Over the past few days, social media pages have popped up with Antioch City Councilwoman Monica Wilson apparently running for state assembly.
Although there has been no formal announcement, a website has been created which states Wilson will seek the seat only if it is open–meaning Assemblyman Tim Grayson chooses not to run or will seek another office. Her FPPC number is active form the State.
Wilson lists her priorities as:
- Cost of Living
- Affordable Housing and Homelessness
- Safe Neighborhoods and Schools
- Climate Change
Here is the bio she lists:
Four-term Councilmember Monica Wilson was the first African American woman elected to the Antioch City Council where she champions police reform and safe neighborhoods; solutions to homelessness; expansion of mental health response teams; and bans on new liquor stores.
Monica is a regional and statewide leader in the fight against human trafficking, serving as a Program Manager for a Bay Area nonprofit battling exploitation – and also worked closely with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s office to create the County’s Human Trafficking Task Force.
Award Winning Leadership
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- Serving 4th term on Antioch City Council; first African American woman elected
- Vice Chair, Northern California Democratic Party Women’s Caucus; former Vice Chair,
Democratic Party of Contra Costa County - Board Member, Tri Delta Transit
- Staff Advisor, FemDems; Outreach Coordinator, Grateful Garment Project
- Program Manager, Human Trafficking nonprofit Love Never Fails
- Staff Member, Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County
- San José – Evergreen Community College District and Mills College professional positions in Workforce Institute and Student Life divisions
According to several sources, this had been in the “in the works” for some time with musical chairs between Senator Steve Glazer, Assemblyman Grayson and potentially Wilson or another candidate.
If Assemblyman Grayson runs for higher office, it would open up the seat for Wilson or another candidate–perhaps Carlyn Obringer who attempted to win a Contra Costa County Board of Supervisor Seat but was beat out by Ken Carlson. There is also rumblings of another councilperson from East Contra Costa County jumping in the race.
As longest serving Antioch City Councilemmber, Wilson won re-election in November with 36.60% of the vote while beating out fellow councilwoman Lori Ogorchock (27.88%), Shawn Pickett (18.50%) and Sandra White (17.02%).
In 2016, Monica Wilson attempted to run for Contra Costa County Supervisor, but lost in the primary in a field that included 7 candidates:
- Steve Barr – 28.11%
- Diane Burgis – 22.96%
- Doug Hardcastle – 18.39%
- Wade Harper – 14.88%
- Monica Wilson – 9.36%
- Odessa LaFrancois – 6.09%
- Write-In – 0.21%
In the end, Burgis won the run-off in November where she has earned re-election twice.
Under the new District Maps, it corrected a problem with split Antioch between Assembly Districts and moved it into most of Central County. It did, however, push Oakley, Discovery Bay and unincorprated east Contra Costa into another district which is represented by Assemblywoman Lori Wilson.
Assembly District 15 is currently represented the cities of Antioch, Brentwood, Clayton, Concord, Martinez, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, a sliver of Walnut Creek and unincorporated communities.
8 comments
This woman has done nothing for Antioch since 2012 but take up space on a city council. She stood there silently and failed to stand for woman as the county paid out a lot of money after Lamar Thorpe was found to have sexually harassed two women. She also did nothing in response to his DUI. She has had no policy wins nor has she accomplished anything. Wilson has no leadership skills at all other than does what she is told by others. I would hope a more qualified candidate runs for the seat.
Since 2012 Antioch has declined as more businesses close or move to another town.
Assembly District 15 deserves and needs better.
Good Riddens. This lady has done nothing to improve Antioch.
She will fit in very well in the Assembly…
Hey I’m all in if she gives up her council seat now. Matter of fact if Lamar and Tamisha wants to run also go for it. Just saying.
No tears here. Lamar will follow her where ever she goes. They are “friends” in a strange world of their own.
Monica does nothing and says nothing that Lamar hasn’t told her to do. Voters need to wake up and say no
to the assembly.
If Antioch votes to change to a rotational Mayor, Monica would be the next Mayor here. Unless she does try to move up to Assembly. If she leaves here then Lori would be next, then Tamisha.
Her bio looks impressive but if you wrote a bio for Antioch how might it read? The community has lost several prominent businesses and shopping centers remain empty. Yes there was a ban on liquor stores but we do have 10 to 12 permitted cannabis dispensaries. Antioch’ s Police Department is severely under staffed. Evidence of slideshows can be seen in major intersections all over town, our streets are no longer safe. Antioch has more homeless than our three neighboring communities combined in spite of spending millions on a hotel for vagrants. Antioch lost its AMTRAK Station primarily due to crime and homelessness. Not a very good testament to Antioch’s image and more importantly it’s leadership. Unfortunately council person Wilson must accept some responsibility for Antioch’s decline.
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