RSM Mayor Abruptly Drops Her Reelection Bid, Citing 'Inaccurate' Info

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, CA — Rancho Santa Margarita's mayor abruptly suspended her campaign for reelection this week and said she won't serve another term if elected.

The Nov. 5 election is less than three weeks away, and voting has already begun. Rancho Santa Margarita Mayor Carol Gamble said she would resign from her District 3 City Council seat if she wins the race.

Gamble cited an "error" with her nomination paperwork for her decision. She halted her campaign Sunday afternoon, according to a statement authored by Gamble.

The former candidate said she signed her nomination paperwork "attesting to an inaccurate statement," and it was discovered after the review period to fix it had passed.

"My error, my responsibility and my decisions have been discussed with the District Attorney through my counsel, and no promises have been made to me," Gamble said in the news release.

Gamble did not specify the nature of the inaccuracy in her paperwork.

"To the residents, businesses, Council Colleagues and City Staff of Rancho Santa Margarita, I am very sorry for my irreversible mistake, and I am at the same time very proud of all that we accomplished by working together," she said.

Campaign contributions from supporters will also be returned, she said.

Though Gamble has suspended her race, residents may have already voted for her or may yet vote for her.

Gamble was not immediately available for comment. The Rancho Santa Margarita city clerk has not responded to a request for information regarding Gamble's campaign filings.

Gamble has worked with the City of Rancho Santa Margarita since 1995. She has served in the same position three other times, according to her biography.

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