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Chaffee and Foley confirmed as Orange County chair and vice chair; board votes unanimous after acclamation
Summary
The board elected Chair Chaffee and Vice Chair Foley for 2026. A roll-call vote produced a sufficient majority and the board then confirmed the slate by unanimous acclamation; supervisors emphasized continuity for a challenging year.
The Orange County Board of Supervisors re-elected its leadership for 2026 on Jan. 13, confirming Chair Chaffee and Vice Chair Foley.
Vice Chair Foley nominated Chair Chaffee and himself as a slate, stressing continuity amid a year of budget and personnel decisions. Supervisor Wagner nominated Supervisor Wynne for chair as an alternative. The board took a roll-call vote on the Foley–Chaffee slate; after the initial count produced the needed majority, a motion to confirm the slate by unanimous acclamation was moved and agreed to by the board.
Vice Chair Foley told the board continuity was important for the coming year and that he welcomed the opportunity to continue as vice chair. Chair Chaffee said he accepted the position if elected and pledged to treat supervisors’ committee preferences respectfully. The clerk recorded the roll-call and the chair announced the slate’s selection and the board’s intention to work openly and transparently in 2026.
Outcome: Slate elected and confirmed by unanimous acclamation.
Why it matters: Leadership continuity shapes committee assignments, county representation and the schedule for major decisions, including CEO selection, budget discussions and labor negotiations.
Next steps: The board moves to closed session and will continue its regular meetings as scheduled.
