Hugh Nguyen is certified for the Nov. 3, 2026 general election ballot for Orange County Clerk/Recorder, according to BallotReady election data. The nonpartisan countywide office handles property document recording, marriage licenses and other public records functions that touch Newport Beach residents.

Nguyen's official biography states he earned re-election in June 2026 with 72 percent of the vote and will serve through 2030.

Candidate information

  • Name: Hugh Nguyen
  • Office: Orange County Clerk/Recorder
  • Party: Nonpartisan
  • Residence: Santa Ana
  • Education: Saddleback High School; Santa Ana College; Orange County Management Academy Program at Chapman University

Experience and public service

Nguyen has spent more than three decades in the Clerk-Recorder's office, according to BallotReady profile data. He started in customer services at the Orange County Clerk/Recorder's Office from 1993 to 1998, then served as chief deputy recorder from 1998 to 2006. He worked as assistant clerk at Orange County from 2006 to 2013 before winning election as Clerk-Recorder in 2013.

According to his official biography, Nguyen took the oath of office in 2014. He has served as Clerk-Recorder since. He was re-elected in 2018 and 2022.

His biography states he became the first Vietnamese American elected countywide as Orange County Clerk-Recorder and the first Vietnamese American elected to the office of county clerk-recorder in the nation.

Born in Vietnam in 1967, Nguyen was brought to America at age seven by his grandparents and aunt. His journey began in 1975 aboard the USS Midway, traveling from the Philippines to Guam and then to El Toro Air Base before arriving at Camp Pendleton. He moved to El Centro and then to Orange County in 1979.

The Orange County Register named Nguyen one of Orange County's 100 Most Influential in 2015 and 2020, according to his official biography, citing his work making department services more accessible to working families and the Hitched at Honda Center marriage program. In 2022, the Orange County Business Council awarded him its Leadership in Public Service Award for initiatives including the expansion of the South County branch office and reduction of passport photo fees.

On the issues

No issue responses or policy positions from Nguyen were available for this profile.

Endorsements

The following endorsements were claimed by the endorsing organizations, according to BallotReady profile data:

  • California Republican Assembly
  • Republican Party of Orange County
  • California GOP

Candidate information in this profile is drawn from the OC Clerk Recorder Department biography page and BallotReady election data. The Newport Signal did not interview the candidate for this profile. Voters can find more information through the Orange County Registrar of Voters.