In a fractured field of candidates vying for California Congressional District Seat 47 an official Republican endorsement could have cleared some of the noise.
But the sample ballot circulated to hundreds of thousands of potential voters showed two key words: “No Endorsement.”
The failure to endorse is likely a tacit acknowledgment that no Republican candidate can win in November against Democratic-endorsed Dave Min. And while the Republican party certainly cannot endorse a powerful independent like Eric Troutman– who could easily beat Dave Min in a head to head match up– the Republican decision not to list an endorsement in the sample ballot is the next best thing for Troutman.
Promotional video paid for by Troutman for America.
The math here is pretty straightforward– Republicans know they cannot win the seat in November.
Following Prop 50, D. 47 in California is viewed as unwinnable. Polymarket lists Republican chances to take the seat at 6%.
That’s probably being generous.
Promotional video paid for by Troutman for America.
The Republican brand is essentially dead in California following high-profile efforts by the Trump administration to deny emergency funds to fire victims and threats to defund schools and place oil rigs along the California coast.
Trump has ramped up his aggressive attacks on California largely in response to weak and destructive leadership by the State’s Democrats–including first-term house rep Dave Min, who is still on probation following his DUI while serving in Sacramento. But California voters overwhelmingly reject Trump and any Republican is likely to be soundly defeated by the weak Dave Min in November.
The high-profile Orange County attorney Eric Troutman, on the other hand, expressly rejects partisanship and is running on a platform to end political violence he claims is being caused by the political parties and their constant bickering and hatred for each other:
“A vote for Troutman is a vote to end partisanship, end political violence, and unify the nation. Period.” Troutman says. “No other candidate can achieve this.”
Promotional video paid for by Troutman for America.
Troutman has also focused his campaign on protecting free speech following attacks by the Trump administration on late night TV hosts and revelations the Biden administration may have tried to pull licenses of Fox broadcasters.
“Whether you are on the right or left (or preferably in between) your freedom of speech is safe with Troutman.” Troutman says. “In fact I will protect ALL of your constitutional rights– unlike the political parties who like to pick and choose which rights you deserve and which you don’t.”
Troutman’s unifying message is resonating with voters on both sides of the aisle– and a recent townhall poll put Troutman in the lead overall, even ahead of incumbent Dave Min.
“Orange County voters are very smart and do their homework. They know I am a a true independent who hasn’t taken any corporate or PAC money.” Troutman says. “They know I am qualified, well educated, successful and trustworthy. Plus I’m a really nice guy and I think people like that.”
Still Troutman is far from a lock to advance out of the June 2, 2026 primary– in person voting information is available at the end of this article–and some Republican candidates come in with important endorsements backing them.
Republican frontrunner Michael Maxsenti is backed by the powerful California Republican Assembly. Troutman has previously called Maxsenti a “high integrity individual” but lamented Maxsenti could not defeat Min given Maxsenti’s closeness to Trump and his desire to see the MAGA agenda extended.
Then there’s dark horse Chris Gonzalez. He is running on an aggressively right-wing platform–likely the most conservative in the district–and is backed by James Mai, Orange County Housing Commissioner as well as John Paul White CAGOP Associate Delegate Representative, Retired Law Enforcement Commander. Gonzalez is expected to put a ton of pressure on Maxsenti especially from pro-life voters.
Meanwhile Republican candidate Bill Brough is drawing on his deep experience as a former assemblyman and Dana Point City Councilmember. He is expected to perform excellently in the south portion of the District, leaving Troutman and other candidates to draw from Tustin and Irvine.
“This is a real tug of war. Troutman is the most qualified candidate in the race by a mile– but the traditional Republicans have a stacked bench because everybody wants to beat Min.” Troutman’s campaign says. “Right now polls are showing Troutman ahead as voters are rejecting partisanship and looking at credentials, but there are still many votes to be cast. This is anyone’s race.”
In person voting starts today (May 23, 2026) at 10 am at numerous polling cites across Orange County. Find one near you below:
- Aliso Viejo: Aliso Viejo Branch Library 1 Journey
- Dana Point: Dana Point City Hall, 2nd Floor 33282 Golden Lantern St
- Irvine: Irvine Civic Center Drive Thru 1 Civic Center Plz; and Los Olivos Community Center 101 Alfonso
- Laguna Beach: Laguna Beach Community & Recreation Center, 2nd Floor 30516 Coast Hwy
- Laguna Hills: Laguna Hills Community Center 25555 Alicia Pkwy
- Laguna Nigel: Laguna Niguel City Hall 30111 Crown Valley Pkwy
- Lake Forest: Lake Forest Senior Center Clubhouse 100 Civic Center Dr
- Tustin: Clifton C. Miller Community Center 300 Centennial Way
Please do your research and then get out there and VOTE! America needs your educated and wise participation!
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Remember the old saying: Vote early and vote often. I come from a state that, in 2020, had precincts with in excess of 100 percent turnout of registered voters, including deceased voters. That kind of activity causes one to lose confidence in the integrity of the process and with the elected officials overseeing same. Hopefully, when you get to Washington, D.C., you can pass some laws to clean that up for the future.