Wood (left) and Hicks.

PREVIOUSLY:

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The race to succeed family dentist and former Healdsburg Mayor Jim Wood as the state Assembly’s Second District representative is crowded, with no fewer than seven candidates qualifying for California’s March primary election ballot.

The endorsement of the incumbent is bound to give one candidate a significant leg up, and this afternoon brings word that Wood has given his nod of approval to none other than California Democratic Party Chair and fairly recent Arcata resident Rusty Hicks. 

For the record, the other six candidates in the race are as follows: 

  • Cynthia Click, a former music director at KMUD Community Radio
  • Michael Greer, Del Norte Unified School District trustee,  Republican
  • Ariel Kelley, mayor of Healdsburg
  • Franklin “Frankie” Myers, vice-chairman of the Yurok Tribe
  • Chris Rogers, Santa Rosa councilmember
  • Ted Williams, Mendocino County mayor supervisor

Here’s the press release from the Rusty Hicks campaign:

Today, Assemblymember Jim Wood, who has served the people of the 2nd Assembly District since 2014, endorsed Rusty Hicks and expressed his confidence in Hicks’ ability to continue the vital work of representing the diverse needs and interests of the district.

“I love my job as your State Assemblymember, and together we’ve made progress on the challenges in our region and our State. After careful consideration, I’ve decided to endorse Rusty Hicks to succeed me in the March 5th Primary Election.” said Assemblymember Jim Wood. “He has the proven leadership skills and integrity we can count on to stand up for our communities and the working families that keep the North Coast moving. Rusty’s experience as an classroom educator, union leader, military veteran, grassroots organizer, and as the Chair of the California Democratic Party show that he brings people together to get things done – and that’s what we need during these turbulent times. I’m proud to endorse Rusty Hicks, and urge you to join me, along with the firefighters, nurses, and working people across the North Coast in supporting him.”

“I am honored and humbled to receive the endorsement of Assemblymember Jim Wood. His unwavering dedication to representing every North Coast community has set a high bar - one I will do my best to live up to. Together, we will work tirelessly to address the pressing challenges facing the 2nd Assembly District and fight for a North Coast that works for all of us.” said Rusty Hicks.

The endorsement from Assemblymember Wood adds to the growing momentum behind Rusty Hicks’ campaign, with support coming from a diverse range of North Coast leaders, local Democratic leaders, and labor unions representing healthcare workers, first responders, and construction workers.