OCBC BIZPAC is a sponsored political action committee affiliated with Orange County Business Council and governed by a separate Board of Trustees. The BIZPAC Board independently evaluates candidates and determines endorsements and political contributions, with a focus on supporting leaders who understand the needs of Orange County’s business community and the importance of a strong, competitive regional economy.
BIZPAC’s activities and decisions are separate from OCBC’s Board of Directors and are conducted in accordance with applicable campaign finance laws and regulations.
For questions about the PAC or endorsement process, please contact Amanda Walsh.
Endorsed Candidates
Announced Soon
Endorsed Candidates
Federal Endorsements
OCBC BIZPAC evaluates candidates through the lens of Orange County’s business community and the policies that support a strong regional economy. Key priorities include economic competitiveness, infrastructure, housing, workforce development and creating an environment where employers can invest, grow and create jobs.
Lou Correa
United States House of Representatives, 46th District
Lou Correa understands the importance of a strong business community in driving economic growth and creating opportunities for Orange County residents. His commitment to supporting local employers, strengthening our workforce and advancing policies that promote economic vitality reflects the priorities of BIZPAC and the broader business community.
Lou Correa understands the importance of a strong business community in driving economic growth and creating opportunities for Orange County residents. His commitment to supporting local employers, strengthening our workforce and advancing policies that promote economic vitality reflects the priorities of BIZPAC and the broader business community.
Young Kim
United States House of Representatives, 40th District
Congresswoman Young Kim has helped secure significant federal investment in Orange County’s transportation, water and workforce infrastructure. Her work has supported improvements to I-5 and SR-55, water reliability projects and career training infrastructure that prepares Orange County students for jobs in high-demand industries.
Congresswoman Young Kim has helped secure significant federal investment in Orange County’s transportation, water and workforce infrastructure. Her work has supported improvements to I-5 and SR-55, water reliability projects and career training infrastructure that prepares Orange County students for jobs in high-demand industries.
Derek Tran
United States House of Representatives, 45th District
Congressman Derek Tran has worked to bring federal investment back to Orange County, advancing nearly $11 million for local infrastructure, housing and public safety projects in 2026. His work has included funding for the Orange County Housing Finance Trust as well as infrastructure improvements designed to support local businesses and economic activity in communities including Fullerton and Placentia.
Congressman Derek Tran has worked to bring federal investment back to Orange County, advancing nearly $11 million for local infrastructure, housing and public safety projects in 2026. His work has included funding for the Orange County Housing Finance Trust as well as infrastructure improvements designed to support local businesses and economic activity in communities including Fullerton and Placentia.
State Endorsements
California’s economic future depends on policies that make it possible to build housing and infrastructure, develop a skilled workforce, attract investment and keep employers and jobs in the state. OCBC BIZPAC considers these priorities when evaluating candidates for statewide and legislative office.
Laurie Davies
California State Assembly, 74th District
Assemblymember Laurie Davies brings a practical approach to issues affecting Orange and San Diego counties, including transportation, infrastructure, housing and workforce development. Her legislative work and leadership roles on the Assembly Transportation and Utilities and Energy committees give her an important voice on issues directly affecting Southern California’s economy.
Assemblymember Laurie Davies brings a practical approach to issues affecting Orange and San Diego counties, including transportation, infrastructure, housing and workforce development. Her legislative work and leadership roles on the Assembly Transportation and Utilities and Energy committees give her an important voice on issues directly affecting Southern California’s economy.
Kate Sanchez
California State Assembly, 71st District
Assemblymember Kate Sanchez has brought a focus on affordability, public safety and fiscal accountability to Sacramento. Her service as Vice Chair of the Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee gives her a significant role in discussions about California’s tax climate and the costs facing residents and employers.
Assemblymember Kate Sanchez has brought a focus on affordability, public safety and fiscal accountability to Sacramento. Her service as Vice Chair of the Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee gives her a significant role in discussions about California’s tax climate and the costs facing residents and employers.
David Penaloza
California State Assembly, 68th District
David Penaloza brings experience as both a Santa Ana City Councilmember and businessman. His stated priorities include lowering costs, expanding housing and creating economic opportunity, bringing a local government and business perspective to the challenges facing Orange County communities.
