The California Legislature is back in session this week, and those representing communities in Orange County largely seem to be in agreement over what issue will be at the forefront of work this year.
If you guessed affordability, you’d be correct.
Of the dozen legislators who responded to our pre-session prediction query, all of them — Democrat and Republican, alike — pointed to cost of living, housing prices, the state budget and other affordability-related issues they expect to drive this year’s work in the statehouse.
“Families are struggling with higher costs for housing, energy, food and insurance, and those pressures are the direct result of policy decisions made in Sacramento,” said Sen. Kelly Seyarto, a Republican who represents Yorba Linda. “With a significant budget shortfall, the legislature must shift its focus to fiscal discipline and responsible budgeting.”
Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva, D-Fullerton, said: “We are navigating a highly polarized time, both in California and across the country. In this environment, the legislature will continue to focus on protecting working-class families and ensuring communities have the resources they need to succeed.”
The California Legislature reconvenes today, Jan. 5, so it’s still too early for concrete affordability proposals to really take shape, but some legislators offered up ideas of how they’d like to see the broad topic addressed.
Seyarto, for example, said affordability should be considered before a bill is even passed.
“Californians expect lawmakers to weigh the real financial consequences of legislation, not rely on borrowing, budget gimmicks or hidden fees,” he said.
And Sen. Tom Umberg, D-Santa Ana, said the legislature should address affordability without raising taxes.
Meanwhile, Sen. Steven Choi’s focus is on the state budget. The Irvine Republican, who said he is also opposed to raising taxes, said he is confident lawmakers can do more to balance the budget and still fund certain priorities that are important for his GOP caucus, such as funding crime prevention measures and bolstering additional fire prevention programs.
While affordability was unanimously top of mind for OC legislators, many have other priorities they plan to focus on in 2026, as well.
Sen. Tony Strickland, for example, said he wants to “rein in” many boards and agencies that make decisions that impact Californians, pointing specifically to the California Air Resources Board. He said more of that decision-making should be in the hands of legislators, who could be voted out of office if constituents are unhappy with them, rather than board members who are appointed.
Here’s a snapshot of what OC legislators had to say when asked about 2026 priorities. (Please note, not every legislator who represents the county responded to requests for comment for this piece, so you may not see your representative below.)
Sen. Catherine Blakespear, D-Encinitas: “Here is a list of the important issues for the state and for me next year: the state’s multi-year, multi-billion-dollar budget deficit; unsheltered street homelessness; access and affordability of medical insurance and medical care; implementing Prop. 36; AI regulations; affordability, meaning consumers’ cost of utilities, housing, insurance, groceries and gas; (and) energy policy and environmental concerns.”
Assemblymember Phillip Chen, R-Yorba Linda: “My priority will be focusing on practical solutions that ease the cost burden on working families and small businesses. That means advocating for a more responsible approach to taxes, fees and regulations, and pushing back against policies that raise the cost of living without delivering real benefits.”
Sen. Steven Choi, R-Irvine: “My priority for 2026 is to get California back on track to realistic governance. With a projected $18 billion deficit, it’s time for California’s state government to get back to the basics and pursue common-sense solutions.”
Assemblymember Laurie Davies, R-Laguna Niguel: “I would like to continue my work with local law enforcement on increasing education requirements for young riders using e-bikes and increasing penalties on pedophiles who exploit young children.”
“It’s no secret the economy is tough right now, so I want to help young people find jobs in the trades by growing access to Career Technical Education courses in high schools and expanding apprenticeship opportunities.”
Read the Full article: https://www.ocregister.com/2026/01/05/sacramento-snapshot-what-orange-county-legislators-plan-to-address-in-2026/