The O.C. Board of Supervisors came under intense scrutiny after LAist uncovered that former Supervisor Andrew Do was funneling millions in taxpayer dollars to family members and close associates. While Do serves time in federal prison, the county is pursuing a civil lawsuit against Do and his associates.
Meanwhile, the Board of Supervisors has ordered audits to find out if the abuse went further and implemented reforms to try to prevent abuse of taxpayer funds in the future. Some have also questioned whether those reforms go far enough.
The county is also in the middle of a tense legal battle with Mind OC, once its main mental health partner. The county wants to break its lease with Mind OC to operate the Be Well Orange mental health campus, accusing the organization of squandering $60 million in public funds. Meanwhile, Mind OC has launched a public relations offensive that paints the county as standing in the way of residents’ access to top-quality mental health care.
The county has had to pay out millions in damages to victims of the 2024 Airport Fire, which was started by county Public Works employees. There still are outstanding claims. Last year, the county added approximately $400 million to its insurance fund to cover potential new payouts to fire victims.
The county is facing a $32 million lawsuit from the state wildlands firefighting agency, CalFire, which seeks to recover its costs for fighting the Airport Fire.
The county also is in the midst of settling claims of sexual harassment and retaliation in the District Attorney’s Office filed by former prosecutors and investigators.
Race Synopsis
We expect a very close race between two well-known and experienced local politicians, one had been mayor of Newport Beach, the other Mayor of Costa Mesa. Foley won her first term 51-49 and the 5th district voted for Harris in 2024 by 348 votes. Both candidates list public safety and coastal/climate protection as priorities along with economic issues but differences in focus remain. If either candidate gets more than half the ballots cast, the election will be over.
Media Coverage
OC Register endorses Katrina Foley, OC Register, 4/27/26
Morning Digest: The race is on for control of Orange County, California, The Downballot, 1/20/26.
Campaign Spending Heats Up in OC Board of Supervisors Races, Noah Biesiada, Voice of OC, 5/5/26