The city council’s three open seats now presents a wider opportunity for at least two new council members come December, as Mayor Ozzy Jimenez has opted not to seek election to the seat to which he was appointed two years ago.
Jimenez had been reluctant to discuss his plans with the press or public, though it was rumored that members of the council knew he was not running. He did not mention the topic during his mayor’s comments at the Aug. 1 City Council meeting, though it was widely expected he would do so.
He announced instead that he and his longtime partner were engaged to be wed. The news drew a warm reception from the council and public; when Jimenez was appointed he was only the second openly gay council member and first person of color to serve on the council since 1992.
But people were wondering when he’d make clear his intentions, in the election at least. Finally the announcement came on his Facebook page on Sunday, Aug. 7. “I’m choosing not to seek re election and I’m looking forward to completing my full term and my commitment to the our City,” he wrote. He also listed “several accomplishments that I’m exceptionally proud of” that were passed during his two years on the council, and asserted he’d continue working with the constituencies that he brought to the council when he was appointed.
“I will continue to ask ‘how are we supporting young and BIPOC individuals to be inspired to serve across our County to be effective and empowered by their seat at the table?’ We need to continue to engage and mentor those young leaders courageous enough to dream big in entrepreneurship, non-profit, or civic.”
He left the door open, however, to running for the city council at a later date. “This is by no means a goodbye, as you may see me in 2026!”
The plot thickens
Since Jimenez is an incumbent, his decision not to file means that the nomination period for a city council seat will remain open an additional five calendar days, until Aug. 17, at 5 p.m.
With Evelyn Mitchell the only incumbent running, one four-year seat is wide open—and even Mitchell will be only one of a handful of candidates on the ballot, the top two of which win council seats.
Several candidates have begun the filing process, said City Clerk Raina Allen, though the final number of candidates – and whether or not they will be running for the two open 4-year seats or the single 2-year seat on the ballot – won’t be known until late next week.
City Parks & Recreation Commissioner Chris Herrod has been visibly in the run for a four-year seat, and former councilmember Brigette Ann Munsell has stated she is running for the two-year term. Personal assistant Linda Cade has confirmed that she intends to run as well.
Matt Villano, a local journalist, initially intended to file for the two-year seat as well but said the cost of application and campaigning was too high, and withdrew.
Villano complained on Facebook that the application fee alone was over $850, and including costs for mailing lists, posters and fliers would add several thousand dollars to mount a credible campaign for office.
City Clerk Allen said, “The estimated Statement of Qualifications cost is determined by the County of Sonoma. We contract with the County to run our elections,” in part because Sonoma County has been designated a bilingual community and statements are prepared in both English and Spanish.
Thinking of running?
Prospective candidates should consult the “Tools for Candidates” page on the city website, at healdsburg.gov/855/Tools-for-candidates, for helpful information on office requirements, fair political practices, election signage and other resources.
Nomination and election forms are now being accepted, between July 18 and Aug. 12, by appointment only at the Healdsburg City Clerk’s office. Raina Allen, the City Clerk, can be reached at (707) 431-3317 or by email at [email protected].
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