A collage depicting a California ballot drop box and vote here signs (Christopher Haraszti / The Puma Prensa)
By Christopher Haraszti, Staff Writer.
With elections right around the corner, many seniors at Maria Carrillo High School will be voting for the first time. While there is lots of information available about measures and politicians on the state level, there is far less information available on local elections. As such, this guide is focused on the Sonoma County and Santa Rosa City politicians running in the 2026 general election.
County Supervisor, 2nd District
This is a county-level race for District 2, which includes Petaluma and the far south of Sonoma County, bordering Marin County. Country supervisors make decisions on county-level budgeting, oversee zoning and infrastructure in unincorporated areas which aren’t part of a city, and have a large influence on housing, health, and social issues in the region.
The first candidate for District 2 is Petaluma School Board member Joanna Paun, who is endorsed by the Democratic Party. Paun stresses the importance of building more housing, supporting existing renters, using outcome based funding for social projects, and increasing street safety in her district.
The other candidate is Sylvia Lemus, Mayor of Cotati and noted businesswoman. Lemus, like Paun, supports building more housing, but notes the importance of transit-oriented housing and maintaining basic public transportation services for all. She also voices concerns about the potential closure of the Potter Valley Diversion (PVD), which would reduce water availability in Sonoma County. The PVDbrings water into the Russian River Basin from the Eel River watershed via a tunnel and multiple dams along the Eel River, which are now slated for removal.
While there are some differences between the two candidates, both highlight largely similar issues and solutions in their campaign. Both noted homelessness, the climate, transportation, and affordability as key difficulties facing Sonoma County during a debate hosted by Northern California Public Media. Neither candidate supported ICE.
County Supervisor, 4th District
The second county supervisor seat up for election this year is that which includes northern Santa Rosa, Windsor, Healdsburg, Cloverdale, and the whole north of the county. Some Carrillo students and family might see this race on their ballot.
The two candidates are Tom Schwedhelm and Melanie Bagby, both of whom sport similar plans and political opinions. Both candidates support increasing housing availability and utilizations through building more and supporting first time buyers/renters, reducing homelessness. Both