November 2026 Election Endorsements
Congress and State Senate Candidates
Re-Elect Jared Huffman, Congressional District 2
Families are being squeezed by skyrocketing costs of living, while the President enriches himself and stokes chaos and culture wars. A healthcare crisis looms because of drastic cuts to Medicaid and Medicare in last year’s partisan tax giveaway for billionaires. A compliant GOP Congress refuses to challenge the President’s reckless actions at home and abroad, including the lawless brutality of ICE. Our democracy is under siege.
You deserve better.
Congressman Huffman is fighting for lower costs, accountability, and a livable future, while producing tangible improvements for our communities -- including millions in new funding for local health clinics, affordable housing, and water supply and flood control projects.
Representing this vast district from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Oregon and Nevada borders is a big job. For fourteen years, Jared has driven the long roads, shown up in every community, listened, and delivered results while staying true to our shared values.
As Ranking Member of the Natural Resources Committee, Jared is leading the fight against offshore‑drilling, defending our public lands, and working to improve wildfire resilience. Jared has partnered across the aisle when it helped our communities, including securing increased special‑education funding. He co‑sponsored legislation forcing transparency and accountability in the Epstein coverup, and is leading efforts to ban members of Congress from owning and trading stocks.
Congressman Huffman’s commitment is to always lead with clarity, courage, and solutions—to defend democracy, confront corruption, protect our planet, and get things done even when politics are tough.
Learn more: https://www.jaredhuffman.com
Damon Connolly, State Senate District 2
I’ve spent the last 25 years advancing Democratic values, previously serving as a Marin County Supervisor, School Board President, and Vice Mayor. I’m running for State Senate because we need determined, proven leadership to navigate these challenging times.
My signature achievements in the State Assembly include a landmark climate bond that invested billions in wildfire and drought mitigation, reforms that make air cleaner near schools and daycares, and major local investments in affordable housing. I also authored a wildfire home insurance law, AB 1, that will deliver relief to homeowners who invest in home hardening. I’m currently working on legislation to clamp down on corporate tax loopholes that benefit the world’s largest corporations at California taxpayers' expense.
My priorities are North Bay priorities: climate action, health care affordability, reproductive rights, smart solutions to address our housing and homelessness crises, and protections for vulnerable communities, including immigrants.
Helping those in need and preserving the things that make our region and state a beacon of hope in these dark times are what compel me to service.
This visionary campaign is unifying the North Bay and North Coast. I’m proud to be endorsed by U.S. Senator Adam Schiff, Attorney General Rob Bonta, Congressmembers Jared Huffman and Mike Thompson, State Senator Mike McGuire, Assemblymember Chris Rogers, Sierra Club, California Environmental Voters, California Professional Firefighters, California Nurses Association, National Union of Healthcare Workers, California Teachers Association, SEIU California, every Marin County Supervisor, Marin County’s District Attorney, Sheriff, and Superintendent of Schools.
Learn More: Damon Connolly for State Senate
Councils
- Corte Madera Town Council - Eli Beckman and Ava Fruin
- Fairfax Town Council - Susan Adams
- Larkspur City Council - Stephanie Andre and Aaron Burnett
- Novato City Council District 2 - Rachel Farac
- Novato City Council District 4 - Dan Christian
- San Anselmo Town Council - Steve Burdo and Will Dittmar
- San Rafael City Council District 2 - Eli Hill
- San Rafael City Council District 3 - Robert Sandoval
- Sausalito City Council - Natassya Saad and Adrian Brinton
- Tiburon City Council - Chuck Hornbrook and Jack Ryan
School Boards
- Marin County Office of Education - Area 5 - Marilyn Nemzer
- Marin County Office of Education - Area 6 - Curtis Robinson
- Miller Creek School Board - Megan Hutchinson and Brad Honsberger
- Reed Union School District - Mike Ghaffary, Lina Godfrey, Shelby Tsai
- Sausalito Marin City School Board - LeShawn Holcomb and Alena Maunder
- Tamalpais Union High School District - Joy Koo, Brian Sutherland, Valerie Wynn
Additional Races
- Fairfax Town Clerk - Bruce Ackerman
- Marin City Community Service District - Full Term - La Tanya Wiggins
- Marin City Community Service District - Short Term - Sarah Canson
- North Marin Water District - Division 5 - Laurie Williams
- Southern Marin Fire District - Cristine Soto DeBerry
Measures
- Measure N - Miller Creek School District - Click Here to See Details
- Measure P - Childcare initiative - Click Here to See Details
- Measure W - San Rafael Service Protection - Click Here to See Details
- Measure CC - Marin Healthcare Initiative - Click Here to See Details
Candidate Statements
Bruce Ackerman - Fairfax Town Clerk
I am a former Mayor and long time volunteer for our Town. Over my 33
years in Fairfax the Clerk election has been uncontested. This year it is
contested, and there are differences between the candidates.
