Fred Jung
American politician (born 1973)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Fred H. Jung (born October 5, 1973) is an American politician serving as the mayor of Fullerton, California.[1] He was first elected to the Fullerton City Council in 2020[2] and re-elected in 2024.[3][4] Jung announced his candidacy for the Orange County Board of Supervisors in the 2026 election, seeking to represent District 4.[5]
Fred Jung | |
|---|---|
| |
| Mayor of Fullerton, California | |
| In office 2025–present | |
| Preceded by | Nick Dunlap |
| In office 2021–2023 | |
| Preceded by | Bruce Whitaker |
| Succeeded by | Nick Dunlap |
| Mayor pro tem of Fullerton, California | |
| In office 2023–2024 | |
| Preceded by | Bruce Whitaker |
| Succeeded by | Shana Charles |
| Member of the Fullerton City Council, District 1 | |
| In office 2021–present | |
| Preceded by | Office established |
| Korean name | |
| Hangul | 정홍주 |
| RR | Jeong Hongju |
| MR | Chŏng Hongju |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 5, 1973 |
| Children | 5 |
Early life and education
Jung was born in Seoul, South Korea, and immigrated to the United States with his family at the age of five.[1] He has lived in Fullerton, California, since 1987. He attended Sunny Hills High School[6] and University of Southern California.[7]
Political career
Fullerton City Council
Jung was elected to the Fullerton City Council in November 2020, representing District 1.[2][8] He became the city's first Korean American council member.[6] He was appointed mayor by the council in December 2021, December 2022, and again in 2024.[9][10][11] As mayor, Jung presides over council meetings and serves as the ceremonial head of the city.[12]
In 2025, Jung announced his candidacy for the Orange County Board of Supervisors, running to succeed termed-out Supervisor Doug Chaffee in District 4, which includes Fullerton, Anaheim, Buena Park, La Habra, and Placentia.[13]
Regional roles
In addition to serving on the Fullerton City Council, Jung serves on various the board of various regional agencies.[1]
Orange County Power Authority
Jung serves on the board of OCPA, a public energy provider. He was elected Chair of the board in 2023 and reappointed in 2024.[14][15]
LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency
Jung serves as Chair of the LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency,[16] which oversees the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner service. He represents the Orange County Transportation Authority on the board.[17]
Orange County Transportation Agency
Jung is a member of the OCTA Board of Directors, representing Fullerton and the 4th Supervisorial District.[18] He also serves as chair of the Transit Committee.[19][20]
Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
Jung serves as a board member of MWD, representing Fullerton overseeing water policy and infrastructure for Southern California. He also serves as Chair of the Legislative and Communications Committee within the MWD.[21]
Orange County Water District
Jung was appointed in January 2025, Jung represents Division 10 (Fullerton) on the OCWD Board.[22] His term extends through December 2028.[23]
Local issues
In 2025, the Fullerton City Council voted to discontinue the display of newspapers and free publications at City Hall, citing a content-neutral policy. Jung supported the policy.[24][25]
On March 4, 2025, Jung introduced an agenda item for the Fullerton City Council to explore the possibility of transitioning Fullerton from a general law city to a charter city.[26] In California, charter cities are governed by their own municipal charters rather than the state's general law, allowing for greater local control over municipal affairs such as elections, contracts, and land use.[27] Jung cited concerns about state-imposed mandates and expressed interest in increasing local authority over city governance.[28]
Electoral history
City of Fullerton – November 5, 2024
General election for Fullerton City Council
| Candidate | Votes | % |
|---|---|---|
| ✓ Fred Jung | 7,432 | 72.10% |
| Matthew "Matt" Truxaw | 2,882 | 27.09% |