A Gallery of Hope: The Truth OC’s 26 Best Political Figures of 2026

There were plenty o’ people to choose from. But only so many slots available.

So a month or so ago, I wrote a post headlined, A GALLERY OF FREAKS: THE TRUTH OC’S 26 WORST POLITICAL FIGURES OF 2026. And, in full transparency, I was gonna end the project right there. I picked out a fleet of awfuls, I did my snarky Substack thing, I felt good about myself—Voilà. Game over.

Then, alas, folks started asking something along the lines of, “So you’re gonna do the 26 best, right?” And, initially, I thought, “Eh, no.” Just too hard, too daunting, too many great people to sort through. But as the requests mounted, I realized this site tends to lean far too negative, without always highlighting the best of the best.

Hence, the post you’re about to read.

Now, an important point to consider: While I did think long and hard about the rankings, it’s sorta like comparing apples to llamas to 8-tracks. Like, what makes someone the best of the best, as opposed to merely one of the best? Is an elected figure, well, bestier (my Substack, my made-up words) than a volunteer? Are media members “political figures”? How about influencers? What makes someone eligible? Or ineligible?

Answer: I don’t know.

To compile this, I sought out the insights of people I like and trust, and even considered whether some Republicans might wind up on the page (one made it—Hugh Nguyen). Ultimately, I hope y’all view this less as anything definitive and more as a celebration of the all the outstanding people who have helped transition Orange County from a Ronald Reagan stronghold to a wondrous purple dreamscape.

Twenty six journeys.

Twenty six pathways.

Twenty six kick-ass political peeps.

Welcome to the resistance …

1. Amy Stevens, Volunteer organizer for OC Indivisible Coalition and member rep for OC Working Families Party

There is a solid chance you have never heard of Stevens—not to be confused with the Amy Stevens running for city council in Lake Forest (and a very worthy public figure as well) or the 4,565,321 other Amy Stevens populating the globe. Like the “Vanilla Sky” actress. And the retail planning executive. And the Flowboarding world champion.

It is, however, very likely you have seen her.

This Amy Stevens is everywhere. Truly, e-v-e-r-y-w-h-e-r-e. Name a local political event, and she’s either organizing, helping organize, attending or spreading the word. I cannot overstate this point: She is all energy, all heart, all hustle, all over the place, as well as a ferocious advocate for Democratic candidates and policies.

Best of all, there’s no ego. This is about righteousness, and fighting for democracy and—oftentimes—having her son tag along to help. For me, just watching her tireless pursuit of justice has been a motivator and an inspiration. Or, put different: Amy Stevens is 100 percent in.

What could be better?

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2. Mike Levin, U.S. Representative for California’s 49th congressional district

I’m not gonna lie—I was an early Mike Levin skeptic. Not because of anything he did, but, well—politicians. So many are kinda gross, kinda compromised, kinda used to talking from both sides of the mouth. They’re just exhausting and suck the oxygen out of the room.

But the more I’ve gotten to see Mike in action, and know him, the more I’m reminded that there are still decent and well-intended public servants.

You can read up on Mike’s pursuits here, but an under-appreciated element of the job is base-level accessibility. Hell, look at Young Kim, who makes appearances as often as the Ducks win the Stanley Cup (sorry, kids). Mike, on the other hand, is unusually available. To Dems, to Republicans, to independents. He understands that representatives, cough, represent. And while so many of his peers hide from their constituents, Mike is there.

It’s a special quality.

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3. Louise Herbert/Fran Sdao/Linda Verraster/Kim Anderson: Leaders of Democratic Women of South Orange County

Shortly after the crushing 2024 presidential election, I attended a local political meeting where the members kept snapping their fingers as a form of encouragement and unity. And I understand it’s, like, a response to someone stating a powerful message, but—Jesus Christ, I hated it. H-a-t-e-d it. It just feels like we (collectively, as Democrats) snap our fingers way too often, but refuse to break out the hammers and do some real damage.

Well, the Democratic Women of South Orange County break shit and fundraise like champions.. Anderson and Verraster are co-presidents, Herbert is the vice president and Sdao is the political advisor—and the four are fearless, rugged, unintimidated and eager to kick ass. Within a fairly brief span, the DWSOC has grown from grass and pebbles to the most lethally impactful political operation in Orange County.

If you’re a Democrat, and you need to win an election down here, they’re the first place you go (well, after stopping here).