In the few California towns and cities in which the position hasn’t been
eliminated, the unpaid Elected Clerk deputizes the paid professional staff,
who do most of the complex work of the Clerk’s Office.
The elected Clerk has limited powers – but could still potentially create
disarray for the Town government’s effective and efficient operations –
even while a new Town Manager is being hired.
I am committed to doing what I can to maintain orderly Town functioning
and insure that the work of staff, such as administering fair elections and
complying with state law, continues. I would also keep citizens informed of
what’s happening in Town Hall.
Learn more at: https://www.bruceackermanforfairfax.com/
Susan Adams - Fairfax Town Council
I am running for Fairfax Town Council to address our affordability challenges and help preserve our Town’s character and vibrancy, seeking solutions in a climate respecting civil discourse. I’ve lived in Fairfax since 2007.
I’m a third-generation Californian raised in, and raising our family in, a union household, with a long career in public service. I worked as a government attorney at multiple levels of government, at the Cities of Emeryville and New York, the State of Maine, and the Bay Area Air District. I served on the Fairfax Open Space Committee for about two years.
I’m committed to fostering a welcoming community for all. I opposed ICE in Marin County, opposed replacing the Pride Flag in Fairfax, and opposed the attempt to recall two Fairfax Council Members.
My experience and nearly 20 years as a Fairfax resident prepare me to be your Council member.
I ask for your support.
Learn more at: https://adamsforfairfax.com/
Stephanie Andre - Larkspur City Council
First elected in 2024, Stephanie has brought invaluable executive leadership and over 25 years of investment banking and finance experience to Larkspur City Council. She understands that Larkspur's success stems from careful planning, collaboration, and fiscal responsibility.
During her tenure, including serving as Vice Mayor and Mayor, Stephanie has championed critical issues, including real climate action, affordable housing solutions, and regional energy reforms. Stephanie has used her deep financial expertise to protect taxpayers and demand accountability. She spearheaded the critical investigation into the Serenity at Larkspur apartment complex and successfully recovered over $2.2 million in annual property tax revenue to our local jurisdictions and school districts. Additionally, as an MCE (Marin Clean Energy) board member, Stephanie has been a leading voice for transparency, better oversight, and policy and organizational reforms.
Vote to keep Stephanie Andre’s principled leadership and responsible stewardship on city council.
Learn how you can get involved, volunteer, or donate at Stephanie for Larkspur
Steve Burdo - San Anselmo Town Council
Steve Burdo is the Mayor of San Anselmo and has been a member of the Town Council since 2019.
During his time on the Town Council, Steve has helped lead the transformation of San Anselmo from a sleepy town to one of the most vibrant places in Marin County. Leading with his democratic and environmental values, and through a willingness to try new ideas, Steve has been part of many of San Anselmo’s recent accomplishments, including: Creating Marin County’s first parklet program during the Covid-19 pandemic, changing San Anselmo’s downtown into a gathering space through the Town’s Live on the Avenue Summer Event Series, and creating the Ross Valley’s first solar resiliency hub at Town Hall.
