Taryn Palumbo’s final stretch

Running for a spot on the Huntington Beach City Council hasn’t always been fun. But it’s certainly an experience.

Taryn Palumbo

I had the chance to throw a few questions at Taryn Palumbo, one of four Democrats scratching and clawing for a spot on the Huntington Beach City Council. I’ve become a huge Taryn admirer these past bunch o’ months, and hope Surf City voters make a wise decision. Stay tuned …

TRUTH OC: What are your emotions as this crazy experience winds down?

TARYN PALUMBO: I am grateful! And exhausted. This has felt like far more of an intense experience than “just a city council race” but I am so lucky to have gone through it with an incredible team of supporters. So many community supporters who have been all-in since day 1, plus I have three amazing people on my slate. 

TRUTH OC: What’s the best part of a political campaign? The worst?

TARYN PALUMBO: Best? Getting to be out and about meeting with people. I truly love chatting with constituents. The worst? Fundraising and social media. It should not be so expensive to try and make a difference in your community. And well, on social—people are just mean! I truly cannot believe the things people say from behind the computer. You know your name is still attached, right!? 

TRUTH OC: In this kind of experience, do you try and prepare yourself for the best or the worst? And what does that look like?

TARYN PALUMBO: I am cautiously optimistic. Honestly, I prepare for the worst while hoping for the best. So I am doing everything I can until the last moment and then I am just going to take a deep breath and treat this as an extraordinary experience that—for better or worse—I can tell my kids about. 

TRUTH OC: What has been your greatest single moment on the campaign trail?

TARYN PALUMBO: The very first time I announced I was running for office. I was so nervous. I had no public persona or presence. And the response was so incredible and made me feel like I could actually do it!

TRUTH OC: Besides it being your home, why is it so important for you to fight for Huntington Beach?

TARYN PALUMBO: It is not about just fighting for HB. It is about fighting and standing for democracy, and the rule of law, and what is right. And while I can’t do it on a national level I can do it here. So it is just a small thing I feel like I can do to fight for what is right.