Kimberly Davis, OC Board of Supervisors District 2, 2026 primary election questionnaire – Orange County Register

Ahead of the June primary election, the Southern California News Group compiled a list of questions to pose to the candidates who wish to represent you. You can find the full questionnaire below. Questionnaires may have been edited for spelling, grammar, length and, in some instances, to remove hate speech and offensive language.

Name: Kimberly Davis

Current job title: Small Business Owner and Federal Analyst

Age: 40

Incumbent: No

Other political positions held: NA

City where you reside: Tustin, CA

Campaign website or social media: https://votekimberlydavisforoc.com/

In your opinion, what is the biggest need your district faces, and how would you address it through the Board of Supervisors? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

The biggest issue facing District 2 is a lack of accountability in the systems that are supposed to protect and serve our residents. From family courts to county-funded services, too many people feel unheard, overlooked, or failed entirely and that erodes public trust.

I’ve lived this firsthand. As a mother, a mandated reporter, and a professional who understands how systems are supposed to function, I’ve seen where oversight breaks down. When there’s no transparency, there’s no accountability and without accountability, there’s no real justice.

As a supervisor, I would prioritize independent oversight, regular audits of county-funded programs, and clear reporting structures so the public knows how decisions are made and how money is spent. I would also push for stronger collaboration between agencies to ensure families and vulnerable populations don’t fall through the cracks.

This isn’t just about policy; it’s about restoring trust. People deserve leadership that listens, takes action, and isn’t afraid to challenge broken systems. That’s exactly what I intend to bring to Orange County.

Where do you think the county is effectively spending to address the needs of unhoused residents, and what would you change about where money spent on homelessness is prioritized? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

The system is still too reactive. We’re spending heavily on temporary solutions without enough focus on long-term stability; especially mental health care, substance abuse treatment, and transitional support that actually keeps people housed.

I would shift priorities toward accountability and outcomes. That means tracking which programs are truly moving people into permanent housing and which ones are not. Funding should follow results, not just good intentions.

We also need stronger coordination between the county, cities, and service providers. Right now, services can be fragmented, making it harder for individuals to navigate the system and easier for resources to be duplicated or wasted.

Most importantly, we have to address root causes. Housing alone is not enough if someone is struggling with untreated mental health issues or addiction.

My approach is simple: invest in what works, fix what doesn’t, and ensure every dollar is tied to measurable outcomes that actually reduce homelessness and not just manage it.

Looking at the county’s annual budget, what would you like to change about how funds are allocated? Is there a department or project that has not received the funding it needs? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

Orange County manages a multi-billion-dollar budget, but the issue isn’t just how much we spend, it’s how effectively those dollars are used. I believe we need to take a closer look at outcomes, not just allocations.

I would prioritize increased investment in mental health services, child welfare oversight, and support systems for vulnerable populations. These areas are often under-resourced, yet they directly impact public safety, homelessness, and long-term community stability.

At the same time, I would push for greater transparency and performance-based budgeting across all departments. Every program receiving taxpayer dollars should be able to clearly demonstrate results. If something isn’t working, we need to be willing to reallocate those funds to programs that are.

I also believe we need stronger oversight of contracts and outside vendors to ensure we’re not overspending without accountability.

This isn’t about cutting for the sake of cutting. It’s about being responsible stewards of public funds. We owe residents a government that is transparent, efficient, and focused on real impact, not just maintaining the status quo.

The public expects transparency from public leaders in spending and governance. How can this be achieved? How can the county do better in this area? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

Transparency starts with making information accessible, not buried. Right now, too many residents have to dig to understand how decisions are made or how their tax dollars are being spent.

The county can do better by creating clear, public-facing dashboards that show where money is going, what programs are funded, and most importantly, what results those programs are producing. People shouldn’t need a background in government to understand their own government.

We also need consistent, independent audits and real oversight, not just internal reviews, but accountability that the public can trust. Board meetings and decisions should be communicated in plain language, not bureaucratic terms that create confusion or distance.

Another key piece is responsiveness. Transparency isn’t just about posting information, it’s about answering questions, addressing concerns, and engaging with the community in real time.

Ultimately, transparency builds trust. When people can clearly see what their government is doing, why decisions are being made, and how outcomes are measured, confidence goes up and that’s something Orange County needs to rebuild.

Social services providers say they expect to see a continued rise in food and housing insecurity this year. In addition, many low-income residents may lose health care as new eligibility requirements for Medi-Cal are implemented. What role do you think the county can play in supporting people who are falling through the cracks? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

The county plays a critical role as the safety net and right now, too many people are slipping through it.

As costs rise and eligibility rules tighten, we’re going to see more working families struggling with food, housing, and access to healthcare. The county needs to be proactive, not reactive. That means strengthening partnerships with community-based organizations that are already on the ground, while making sure resources are easier to access and not tied up in red tape.

We also need better coordination across agencies. Too often, people are navigating multiple systems that don’t communicate with each other. That leads to delays, gaps in care, and ultimately people giving up.

Outreach is key. If individuals are losing Medi-Cal due to new requirements, the county should be actively helping them understand their options and stay covered where possible, not waiting until they show up in crisis.

Most importantly, we have to focus on early intervention. Supporting someone before they lose housing or access to food is not only more humane it’s more cost-effective.

The goal should be simple: meet people where they are, remove barriers, and make sure no one falls through the cracks unnoticed.

Why would you make a good leader, and how would you represent the diverse communities of your district? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

I would make a good leader because I’m not afraid to show up, speak up, and do the work, especially when it’s uncomfortable. I’m a military veteran, a mother, and a professional federal analyst, who has worked inside systems and also experienced where they fail. That perspective matters.

I don’t come from politics, I come from real life. I understand what families are going through because I’ve been there, and I carry that with me in every decision I make.

District 2 is incredibly diverse, and representation starts with listening. Not just during election season, but consistently, when no one is looking, honesty. I believe in being present in the community, building relationships, and making sure every voice, regardless of background, income, or zip code, is heard and respected. Six months to get an acknowledgment is unacceptable. That’s the track record of the current administration.

Representation also means action. It’s not enough to acknowledge different communities we have to make sure policies actually reflect their needs and that resources are distributed fairly.

At the end of the day, leadership is about trust. People want someone who is honest, accessible, and willing to stand up for them. That’s exactly the kind of leader I intend to be.