Steve has also served as the President of the Ross Valley Fire Department Board of Directors where he helped lead the efforts to achieve full staffing for the first time in the Department’s history.
Cristine Soto DeBerry - Southern Marin Fire Protection District
Cristine DeBerry has spent more than 25 years in public service, including as Deputy Chief of Staff to San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom and a decade as Chief of Staff to the San Francisco District Attorney, where she helped guide the city's budget, labor negotiations, and public safety policy. She brought that experience home to Marin in 2019, when she was appointed to the Southern Marin Fire Protection District board; voters have since re-elected her in 2020 and 2022.
On the board, Cristine has served as President, Vice President, and Chair of the Emergency & Disaster Preparedness Committee. Under her leadership, the district merged the Mill Valley Fire Department without raising taxes, completed wildfire inspections of every home in the wildland-urban interface, and earned state recognition for meeting California's highest wildfire-prevention standards — all while maintaining a balanced budget with healthy reserves. Cristine lives in Mill Valley with her husband and two children.
Wil Dittmar - San Anselmo Town Council
Will Dittmar is running for San Anselmo Town Council to help build a resilient, inclusive, and well-managed town. He and his wife, Kelsey, are raising their family in San Anselmo and care deeply about the community they call home. Through his work at ExtraFood and his involvement across Marin, Will has seen what local leaders can accomplish when they listen, collaborate, and tackle difficult problems directly.
On the Town Council, he will focus on maintaining and improving infrastructure, preparing for emergencies and climate risks, supporting thoughtful housing solutions, strengthening the downtown economy, and protecting the services residents value while managing public resources responsibly.
Will brings a practical, results-oriented approach, a commitment to transparency, and a belief that local government works best when residents feel heard and decisions are grounded in both community values and long-term planning. He is honored to have the Marin Democratic Party’s endorsement in the November election.
Learn more: https://will4sananselmo.com
Ava Fruin - Corte Madera Town Council
Ava Fruin is a School Board Trustee, community leader, and mother of three running for Corte Madera Town Council. She brings more than 15 years of professional leadership experience across education, technology, and nonprofit organizations, with a background in strategic planning, fiscal oversight, and solving complex problems.
As an elected trustee, Ava has built a record of thoughtful, collaborative leadership grounded in her Democratic values: strengthening public institutions, supporting responsible fiscal stewardship, advancing inclusion and opportunity, and ensuring community voices are represented in public decision-making.
Ava is running to bring that experience to the challenges facing Corte Madera, including climate resilience and emergency preparedness, housing and affordability, infrastructure, economic vitality, and strong public services. She believes effective local government begins with listening, collaboration, transparency, and a willingness to do the work—and that local leadership has an essential role in building strong, inclusive, resilient communities.
Mike Ghaffary - Reed Union School District
I was appointed unanimously to the Reed Union School District Board of Trustees in February 2026, and I'm running to continue that work. I'm a parent of two RUSD students and on our campuses often: coaching the Del Mar math club, guest speaking at Bel Aire and Reed, and serving breakfast to our teachers.
Since joining the board, I've brought math education to the forefront, helped set the district's 2026-27 goals around core academics, and pushed for reasonable guardrails on classroom screen time so kids have room to focus, create, and just be kids. I'm working to turn YouthTruth survey feedback into real action plans instead of reports that get filed away.
I'm proud to have graduated from Bay Area public schools, and I've served on roughly 15 public, private, and nonprofit boards. My vision is for RUSD to be a national model for thriving public schools, grounded in academic rigor and student wellbeing.
I'm endorsed by all of my fellow Reed Union School District Board Members, as well as several members of the Tiburon Town Council and many other elected and appointed officials, community leaders, and parents.
Learn more: https://MikeForRUSD.com
Lina Godfrey - Reed Union School District
Lina is a candidate for Reed Union School Board and a lifelong Democrat. A mother of four children, no two of whom learn alike, she believes schools must meet every student where they are with rigor, differentiating for extra support and challenge. For her, equity means refusing to let averages hide the students who routinely are not meeting standards, even when their numbers are small.
