The 2025 Long Beach Elections marked a significant shift in the city’s political landscape, showcasing notable structural and strategic changes from the 2021 cycle. This analysis explores the key differences between the 2021 and 2025 Long Beach Elections, focusing on voter engagement, campaign finance, and the rise of more competitive races. It also delves into demographic shifts, policy impacts, and media influence, providing insight into how these elements shaped the election outcomes. By analyzing ward-specific trends and considering the broader historical context, this report highlights the evolving nature of governance in Long Beach and the implications for future 2025 Long Beach Elections.

2021

The elections were characterized by low competition, with many candidates winning by overwhelming margins. Voter turnout in the mayoral race totaled approximately 2,229 votes, reflecting a relatively subdued electoral environment and a turnout percentage of 12.2%.

2025

Voter turnout increased dramatically, with 3,053 votes cast in the mayoral race, representing 24.6% of eligible voters. This increase is primarily credited to Michael McGill’s use of social media and other tools to engage voters actively. Michael McGill used coordinated social media graphics and schedules to represent all candidates equally. Creating a political atmosphere unique to Long Beach and contrasting South Mississippi’s more traditional municipal elections.

Jesse Allen

Raised $500 from a single donor, Steve McNally, and reported no disbursements, leaving $500 cash on hand. They likely relied on grassroots efforts or deferred spending.

Expenditures: $0.00

Votes: 246

Cost per Vote: $0.00 /vote

Bernie Parker

Raised $300 from Jason Overstreet and spent $690.15, exceeding contributions. Focused on visibility through printing materials despite limited resources.

Expenditures: $690.15

Votes: 242

Cost per Vote: $2.85/vote

Joey Giuffria

Raised $450 from three individual donors and spent $2,392 on signage, printing, and advertisements—balanced, modest fundraising with significant spending to maximize voter outreach.

Expenditures: $2,392

Votes: 243

Cost per Vote: $9.84/vote

Angela Johnson

Reported no contributions and minimal disbursements, with $48 cash on hand. It likely relied on name recognition and existing voter support.

Expenditures: $48

Votes: 148

Cost per Vote: $0.32/vote

Erika Long

Raised $1,245 from various individual donors, including homemaker Charolett Acosta ($600) and account executive Teresa Bennett Green ($200 total). Spent $1,647.13 on signage, push cards, stickers, sponsorships, and meet-and-greet events.

Expenditures: $1,647.13

Votes: 71

Cost per Vote: $23.20/vote

Timothy McCaffrey Jr.

Raised $1,534.84, including $1,000 from Coastal House Warming, and spent all contributions on campaign shirts, advertisements, and meet-and-greet events. Focused on direct voter engagement and visibility.

Expenditures: $1,534.84

Votes: 236

Cost per Vote: $6.50/vote

Thomas “Skip” Elsworth

Reported no contributions but spent $1,421.44 on yard signs, push cards, and a campaign announcement—funded efforts through personal resources.

Expenditures: $1,421.44

Votes: 236

Cost per Vote: $6.02/vote

Greg Bonds

Raised $3,095.56 exclusively from Bonds Services, Inc. Spent the full amount on printing campaign materials and executing voter outreach efforts.

Expenditures: $3,095.56

Votes: 563

Cost per Vote: $5.50/vote

Barbara Kimball:

No contributions or expenditures were reported, reflecting limited campaign activity. Relied on existing support networks.

Expenditures: $0

Votes: 94

Cost per Vote: $0/vote

Tim Pierce

Raised $23,700 and spent $11,858.70 on campaign visibility and outreach, leaving $11,841.30 cash on hand. Demonstrated well-organized financial strategies and broad voter appeal.

Expenditures: $11,858.70

Votes: 2,453

Cost per Vote: $4.83/vote

Glen Powell

Raised $800 and spent $1,418.11 on signage and meet-and-greet events—balanced, modest fundraising with strategic spending efforts.

Expenditures: $1,418.11

Votes: 559

Cost per Vote: $2.54/vote

Raymond DeFlaviis

Reported no contributions but spent $389.29 on limited outreach activities.

