Phil Serna, the longtime chair of the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors, announced Wednesday that he will not run for a fifth term when his current term expires next year. He told local reporters that four terms is enough and that he’s endorsing Sacramento City Councilmember Eric Guerra as his preferred successor. The move opens what is likely to be a competitive 2026 race for one of the region’s most powerful local offices.
In an exclusive interview with Abridged, Serna said "the time is right" to step away and that "four terms is plenty for me." As reported by The Sacramento Bee, Serna did not lay out a detailed post-government plan but said he hopes to focus more on family and community work. He also said he’s endorsing Councilmember Eric Guerra for the seat.
Why This Seat Matters
County supervisors control major spending and services for the region; Sacramento County’s recommended budget for Fiscal Year 2025–26 is roughly $9.2 billion. County budget documents show the board directs funding for public health, infrastructure and other core programs. Serna’s First District includes the Sacramento International Airport, Downtown, North Sacramento and Oak Park, making it a politically diverse seat with broad policy influence. The county’s District 1 page lists those communities among the areas he represents.
Potential Candidates And Early Endorsements
Serna’s endorsement gives an early lift to Councilmember Eric Guerra, whose council district overlaps parts of the county and who has served on the City Council since 2015. Abridged reports other prominent local figures — including 2024 mayoral candidate Flojaune Cofer — could enter the 2026 supervisor contest. Cofer narrowly lost the city’s mayoral race last year, and local outlets tracked that tight contest as a sign she could be competitive in future countywide fights. KCRA reported on the 2024 mayoral results.
Serna’s Record And Recent Controversies
First elected in 2010, Serna won re-election to a fourth term in June 2022 and has chaired the board multiple times while serving on regional transit, flood control and air-quality bodies. His campaign site highlights work such as the Black Child Legacy Campaign, which he has cited as a signature achievement. Serna has also faced political pushback over a social-media post earlier this year; a law firm hired to investigate complaints later found the allegations unsubstantiated, according to the local CBS affiliate. CBS Sacramento covered the review and outcome.
With Serna stepping aside, county politicos say to expect an active filing season and a high-profile 2026 campaign for the First District seat. The Sacramento Bee notes the vacancy could attract candidates from city hall and county offices and materially reshape local political dynamics next year. Serna said he will finish his term and help with a transition while focusing more on community work after he leaves office.
