The Orange County 2026 Primary Election is fast approaching on June 2, with ballots already in mailboxes. A comprehensive voter guide details the significant contests and provides recommendations for Orange County and state offices.
In Orange County, Assessor Claude Parrish, who has served for over 11 years, faces scrutiny. A 2023 county-commissioned report, revealed in early 2025, found Parrish violated county policies regarding gender discrimination and harassment. Additionally, a 2016 wrongful termination lawsuit alleged employees were fired for reporting illegal acts, including claims Parrish falsified payroll reports and was often “unfit for office” or “confused” during work hours. In 2024, he also faced public criticism for a proposed “possessory interest tax” that critics argued would unfairly raise costs for middle-class renters. Given these documented investigations and past behavior, the guide endorses his opponent, Janet Keo Conklin (Nonpartisan).
Other Orange County races see incumbents Andrew N. Hamilton (Nonpartisan) for Auditor-Controller and Stefan Bean (Nonpartisan) for Superintendent of Schools both unopposed and effectively reelected. For Clerk-Recorder, incumbent Hugh Nguyen (Nonpartisan) is highly praised by the guide for his performance, which recommends his reelection over opponent Maria Holly Barraza (Nonpartisan), who lacks experience with the Clerk-Recorder’s office.
Treasurer-Tax Collector Shari Freidenrich (Nonpartisan) had her authority to manage the county’s $17 billion investment pool stripped by the Orange County Board of Supervisors in late 2024. This action followed an independent investigation that found she violated workplace violence policies, including an incident where she allegedly threw keys at a subordinate. Her former top deputy, Dana Schultz, is challenging her in the primary, after Freidenrich reportedly attempted to fire Schultz shortly after she filed to run. The guide endorses Dana Schultz due to Freidenrich’s behavior.
The 2nd Supervisorial District race features incumbent Vicente Sarmiento, challenged by former Santa Ana Councilmember Nelida Mendoza, commercial decorator James Wallace, and business owner Kimberly Davis. The guide notes concerns regarding Supervisor Sarmiento, characterizing him as “pro-criminal and anti-police” and highlighting his vote for a 25% salary increase for supervisors. James Wallace, a Republican, has garnered grassroots support. The guide states its absolute opposition to Sarmiento and endorses Nelida Mendoza, considering her the most viable challenger in the largely Democratic district.
For Orange County Superior Court Office No. 13, candidates Ann Cho and Robert Mestman, both Senior Deputy District Attorneys, are vying for the seat. Mestman has significant law enforcement support, including the Santa Ana Police Officers’ Association. The guide endorses Mestman, citing his strong backing from law enforcement. For Office 41, incumbent Judge Ami S. Sagel, who has broad endorsements, faces Charles E. Pell.
In the crowded California Governor’s race, the guide notes criticisms of several candidates. Katie Porter is described as “mean and nasty,” and Xavier Becerra faces scrutiny over his management of unaccompanied migrant children at HHS and an alleged illegal campaign fund scheme. Tom Steyer is labeled “too progressive.” Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco is favored by those prioritizing law enforcement. The guide identifies San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan and Bianco as its preferred candidates.
For California Attorney General, incumbent Rob Bonta, a progressive Democrat, has faced continuous pushback from conservative groups and law enforcement associations, who argue his policies on bail reform, criminal sentencing, and police accountability are overly lenient and contribute to public safety concerns. Bonta also faced criticism after his 2026 reelection campaign account paid $468,000 to a private law firm amid a federal bribery investigation, prompting a formal complaint with the California Fair Political Practices Commission.
