About Josh Bastian

Josh and his wife Amanda have been proud residents of Rancho Santa Margarita since 2004. Both graduates of Mission Viejo High School, Josh and Amanda have deep local roots and fulfilled a long held dream when they settled in RSM more than two decades ago. Today, they are raising two daughters, Payton who attends Mission Viejo High School and Reagan who is a student at Robinson Ranch Elementary. Their adult son, Michael, a Trabuco Hills High School graduate, is serving our country on active duty in the United States Coast Guard and is currently deployed overseas.

Josh began his career through the National Elevator Industry Educational Program, a competitive trade school that shaped his work ethic and practical leadership style. Over the next two decades, he advanced into senior executive roles where he oversaw regional operations, budgets, and personnel development while delivering multimillion dollar performance targets across multiple states. These experiences strengthened his belief that effective leadership requires accountability, fiscal responsibility, and the ability to balance long term planning with day to day realities.

In the community, Josh has served as President of the Rancho Santa Margarita Chamber of Commerce and later as a Planning Commissioner for the City of Rancho Santa Margarita. His work on the commission reinforced his commitment to protecting the character of RSM while ensuring smart, measured growth that benefits residents. Josh is also actively involved with The Bridge Church, RSM Cares, local school programs, and youth activities.

Josh believes that Rancho Santa Margarita deserves leaders who bring steady judgment and a strong understanding of how thoughtful investments today can strengthen the city for decades. At a time when some argue that the safest choice is simply to spend nothing, Josh believes the wiser path is to spend responsibly. That means making decisions grounded in data, fairness, and long term value for RSM families. It also means ensuring that city partnerships and contracts reflect true equity for our residents and do not place unnecessary financial burdens on RSM while others benefit disproportionately.

As a long time resident, parent, and experienced leader, Josh is running for Rancho Santa Margarita City Council District 1 to ensure that our city remains safe, community focused, financially sound, and well positioned for the future.