Democrat Laurie Tautel Elected Orange County Legislature Chairwoman
On Jan. 7, 2026 Orange County Legislator Michael Amo broke a 10-10 deadlock to elect Democrat Laurie Tautel chairwoman of the county legislature by an 11 to 10 vote. The shift returns Democratic leadership to the chair for the first time since 2009 and signals a policy emphasis on affordability, accountability and wider public access to meetings.
Orange County's legislature began its 2026 session with a close leadership change that could reshape local priorities and public engagement. On Jan. 7, Michael Amo broke a 10-10 tie to elect Democrat Laurie Tautel as chairwoman by an 11 to 10 vote, marking the first time a Democrat has held the post since Roxanne Donnery served in 2009.
Tautel framed the new majority as a response to mounting local pressures. "Today Orange County is at a new crossroads. Families are struggling with rising costs, seniors are worried about staying in their homes, young people want to build lives here, but aren’t sure they can afford to," she told fellow lawmakers. "Our infrastructure is aging, our health systems are under strain, and too many residents feel disconnected from county government all together." She urged the legislature to treat those challenges as nonpartisan and to focus on affordability, accountability and long-term planning.
The vote highlights a narrow partisan balance in the 20-member body, where small shifts can determine control of committees, agendas and budget priorities. Tautel's ascent is likely to bring Democratic priorities into sharper focus on county spending and services, while requiring collaboration with a Republican county executive.
County Executive Steven Neuhaus, a Republican, said his working relationship with counterparts across party lines remains intact and that he expects officials to put taxpayers first. He noted his long acquaintance with Tautel dating back to their early municipal council roles and indicated he will judge the new leadership by its actions.
The legislature also voted to change meeting times, opting to hold half of its monthly sessions in the evening. Previously, all but two monthly sessions were held during daytime hours. The schedule change is a direct effort to increase civic access and could affect public participation in hearings on land use, budgets and social services.
For Orange County residents, the leadership change means potential shifts in policy emphasis and more opportunities to attend and participate in local government. With narrow margins on the floor, future votes on budgets, infrastructure projects and social programs will hinge on cross-party cooperation and how effectively the legislature translates broad goals into specific plans.
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