Orange County Voters Show Sharp Discontent with Trump and Newsom Ahead of Midterms

Orange County, long a political battleground, is sending a clear message of frustration with its leaders. According to a recent UC Irvine survey of 1,202 local adults, 62% of residents disapprove of President Donald Trump’s job performance, while only 35% approve. Governor Gavin Newsom fares no better, with 55% disapproving of his leadership and just 38% approving.

This dissatisfaction cuts across party lines but remains sharply divided. Among Democrats, a staggering 95% disapprove of Trump, while 84% of Republicans approve of him. Independents lean heavily negative, with 70% disapproving. Newsom’s approval is similarly polarized: 87% of Republicans disapprove, 70% of Democrats approve, and independents tilt negative with 57% disapproving.

The survey also paints a grim picture of the broader political climate. A majority of Orange County residents believe both the country (62%) and the state (57%) are headed in the wrong direction. Democrats and independents largely share this concern, while Republicans are more optimistic about the national outlook but overwhelmingly pessimistic about California’s trajectory.

Orange County’s political identity remains firmly purple. Voter registration is nearly evenly split: 36.4% Democrats, 33.9% Republicans, and 23.3% with no party preference. This division is mirrored in attitudes toward local politics, where only 41% believe the county is on the right track.

Jon B. Gould, dean of the UCI School of Ecology and poll director, warns that these findings should serve as a wake-up call. “If so many voters here are dissatisfied, that should be a big warning sign to this administration that there is a problem they need to address — and soon,” he said.

With the 2026 midterm primaries just weeks away, the survey reveals a fragmented gubernatorial race. Nearly one-third of voters remain undecided, but among those choosing, Republicans Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco lead, followed by Democrats Tom Steyer, Katie Porter, and Eric Swalwell.

This poll underscores the volatile political landscape in Orange County, a microcosm of nationwide divisions. As the midterms approach, the deep dissatisfaction with both Trump and Newsom highlights the urgent demand for accountable leadership and signals potential shifts in voter allegiance that could reshape California’s political future.