She attends school board meetings as standard practice, serves on the county-level executive board of Dedication to Special Education, serves on more than five district task forces and committees, and champions transparency, accountability, and authentic pathways for community voice to shape district decisions, including successfully advocating for livestreamed board meetings.
An impact investor in ventures at the intersection of public health and education, and a former strategy consultant, she brings fiscal discipline and a focus on results. She lives in Tiburon with her family.
LeShawn Holcomb - Sausalito Marin City School District
LeShawn Holcomb is an educator, nonprofit leader, community advocate, and candidate for the Sausalito Marin City School District Board of Trustees. Appointed to the Board in August 2026, LeShawn is committed to helping build a world-class school district where every child can learn, grow, and thrive.
A former SMCSD English teacher and instructional coach, LeShawn now serves as Dean of Student Success at Tamalpais High School, bringing experience that spans students’ educational journeys from elementary school through high school. He also serves as Executive and Founding Artistic Director of the Griot Theater Company.
His campaign is grounded in three commitments: Trust, Opportunity, and Accountability—building trust across the district, leveraging community organizations and resources to expand opportunities, and ensuring accountability to students, families, and the community. LeShawn is committed to strengthening the Community Schools model, creating schools that serve as hubs of opportunity, partnership, and support.
Learn more: LeShawn4SMCSD.com
Brad Honsberger - Miller Creek School Board
"I am honored to receive the official endorsement of this organization as I run for a sixth term on the Miller Creek School Board. As the district’s longest-serving trustee and a local parent whose children attended Mary Silveira, Miller Creek, and Terra Linda High, my dedication to this community runs deep.
My guiding principle is simple: students first, always. Achieving this means supporting our exceptional teachers and partnering closely with parents. Over the past twenty years, I have navigated complex school finances, budget reductions, and critical superintendent searches.
Looking ahead, we must proactively plan for upcoming growth in Marinwood, pass Measure N for safe and modern classrooms, retain our talented educators, and protect our financial reserves. I have the experience, local relationships, and proven leadership necessary to guide our district. I would be deeply honored to have your vote."
Megan Hutchinson - Miller Creek School Board
My connection to the Miller Creek School District spans five decades: I was a Miller Creek student in the 1980s and '90s, taught here in the early 2000s, have been a district parent since 2015, and have served as a school board trustee for the past eight years.
Professionally, I’m an educator and employment attorney, bringing both perspectives to the table in evaluating district decisions. As a board member, I've helped to: save taxpayers a million dollars through bond refinancing; expand student counseling to every school site; and preserve valued programs like algebra and TK, despite having one of Marin's leanest budgets.
I'm seeking re-election to the Miller Creek School Board because we need experienced leaders making decisions on complex issues ahead: aging facilities, AI in education, and enrollment growth.
I'm committed to well-informed, collaborative leadership that keeps our classrooms joyful, challenging, and fiscally responsible for every Miller Creek student.
Joy Koo - Tamalpais Union High School District
I'm Joy Koo, and I'm running for the Tamalpais Union High School District Board because our students deserve leaders who listen, plan ahead, and put them first. I've raised three sons here - two TUHSD graduates and a current Tam High student - and I've spent the past decade doing the work: elected twice to Tam High's School Site Council, providing independent oversight of Mill Valley School District's $194M Measure G bond, championing TUHSD Measure B, and building the Marin Youth Job Fair into an event connecting 500+ students with local employers. As an engineer and program leader, I spent two decades in the private sector building coalitions and solving hard problems.
We're facing a structural deficit and rising special education costs, which requires real fiscal discipline and honest multi-year planning. But the budget is the means, not the mission. Getting the budget right enables us to keep strong teachers, protect the programs families count on, and finally close an achievement gap that's persisted for too long. I want every student here to graduate with purpose, confidence, and a place they belong, and I'd love your help getting there.
