Two Different Tales for South Orange County Political Parties

DANA POINT, CA — When the polls closed at 8 p.m. Tuesday night, Democrats and Republicans in South Orange County headed to their respective post-election parties to watch the results roll in. But as news outlets showed the neck-and-neck results, the mood shifted, and quick.

In Laguna Hills, the Clinton Victory Party was ready to play, with a Trump look-alike piñata and party signs. An assumed victory turned sour as the polls closed on the east coast and the tally marks began to turn away from Secretary Hillary Clinton toward Donald Trump.

The crowd took a silent turn as expected states turned up Republican red for Trump.

"It has been depressing," one Democrat who did not offer his name said. "People seem to be in shock."

Meanwhile, south in Dana Point, the GOP gathered at the Brio Tuscany Grille to decompress and await the news at the South Orange County Republican Watch Party.

The jovial relief settled over the crowd, as states reported in red and many California Republican assembly members retained their seats.

Entertainment waxed comedic as the fans showed their lighter side with karaoke tunes as they continued the celebratory atmosphere late into the night.

"Tim Clark called to ask me to help work for Trump," Dana Point area Republican Party Volunteer Brian Harrington said. "Republicans are going to drain the swamp of corruption in Washington, D.C."

State Assemblyman Bill Brough of the 73rd District was on hand to watch the results for his campaign roll in. Campaign volunteer Brian Harrington spoke on campaigning for president-elect Trump during the primaries.

Brough paused for a photo with his district director, Jennifer Beall, and CUSD Trustee Candidate Jake Vollebregt.

"We worked every day for the Republican team," Brough said. "My staff and I worked very hard, and it's nice to be rewarded."

Pictures and interviews courtesy journalist Amy Spurgeon-Hoffman