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4. Chris Kluwe: Candidate for Assembly District 72

Bro got arrested at a Huntington Beach City Council meeting, then lost his job as a football coach—all because he knows what he’s fighting for (democracy, decency), and won’t stop. As we speak, Chris is running against the dark lord of hellfire (Gracey Vander Mark) for an Assembly slot, and after a little bit of a slow start he’s really gotten the hang of this campaigning thing. I feel like I’ve come to know Chris fairly well by now, and he’s just … real. There’s no bullshit, no air of entitlement, no expectations of splendor. You can tell the Orange County Republicans are nervous, because they’re spending a lot on the QAnon-identifying Gracey.

Also, a perk: Chris doesn’t need this. He has money. He has fame (he’s a former NFL player). There’s no great self-payoff here—except he gets to help California and battle back the idiots.

Plus, I hear falls in Sacramento are lovely.

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5. Tiffany Ackley: Member of the Aliso Viejo City Council

Think of things you’d never, ever, ever wanna do. Examples: Pluck out all your nasal hairs. Lick Donald Trump’s face. Run naked across Yankee Stadium while singing Debbie Gibson’s “Electric Youth.” Eat your mother in law’s tuna meat loaf. Eat your mother in law’s homemade vegetarian chopped liver. Eat your mother in law’s …

You get the idea.

Pick anything—and it wouldn’t be nearly as bad as serving on the Aliso Viejo City Council, where Ackley finds herself surrounded by (mostly) boobs, idiots and idiotic boobs. And yet, to attend a meeting is to watch a woman of profound intelligence and integrity bring her A Game. Personally, observing Ackley beat back efforts to remove the Pride Flag from City Hall was the stuff of masters. Seriously, Mike Munzing didn’t know what hit him.

It was glorious—as is Ackley.

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6. Katrina Foley, Orange County Fifth District Supervisor

So, as was the case with Mike Levin, I didn’t have the initial warm fuzzies about Foley when we first met. But then—damn. Seriously, damn. I defy you to find a local political figure with a greater grasp on a greater number of issues. Foley (weirdly?) loves meetings, loves talking to citizens, loves explaining why she’s correct (but open to hearing other viewpoints). Is she brash? A bit. Is she confident? Sure. But I’ve never heard anyone better break down the highs, lows and complications of Dana Point Harbor developmental issues.

Plus, she’s running for re-election against an absolute lightweight who has no business going for Foley’s slot.

It shouldn’t be close.

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7. Connor Traut: Buena Park mayor and candidate for O.C. Supervisor

What John Ossoff is to Georgia, Traut has the potential to be for Orange County. A mere lad of 32, Traut is young, energetic, engaged, accomplished and something of a political prodigy. He’s extremely good at communicating points, and mixes understanding of issues with a hard-to-attain likability. About a year ago, having never heard of Traut, I attended a meeting in Buena Park and listened to him speak. In a word: Special. In two words: Special and gifted.

If this dude isn’t governor within two decades, it’s only because he got bored and decided to team up with Mike Trout on Trout ‘n’ Traut’s Pier Tavern and Fishing Depot.

He’s that good.

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8. Amy Capelle: Executive Director of WAVE

Nothing to see here—other than yet another bad-ass, ever-energized, bull-in-a-china shop Orange County woman busting her ass to help progressives get elected. Along with the leaders of Democratic Women of South Orange County, Capelle and her WAVE crew are the nucleus of Democratic Party growth in OC.

On a side note, I would love to see the different operations start working together with greater frequency. I know there’s ego, I know there are myriad priorities, etc … etc. But the Republicans seem to be far better at picking five messages and, collectively, addressing them on repeat.

So, Amy Capelle, do your thing.

It’s your gift.

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9 . Gina Clayton-Tarvin, Ocean View School District Board President

There are thugs, there are bad-ass thugs and then there are absolute bad-ass thug mofos.

Meet Gina Clayton-Tarvin.

Back in 2025, Gina took to Instagram to slam Butch Twining, Huntington Beach City Council member (and Kirk Cameron’s body double in “Unstoppable”) after he took part in a wildly stupid Charlie Kirk rally at the Huntington Beach Pier. Twining sued Gina for $25 million in damages, and she countered with an anti-SLAPP motion (According to the Daily Pilot: “Designed to protect those exercising their 1st Amendment rights of free speech.”). Well, not only was Twining smacked down, but he was forced to pay nearly $120,000 in Gina’s attorney fees.

Hell, yes.

We need fearless brawlers.

Gina is a fearless brawler.

