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.”
Assemblymember Diane Dixon, R-Newport Beach: “In particular, I am especially focused on continuing my work in halting human trafficking within the state. Despite the positive steps that the state has made toward reducing human trafficking, much more needs to be done. We need to provide law enforcement with the necessary resources to arrest perpetrators, improve data recording to ensure that state policies are actually effective, address the needs of vulnerable victims and ensure that victims have access to and receive the support services they need.”
“Another key focus of mine is improving rehabilitation outcomes for people in drug and alcohol treatment facilities and making sure we hold bad actors in this industry accountable. I plan to increase transparency and reporting on success rates, tackle patient brokering and improve patient safety and operator accountability in these state-licensed programs.”
Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva, D-Fullerton: “As I enter my final year representing the 67th Assembly District, housing, homelessness, education and mental health will remain top priorities for me. Throughout my tenure, I have been deeply committed to addressing these issues, and that commitment will continue in 2026.”
“I will remain actively involved in supporting a new package of bills focused on housing production and building challenges, while also authoring and advancing legislation related to homelessness, mental health and protecting our families.”
Assemblymember Kate Sanchez, R-Rancho Santa Margarita: “Reducing taxes and public safety are going to be top priorities for me this year.
Sen. Kelly Seyarto, R-Murrieta: “One of my top priorities this year is tackling California’s wildfire insurance crisis and protecting consumers who are being priced out of coverage. Across the state, families are losing policies or facing steep premium increases that make insurance unaffordable. Californians who take steps to reduce wildfire risk should not be left with fewer choices and higher costs.”
“I will be advancing legislation that strengthens the insurance market, encourages meaningful risk reduction and puts consumers first.”
Sen. Tony Strickland, R-Huntington Beach: “I believe we’re having a perfect storm when we talk about the gas prices in California. … It needs attention immediately.”
“Our mental health issues are worse than what people think. I think public safety is the most essential role of government.”
Assemblymember Tri Ta, R-Westminster: “My priority is making California more livable and affordable. That means pushing back on policies that raise costs on families, increasing government transparency and advancing practical solutions that lower everyday expenses. We need a balanced approach that protects our quality of life without making life unaffordable for the people who live and work here.”
Sen. Tom Umberg, D-Santa Ana: “Protecting Californians, especially young people, from the scourges of mental illness and addictive substances.”
Assemblymember Avelino Valencia, D-Anaheim: “Going into 2026, a key priority for me is addressing the challenges facing young boys and men. Too often, these issues go unspoken, even as many young men struggle with disconnection and limited opportunity. About one in nine men ages 25 to 54 are neither working nor looking for work, one in four men under 30 report having no close friends, and California’s prison population is nearly 96% male. These trends highlight serious gaps that need to be elevated and addressed.”
“As chair of the Assembly Committee on Banking and Financial Institutions, I also remain focused on the responsible integration of digital financial assets into our economy. About 27% of California adults now own digital financial assets, and as this space continues to grow, thoughtful oversight remains essential.”