Former Contra Costa County Supervisor Karen Mitchoff announced this week she would be running for the California State Assembly.
In a game of musical chairs, current Assemblymember Tim Grayson is widely expected to run for the Senate seat being vacated by Steve Glazer which would open up Grayson’s assembly seat.
The move comes after she retired from the Board of Supervisors after a 12-year term and nearly a 50-year career of public service which began in 1981 in the sheriffs office before being elected to the Pleasant Hill City Council in 2008 then being elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2011.
She was asked in June to run for the State Assembly seat but took her time to decide. After some time, she decided there were several issues she wanted to work on which include housing, transportation, the economy, water, elder issues, as well as gun violence and safety.
“I want to work on medical care for middle income people and I know a lot of people are dealing with board and care issues with their parents and they need more resources,” said Mitchoff. “The San Francisco Bay Area is aging, we need to age healthy, but it doesn’t work if you don’t have enough money and end up in board and care.”
With the murder of her brother, she feels strongly on addressing gun violence and gun safety issues.
She believes her experience in working for Contra Costa County as well as serving 12-years on the Board of Supervisor has prepared her to work at a state level—such as now Congressman Mark DeSaulnier, former Assemlywoman Susan Bonilla.
“I have been a supervisor, but because I work for County Human Services Department. I have an understanding of the safety net, I am excited for bringing my experience and the new speaker will be excited for issues I bring to the table,” explained Mitchoff. “I can also bring experience with the delta and the tunnels.”
She plans to also work on the water issues while aiming to keep the governor or future governor from building the tunnels.
She touched on several other issues such as housing and rent control that some cities have discussed in Contra Costa County.
“We need housing, but Senator Scott Wiener’s way of doing it is ridiculous. We have to have a more sensible way of doing it,” says Mitchoff. “I also supported the moratorium for rent during the pandemic, but I was also in support of shorter timelines/ We have to find the solution but rent control is not the solution to a housing problem because it does not create more housing, it actually keeps people in housing longer. We need new housing.
She also touched on the transportation tax that will be placed on the ballot. She was not a fan.
“While I also understand the need for public transportation, we don’t need to be taxing our residents for the benefit of bay area residents who don’t cross bridges,” said Mitchoff.
She added she looks forward to a good race and agreed with Antioch City Councilwoman Monica Wilson (who announced in June) that the goal was to get more women in the state legislator, so if it stays a woman only race, that goal is achieved.
Assembly District 15 includes the cities of Antioch, Brentwood, Clayton, Concord, Martinez, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, a sliver of Walnut Creek and unincorporated communities.
She issued the following letter:
Hello Friends,
I’ve got some exciting (and surprising) news to share with you: I will be seeking the 15th Assembly District seat in the March 2024 primary should Assemblymember Tim Grayson choose not to seek re-election.
Yes, I retired from the Board of Supervisors in December 2022, and I enjoyed my years of service to Contra Costa County at the local level. But in early June, I heard from a number of people I respect and admire asking me to consider seeking the AD15 seat. I took their request to heart; and after serious thought as to whether I can be an effective public servant in Sacramento, discussion with dear friends, and prayer, it became clear that I should enter the race.
During these past seven months, I’ve come to realize that there are still very important issues I care about – and our communities care about – that can only be addressed at the state level. In addition to housing, transportation, the economy, and water, my campaign will also focus on elder issues and gun violence/safety. I believe my experience can make a real difference.
I’ve enjoyed these past several months with no professional commitments, and I’ve been able to adopt a miniature poodle, take tap dance classes, and continue reading many books. This time off has allowed me to recharge and I have a renewed focus on how to tackle tough issues and serve constituents.
So, you will be hearing more about my candidacy over the next few weeks, and I will be asking for your support of my campaign. Please reach out to me either by phone or email to let me know other issues you feel are important to all of us here in Contra Costa County.
Karen Mitchoff
[email protected]
5 comments
Please stay retired.
Going to go full Karen again? Not voting for her. Ever.
After reading her statement, my reaction is “quick, hand me my hip boots! The manure is getting deep here.”
Let’s not forget what she did during the plandemic and her attack on business! Her plan of using a stick instead of a carrot.
No thanks. She’s a piece of work who just loves to hear herself talk. She did pretty much nothing as Supervisor except yap and always believe she was never wrong. In her view, only she has the answers and all us peons must kowtow to her.
I’m voting for Monica Wilson.
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