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10. Cynthia Vasquez: Member of the Mission Viejo City Council

Watch enough meetings of the Mission Viejo City Council, and it becomes clear very quickly that:

A. The Republican members of the council want nothing to do with Vasquez.

B. Vasquez isn’t there to make friends.

Even though the council’s MAGA lemmings pay Vasquez little mind and even less respect (the refusal to let her serve as mayor—a rotating position—is shameful), the holder of an MBA from the Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois keeps charging ahead. She is a major organizer in the city’s Mission Viejo Pride events, and was the key voice in the much-needed installation of a refuge lane on Marguerite Parkway at La Sierra Drive.

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11. Carol Nohra Crane: Member, Newport-Mesa Unified School Board

In Newport, where pockets are stuffed with gold coins and the average automobile includes the letters B, M and W in its name, it’s easy to be a goober school board member who focuses on surface-level bullshit.

Crane, though, is the real deal. She initially ran during COVID, and won as a reasonable, kind voice midway through crazed times. She’s maintained that sense of compassion and empathy, which is needed now more than ever. Oh, and she has an amazing back story—“My family and I were political refugees, having fled a dangerous religious civil war in Lebanon in 1975,” she told Amy Senk. “We settled in the San Francisco Bay Area. I was 12 years old and vividly recall the economic hardships of starting from scratch. We were a family of five living in a scantily furnished apartment. Since we couldn’t afford a car, we walked everywhere. My mom waitressed at a local French restaurant, and my father was a laborer in a meat-packing company. Within three years, he rose to become the senior controller of that company. Within five years, we had purchased our first home. Within 10 years, my siblings and I had graduated from top colleges. We had fulfilled the American Dream.”

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12. Erika Hennon Rule, Writer of “A Public Record for Laguna Schools”

From the “Not all superheroes wear capes” universe, I bring you the amazing Hennon Rule, a Laguna Beach parent who—out of frustration, anger and necessity—started up a truly outstanding and important Substack, “A Public Record for Laguna Schools.”

And if you’re thinking, “Meh—Laguna Beach is wealthy and liberal, so how bad can it be?” … answer: Pretty fucking bad. According to Hennon Rule’s dogged reporting, the district is overwhelmed by a perfect brew of incompetence and corruption. It all sorta feels like a mid-1980s soap opera, with greed and assholeness blended into every episode. Don’t believe me? Check out this eye-catching entry, headlined, DEE PERRY’S LONG FIGHT WITH POWER AT LBUSD. Here, for me as a journalist, is the money segment: “For this piece, I reviewed Board meetings back to 2016, and Public Records Act requests from nearly the same period. I read contemporary coverage instead of relying on later retellings. I examined Dee’s federal lawsuit, the District’s response, and the courts’ decisions. I also reviewed old communications involving people who were in the audience then and now sit next to Dee on the Board.”

As is the case with Chris Kluwe, it would be easy for Erika to kick back, enjoy an iced coffee and watch the waves crash.

But that’s not what civic-mindedness is.

That’s not what makes greatness.

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13. Cottie Petrie-Norris, Assembly member repping the 73rd district

Find someone with a bad word to say about Petrie-Norris and I’ll find you a douche in a MAGA hat kneeling before half-naked photos of David Duke while waiting for his Trump wristwatch to arrive via USPS.

First elected to the State Assembly in 2018, Petrie-Norris is—like Katrina Foley—one of those public servants who rolls up her sleeves and digs into stuff with an endearingly wonkish tenacity. Unlike too many on the right here in California, she’s particularly focused on issues of energy affordability, highlighted by AB 1301 Utility Bill Responsibility.

Also, in a past life she served on the Housing and Human Services Committee of Laguna Beach. And you have to be really committed to serve on the Housing and Human Services Committee of Laguna Beach.

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14. Krista Castellanos: Member of the Capo Unified School Board

Admittedly, there’s some regional bias here, because Krista serves on my local school board. But as Capo Unified is infiltrated by a flock of Moms For Liberty freaks and weirdos, Krista is, without fail, the voice of reason and resiliency.

It’s actually a bit entertaining, attending Capo meetings and watching Krista’s head slowly explode as Lisa Davis and Jennifer Adnams (combined IQ: -14) spew nonsense about nonsense about nonsense. Like, you sorta wonder what happens when a functioning human brain absorbs 400,000 pounds of right-wing goop. Will it blow up? Cave in? Turn to slime? Join a KISS tribute band?

Ultimately/amazingly, Krista keeps her cool and urges normalcy.

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15. James Black: Deputy Director for Congressman Dave Min

This is a strange one, because why pick a staffer over the actual congressman? Well, by now we all know Min is fantastic and smart and available (hell, you can consider him a part of this list, and place him wherever you’d like), but how many readers are aware of Black, a highly regarded UC Irvine grad who has gained great respect and note for being smart, savvy and available? To quote a friend of mine who spends much time on OC politics: “He cares, he’s heavily involved in the community, and is a phenomenal staffer.”

