Irvine, CA
The race for hotly-contested California Congressional District 47 is heating up with the primary just two weeks away.
Nine candidates are vying for two spots on the November ballot, including four Republicans, two Democrats and a powerful well-funded independent Eric Troutman.
Incumbent Democrat Dave Min is heavily-favored to advance beyond the June 2, 2026 primary but independent Troutman received incredibly favorable news last week when a townhall audience placed his support at 44%– leading any other candidate in the field.
“I’ll admit I was pretty surprised to be leading the race.” Troutman says. “I knew Orange County voters were smart and did their homework but for an independent to potentially win a primary against an incumbent Democrat in a Democrat-leaning district would really be something.”
Troutman believes the issue is the people are done with the false promises of the parties and have wised up.
“There’s no question the political parties have completely failed the people. Biden was President– prices rise. Trump was President– prices rise. Biden was President– the national debt spikes. Trump was president–the national debt spikes.” Troutman says. “The Democrats lied and said Epstein was no big deal. The Republicans lied and said Epstein was no big deal. Both parties protect sexual predators. Both parties waste our money on pet projects. Its terrible and the people are tired of it.”
Still the poll was conducted at a townhall and should not be considered scientific as only those who chose to respond were counted and the townhall audience skewed in Troutman’s direction.
On the Republican side, Michael Maxsenti picked up a major endorsement this week with the California Republican Assembly backing Maxsenti over the other three Republican candidates in the race.
Troutman was pleased to see the endorsement, calling Maxsenti a “good guy with high integrity.”
Still Troutman has called into question Maxsenti’s comparative lack of experience and advanced age– Maxsenti is 75 years old– as reasons Republicans should consider backing the more-powerful Troutman for Congress.
“Maxsenti is a good guy. He is very honest. High integrity individual.” Troutman says. “But he just doesn’t have the juice to protect California and the District against D.C. the way I will. Plus there’s no way a Republican is winning this district after Prop 50. Voting for Maxsenti is just throwing your vote away. Sad but true.”
Troutman has also had recent conversations with Bill Brough, a long-time GOP politician with experience in both Dana Point and Sacramento politics.
“Brough is a tough out. He has taken the establishment head on and fought them hard on some alleged improprieties involving the toll roads.” Troutman said. “Bill is someone who has worked hard to save people on their tax dollars and I know Republican voters won’t forget that. He is polling quite well too. But I think the allegations of sexual misconduct are likely just too much for him to survive and advance in a tough race like this one.”
Troutman’s campaign says it is still anyone’s race and Troutman is not taking his foot off the gas despite his new apparent status as race leader.
“I want to stay the underdog for as long as possible. Stay under the radar. Stay hungry.” Troutman says. “But the truth is all of these other candidates are lightweights and I’m not surprised voters are figuring this out so quickly. Troutman is here for the people. And the people are here for Troutman.”
Contact: Karina Miller. [email protected]
Last modified: May 18, 2026
