Supervisor, District 5
Why does this race matter?
Supervisor Keith Carson’s decision to step down from his District 5 seat after eight terms has launched one of the most contested elections in the Bay Area this year — at least, in terms of the number of candidates running. Eight are vying for the seat that represents all of Berkeley, Albany, Emeryville, Piedmont and part of Oakland.
What does a county supervisor do?
Supervisors govern county programs and departments and approve the county budget. Their largest area of spending is traditionally health care and human services. Supervisors are also responsible for local jails and elections, and they make decisions on law enforcement and housing in unincorporated areas of the county. If a supervisor candidate receives over 50% of the vote in the primary, they take office for a four-year term. Otherwise, the top two candidates face off in the November general election.
Key Candidates
Key Supporters
For Bartlett
- Jesse Arreguín, mayor, Berkeley
- Elihu Harris, former Oakland mayor and state Assembly member
- Leslie Katz, former supervisor, Alameda County
- Ian Calderon, former state Assembly majority leader
- Kevin Jenkins, City Council member, Oakland
For Fortunato Bas
- Nancy Skinner, state senator
- Sheng Thao, mayor, Oakland
- Liz Ortega-Toro, state Assembly member
- Hank Levy, treasurer, Alameda County
- Alameda Labor Council
- AFL-CIO
For Bauters
- Mia Bonta, state Assembly member
- Buffy Wicks, state Assembly member
- Scott Wiener, state senator
- Alameda County Firefighters — Local 55
- Housing Action Coalition
For Berrick
- Alysse Castro, superintendent, Alameda County Office of Education
- Libby Schaaf, former mayor, Oakland
- Len Edwards, retired judge
- Will Lightbourne, former director, state Department of Health Care Services
- Dion Aroner, former state Assembly member
For Hodge
- Surlene Grant, former City Council member, San Leandro
- Arnold Perkins, former director, Alameda Public Health Department
- Robert Phillips, CEO, West Oakland Health Center
- Selena Wilson, executive director, East Oakland Youth Development Center
- Rev. Lisa Rankow, founder, One Life Institute
For Moore
- N/A