David Penaloza brings experience as both a Santa Ana City Councilmember and businessman. His stated priorities include lowering costs, expanding housing and creating economic opportunity, bringing a local government and business perspective to the challenges facing Orange County communities.
Tony Strickland
California State Senate, 36th District
Senator Tony Strickland has consistently focused on affordability, government spending and reducing costs for Californians. His work in Sacramento brings attention to the impact that taxes, energy costs and the overall cost of doing business have on families, employers and California’s economic competitiveness.
Senator Tony Strickland has consistently focused on affordability, government spending and reducing costs for Californians. His work in Sacramento brings attention to the impact that taxes, energy costs and the overall cost of doing business have on families, employers and California’s economic competitiveness.
Avelino Valencia
California State Senate, 34th District
Assemblymember Avelino Valencia represents communities at the heart of Orange County’s economy and is seeking to represent the 34th Senate District. His experience in local government and the State Assembly provides an understanding of how decisions in Sacramento affect Orange County communities, employers and economic opportunity.
Assemblymember Avelino Valencia represents communities at the heart of Orange County’s economy and is seeking to represent the 34th Senate District. His experience in local government and the State Assembly provides an understanding of how decisions in Sacramento affect Orange County communities, employers and economic opportunity.
Supervisor Endorsements
To be written
Katrina Foley
Orange County Board of Supervisors, 5th District
Supervisor Katrina Foley has focused on infrastructure investment, job creation and support for small businesses while representing Orange County’s Fifth District. Her work on transportation, housing and infrastructure addresses issues that are fundamental to the region’s long-term economic strength.
Supervisor Katrina Foley has focused on infrastructure investment, job creation and support for small businesses while representing Orange County’s Fifth District. Her work on transportation, housing and infrastructure addresses issues that are fundamental to the region’s long-term economic strength.
Local Endorsements
Many of the decisions with the greatest impact on Orange County businesses are made at the local level. Land use, housing, infrastructure, permitting, public safety, education and fiscal policy all contribute to whether communities can attract investment and create economic opportunity.
Chip Ahlswede
Orange Unified School District Board of Education, 5th Trustee Area
Chip Ahlswede brings decades of experience in business, housing and public affairs to his candidacy for the Orange Unified School District Board of Education. His professional work with Orange County’s multifamily housing industry and his focus on fiscal accountability provide a business perspective on preparing students and responsibly managing public resources.
Chip Ahlswede brings decades of experience in business, housing and public affairs to his candidacy for the Orange Unified School District Board of Education. His professional work with Orange County’s multifamily housing industry and his focus on fiscal accountability provide a business perspective on preparing students and responsibly managing public resources.
Valerie Amezcua
Mayor of Santa Ana
Mayor Valerie Amezcua has made economic development, infrastructure and public safety central priorities in Santa Ana. During her tenure, the city experienced significant development activity and established a Same Day Express Permit Program designed to streamline improvements for residents and small businesses.
Mayor Valerie Amezcua has made economic development, infrastructure and public safety central priorities in Santa Ana. During her tenure, the city experienced significant development activity and established a Same Day Express Permit Program designed to streamline improvements for residents and small businesses.
Phil Bacerra
Santa Ana City Council, 4th Ward
Phil Bacerra understands the importance of fostering a strong local economy and supporting the businesses that contribute to Santa Ana's vitality. His commitment to responsible governance, economic development and creating opportunities for residents and employers aligns with BIZPAC's priorities for a prosperous and competitive Orange County.
Phil Bacerra understands the importance of fostering a strong local economy and supporting the businesses that contribute to Santa Ana's vitality. His commitment to responsible governance, economic development and creating opportunities for residents and employers aligns with BIZPAC's priorities for a prosperous and competitive Orange County.
Michael Buley
Mayor of Costa Mesa
Michael Buley understands the challenges facing local businesses and the importance of creating an environment that encourages investment and economic growth. His commitment to responsible governance, fiscal sustainability and strengthening Costa Mesa's business climate aligns with BIZPAC's vision for a prosperous Orange County.
Michael Buley understands the challenges facing local businesses and the importance of creating an environment that encourages investment and economic growth. His commitment to responsible governance, fiscal sustainability and strengthening Costa Mesa's business climate aligns with BIZPAC's vision for a prosperous Orange County.
