Denis R. Bilodeau, a Republican from Orange, is running for California State Board of Equalization District 4 in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. He faces Democrat Tom Umberg.
The Board of Equalization assesses property owned by California's regulated utilities, and those assessments affect what residents pay for electricity, gas and water.
Bilodeau said in his candidate statement filed with the California Secretary of State that he is running to lower residents' cost of living. When a utility property assessment is wrong, he said, "it shows up in your rent and your utility bills."
Candidate information
- Party: Republican
- Residence: Orange, California
- Education: Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, University of California, Irvine (1991); juris doctor, Chapman University
- Profession: Licensed civil and traffic engineer
Experience and public service
Bilodeau has held elected and appointed roles across Orange County government, according to his candidate statement and Ballotpedia:
- Orange County Water District: Director since 2000 and president, according to his candidate statement
- City of Orange: Councilmember (2006, 2014 and 2022 to present) and former mayor pro tem, according to his candidate statement
- National Water Research Institute: Chairman, according to his candidate statement
- Orange County government: Chief of staff to Supervisor Shawn Nelson (2010–2019) and administrative manager (2020–2021)
- Orange Tax Payers Association: President since 2016
He also worked as a traffic engineer at DKS Associates (2003–2009) and as a senior traffic engineer at TRC Companies (2000–2002), according to BallotReady.
On the issues
The following positions are drawn from Bilodeau's candidate statement filed with the secretary of state and from his campaign website.
Utility costs and the economy: Bilodeau said he wants to ensure utility property assessments are accurate so residents do not overpay on their electricity, gas and water bills. He said California's high taxes are forcing well-paying jobs out of the state and pledged to advocate for policies that help small businesses.
Taxes and budget: Bilodeau said he signed a pledge to oppose tax increases and would fight any effort to raise the tax burden on families and businesses. He said he would oppose a proposed car mileage tax. He also pledged to use his background in property tax law to close loopholes that benefit special interests and to expose wasteful spending.
Housing and property rights: Bilodeau said he signed the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association pledge to protect Proposition 13 and would defend property rights.
Endorsements
Bilodeau has received endorsements from the following organizations and individuals, according to his campaign website, the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association 2026 Voting Guide, CalMatters and BallotReady:
- Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association
- California Republican Party
- Republican Party of Orange County
- San Bernardino County GOP
- Reform California
- Ted Gaines, California State Board of Equalization
Candidate positions and claims about experience are based on statements made by the candidate or the candidate's campaign unless otherwise noted. The Newport Signal did not independently verify all claims.
