Political observers often cite the “Horseshoe Theory” to discuss how extremes often advocate policies that are similar, such as the way MAGA populists and progressives both back tariffs. Their reasoning might be different, but the theory suggests left and right are not separated along a line. Instead, the differences mimic the bend in a horseshoe with both ends surprisingly close to one another.
We’re seeing this theory play out in Huntington Beach. GOP Councilmember Tony Strickland has built a conservative majority to fight anti-woke battles on topics ranging from the content of library books to voter identification. Although generally considered a moderate-conservative when he served in the Legislature, Strickland has now burnished a reputation as a right-wing culture warrior.
So it was with some surprise that, Strickland publicly supported a coming statewide ballot measure that promotes rent control. Sponsored by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, November’s measure would allow local governments to – in the model of San Francisco and Santa Monica – impose extreme rent-control measures.
“There is a solution to our issues in an unlikely place,” Strickland said during a council meeting, in reference to the initiative. “Statewide rent control is a ludicrous idea, but the measure’s language goes further. It gives local governments ironclad protections from the state’s housing policy and therefore overreaching enforcement.”
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So the “conservative” mayor is backing an initiative backed by far-left activists because he believes it would help the city oppose permitting of new housing. Backers dispute his argument it will exempt the city from conforming to state housing policy, but his willingness to make that case speaks volumes about his principles. The city has been battling state officials who want cities to allow more development.
It’s discouraging Strickland is willing to destroy the rights of landlords and homeowners in pursuit of his anti-growth agenda. Any real conservative knows rent control destroys housing markets wherever it’s tried by discouraging construction of new units.
We hope the newly woke mayor enjoys his newfound leftist company at the ends of the horseshoe.