Sonoma County's southern 2nd District has an open seat on the Board of Supervisors. Together with the 4th District, it is the first time in 16 years that two seats have no incumbent running.
The candidates
- Joanna Paun is a Petaluma City Schools trustee. She is a progressive backed by some of the county's largest labor groups.
- Sylvia Lemus is the mayor of Cotati. She is a centrist backed by business and farm organizations.
The Press Democrat notes that either result means a woman of color will win the seat and give the board a female majority for the second time in its history.
The June primary
Paun took 41.34% and Lemus 25.1%. Shelina Moreda, a professional motorcycle racer from a Petaluma-area dairy family, got 19.04%, and Penngrove rancher John King got 14.51%. Of the district's 67,767 registered voters, 34,147 voted in the race.
Why it matters
The 2nd District covers much of southern Sonoma County, including Petaluma, Penngrove, Cotati and a sliver of Rohnert Park, plus farmland from the coast to San Pablo Bay. KSRO and The Press Democrat report that fundraising is down in both supervisor races. The two outcomes could shift the board's centrist majority as it takes on federal spending cuts.
This explainer summarizes the candidates' own statements and published reporting. It does not endorse anyone.
How to vote
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Polls and vote centers close at 8 p.m., and mailed ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and arrive within seven days. You can check your registration and ballot status at sos.ca.gov/elections. California lets you register and vote the same day at a vote center.