Midterm Elections in Orange County: Key Races to Watch

As the 2022 midterm elections approached, Orange County found itself at the center of high-stakes political battles. Once a Republican stronghold, the county had become a key battleground, with competitive congressional and city council races in cities like Fullerton, Santa Ana, and Irvine. Candidates clashed over issues such as housing, crime, education, and economic recovery, making this election cycle one of the most consequential in recent years.

Key Congressional Races

Several House seats in Orange County were hotly contested, reflecting the broader political shift in the region.

CA-47: Katie Porter vs. Scott Baugh

One of the most watched races was in California’s 47th Congressional District, where incumbent Democrat Katie Porter faced off against Republican challenger Scott Baugh. Porter, known for her aggressive questioning in Congress and consumer advocacy, focused on affordability, healthcare, and corporate accountability. Baugh, a former state assemblyman, campaigned on lower taxes, public safety, and reducing government overreach.

CA-40: Young Kim vs. Asif Mahmood

Republican incumbent Young Kim, part of the “GOP wave” in 2020, sought to hold her seat against Democrat Asif Mahmood, a physician running on a healthcare and pro-choice platform. The race was seen as a test of whether moderate Republicans could hold onto suburban districts amid shifting demographics.

City Council Battles: Santa Ana, Fullerton, and Irvine

While congressional races gained national attention, local elections were equally critical, shaping policies on housing, policing, and business regulations.

Santa Ana: Progressive vs. Business-Friendly Candidates

Santa Ana, a historically working-class and immigrant-heavy city, saw a battle between progressive candidates advocating for stronger tenant protections and business-friendly candidates emphasizing economic growth. Incumbent officials faced scrutiny over homelessness policies and public safety concerns.

Fullerton: Balancing Growth & Preservation

In Fullerton, candidates debated how to balance the city’s historic charm with modern development. Affordable housing, zoning laws, and traffic congestion were key topics. The race reflected broader tensions in Orange County over urban expansion versus neighborhood preservation.

Irvine: Education & Tech Growth

Irvine’s city council race centered on education funding, tech industry expansion, and environmental policies. With the city rapidly growing as a tech hub, candidates faced questions about sustainability, transportation, and how to accommodate a growing workforce.

Major Policy Debates Shaping the Election

Across the board, several key issues dominated debates in Orange County:

• Housing & Homelessness – Candidates in nearly every race proposed different solutions to California’s housing crisis, from rent control to zoning law reforms.

• Crime & Public Safety – Republican candidates emphasized a “tough on crime” approach, while many Democrats focused on police reform and community-based safety measures.

• Education & School Board Races – With debates over curriculum, funding, and COVID-19 policies still fresh, school board elections saw increased engagement.

• Economic Recovery & Inflation – With rising costs impacting residents, candidates clashed over tax policies, job growth strategies, and small business support.

What’s Next for Orange County Politics?

The results of the 2022 midterms would help determine whether Orange County continued its trend toward Democratic representation or if Republicans could regain ground. Regardless of the outcome, the election underscored Orange County’s growing influence in shaping California’s political future.