Huntington Beach’s Mayor Pro Tem Tito Ortiz steps down amid backlash

Huntington Beach in Orange County has garnered national attention over the past year because of objections to many COVID-19 safety protocols like mask-wearing. And now, one of the most prominent voices in the protests of COVID-19 safety guidelines is resigning from political office.

Former MMA fighter Tito Ortiz announced that he was stepping down from his position of mayor pro tem after a six-month tenure. That’s because of what he calls a backlash from some community members, political opponents, and the media.

nominated and unanimously approved that Councilmember Barbara Delgleize is the new mayor pro tem until December 2021.