Former Representative Loretta Sanchez is dropping her candidacy for the 3rd Supervisor District, in which she was challenging Supervisor Don Wagner.
Wagner, a former Irvine Mayor and Assemblyman, defeated Sanchez 42% to 37% in the March special election to fill the vacant 3rd Supervisor District seat. Sanchez, a Democrat, quickly vowed to seek a re-match in the regularly scheduled March 2020 primary.
Sanchez’ decision leaves Wagner without an official opponent for re-election. Her decision leaves Orange County Democrats in a lurch: candidate filing closes in 28 days, leaving Democrats little time to find a viable candidate with the name ID and fundraising prowess to quickly stand-up the robust campaign effort necessary against incumbent Supervisor Don Wagner – who has been campaigning non-stop since winning the special election.