The Orange County 2026 Primary Election is underway, with ballots already mailed for the June 2 election.
In the Orange County Assessor race, incumbent Claude Parrish, who has served for over 11 years, faces scrutiny. A 2023 county-commissioned report, revealed in early 2025, found Parrish had violated county policies regarding gender discrimination and harassment. He also faced a 2016 wrongful termination lawsuit by former employees alleging they were fired for reporting illegal acts, including claims that Parrish falsified payroll reports and was often “unfit for office” or “confused” during work hours. Additionally, in 2024, he drew public criticism for a proposed “possessory interest tax” that critics argued would unfairly raise costs for middle-class renters. Given these issues, his opponent, Janet Keo Conklin, receives an endorsement.
For Treasurer-Tax Collector, incumbent Shari Freidenrich, in office since 2010, is being challenged. Freidenrich is responsible for collecting over $10 billion in property taxes annually and safeguarding public funds. In late 2024, the Orange County Board of Supervisors stripped her of her authority to manage the county’s $17 billion investment pool, transferring that power to the county CEO. This 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 running against her and receives an endorsement given Freidenrich’s “poor behavior.”
Other county races include Clerk-Recorder, where incumbent Hugh Nguyen is noted for his performance against opponent Maria Holly Barraza, who has no experience with the Clerk-Recorder’s office. Andrew N. Hamilton, Public Administrator/Guardian, and Stefan Bean, Superintendent of Schools, are set for reelection without opposition.
In the 2nd Supervisorial District, incumbent Vicente Sarmiento is described as being pro-criminal and anti police. He also voted to give himself and the other Supervisors a whopping 25% raise. Challengers include former Santa Ana Councilmember Nelida Mendoza, commercial decorator James Wallace, and business owner Kimberly Davis. James Wallace, a Republican, has the support of a grassroots GOP organization and took umbrage at Sarmiento’s raise, also criticizing the County’s handling of homelessness. Nelida Mendoza’s background includes work as a teacher and paralegal, alongside U.S. Army service. Mendoza receives an endorsement.
Santa Ana voters will also consider Orange County Superior Court races. For Office No. 13, Ann Cho and Robert Mestman, both Senior Deputy District Attorneys, are competing. Mestman appears to have more support from law enforcement, including the Santa Ana Police Officers’ Association, leading to an endorsement. For Office 41, incumbent Judge Ami S. Sagel faces Charles E. Pell. Sagel has extensive endorsements from both Democrats and Republicans as well as many Judges.
Statewide races for California Governor and Attorney General are also on the ballot. In the Governor’s race, Katie Porter, described as “mean and nasty,” is also noted for allegations of a violent attack on her ex-husband. Xavier Becerra faces scrutiny over his management of unaccompanied migrant children at HHS and an alleged illegal campaign fund scheme. Republican Chad Bianco, Riverside County Sheriff, is favored by those prioritizing law enforcement. Matt Mahan, Mayor of San Jose, is highlighted as a Democratic challenger who has “broken from the mold.”
Rob Bonta, the incumbent Attorney General, a progressive Democrat, has faced continuous pushback from conservative groups and law enforcement associations over policies argued to be overly lenient. 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 (FPPC).
