OC Treasurer Attempts to Fire Deputy After Election Challenge Emerges

Tensions inside the Orange County Treasurer-Tax Collector’s office escalated after Treasurer Shari Freidenrich attempted to fire her top deputy just days after the deputy took steps to run against her in the upcoming 2026 election. 

According to reports, Executive Manager Dana Schultz pulled official paperwork to begin a campaign for the treasurer position. Within days, Freidenrich sent out an internal communication stating that Schultz was no longer employed in the department. 

However, the termination did not ultimately move forward. County human resources officials and legal teams intervened, halting the firing despite Freidenrich’s assertion that the position was considered “at-will.” 

The situation has added another layer of controversy to the Treasurer-Tax Collector’s office, which has already faced heightened scrutiny in recent months over leadership concerns and the removal of investment authority from the elected treasurer.

Schultz has declined to publicly comment on the situation, stating that she would allow internal county processes to address the matter.

The incident raises broader questions about workplace dynamics, political retaliation, and the intersection of public office and election challenges, as Orange County continues to navigate ongoing tensions within its financial leadership.

Read the Original Article:https://voiceofoc.org/2026/01/oc-treasurer-tries-to-fire-deputy-after-she-pulls-papers-to-run-for-her-seat/