Victor Cabral
Mayor of San Clemente
Victor Cabral recognizes the importance of protecting San Clemente's economic vitality while addressing the infrastructure and fiscal challenges facing the community. His commitment to supporting local businesses, strengthening regional connectivity and encouraging responsible investment reflects BIZPAC's priorities for sustainable economic growth.
Victor Cabral recognizes the importance of protecting San Clemente's economic vitality while addressing the infrastructure and fiscal challenges facing the community. His commitment to supporting local businesses, strengthening regional connectivity and encouraging responsible investment reflects BIZPAC's priorities for sustainable economic growth.
Giovanni Chavez
Santa Ana City Council, 6th Ward
Giovanni Chavez brings legal experience and current service as the Ward 6 representative on Santa Ana’s Rental Housing Board. His campaign has identified affordability, public safety and the city’s fiscal challenges among the issues he wants to address on the City Council.
Giovanni Chavez brings legal experience and current service as the Ward 6 representative on Santa Ana’s Rental Housing Board. His campaign has identified affordability, public safety and the city’s fiscal challenges among the issues he wants to address on the City Council.
Saga Conroy
Mission Viejo, 2nd District
Saga Conroy brings a thoughtful approach to leadership and an understanding of the importance of a strong local economy. Her commitment to supporting businesses, encouraging responsible growth and maintaining Mission Viejo's long-term fiscal health reflects the priorities of Orange County's business community.
Saga Conroy brings a thoughtful approach to leadership and an understanding of the importance of a strong local economy. Her commitment to supporting businesses, encouraging responsible growth and maintaining Mission Viejo's long-term fiscal health reflects the priorities of Orange County's business community.
Austin Edsell
Coast Community College District, 1st area
Austin Edsell recognizes the important role community colleges play in preparing Orange County's future workforce. His commitment to educational opportunity, career pathways and strengthening connections between education and industry aligns with BIZPAC's priorities for a skilled workforce and a thriving regional economy.
Austin Edsell recognizes the important role community colleges play in preparing Orange County's future workforce. His commitment to educational opportunity, career pathways and strengthening connections between education and industry aligns with BIZPAC's priorities for a skilled workforce and a thriving regional economy.
Tom Grable
Lake Forest City Council, 3rd District
Tom Grable brings more than four decades of professional experience in housing, land use planning and community development as well as service on the Lake Forest Planning Commission. His background provides firsthand knowledge of how housing, infrastructure, planning and fiscal responsibility intersect with a community’s economic health.
Tom Grable brings more than four decades of professional experience in housing, land use planning and community development as well as service on the Lake Forest Planning Commission. His background provides firsthand knowledge of how housing, infrastructure, planning and fiscal responsibility intersect with a community’s economic health.
Robyn Grant
Newport Beach City Council, 4th District
Councilmember Robyn Grant brings experience as a business owner and a professional background in real estate and environmental law. Her stated priorities include maintaining fiscal prosperity, delivering high-quality city services and supporting a robust business community in Newport Beach.
Councilmember Robyn Grant brings experience as a business owner and a professional background in real estate and environmental law. Her stated priorities include maintaining fiscal prosperity, delivering high-quality city services and supporting a robust business community in Newport Beach.
Carlos Leon
Anaheim City Council, 2nd District
Mayor Pro Tem Carlos Leon has focused on small businesses, youth entrepreneurship, housing, public safety and neighborhood revitalization in west Anaheim. These priorities recognize the important connection between strong neighborhoods, local businesses and economic opportunity.
Mayor Pro Tem Carlos Leon has focused on small businesses, youth entrepreneurship, housing, public safety and neighborhood revitalization in west Anaheim. These priorities recognize the important connection between strong neighborhoods, local businesses and economic opportunity.
Austin Lumbard
Mayor of Tustin
Austin Lumbard recognizes the critical role local government plays in fostering economic opportunity. His focus on fiscal responsibility, supporting local employers and encouraging investment will help ensure Tustin remains a competitive and business-friendly community.
Austin Lumbard recognizes the critical role local government plays in fostering economic opportunity. His focus on fiscal responsibility, supporting local employers and encouraging investment will help ensure Tustin remains a competitive and business-friendly community.
Natalie Meeks
Anaheim City Council, 6th District
Councilmember Natalie Meeks brings both planning and City Council experience to Anaheim, including prior service as Chair of the Anaheim Planning Commission. Her work on the Council has included public safety, infrastructure and long-range strategic planning for residents, businesses and visitors.
