Robyn Grant announces candidacy in 2022 Newport Beach City Council election

Robyn Grant, a longtime Newport Beach resident and first-time politician, recently announced her bid for a seat in the upcoming 2022 Newport Beach City Council election at a small gathering of her friends and supporters last week.

Grant is running for District 4, which encompasses the Eastbluff and Big Canyon neighborhoods. The district’s incumbent is current Mayor Pro Tem Kevin Muldoon, who will be terming out of his seat next year. Muldoon was first elected in 2014 and reelected in 2018.

Seats are also up for the vote next fall in Districts 1, 3 and 6, wherein at least two of those seats will have incumbents Diane Dixon and Marshall “Duffy” Duffield terming out while Councilwoman Joy Brenner is eligible to seek reelection.

Council members each represent districts, but are voted in at large.

Grant is a small business owner in Newport Beach and teaches business law and ethics at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles. She said Thursday that she has lived in Newport Beach since 1987 and has never run for council.

Grant previously served on the Civil Service Board, the Newport Beach Library Board of Trustees and the city Arts Commission. She is also involved in Speak Up Newport, Friends of the Newport Beach Animal Shelter and Leadership Tomorrow.

“I have not run before. I’ve always been behind the scenes. I’ve worked on a lot of citywide projects ... and bringing together the community around them,” said Grant. “I’ve never run for council, but at this time, I have a lot of value to bring back to council. I’ve worked with city staff. I’ve worked with the community. It’s time to give back to my community.”

Grant’s announcement follows that of fellow candidate Joe Stapleton, who announced his run for District 1 in October.

Support our coverage by becoming a digital subscriber.