DON WAGNER
A life committed to Family, Service, Leadership
Born in Pittsburgh, Donald P. Wagner moved to California at age 12. He met his wife, Megan, in high school. Both attended UCLA, where Don earned his BA, followed by a Juris Doctor from the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco. Growing up during the Reagan era shaped his belief in liberty.
In 1987, Don began his legal career as a business lawyer, founding Wagner, Lautsch LLP in 1993, specializing in business and real estate. He served on Orange County Bar Association committees and was the first President of the OC Chapter of the Federalist Society.
n 1998, he was elected to the South County Community College District Board of Trustees, serving six of his twelve years as Board President, where he balanced budgets and paid off debts without tax increases or bonds.
From 2010 to 2016, Don served in the California State Assembly, known for his expertise in government fiscal affairs, particularly on committees such as Appropriations and Budget.
In 2016, he became Mayor of Irvine. In 2017, Mayor Wagner jump-started the stalled Great Park, which now offers world-class amenities after prior councils had wasted $200 million.
Don served as Mayor until 2019, when he was elected to the OC Board of Supervisors, serving as Vice Chairman (2022-2023) and Chairman (2023-January 2025). He was twice elected Board Chairman by a Democratic-controlled body, known for his ability to work across the aisle and for "promises made and promises kept." In 2019, he facilitated the reopening of Irvine Lake for shoreline fishing at no cost to taxpayers, earning him recognition as one of OC's Most Influential People. In 2020, Don secured funding to clear a 30-year backlog of sexual assault evidence kits, processing over 1,500 kits by fall 2021. Don has served on numerous Orange County boards and commissions, including the Fire Authority and Transportation Authority, providing him with extensive knowledge of local issues.
His most significant public project is establishing a Military Veterans Cemetery in Orange County. Wagner also serves on the board of Angel Force USA, raising awareness about military suicide.
Don and Megan, married over 40 years, raised their three children in Orange County and are now grandparents of two. They are avid UCLA sports fans, with Don also supporting the Angels, Ducks, Dodgers, and Steelers. An English major with a love for classics and history, Don is an avid reader. A recent cancer survivor, Don is proactive, seeking common ground while adhering to conservative values. He addresses problems directly and avoids personal disputes. His governance philosophy is inspired by the Leviticus quote on the Liberty Bell:
“Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof.”
Sign Up For Campaign Updates!
Paid for by Wagner for Secretary of State 2026 FPPC# 1482695