Al Austin is running for the Southern California Water Replenishment District Board Division 3 seat in the Nov. 3 election.
Austin, a former Long Beach City Council member, serves on the Long Beach Board of Public Utilities Commissioners. The nonpartisan race includes three other certified candidates: Mike Murchison, Tonia Reyes Uranga and Tracy Burns.
The Water Replenishment District manages groundwater supplies for communities across southern Los Angeles County. Austin said the district "plays a critical role in protecting one of our region's most valuable resources," adding that families "deserve clean, reliable water at a price they can afford," according to Random Lengths News.
Candidate information
- Party: Nonpartisan
- Education: Bachelor of science in public administration, University of La Verne
- Current role: Member, Long Beach Board of Public Utilities Commissioners. Mayor Rex Richardson appointed Austin on Sept. 2, 2025, and the Long Beach City Council confirmed him on Sept. 16, 2025, according to Long Beach Utilities.
Experience and public service
Austin served twelve years on the Long Beach City Council representing District 8. During that time he chaired the Budget Oversight Committee and helped establish the city's ethics commission and independent redistricting commission, according to Random Lengths News.
Before entering elected office, Austin worked as a UAW aerospace worker at McDonnell Douglas, which later became Boeing. He went on to serve as a district field representative for state Sen. Kevin Murray and as campaign director for the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, according to Long Beach Utilities records.
Austin said he serves as political and legislative director at American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 57, responsible for over 35,000 public service workers across California, according to his campaign website.
He also served on the Gateway Cities Council of Governments board of directors and with the League of California Cities.
On the issues
Water policy: Austin said his priorities include protecting local groundwater supplies, managing taxpayer and ratepayer dollars responsibly, investing in reliable water infrastructure, preparing for future droughts and climate challenges, and strengthening partnerships that secure southern California's long-term water future, according to his campaign.
Austin said communities deserve "leaders who understand how to balance fiscal responsibility with long-term investments that strengthen our communities," according to Random Lengths News.
Candidate policy positions are based on statements from Al Austin's campaign website and Random Lengths News coverage. No endorsements were provided in the reviewed materials for this profile.
