The Evolution of Orange County: From Reagan’s Days to Modern Times
Orange County, California has undergone significant transformations since the days of President Ronald Reagan. This article explores the changes in demographics, politics, and redistricting that have reshaped the region. We will examine how political landscapes have evolved, including the impact of party registration and the influence of local events like the presidency of Donald Trump.
Demographic Shifts in the North and Center of Orange County
Orange County has changed significantly over the years. Once known for drawing residents seeking a more suburban and conservative environment away from the crowded and liberal city of Los Angeles, Orange County has seen a notable demographic shift. Northern and central parts of Orange County now closely resemble Southeast Los Angeles County, with similar demographics and characteristics. Bordered by L.A., these areas have seen significant growth and changes.
The Orange County seat of Santa Ana is another example of this shift. It now features a mix of old civic buildings and solid Hispanic culture. It is ironic that 'Anaheim,' a city in Orange County, is named after a German city, highlighting the diverse influences on the region.
Beach Areas and Coastal Suburbs
The beach areas and more affluent coastal suburbs like Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, and the coastal region remain wealthier and more socially and economically conservative. However, they are not heavily Trump-supporting areas. These regions include both Republicans and Democrats, making them less Trump-receptive. The old guard of prominent Republicans like Dana Rohrabacher and Bob Dornan has largely been replaced by younger, similarly lean Republicans like Michelle Steel and Young Kim.
Contrarily, the eastern canyons and South Orange County (below El Toro Range) have seen less significant changes. These areas remain less influenced by the urban sprawl of Los Angeles, retaining a more conservative Republican lean.
The Impact of Redistricting
Redistricting has had a significant impact on Orange County’s political landscape. Over the years, such as in 2001, 2011, and 2021, districts have been redrawn to ensure fair representation. While some areas have seen improvements, others have been negatively affected.
In South Orange County, the situation has become particularly challenging. The latest redistricting changes sent the far end of South Orange County to coastal San Diego County, including Oceanside-through- Del Mar. Although South Orange County residents remain Republican, the inclusion of liberal coastal San Diego creates a more diverse political landscape in the combined district. This change has led to South Orange County losing representation in Congress.
The State of Republican Voting and Trump Support
Orange County still has a significant Republican base, but the younger generation’s attitudes have shifted away from Trump and the insurrection related to the 2020 election results. Many voters in Orange County are reluctant to affiliate with Republicans unless they can distance themselves from Trump and his rhetoric.
Party registration in California no longer reflects strong beliefs in party affiliation. Party registration primarily serves as a choice for primary voting and political mailings, rather than a statement of political ideology. This means that many voters may not align strongly with either party.
The changes in Orange County reflect broader trends in American politics, where shifting demographics and evolving political landscapes are reshaping traditional voting patterns. As Orange County continues to evolve, these changes will likely have a lasting impact on the region’s political future.