Swearing to Reform California's Election System, First Republican Challenges Secretary of State Race

California Election Reform May Face a Critical Battle? Wagner Fully Supports Voter ID Initiative

[News Brief] Associated Press, Pang Keyang, Orange County Report

Orange County Supervisor Don Wagner announced on Wednesday (30th) that he will run for California Secretary of State, becoming the first Republican candidate to challenge the position. Former California Secretary of State Bill Jones and Bruce McPherson will serve as co-chairs of his campaign.

Wagner said: "The people of California deserve a quality election system - it must be secure, accurate, timely in releasing results, and open to all eligible voters. I promise to rebuild public trust in our election system, ensuring that every legal voter - and only legal voters - can exercise the fundamental American right to participate in democracy."

There is currently an initiative called CA Voter ID Initiative aiming to collect signatures to place on the ballot in November 2026. If enough signatures are obtained, California voters will vote on whether to join the 36 states across the country that have implemented voting identification systems.

Wagner pointed out: "Unlike the current Secretary of State, who has long opposed the voter identification bill appointed by Newsom, I fully support the California Voter ID Initiative and promise to resolutely implement and enforce it if the proposal passes in November next year."

At the same time, Wagner said: "If elected Secretary of State, my office will ensure the public can access the financial information of candidates required by state law in a comprehensive and convenient manner. At the same time, I will also be a proactive partner of entrepreneurs and job creators, who are the pillars of our economy."

"The public and businesses will finally have a true ally in Sacramento," he said.

Wagner previously served as a California State Assembly member, mayor of Irvine, board member of the University of California, and chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors. He currently serves as a supervisor in the third district of Orange County and will complete his term in 2028.

The California Secretary of State is not only the chief election official for the entire state but also responsible for several key functions, including maintaining election financial disclosure records, processing business registrations and filings, and providing services for businesses starting operations in California.

The last Republican to hold this position was McPherson, who served from 2005 to 2007, appointed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. McPherson and Jones, who served as California Secretary of State from 1994 to 1998, will both serve as co-chairs of Wagner's campaign.

Wagner and his wife Megan have lived in Orange County for a long time. He graduated from UCLA with a bachelor's degree and earned a Doctor of Jurisprudence from UC Hastings College of Law.

This time, Wagner is challenging the current Democratic Secretary of State Weber, who won the 2022 election with 60.1% of the vote. She announced her intention to seek re-election in May this year.

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1839138075830468/

Statement: The article represents the personal views of the author.