It’s weird, because so many people in Black’s shoes come and go—forgotten like yesterday’s McDonald’s order. But something about this man resonates with Orange County governmental types.

Maybe it’s the tie?

No.

It’s not the tie.

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16. Norberto Santana, Jr., Voice of OC editor and publisher

If I’m placing bets on this, Norberto will hate being noted on this list. Why? Because he’s neither a politician nor a political figure. Instead, he’s the founding publisher and editor-in-chief for Voice of OC—which (with the decline of the Register and the Los Angeles Times, as well as the disappearance of OC Weekly) is the best place for all your local political news. I mean that, as a journalist and political observer: My website is cute and fun and (I hope) worthwhile, but what Norberto and his (mostly young) staffers do is the lord’s work.

Best of all, Norberto and his team are thorough, balanced and fair—refreshing attributes in 2026.

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17. Lita Robinow, Chair of Democrats of Orange County Political Action Committee

When you hear the word PAC, you think of some ultra-rich group far removed from the reality of day-to-day life most of us poor schlubs experience. Well, that’s not DemPAC OC and that’s 100-percent not the outstanding Lita Rabinow.

Lita and her group get together once a month by holding a potluck (don’t eat the seafood salad) and inviting local elected officials to speak. They all chip in what they can and give money to good progressives in nationwide races. There’s something beautiful and authnetic about this group. They’re good people who are pissed off and overflowing with justified hatred for Donald Trump, and are doing their part to make an impact.

Lita is the champ.

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18. Dr. Letitia Clark, Former Tustin Mayor/Current Mayoral Candidate

Don’t call it a comeback—Clark has been here for years. But the former Tustin mayor (and eight-year member of the City Council) is running to reclaim her seat from the incumbent, a typical numbskull conservative Republican named Austin Lumbard, who four years ago ran an unforgivably nasty campaign.

During Clark’s time in the big chair, more than 2,000 new homes were approved in Tustin Legacy neighborhoods, which is no small potatoes in an ongoing crisis. She’s known to be insanely accessible and agreeable, and even authored a children’s book titled (appropriately), “Mommy is the Mayor.”

We need a sequel.

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19. H. Shaina Colover: Judge of the Superior Court of Orange County

Originally appointed to the Orange County Superior Court by Gov. Jerry Brown, Colover is a former actress (and theater arts major at UCSD) who later attended law school at the University of San Francisco.

On the bench, she’s known to be fair, compassionate, introspective and smart. She also wins huge points here for a moment that took place this past July, when she found that Mari Barke, Orange County Board of Education Trustee and walking embodiment of a freeze-dried zit, violated the state’s Political Reform Act by failing to disclose millions of dollars in income and assets on required financial disclosure forms. The headline, JUDGE CALLS OUT OC EDUCATION TRUSTEE FOR FAILING TO REPORT MILLIONS IN INCOME should be tattooed on every liberal back in Orange County.

Y’all go first …

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20. Stephanie Oddo: Member of the Laguna Niguel City Council

If there is no glory in local politics, there’s really no glory in being the lone liberal voice on a city council. Yet Oddo, like Vasquez in Mission Viejo, keeps plugging away, plugging away, plugging away. She was a major voice in the city’s new bike lanes, and pushed the effort to make Laguna Niguel a Tree City USA.

And, bruh, do we have trees!

Best of all, Stephanie is friggin’ ubiquitous in these parts. Like, turn left—she’s there. Turn right—she’s there. Have a question? She answers. Have a complaint? She listens. It’s the most important quality in a council member—and Oddo owns it.

Not for nothing, she somehow gets along with her colleagues—even Ray Gennawey, the human embodiment of a stale Twinkie.

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21. Mary Carter: Long-time Laguna Beach Democratic Club member

So way back in 2021, Carter was named a Volunteer of the Year by the California Democratic Party … and she’s just as engaged and inspiring as ever.

It’s easy, these days, to feel demoralized, down, heartbroken, lost. But check out Carter’s Instagram feed, and you’ll see a woman who refuses to kick back and watch “Love is Blind.” She is the model of volunteerism and civic mindedness.

Also, it’s highly important for folks like Carter to be recognized. They’re the ones making signs, knocking on doors, urging neighbors, giving rides to the polls. It’s easy to be in the spotlight. It’s certainly easy to snag notoriety and a bit of regional fame and maybe even a prime parking space outside a governmental structure.

But Carter? She has none of that.

Just elbow grease. And heart.