Expenditures: $389.29

Votes: 10

Cost per Vote: $38.93/vote

Larus Gunnarsson

Financial details were not provided, but minimal voter support was received.

Expenditures: $0.00

Votes: 31
Vote: $0.00

2021

The elections were characterized by landslide victories, reflecting the dominance of incumbents and established figures. Angela Johnson and Timothy McCaffrey Jr. secured over 98% of the vote. The lack of competition reflected a stable political landscape.

2025

Close margins and multi-candidate contests emerged as defining features. Ward 2 saw a razor-thin margin, with Jesse Allen narrowly defeating Bernie Parker (50.4% to 49.6%). Ward 3 featured a three-candidate race, breaking the near-unanimous trend of 2021. Ward 4 became a close contest, with McCaffrey Jr. facing a strong challenge from Thomas “Skip” Elsworth. Ward 5 emerged as a new or reconfigured race dominated by Greg Bonds.

Ward 2 Jesse Allen narrowly defeated Bernie Parker, showcasing increased voter engagement.

Ward 3 Erika Long’s presence turned the race into a three-candidate competition, signaling demand for broader representation.

Ward 4 Timothy McCaffrey Jr. and Thomas “Skip” Elsworth split the vote evenly, with both candidates relying on high outreach expenditures.

Ward 5 Greg Bonds secured victory over Barbara Kimball, leveraging robust financial resources to dominate.

Voter Priorities

The closer races and increased turnout suggest a shift toward valuing diverse perspectives and competitive elections. Voters appeared more engaged with candidates who addressed specific community concerns.

Campaign Strategies

Candidates adapted to the heightened competitiveness by employing diverse approaches, from grassroots efforts to significant investments in visibility and outreach. Tim Pierce’s well-funded campaign and Joey Giuffria’s targeted spending exemplify this evolution.

Community Engagement

The 2025 Long Beach elections marked a turning point in how candidates and voters interacted, mainly driven by innovative community engagement strategies. Michael McGill’s use of social media platforms played a pivotal role in reshaping the political landscape. By creating coordinated schedules and graphics that gave equal representation to all candidates, McGill fostered a sense of inclusivity and transparency that resonated with voters. This approach amplified candidate visibility and encouraged meaningful dialogue between candidates and constituents.

Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram became central voter education and outreach hubs. Candidates leveraged these tools to share their platforms, host virtual Q&A sessions, and engage directly with voters in real-time. This digital-first strategy proved especially effective in reaching younger voters and those who might not have participated in traditional campaign events.

Beyond digital efforts, community engagement extended to in-person initiatives such as meet-and-greet events, neighborhood canvassing, and town hall discussions. These activities allowed candidates to personally connect with voters, address specific concerns, and build trust. For example, Timothy McCaffrey Jr.’s focus on direct voter engagement through meet-and-greet events highlighted the importance of face-to-face interactions in complementing digital outreach.

The impact of these efforts was evident in the significant increase in voter turnout, which more than doubled compared to 2021. This surge underscores the effectiveness of inclusive and accessible engagement strategies in mobilizing a diverse electorate. The 2025 elections demonstrated that fostering a sense of community and shared purpose can transform voter participation and set a new standard for future campaigns.

The increased voter turnout in 2025 suggests changes in voter demographics, such as younger voters or newly engaged residents playing a more prominent role in shaping the election outcomes. Michael McGill’s focus on inclusivity likely contributed to broader community participation.

Demographic Breakdown

The substantial increase in voter turnout in the 2025 Long Beach municipal elections suggests notable demographic shifts that shaped the results. While broader participation was evident, a closer examination of age, race, and socioeconomic factors can provide deeper insight into the dynamics behind these changes.

Age

Younger voters likely played a critical role in driving turnout, as candidates leveraged social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to connect with tech-savvy audiences. This strategy reduced barriers for first-time voters, making election information more accessible and engaging. The success of virtual town halls and interactive posts highlights the growing influence of digital outreach on younger demographics.

