Tim Shaw and Connor Traut compete for open District 4 OC Board of Supervisor seat in the 2026 election.
In November, voters in Orange County’s Fourth District will decide who will take over the seat on the OC Board of Supervisors currently held by Doug Chaffee, who is barred from seeking re-election due to term limits. The race is primarily contested between Tim Shaw, a trustee on the Orange County Board of Education, and Connor Traut, the Mayor of Buena Park. Both candidates emerged from a competitive primary in June, which featured four contenders, each with established connections to North Orange County communities.
The Fourth District encompasses several cities, including Brea, Fullerton, La Habra, Placentia, Stanton, and parts of Anaheim. Among the key issues shaping this election is housing affordability, which both candidates have identified as a pressing concern. In interviews and through responses to written inquiries, Shaw and Traut expressed the need for the county to increase housing production while ensuring that funding for housing initiatives is closely tied to measurable outcomes.
Shaw, who previously served on the La Habra City Council and is now the government affairs director for the Pacific West Association of Realtors, emphasized the importance of collaboration with local governments, developers, and nonprofit organizations to boost the availability of affordable housing and transitional accommodations for the homeless. He argues for the discontinuation of funding for ineffective programs, citing concerns over fiscal responsibility in housing initiatives.
Conversely, Traut advocates for the integration of artificial intelligence software in the permit processing and plan review phases, aiming to expedite housing development projects. He highlights the success of this approach in Buena Park, where building plans can receive approval in as little as three days, significantly shortening the timeline compared to other Orange County municipalities. Additionally, Traut is committed to safeguarding tenant rights by enforcing just-cause eviction policies and supporting rental assistance programs as integral components of addressing housing affordability.
Their campaign dialogue has also touched upon the governance of the OC Board of Supervisors following past scandals, including the bribery case involving former Supervisor Andrew Do, which raised questions about the management of discretionary fund allocations. Traut proposes increased oversight through public application processes and real-time disclosures, while Shaw advocates for transparent use of taxpayer funds tied to clear public benefits.
Both candidates are vying for the support of voters amid fiscal constraints that require prioritizing essential county services, including food assistance and support for vulnerable populations. Shaw has garnered endorsements from figures such as OC Sheriff Don Barnes and Supervisor Don Wagner, while Traut has received backing from Chaffee and various labor unions.
As voters prepare to cast their ballots, they will have the opportunity to hear more from the candidates about their visions for housing and other crucial issues affecting Orange County. Ballots can be returned by mail or dropped off in designated locations, with in-person voting commencing on October 24.
Engagement in this election reflects broader concerns about governance, community needs, and the future of development in a dynamic region of California. Voters are encouraged to review the candidates’ positions on housing and county services as they approach the November 2026 election. For more voter information, you can visit Media News Source.