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22. Michelle Antenesse: Chair of the Aliso Niguel Democratic Club

Psst—a secret for all you kids out there: Heading a local political organization sorta sucks.

It’s long hours, no pay, no glory, no perks. You’re begging people to attend, and usually failing. You eternally complain about the lack of youthful participation, then stare out at a half-empty room occupied by silver heads of thinning hair and the familiar scent of Bengay and prune juice.

It is a nightmarish, soul-sucking hellscape of the first degree, and only a practitioner of self-flagellation would embark on such a journey.

Orrrrrr … someone like Michelle Antenesse.

I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Michelle these past bunch of years, and while her task is no easy one (rally Democrats in a fairly conservative town), she’s always hustling, always working, always plucking volunteers, demanding action, inviting speakers. She’s one of the most honorable folks in politics, and a very worthy member of this list.

Plus, we have the same taste in coffee shops.

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23. Hugh Nguyen: Orange County Clerk-Recorder

If one were to rank America’s sexiest jobs, you might have, oh, swimsuit model as No. 1, actor as No. 2, singer as No. 3. You’d follow with pro athletes, superstar attorneys, television hosts, news anchors, celebrity dentists … and near the bottom, right below Cardboard Company Director and Fixer O’ Toilets, you’d probably list, ahem, Orange County Clerk-Recorder.

Yawn.

That said …

If you’re gonna have an Orange County Clerk-Recorder (and we motherfuckin’ do), there’s no better dude than Nguyen, who was born in Vietnam in 1967 and came to America when he was but a lad of 7 (amazing side story: When he was young, Nguyen was told his father was an American soldier who had been killed in action. Eight years ago, he found his dad, alive and living in Tennessee).

To quote the OC Recorder, “Hugh was awarded the Leadership in Public Service Award from the Orange County Business Council in which he was recognized for his implementation of numerous tax-cutting and streamlining initiatives such as the expansion of the South County branch office, Hitched at Honda Center, and reduction of passport photo fees.”

Talk to anyone in the know, and they’ll rave about Hugh’s professionalism and competence.

So who needs LeBron or Stella Lefty or Kate Upton?

We’ve got Hugh Nguyen.

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24. Joanna Weiss, Whitney Gomez: Hosts of the Vitamin OC podcast

In a just world, where dogs live to 100 and Arte Moreno mops the Burger King grease pit and farts smell like cotton candy, the Vitamin OC podcast is the local blow-up media entity of 2026, and everyone within earshot listens and Weiss and Gomez make trillions of dollars, all of which they donate to the future impeachment proceedings of Donald Trump.

Alas, existence is rocky, and the Vitamin OC podcast is a still relatively small operation that’s growing at a steady pace and does its all to enlighten locals on politics and the Democratic candidates trying to find awareness.

I. Love. It.

Loooooove it.

I love the energy Joanna and Whitney bring. I love the wide range of guests. I love the probing questions, the genuine curiosity, the desire to make Orange County a better place to live.

I can tell you, starting a show from scratch takes work and time and a whole lot of patience.

Bravo to these two women for doing it.

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25. Rick Erkeneff, Director of the South Coast Water District

First elected in 2012, the neatly goateed Erkeneff (who reps Division 2—which includes the communities of Del Avion/Del Obispo, Dana Knolls and San Juan Capistrano) was voted in for his fourth term in 2024—which means he’s the OG of H2O.

And, to be blunt, the dude’s superpower is his ability to break down water issues for the average Orange County tax payer. It’s actually remarkable. The tales are myriad of folks approaching Erkeneff with either anger or bewilderment or both—and leaving with a nod and a reasonable grasp of local water situations. Plus, this portion of his official bio is the cure to 2026 awfulness: “Rick's optimism and inspiration stem from his collaboration with diverse teams. He firmly believes that varied perspectives and expertise not only enrich the decision-making process but also lead to more balanced, sustainable outcomes. Inspired by the rhythm of the ocean and the tranquility of nature, Rick brings a unique blend of creativity and analytical skills to his role, consistently aiming for excellence and clear communication.”

If you love water (and who doesn’t?), Erkeneff is the Goat.

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26. Arianna Barrios: Orange City Council member, mayoral candidate

I sat down with Barrios several months ago, and came away wildly impressed. Like many well-intended political figures who find themselves thrust into action, Barrios hasn’t spent her life dreaming of running for mayor. Nah—she views it as her obligation, especially after delving into Orange’s awful budget situation, which feels like an approaching doomsday that none of her peers grasp or appreciate.

Barrios is competent and compassionate and an Orange lifer. She’s also the underdog running against an incumbent whose time has passed.

Blue wave, meet Arianna …

#TOC