Councilmember Natalie Meeks brings both planning and City Council experience to Anaheim, including prior service as Chair of the Anaheim Planning Commission. Her work on the Council has included public safety, infrastructure and long-range strategic planning for residents, businesses and visitors.
James Morrison
Mission Viejo City Council, 4th District
James Morrison understands the importance of supporting small businesses and fostering an environment where local employers can succeed. His commitment to fiscal responsibility, transparent government and strengthening communication with the community reflects BIZPAC's priorities for a strong and sustainable local economy.
James Morrison understands the importance of supporting small businesses and fostering an environment where local employers can succeed. His commitment to fiscal responsibility, transparent government and strengthening communication with the community reflects BIZPAC's priorities for a strong and sustainable local economy.
Taryn Palumbo
Huntington Beach City Council
Taryn Palumbo demonstrates a thoughtful, pragmatic and nonpartisan approach to addressing the issues facing Huntington Beach. BIZPAC is proud to endorse Taryn and believes she will bring a collaborative perspective to City Hall while supporting policies that strengthen the local economy, encourage economic growth and maintain a high quality of life for Huntington Beach residents.
Taryn Palumbo demonstrates a thoughtful, pragmatic and nonpartisan approach to addressing the issues facing Huntington Beach. BIZPAC is proud to endorse Taryn and believes she will bring a collaborative perspective to City Hall while supporting policies that strengthen the local economy, encourage economic growth and maintain a high quality of life for Huntington Beach residents.
John Park
Irvine City Council
John Park understands the importance of maintaining Irvine's position as a leading economic engine in Orange County. His commitment to fiscal responsibility, responsible development and creating an environment where businesses can thrive aligns with BIZPAC's priorities for a strong and competitive local economy.
John Park understands the importance of maintaining Irvine's position as a leading economic engine in Orange County. His commitment to fiscal responsibility, responsible development and creating an environment where businesses can thrive aligns with BIZPAC's priorities for a strong and competitive local economy.
Blake Perez
Brea City Council
Blake Perez brings direct land use and development experience as Chair of the Brea Planning Commission. That experience provides familiarity with the planning, zoning and development decisions that shape Brea’s growth, economic vitality and quality of life.
Blake Perez brings direct land use and development experience as Chair of the Brea Planning Commission. That experience provides familiarity with the planning, zoning and development decisions that shape Brea’s growth, economic vitality and quality of life.
Carlos Rodriguez
Yorba Linda City Council
Mayor Carlos Rodriguez brings local government experience and an understanding of the infrastructure and quality-of-life investments necessary to maintain a strong community. His service on the City Council provides continuity as Yorba Linda plans for future growth and investment.
Mayor Carlos Rodriguez brings local government experience and an understanding of the infrastructure and quality-of-life investments necessary to maintain a strong community. His service on the City Council provides continuity as Yorba Linda plans for future growth and investment.
Alex Rounaghi
Laguna Beach City Council
Alex Rounaghi recognizes the importance of balancing Laguna Beach's unique community character with the need for economic vitality. His commitment to responsible governance, supporting local businesses and addressing the challenges facing coastal communities aligns with BIZPAC's priorities for a strong and competitive Orange County economy.
Alex Rounaghi recognizes the importance of balancing Laguna Beach's unique community character with the need for economic vitality. His commitment to responsible governance, supporting local businesses and addressing the challenges facing coastal communities aligns with BIZPAC's priorities for a strong and competitive Orange County economy.
Natalie Rubalcava
Anaheim City Council, 3rd District
Natalie Rubalcava brings a commitment to public service and a focus on Anaheim's future. BIZPAC looks forward to working with her to support a strong local economy, encourage meaningful collaboration and advance opportunities that benefit Anaheim's residents and business community.
Natalie Rubalcava brings a commitment to public service and a focus on Anaheim's future. BIZPAC looks forward to working with her to support a strong local economy, encourage meaningful collaboration and advance opportunities that benefit Anaheim's residents and business community.
Endorsed Candidates
Check back soon for Endorsed Candidates
Contact
Amanda Walsh
Vice President, Government Affairs
Orange County Business Council
949.476.2242 ext. 215
awalsh@ocbc.org