Race and Ethnicity

Increased community engagement efforts may have mobilized underrepresented groups with lower turnout in previous elections. Candidates’ focus on inclusivity, combined with the accessibility of digital and in-person outreach, fostered broader participation across diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. Long Beach’s demographic makeup likely influenced how candidates shaped their platforms to address specific concerns within these groups.

Socioeconomic Status

Voter mobilization efforts targeted a wider range of income levels, with grassroots initiatives and social media campaigns offering low-cost access to campaign information. This shift suggests that financial barriers to civic participation were minimized in 2025, encouraging turnout among residents who may have previously felt disconnected from traditional electoral processes.

These demographic trends not only contributed to the dramatic increase in turnout but also underscored the evolving priorities of the electorate. Candidates and advocates adapted to these changes by employing diverse engagement strategies tailored to the needs and preferences of specific groups. Understanding these shifts offers valuable lessons for shaping future electoral campaigns and strengthening civic engagement.

Policy Impact

Platforms in 2025 emphasized economic development and community building, resonating strongly with voters. Tim Pierce’s agenda, for example, likely contributed to his decisive victory in the mayoral race. Comparing these platforms with those from 2021 reveals evolving voter priorities focused on localized, tangible outcomes.

Media Influence

Digital media played a significant role in the 2025 elections, driven by Michael McGill’s coordination of social media campaigns. Local news coverage and advertisements complemented these efforts, providing candidates multiple channels to connect with voters.

Ward-Specific Trends

Ward 3’s three-candidate race reflects heightened voter interest in representation.

Ward 2’s narrow margin underscores shifting priorities and preferences.

Ward 5’s emergence suggests possible changes in boundaries or demographics.

Historical Context

The 2025 elections represent a significant departure from earlier cycles, marking a trend toward increased competitiveness and voter engagement. Studying these shifts in the context of Long Beach’s electoral history provides insights into broader trends in municipal governance. These elections reflect a transformation in voter priorities, campaign strategies, and community engagement.

Impact on Governance

The heightened competitiveness and voter turnout in 2025 will likely shape Long Beach’s governance, with elected officials under pressure to address ward-specific concerns and collaborate effectively to meet the demands of an active electorate.

Voter Priorities

The significant increase in voter turnout in 2025 reflects a growing electorate that values diverse representation and competitive elections. This shift suggests voters are more engaged with candidates who address specific community concerns and offer tangible solutions. The closer margins in several races highlight the importance of addressing localized issues to resonate with constituents.

Campaign Strategies

The 2025 elections showcased various campaign approaches, from Jesse Allen’s grassroots efforts with no expenditures to Tim Pierce’s well-funded and strategically managed mayoral campaign. Candidates who invested in visibility, such as through signage and meet-and-greet events, often saw stronger voter engagement. However, low-budget campaigns like Angela Johnson’s success demonstrate that financial resources are not the sole determinant of electoral success.

Community Engagement

Michael McGill’s innovative use of social media played a pivotal role in fostering inclusivity and collaboration among voters and candidates. By creating a platform for equal representation and open dialogue, McGill helped transform the political atmosphere in Long Beach, setting a precedent for future elections. This approach contrasts with traditional campaign methods and highlights the growing influence of digital tools in modern elections.

Governance Implications

The heightened competitiveness and increased voter turnout in 2025 will likely shape Long Beach’s governance. Elected officials will face more significant pressure to address ward-specific concerns and collaborate effectively to meet the demands of an active and engaged electorate. This shift underscores the importance of transparency, accountability, and responsiveness in local governance.

The 2025 municipal elections in Long Beach represent a watershed moment in local politics. Increased voter engagement, tighter races, and innovative campaign strategies signal a decisive shift from the predictability of earlier cycles. Community advocates and strategic digital outreach have redefined how candidates connect with voters, paving the way for more inclusive and responsive governance.

These findings offer valuable insights for both municipal policymakers and academic researchers, underscoring the evolving nature of electoral politics in a rapidly changing community. This analysis reflects my personal observations and should be regarded as such. I do not represent any candidate or Political Action Committee.

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