Beach three years prior to his election as mayor to be closer to his friends and his church, Our Lady Queen of Angels.

As mayor, he has a list of priorities, including dealing with Newport Beach’s growing unfunded retirement obligation.

“My primary goal is to reduce the city’s debt by encouraging fiscal restraint and cutting spending,” Muldoon said.