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Incumbent Third District Supervisor Mike Wilson this morning announced that he’s running for a third four-year term on the board. 

One challenger has filed paperwork to run against Wilson: Rogelio “Roy” Gomez, Arcata resident and owner of Eureka cannabis dispensary Heart of the Emerald. Gomez has accused Eureka City Council members of being “undemocratic anarchists” out to dismantle capitalism. Earlier this year he filed a claim for damages and alleged that city council members violated a municipal code of ethics in a dispute related to a special event permit to sell alcohol at Gomez’s former event venue, Forever Found. 

Here’s the press release issued this morning by Wilson’s campaign:

Mike Wilson announced today that he will seek a third term as Humboldt County supervisor. “I want to keep doing all I can to improve and diversify our economy, create more affordable housing, deliver outstanding public services, foster resiliency for the challenges ahead and protect our natural resources and open spaces,” said Wilson. 

An environmental engineer who grew up in Humboldt County and earned an MS in Environmental Systems Engineering from Cal Poly Humboldt, Wilson has represented the third district—Arcata, Blue Lake, Freshwater and Manila—on the Humboldt County board of supervisors since 2016. Prior to becoming county supervisor, Wilson served nine years on the board of the Humboldt Bay Harbor, Recreation, and Conservation District where he supported a balanced approach to economic development of the harbor and environmental protection. Since 2019, he has served on the California Coastal Commission. 

During his time as Humboldt Bay Harbor Commissioner, Wilson lead successful efforts to restore wetlands and estuaries, expand oyster and seaweed farming, clean up the contaminated Samoa Pulp mill site, and create sustainable, living wage jobs. As county supervisor, Wilson has worked to increase safe and walk-able neighborhoods, protect cherished open landscapes, create affordable housing, increase renewable energy production, and expand emergency and long-term mental health services.

Specifically, Mike has played a key role in these accomplishments over the last seven years: 

• Creation of an Affordable Housing Trust Fund for Humboldt County; 
• Developing a clean-energy micro-grid at the Redwood Coast Regional Airport;
• Seeding the Humboldt Childcare Stabilization Fund with one million dollars;
• Expanding transit services to include micro-transit and greater regional bus services; 
• Developing new source of on-going funding for arts and culture programs; 
• Improving pedestrian and driver safety with speed tables in Freshwater and Manila;
• Expanding trails and public assess and working toward completion of the Humboldt Bay Trail; and
• Regulating flavored vapes to reduce youth tobacco addiction.

Wilson has also worked to ensure that large-scale projects proposed meet the needs of Humboldt residents. “I’ve worked with community leaders, labor unions, tribes and many agencies to ensure that offshore wind energy projects will minimize impacts to our ocean, landscapes and communities while providing well-paying jobs, inclusive job training and meaningful contributions for housing and infrastructure,” said Wilson. “We have a long, challenging road ahead as we consider one of the largest proposed offshore wind projects in the country. Robust community engagement will be critical at all levels.” 

“Supervisor Wilson is a champion for Humboldt County and the North Coast. He has always stood up for working families and he fights for the unique needs of rural communities,” said Mike McGuire, incoming State Senate President who represents the North Coast. “He’s a leading voice to protect our coast as a Coastal Commissioner and no one works harder to combat the climate crisis than Mike Wilson. Now more than ever, we need Mike on the Board of Supervisors.”

“I have really appreciated how Supervisor Wilson collaborates with the city on solving problems,” said Arcata City Council Member Stacey Atkins-Salazar. “The monthly interagency coordination meetings on housing and homelessness that he helped establish have been invaluable in our working with the Arcata House, Open Door Clinics and county departments to lead the way on our comprehensive response.  Mike is always available when we need him.” 

“I’ve been working with Mike since his time on the board of Friends of the Dunes when we built the Nature Center.  He’s a problem solver who dives in with an engineer’s mind to figure out how to move things forward. I appreciate his engagement with the community and perspective on protecting our environment and preparing for climate change,” said Manila resident Carol Vander Meer. 

Supervisor Wilson is grateful to also receive endorsements from: Arcata Mayor Sarah Schaefer; Arcata City Council Members Stacey Atkins-Salazar, Alex Stillman and Kimberley White; Blue Lake Mayor, Adelene Jones; Blue City Council Member Elizabeth McKay; former State Senator Wesley Chesbro; former 3rd District Supervisors Julie Fulkerson, John Woolley and Mark Lovelace; Harbor Commissioners Stephen Kullmann and Craig Benson, and Wiyot cultural leader Cheryl Seidner. 

“I’m grateful for Humboldt’s unparalleled natural beauty and community spirit. However, there are some real challenges facing Humboldt County and the region. That’s why I’ll keep collaborating with others, digging in to overcome obstacles and helping to bring all possible resources to the county,” said Wilson. 

“I genuinely love this job and have been honored to be able to serve and give back to the community that has given so much to me and my family.  With your support, I will continue to bring a balanced approach to issues, listen to all points of view and work with all sides to develop positive solutions.”