A frontrunner for the Orange County Board of Supervisor’s vacant District 2 seat has tested positive for COVID 19.
Former Sen. John Moorlach “has mild symptoms and remains in high spirits,” the Republican Party of Orange County said in a Feb. 24 email to its members.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Sen. Moorlach and his family during his recovery. ... For the safety of his staff and volunteers, he will continue to lead his campaign remotely.”
He has the endorsement of the Orange County GOP, and significant name recognition due to more than 25 years of political experience.
Moorlach previously held the District 2 seat from 2007 to 2014, before joining the California senate.
He lost his senate seat during last year’s election.
In an earlier interview with The Epoch Times, Moorlach expressed frustration with the way the state has handled the pandemic.
“California’s response to the COVID crisis has been erratic and frustrating,” he said. “The constantly changing rules and restrictions have caused untold harm to our economy, mental health of our residents, and development of our children. I would employ proper guidelines based on data and science so that we can reopen schools and businesses in a safe and responsible way.
“The bottom line is that we need to quarantine those who are vulnerable, not everyone. The residents of Orange County must practice proper safety protocols and be respectful of others.”
If elected, Moorlach said his top priority would be ensuring vaccines are available and distributed quickly to all who want or need them.
“I will also continue to fight to recover funding for the business community. As state senator, I helped provide $500 million from the state budget for COVID relief, and will continue to advocate for Orange County’s fair share.”
Notably, Steel announced Jan. 6 that she tested positive for COVID-19, shortly after being sworn into congress. She has since recovered.
A special election for the District 2 seat will be held March 9.
