Serving as your Third District County Supervisor has been the honor of my life! Since taking office in 2023, I have been working tirelessly to make sure that county government is delivering real results for our community. I have been working, specifically, to protect our coast and environment and to expand affordable housing and tenant protections. I have been working to strengthen disaster preparedness, and to support disaster recovery efforts. I have been working to stand up for immigrant communities, and to ensure that our local government is transparent, accountable, and works for the people.

My approach has always been guided by my commitment to justice, equity, resilience, and compassion. Whether chairing the California Coastal Commission, helping our community to recover from the CZU fires, or negotiating policies to keep youth close to home in our juvenile justice system, I have brought experience, science-based problem solving, and a deep commitment to our community to every challenge we face.

I am running for reelection because the work is not done. Our community continues to face a housing crisis, and threats to working families. The Trump Administration is sponsoring efforts to
develop offshore oil right off our Santa Cruz County coast, and it wants to take away funding from vital social service and community benefit programs. We are starting to see the real impacts of climate change, and the next four years are going to be particularly important, as we start taking real action to address our climate crisis.

But let’s not forget something! It is not just challenges ahead. We have enormous opportunities, too - opportunities to strengthen disaster resiliency, advance effective transportation projects, expand mental health care, build effective intergovernmental programs, and ensure that Santa Cruz County remains a place where all families, regardless of income, immigration status, or background, can thrive.

From my early work organizing for rent control, to my time as Mayor during one of the most difficult years in Santa Cruz City history, I have never shied away from tough fights. That has continued to be true during my service on the Coastal Commission and on the County Board of Supervisors. I have opposed the Trump Administration’s attacks on immigrants, people of color,
seniors, and LGBTQIA+ communities, and I will continue to do that, and will continue to stand strong against injustice.

I believe in a Santa Cruz County that is more just, more resilient, and more inclusive, and I know that together we can effectively resist this cruel Presidential administration and make gains for our community. Now, more than ever, we need people with experience, grit, and determination to lead our local government. That is why I am asking for your support – and your vote – so that I can continue serving as your Third District County Supervisor. I pledge to you that I will continue to do the hard work, and to make sure that our government is responding to what our community both needs and wants!