Orange County residents are preparing for the 2026 Primary Election on June 2, with ballots already mailed. Voters will consider a range of county and state positions, with several incumbents facing significant scrutiny.
Incumbent Orange County Assessor Claude Parrish faces questions stemming from a 2023 county-commissioned report, revealed in early 2025, which found he violated county policies regarding gender discrimination and harassment. A 2016 wrongful termination lawsuit and a 2024 proposed “possessory interest tax” drew public criticism for potentially raising costs for middle-class renters, contributing to “significant friction” with other county officials. An endorsement is made for his opponent, Janet Keo Conklin.
Separately, incumbent Treasurer-Tax Collector Shari Freidenrich saw her authority over the county’s $17 billion investment pool stripped by the Board of Supervisors in late 2024 following an independent investigation finding workplace violence policy violations. Her former top deputy, Dana Schultz, is challenging her in the primary, reportedly after Freidenrich attempted to fire Schultz when she filed to run. Schultz receives an endorsement.
In other county races, Auditor-Controller Andrew N. Hamilton and Superintendent of Schools Stefan Bean are running unopposed, securing reelection. Incumbent Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen is noted for his performance against opponent Maria Holly Barraza, who lacks experience in the office.
The 2nd Supervisorial District race features incumbent Vicente Sarmiento, challenged by Nelida Mendoza, James Wallace, and Kimberly Davis. Sarmiento is described as “pro-criminal and anti police” and voted to give Supervisors a 25% raise. Nelida Mendoza, who previously served on the Santa Ana City Council, receives an endorsement, as Sarmiento is opposed.
Santa Ana voters will also consider two judicial elections. For Superior Court Office No. 13, Senior Deputy District Attorney Robert Mestman is noted for having more support from law enforcement, including the Santa Ana Police Officers’ Association, and receives an endorsement. For Office No. 41, incumbent Judge Ami S. Sagel faces Charles E. Pell, with Sagel having extensive endorsements.
In the California Governor race, President Donald Trump has endorsed Steve Hilton. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, a Republican, is favored by those prioritizing law enforcement. Katie Porter is noted for allegedly “violently attacked her ex husband on at least one occasion.” Xavier Becerra faces scrutiny over his management of migrant children at HHS and an “illegal campaign fund scheme.” Endorsements go to Matt Mahan and Chad Bianco.
Incumbent Attorney General Rob Bonta has faced “continuous pushback from conservative groups and law enforcement associations” who argue his policies are overly lenient and contribute to public safety concerns. He also faced criticism after his 2026 reelection campaign account reportedly paid $468,000 to a private law firm amid a federal bribery investigation, leading to a complaint filed with the California Fair Political Practices Commission.
