News Summary
Orange County Supervisor Don Wagner has declared his candidacy for California Secretary of State, challenging incumbent Shirley Weber. Wagner’s campaign focuses on restoring voter confidence and advocating for a proposed voter ID initiative. With a strong emphasis on improving election processes, he aims to address voter distrust and promote reforms to speed up ballot counting. As a seasoned local government official, Wagner seeks to reclaim this pivotal position for the Republican Party, highlighting the importance of election integrity and efficiency.
Orange County, CA – Orange County Supervisor Don Wagner has officially announced his candidacy for California Secretary of State, marking a significant development in the upcoming 2026 election. Wagner becomes the first Republican challenger to incumbent Secretary of State Shirley Weber, who has already indicated her intentions to seek reelection.
Wagner’s campaign is built on addressing the growing voter distrust in California’s election system, which he claims has become a critical issue. He emphasizes that restoring public confidence in the electoral process should be a primary responsibility of the Secretary of State’s office. As part of his platform, Wagner expresses support for a proposed 2026 voter ID initiative that is currently in the signature-gathering phase for the ballot, pledging to uphold its implementation if approved by voters.
The incumbent Secretary of State, Shirley Weber, has held her position since her election in 2020 and was elected with 60.1% of the vote in the last election. She opposes voter ID requirements, which creates a clear distinction between her views and those of Wagner. In addition to voter ID, Wagner is critical of California’s lengthy ballot counting process, which he states can take more than a month. He is advocating for legislative reforms that would speed up ballot curing and limit mail-in ballots to those who specifically request them.
Wagner has been a member of the Orange County Board of Supervisors since 2019, following previous roles as the mayor of Irvine and as a member of the state assembly. His experience in local government is highlighted as beneficial for the Secretary of State position, especially in maintaining the statewide voter registration database and certifying candidates and ballot initiatives.
Recent data from an October Gallup poll indicates that 84% of Americans support the idea of requiring photo ID to vote. However, confidence in California’s voting system appears to be more divided along party lines, with 53% of Californians expressing trust, a figure that rises to 63% among likely voters. Wagner aims to tap into the skepticism expressed by Republicans concerning the integrity of the election process.
Wagner has raised concerns that current voting processes allow individuals to receive ballots addressed to previous owners of property, which he argues contributes to voter disillusionment. He believes that the Secretary of State’s office has an essential role in improving voting integrity while facilitating business operations in the state. He warns that inefficiencies in this office could hinder economic growth and contribute to the exodus of businesses from California.
The last Republican to serve as Secretary of State was Bruce McPherson, who was appointed in 2005 but lost in the following election. Wagner’s campaign will be supported by campaign co-chairs Bill Jones and Bruce McPherson as he seeks to reclaim this office for the Republican Party.
Wagner will remain in his current role at the Board of Supervisors until 2028 when he will be termed out. As the campaign unfolds, he emphasizes the importance of addressing public concerns and advocating for legal backing for voter ID requirements to strengthen the electoral process in California.
As Wagner campaigns for this pivotal statewide position, he hopes to rally support around his reformative agenda, asserting that the integrity and efficiency of California’s election system need to be priorities moving forward.
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Additional Resources
- OC Register: Don Wagner for Secretary of State
- Wikipedia: Secretary of State of California
- OC Register: Anthony Rendon for State Superintendent
- Google Search: California Secretary of State
- LAist: Measure A Results
- Google Scholar: Voter ID California
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Election
- California Globe: Blind Squirrels in Sacramento
- Google News: California Election 2026
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA
The Costa Mesa Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, performances at the Pacific Amphitheatre, and community gatherings at The LAB Anti-Mall. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Visit Costa Mesa, plus leading businesses in retail, entertainment, and innovation that shape the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
