The new mayor of Lompoc, Jim Mosby, was sworn in on December 18, 2024. He has run for mayor twice previously. This time, he won the election with less than 40% of the vote. In his last election, he lost by a landslide. Along with the new mayor being sworn in, two other council members also took their oaths of office. Jim Mosby received 3,136 votes, while incumbent Jenelle Osborn garnered 2,655 votes, giving Mosby the lead to secure the win.
When I spoke to students on campus, freshman Sydni Harlow commented, “I’m not really sure who he is.” This reflects a common sentiment among students, as most appear unaware of the new mayor. For many, it feels like a sudden shift in leadership for Lompoc. However, for some voters, this change doesn’t align with their vision for the city’s future.
Lompoc has long been a community where politics stir strong opinions, and this election was no exception. Supporters of Mosby argue that his leadership style and policies could bring much-needed change to the city. Critics, however, remain skeptical, pointing to his past tenure and questioning his ability to address the pressing issues facing Lompoc today, such as housing, economic development, and public safety. The divide in public opinion signals that the mayor’s term may face challenges in uniting the community.
Lompoc voter and public activist Ruth Gary expressed her concerns, stating, “He already had his chance to be in office. He’s a Trump-loving Republican, and he doesn’t have what the town needs.” Many politically engaged residents believe the new mayor does not have the town’s future in mind.
