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  • PRESS RELEASE
    Jonathan Abelove Announces Campaign for Re-Election to Tustin Unified Board of Education
  • PRESS RELEASE
    Tustin Educators Association Endorses Abelove's Re-Election Campaign for Area 5
Jul
16
2026
PRESS RELEASE

Jonathan Abelove Announces Campaign for Re-Election to Tustin Unified Board of Education

TUSTIN, CA. — Longtime Tustin Unified Trustee Jonathan Abelove today announced his campaign for re-election to the Tustin Unified Board of Education Area 5, reaffirming his commitment to strong public schools, responsible leadership, and ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed.

First elected in 1994, Abelove has helped guide Tustin Unified through decades of growth while maintaining the district's strong academic performance and sound financial stewardship. Throughout his service, he has worked alongside educators, classified employees, parents, students, and community members to keep the focus where it belongs—on providing an exceptional education for every child.

"I'm running for re-election because I believe every student deserves the very best our district can offer," Abelove said. "Tustin Unified has earned the trust of our community by supporting great teachers and staff, making responsible decisions, and always putting students first. I'm proud of what we've accomplished together, and I'm excited to continue building on that success."

A longtime Tustin resident, local business owner, and dedicated community leader, Abelove believes the strongest schools are built through partnership. He has earned a reputation for listening, building consensus, and making thoughtful decisions that strengthen schools while reflecting the values of the Tustin community.

In addition to serving on the Board of Education, Abelove is President of Tustin Scholarships, Executive Vice President of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tustin, a member of the Tustin Area Council for Fine Arts, and an active member of the Rotary Club of Tustin-Santa Ana.

Jonathan's campaign is supported by a broad coalition of educators, parents, community organizations, labor leaders, and local elected officials who share his commitment to keeping Tustin Unified among California's premier public school districts. 

Endorsements include:
  • Congressman Dave Min

  • Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris

  • Orange County Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento

  • Allyson Muñoz Damikolas, Tustin Unified Board Member

  • Lynn Davis, Tustin Unified Board Member

  • Jonathan Stone, Tustin Unified Board Member

  • Greg Franklin, Former Superintendent, Tustin Unified School District

  • Adele Heuer, Retired Tustin Unified Administrator*

  • Kristin Simpkins, Former President, Tustin Public Schools Foundation*

  • Lee Fink, Tustin City Councilmember

  • Melinda Liu, Irvine City Councilmember

  • TJ Prendergast, Trustee, South Orange County Community College District

  • Sukhee Kang, Former Mayor of Irvine

  • Letitia Clark, Former Mayor of Tustin

  • Barry Cooper, Former Mayor Pro Tem of Tustin

  • TyRon Jackson, Founder & CEO, Operation Warm Wishes*

  • Soledad Rivera, Community Relations Director, CalOptima Health*

  • Tammis Berkheimer, 2025 Tustin Area Woman of the Year*

  • Dr. Frank Gomez, Community Leader

  • Dr. Nathan Yeargin, Community Leader

About Jonathan Abelove

Jonathan Abelove has served on the Tustin Unified Board of Education since 1994. A longtime Tustin resident, local business owner, and community leader, he has dedicated more than three decades to strengthening public education and expanding opportunities for Tustin students. His community leadership includes serving as President of Tustin Scholarships, Executive Vice President of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tustin, a member of the Tustin Area Council for Fine Arts, and an active member of the Rotary Club of Tustin-Santa Ana.

For more information, visit AbeloveForTUSD.com or follow the campaign on social media.