James Mai

for Irvine City Council 2024

Your Candidate for Irvine City Council District 3

James Mai for Irvine City Council

I hail from the heartland, born and raised with Midwestern values of hard work and perseverance. As a child, I visited family in Orange County in the summers and dreamed of one day calling it home. As an adult, with determination and a mere $200, I embarked on a journey to California, starting from humble beginnings couch surfing in Irvine. Through unwavering determination, I built an international management consulting firm from the ground up. Alongside this professional journey, I remained true to my promise of service to others, working with and later founding non-profits dedicated to uplifting families and children in need. Guided by the lessons of my upbringing—hard work, grit, and resilience—I overcame many obstacles. Now, I dedicate my time and experiences to serving communities in need, advocating for those without a voice, helping feed families across the county, and assisting seniors, veterans, and individuals with housing needs and other essentials. You can find me and my wife distributing food to hundreds of families each month, working with individuals in need to find affordable housing, or advocating for victims of crime. I don't claim to be a politician, nor have I ever considered running for office; instead, I'm a father and a fellow resident who believes in the power of positive change and giving back. I'm running for office to be the authentic voice of our community, committed to making a difference where it truly matters - right here in the city.

get to know me

Family, Community, and the Irvine Dream.

Growing up in the heartland instilled in me the values of hard work, resilience, and community. As a long-time resident and member of the Irvine community who chose Irvine, I've had the privilege of raising my family in this beautiful city, surrounded by its warmth and opportunity. My family and I have cherished every moment spent exploring Irvine's parks, participating in local events, and enjoying the vibrant culture that makes our city unique. Through our experiences, we have cultivated a deep love and appreciation for the cultures and diverse backgrounds in Irvine. I fell in love with Irvine as a child and made it a goal to live here and raise a family someday, a goal I achieved and I appreciate every day. I'm from humble beginnings. My parents were refugees who came to America fleeing war with hopes for a brighter future. As the first American-born child, I know hunger, lived in subsidized government housing, and worked hard to build the life I have now in Irvine. I am equally blessed to have the opportunity to give back, and the opportunity to serve you on City Council. As a parent to a 5-year-old and a teen attending public IUSD schools, I understand the importance of ensuring that Irvine remains a safe and prosperous place for families to thrive. I chose to settle in Irvine for quality schools and because I believe it's the BEST place to raise a family. I am committed to leveraging my experiences and values to serve on the city council. I believe in fostering an environment where every resident can access the resources and support they need to succeed, regardless of background. Together, let's work towards building a stronger, more resilient Irvine for generations to come.

President/Board Member

City of Irvine

Irvine Community Alliance Fund

Community Services Commissioner

City of Irvine

Irvine Community Services

Housing & Community Development Commissioner

County of Orange

Orange County Housing & Community Development

Advisory Board Member

CHOC / UCI Programs

Help Me Grow Orange County

Chairman

Bristol & Bates Foundation

Bristol & Bates Children's Foundation

Founder & Chairman

AAPI United

Asian Americans Pacific Islanders United / Charity Van

Vice Chairman

Rotary International

Orange County/LA Rotary Foundation

What People Are Saying About Me

Residents of Irvine District 3

Maria C.

Mother of Three (Greentree)

"I can truly attest to James Mai's good moral character. He is brilliant and generous, has great leadership skills, and is dependable. I am impressed by James' attitude and confidence in what he does, much of which is unannounced. He has helped countless families in need. I look forward to seeing a future with him on the City Council!"

Fabio P.

Partner, Kaju Soft Tofu (Heritage Plaza)

"I wholeheartedly endorse James Mai for Irvine City Council. Having known him for several years, I can confidently say that he has the dedication, integrity, and vision to truly help others in need and has always served the community. He goes out of his way to help people and businesses within the community"

Craig N.

38 Year Resident (College Park)

"As a City Council member, James Mai will be committed to Irvine values for public safety, a great quality of life, and support of our richly diverse community. He will ensure our Council will be focused on addressing the issues that are truly important to Irvine residents. He is a problem solver who will serve all of us."

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