I'm proud to have the endorsement of the Marin Democratic Party.
Marilyn Nemzer - Candidate for Marin County Board of Education, Trustee Area 5
I’ve dedicated my life to education, first as a high school teacher and then as a middle school counselor, working closely with students, families, and teachers. Focused on literacy, I created nonprofit educational programs of my own, including The Book Exchange. Over the years, this program shipped books to schools in more than 40 countries; today, it continues to provide free books to 3,000 under-resourced Marin children each year.
I hold California credentials in teaching, counseling, and school administration.
On the Marin County Board of Education since 2001, I’m running for re-election because I love supporting Marin’s students, teachers, and schools. My experience and institutional knowledge complement the fresh perspectives of newer trustees. As an officer of the Marin County School Boards Association, I also connect trustees across Marin and help plan workshops that strengthen their understanding of board service and County Office resources.
I value your support!
marilynnemzer.com
Nastassya Saad - Sausalito City Council
I’m Nastassya Saad, and I am proud to be born and raised in Sausalito and deeply rooted in my hometown.
I started volunteering in my community as a child and received a Lifetime Volunteer award as a teenager. I’ve also worked in 15 local businesses throughout town, allowing me to truly get to know my neighbors, business owners and how we can all thrive together.
I put myself through college at UCSC, where I studied Politics. I then served on the Historic Preservation Commission for 3 years, helping protect Sausalito’s history and character. But I also learned that preservation doesn’t mean no change. I’ve carried that belief to the Planning Commission, where I’ve served since 2020, including as Chair in 2025 and 2026.
I’m proud to be known as thoughtful, responsible, and as someone who listens to residents. I will take that same attitude to Council. I am proud to receive this endorsement.
Robert Sandoval - San Rafael City Council District 3
Robert Sandoval is a father, attorney, and longtime community advocate running for San Rafael City Council, District 3. Robert and his wife, Linda, are raising their family in San Rafael and deeply rooted in their local neighborhood and school communities.
Robert currently serves on the Marin County Planning Commission and previously chaired the San Rafael Park and Recreation Commission. As a Director of the Point San Pedro Road Coalition, for years Robert has worked closely with neighbors and local government on roadway safety, infrastructure, and improving quality of life in San Rafael.
A former California Deputy Attorney General, Robert, has dedicated his career to public service, advocacy, and solving complex problems. He holds a B.A. in Politics and Economics from Occidental College and a J.D. from the University of Chicago Law School.
You can support Robert at RobertSandoval2026.com!
Brian Sutherland – Tamalpais Union High School District
Brian Sutherland is a constitutional lawyer and parent of two children in our Tam District high schools. He has long advocated for our public institutions, partnering with leading democracy organizations to protect voting rights, limit money in politics, and check presidential overreach. He will bring his experience advocating for more representative government to our Tam District school board.
As a member of the school board, Brian will champion our students and teachers. As AI and phones transform our economy and politics, he will work to protect students’ attention and critical thinking, so they use technology instead of technology using them. And he will build public confidence in the board and our schools by listening to the community with respect and communicating clearly. He is proud to receive the endorsement of the Marin Democrats and asks for your vote in this important election.
Laurie Williams - North Marin Water District
I’ll bring both past board experience and more than 20 years of professional work in water resources to the NMWD Board. I’ll work collaboratively with the Board and management to advance the District’s strategic plan priorities and prepare for evolving challenges.
On the Board, I will focus on maintaining affordable and reliable water supplies; strengthening long‑term infrastructure and asset‑management planning; preparing for climate‑driven shifts in rainfall patterns; and improving security against cyber and other threats.
I grew up in San Rafael and have lived in Novato for the past 16 years. I hold a B.S. from UC Berkeley and an M.A. from San Diego State University. I currently serve as a Principal Planner and GIS Analyst in the Water Resources Division of Marin County Public Works, where I focus on flood control and watershed planning.
I’m honored to have the official endorsement of the Marin Democratic Party.