Joong KimJoong Kim

Joong Kim is seeking a return to the Calexico City Council after previously serving as both a councilmember and mayor. Kim immigrated to the United States in 1980 and settled in Calexico in 1984. He previously served four years on the City Council and later served as mayor. During his council tenure, Kim raised concerns about city budget overspending and sought a review by the California State Controller’s Office. City records show that, as mayor in January 2016, he formally requested consideration of a state audit of Calexico’s finances covering the previous eight to 10 years. Kim has said the subsequent fiscal review validated concerns he had raised about the city’s finances and that, as mayor, he focused on restoring fiscal stability. His 2026 campaign represents an effort to return to City Hall on the strength of his previous experience in municipal government and fiscal oversight.