In a move marking a historic first for Sonoma County, Supervisor Rebecca Hermosillo has been elected as the 2026 chair of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors. Hermosillo, who represents the First District covering east Santa Rosa and the Sonoma Valley, is the first Latina to ever hold the leadership position in the board's 176-year history. Chris Coursey will serve as vice chair, while David Rabbitt will assume the role of chair pro tempore.
Hermosillo, who stepped into her board position in 2024 and served as vice chair last year under Chair Lynda Hopkins, has acknowledged her ascent as a significant milestone. "I recognize the significance of this moment," Hermosillo said, as she aimed to fully embrace the community's trust and heritage of resilience. She asserts that, despite the sense of uncertainty shadowing the current economic climate and governmental shifts, she is determined to properly steward the county’s limited public resources, according to the County of Sonoma.
The 2026 chair mentioned the importance of fiscal responsibility during her tenure, especially in light of the shifting priorities at the federal and state levels. She emphasized opportunity in the face of these challenges, indicating a commitment to innovation and community engagement. "But with uncertainty also comes the opportunity to be problem solvers, to listen more deeply, to strengthen collaboration, to build meaningful public and private partnerships, and to ensure that everyone feels seen, heard, and valued in the decisions we make from this dais every Tuesday," Hermosillo articulated in her opening remarks, per the County of Sonoma.
Reflecting on her time as chair, outgoing Chair Lynda Hopkins expressed gratitude toward the board and more than 4,300 county employees, highlighting their everyday efforts to incrementally better the community. "We have amazing human beings who show up every day to make our community just a little bit better. To be a part of that team is really the greatest privilege of my working life," Hopkins conveyed before passing the leadership to Chair Hermosillo. Supervisor Chris Coursey, re-elected in 2024 to represent the Third District, praised the new chair, saying, per the County of Sonoma, "This is a proud and historic moment for Sonoma County. Chair Hermosillo’s leadership reflects the diversity of our community and the progress we continue to make in ensuring everyone has a seat at the table."
