Costa Mesa District 3 Lead Flips: Daniel Morgan Ahead of Cara Stewart by 60 Votes

COSTA MESA, Orange County — November 4, 2026. A late election-night update changed the apparent leader in Costa Mesa’s District 3 City Council race. Daniel Morgan is ahead of Cara Stewart by just 60 votes in the later count shown by NBC Los Angeles. The early tally had Stewart ahead, making this a race to monitor during the county canvass.

District 3 reverses in the overnight count

The later displayed figures show Morgan with 1,751 votes (50.87%) against Stewart’s 1,691 (49.13%). An earlier snapshot showed Stewart ahead with 1,412 votes to Morgan’s 1,331. This swing is not proof that a winner has been determined; additional eligible ballots may alter the result again.

Other council contests

In District 4, Angely Vallarta has 1,333 votes (67.32%) and Fisher Derderian has 647 (32.68%). In District 5, Kelly Brown has 1,976 (55.26%) to Steve Smith’s 1,600 (44.74%). These are distinct district ballots, not one citywide council election.

Where to check for later revisions

Costa Mesa residents can use the Orange County Registrar of Voters for official canvass updates. Reported precinct counts do not mean every mail or provisional ballot has been included. The mayoral contest and Measure C are covered in separate city reports; this article focuses on the district council races.

Source: NBC Los Angeles Orange County live returns, November 4 overnight update. Not final or certified.

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