IRVINE, CA - - Today, Orange County Supervisor Don Wagner announced his candidacy for California Secretary of State and that former California Secretaries of State Bill Jones and Bruce McPherson will serve as his Campaign Co-Chairs. 

“Californians deserve an excellent election system that is secure, accurate, timely in reporting results, and accessible to every eligible voter,” said Wagner. “I commit to restoring Californians’ damaged trust in their election system. I want to assure that every eligible voter, but only eligible voters, can exercise the fundamental American right to participate in our democracy.” 

In November of 2026, California voters will likely decide if the state is going to join the 36 other states that require voter identification at the polls. 

“In stark contrast to Gavin Newsom’s appointee incumbent Secretary of State, a longtime and outspoken opponent of voter identification laws, I fully endorse the California Voter ID initiative and pledge to uphold and implement it should voters adopt it in November of next year,” said Wagner. 

As a former State Assembly Member, Irvine Mayor, College Board Trustee, and Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors, Wagner will bring a vast range of experience and a long list of accomplishments to the Secretary of State’s office. 

In addition to serving as California’s chief elections officer, the Secretary of State’s office has a myriad of other responsibilities, including the maintenance of election financial disclosure records and the processing of business filings and records of businesses looking to open their doors in the state. 

“As Secretary of State, my office will make certain the public has complete ready access to all of the financial information about candidates that state law demands they produce. I will also be an active partner with the entrepreneurs and job-creators on which our economy depends,” Wagner said. “The public and job creators will finally have a friend in Sacramento.” 

Supervisor Don Wagner has a distinguished career of public service and a well-earned reputation as a straight-shooter, fiscal watchdog and champion for working families, small businesses and veterans of our armed services.

Don and his wife, Megan, are longtime residents of Orange County. Don received his bachelor’s degree from UCLA and his Juris Doctorate from the University of California, Hastings College of Law.

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