Michelle Murphy, the incumbent vice president of the Newport-Mesa Unified School District Board of Education, is running for re-election to the Area 2 seat. The nonpartisan race appears on the Nov. 3, 2026, California general election ballot. Craig Holiday is also running for the seat.

Asked why she is seeking re-election, Murphy said in our candidate questionnaire: "It has been a privilege to serve the students, families, and educators of the Newport-Mesa Unified School District over the past four years. I respectfully ask for your vote for re-election so we can continue building on our success and keep Newport-Mesa schools among the very best in California."

Candidate information

Occupation and work history: "I earned my bachelor's degree from the University of Arizona and have a master's degree in social work from the University of Southern California, with a focus on communities, organizations, planning and administration. I currently work in public affairs for Orange County United Way."

Family: "… My husband, Bryan and I have called Costa Mesa home for more than 20 years and are raising two children here who attend Newport-Mesa schools."

Party affiliation: "School Board is a non-partisan position."

Experience and public service

Murphy was elected to the Area 2 trustee seat in 2022 and serves as vice president of the board, according to the district's board page.

Asked about previous offices and community service, Murphy said in our questionnaire: "I have served on the City of Costa Mesa Parks and Community Services Commission and the Housing and Public Service Grants Committee … I am the Vice President of the Newport-Mesa Unified School District and currently serve on the Board of Directors of the OC Fair and Event Center, President of the Costa Mesa High School Foundation, Board of Directors of the OC Forum and am a member of the Strategic Advisory Committee for the Community Health Initiative of Orange County."

On the issues

Accomplishments: Asked what accomplishments she would cite, Murphy said: "Since joining the board, I have worked to deliver meaningful results for students, educators and families … Helped advance student achievement, leading the district as scores continue to increase in math and reading and secured new math curriculum alignment from K-12, as well as new reading curriculum that incorporates phonics into learning. Supported student safety and wellbeing with common-sense cell phone and e-bike policies …"

Top challenges: Asked about the most important challenges facing Newport-Mesa students and families, Murphy said: "Addressing the achievement gap and disparities in academic success amongst our schools. Supporting professional development and training for our most valuable asset—our teachers. Delivering inclusive and responsive communication to the community. Protecting taxpayer dollars from wasteful and inefficient spending."

Academic and workforce priorities: Asked what skills NMUSD should prioritize, Murphy cited the district's new 2026–2031 Strategic Plan and said in our questionnaire: "… we are prioritizing key competencies focused on high academic expectations, rigor, and relevance, as well as belonging, and connections. We are embedding these focus areas into existing frameworks—such as our extensive Career Technical Education (CTE) Pathways and graduation mandates."

Differences from other candidates: Murphy said: "For me, serving on the Newport-Mesa Unified School District Board is personal: the district's decisions affect my children, their classmates and families, as well as my neighbors throughout Costa Mesa every day … I will continue to bring my kids-first approach, my collaborative spirit, and my willingness to do the hard work to the Trusteeship."

Candidate responses were collected through a Surround Sound News questionnaire. Answers are presented in the candidate's own words. For more information, visit Murphy's campaign website.