Since November of 2025, RCRC has hosted six of the major Gubernatorial candidates in a series of policy-focused meet and greets with representatives from RCRC’s Board of Directors, to discuss the unique issues that rural counties face. These conversations have been an opportunity, not only to hear about the candidates’ plans on major issues, but to also give them insight into RCRC’s work and to provide them an opportunity to hear from board members about how California’s most pressing challenges affect their communities. Frequent topics of discussion have included health care, home insurance, wildfire mitigation, housing, wolves, water, and how to best ensure that rural voices are at the table.
While RCRC does not endorse candidates for political office, these conversations have been a valuable opportunity to engage directly with those seeking to lead the state. RCRC has invited candidates from across the political spectrum, hosting former State Controller Betty Yee, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Businessman and Commentator Steve Hilton, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, Businessman Tom Steyer, and most recently, former California Attorney General and Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra.
RCRC expects to host additional candidates prior to the June primary election. These conversations are made possible through the participation of several RCRC board members. Thank you to our board members who have participated thus far, including Supervisors Lee Adams (Sierra County), Aaron Albaugh (Lassen County), Shiela Allen (Yolo County), Gary Bradford (Yuba County), RCRC Immediate Past Chair Geri Byrne (Modoc County), Madeline Cline (Mendocino County), RCRC Second Vice Chair Anne Cottrell (Napa County), David Griffith (Alpine), Sue Hoek (Nevada County), Michael Kobseff (Siskiyou), Daron McDaniel (Merced County), RCRC Chair Miles Menetrey (Mariposa County), RCRC First Chair Bob Nelson (Santa Barbara County), Lori Parlin (El Dorado County), Jen Roeser (Inyo County), and Jeff Stephens (Sutter County).
For additional information, contact RCRC’s Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, Mary-Ann Warmerdam.