Candidate Close Up 2024: Ron Scolesdang
Current MMA fighter, business owner, and Irvine resident Ron Scolesdang in running for Irvine Mayor. Photo credit Ron Scolesdang
Ron Scolesdang, a martial arts champion, entrepreneur, and nonprofit leader, is running for mayor of Irvine. With his bid for the city’s top office, a departure from his extensive work in community service and business, he aims to overcome Irvine’s challenges.
Scolesdang has spent his career outside of politics, focusing instead on his businesses and various community initiatives. But as an Irvine resident, he has kept an eye on issues impacting the city.
“I’ve lived in Irvine for over 10 years, and the city has changed in ways I don’t think align with what many of us want,” Scolesdang said in a recent interview. “We need new leadership to improve the quality of life for everyone, and I believe I’m the person to make that happen.”
Although he may not have experience in local government, Scolesdang’s connection to the community runs deep. He has been involved in numerous local efforts, from self-defense workshops to food and toy drives. One of his most notable contributions has been his nonprofit, Seniors Fight Back, which provides self-defense workshops for the elderly. The organization was recognized by California Nonprofits of the Year in Assemblymember Phillip Chen’s district in 2022.
Scolesdang’s background in martial arts—he’s a world champion kickboxer ranked number one in the U.S. for Muay Thai—has shaped his approach to leadership and problem-solving. His journey into martial arts began as a teenager when he saw it on TV and decided to sign up for lessons.
“It consumed my life from there, and it became the foundation of everything I do,” he explained.
This discipline and focus are evident in Scolesdang’s priorities as a candidate. Public safety, for example, is at the top of his agenda. He cites Irvine’s drop from the safest city in the country to number 10 as a pressing issue.
“The Irvine Police Department is doing a great job, but they’re severely understaffed,” Scolesdang said, noting that Irvine has only 1.3 officers per 1,000 residents, which is 64% below the state average. If elected, he plans to improve budgeting and reallocate resources to provide the police with better training, recruitment, and recognition.
Another key issue for Scolesdang is the growing concern over e-bike safety in the city. Instead of simply imposing more regulations, he wants to focus on education and incentivization. He has already partnered with Super 73, an Irvine-based e-bike company, to develop a safety program that educates young riders in a fun and engaging way. Scolesdang even applies these principles at home, teaching his five-year-old son how to ride safely around Irvine’s streets, always with a helmet.
Scolesdang’s emphasis on teamwork is another recurring theme in his campaign. Whether it’s his martial arts career, his businesses, or his family life, he attributes his success to the strong team around him.
“People often ask how I manage it all, and the answer is teamwork,” Scolesdang said. “It’s all about having a strong team.”
This collaborative mindset extends to how he plans to work with Irvine’s City Council, should he be elected. Scolesdang believes that politics should not be about party divisions but about serving the greater good.
“We can’t make everyone happy, but we should aim to benefit the majority,” he said. “I come from a team mentality, and that’s what I want to bring to the council.”
In terms of why Irvine residents should vote for him, Scolesdang’s message is straightforward: “I’ll be the voice of the people, working hard to address their concerns and improve our city.”
Though his lack of formal political experience may raise eyebrows, Scolesdang believes that his dedication to community service, combined with his business acumen and passion for Irvine, make him the right person to lead the city into the future. Whether he can translate his success in the community and business world into political victories remains to be seen, but Scolesdang is confident that his fresh perspective and relentless drive will resonate with voters.
Irvinite Questions
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Irvinite Questions 〰️
Read Scolesdang’s answers to some questions posted by members of the Irvine subreddit.
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This goes back to being understaffed. With so few officers, they’re focused on serious crimes, so it’s harder to enforce traffic laws. If we had more officers, we could address issues like speeding and California stops. It’s an issue close to home—my wife was hit by a car while riding her e-bike recently, and she’s going to need surgery. We need more officers to ensure safer streets.
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I’ve heard people call it the "Not-So-Great Park." A lot of plans haven’t materialized, and I’ve heard about issues like broken EV chargers that aren’t generating the revenue they should. If developers aren’t delivering, we need to find new ones. There are so many opportunities for the park to become a real center for the community, but it needs better leadership.
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I understand it’s a hot topic. Irvine might have left the system to get things done faster or to avoid certain fees. Either way, we should use the funds saved from the county to build a world-class library right here in Irvine. Libraries aren’t just for books; they’re community centers.
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We just approved a large facility that will include 18 badminton courts and space for other sports. It’s great for the community, and it could even become an Olympic training center.
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Rent control is tricky because it pits free-market capitalism against affordability. I think the best approach is to work with the community and find a balance that works for everyone.
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