Orange County Supervisor Don Wagner announced his candidacy for California secretary of state, emphasizing a commitment to secure, accurate and accessible elections. The 64-year-old Republican is joined by former California secretaries of state Bill Jones and Bruce McPherson, who will serve as his campaign co-chairs.

“I want to run for secretary of state because I believe the state of California can do better,” Wagner said. “It can do better in assuring our voters that our elections are free and fair.”

A key priority for Wagner is restoring the “damaged trust” in the election system. He strongly endorses the California Voter ID initiative, expected on the November 2026 ballot.

Currently, 36 other states require voter identification at the polls. Wagner noted that there’s no drop in participation with the check implemented. A 2008 CalTech study revealed that there is no evidence that voter identification affects participation in the polls.

Read more at THE SACRAMENTO BEE.

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