Karen Castor Dentel (born September 8, 1968) is an American politician who has served as the Orange County supervisor of elections since 2025.

She graduated from Chamberlain High School and then attended Vanderbilt University, where she received a bachelor's degree in elementary education in 1990.

Castor Dentel then attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, receiving her Master of Education in literacy studies in 1993.

[1] Castor Dentel opted to run against Plakon, winning the Democratic primary uncontested, and a contentious election ensued.

She argued that the bill condemns local school boards and proclaims "outside, for-profit companies as heroes," noting, "It's about misleading the public.