OC Supervisor Don Wagner Launches His 2024 Campaign – Orange County Register

Orange County Supervisor Don Wagner is running for re-election in 2024 — in a county that will be at least somewhat new to him.

Wagner announced his campaign on Friday, February 10, on the steps of the old Orange County Courthouse in Santa Ana, where he touted his past accomplishments.

“As manager, I have embraced the challenges and solutions to build a better Orange County,” said Wagner, whose term ends in January 2025. “We managed to bring key parties together to build a state-of-the-art psychiatric facility, fund a veterans’ cemetery in Anaheim Hills, and improve public safety.”

“We’ve had great success, but my work isn’t done yet. I’m here to build on the successes we’ve had in improving the lives of all residents of the 3rd Circuit and throughout Orange County,” Wagner said.

Wagner, a North Tustin resident, said he believes the county is going in a positive direction and has been in a good place despite challenges like COVID-19 and homelessness.

“Many cities in my district and throughout Orange County are among the safest in the entire country,” Wagner told the Register. “It’s important to continue that progress and make sure we maintain that quality of life.”

He said the county needs to make sure it’s focused on its budget.

“The budget is balanced this year, but much of it is supported by federal spending,” Wagner said. “We have received over $1 billion in federal COVID spending. I expect those dollars to disappear in the coming year and beyond so we have to work very carefully to balance our budget.”

Wagner was elected Chairman of the Supervisory Board in January.

It runs in the newly formed 3rd Ward, which spans 10 cities including portions of Anaheim, Irvine and Mission Viejo, as well as unincorporated areas of Orange County. According to his office, he already represents almost two-thirds of the district.

Heading into 2024, Wagner has the support of several local, state, and federal Republican elected officials, including Reps. Young Kim and Michelle Steel, State Assemblyman Philip Chen, Mission Viejo Mayor Brian Goodell, and the Mayor of Newport Beach, Noah Blom.

And Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes joined Wagner for his announcement on Friday.

“Supervisor Don Wagner has been a tireless advocate for public safety in our community,” Barnes said.

Wagner, a former member of the Republican state assembly and mayor of Irvine, was first elected in a special election in 2019 to fill the seat vacated by Todd Spitzer after he was elected district attorney. He won a full four-year term in 2020.