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As has long been forecast, Assemblymember Damon Connolly — former San Rafael city councilmember, Marin County supervisor and deputy California Attorney General — is entering the race to replace state senator Mike McGuire, who will be term-limited out of the office next year.

Connolly launched his campaign this morning, and he comes with some heavy-hitting endorsements, including Chris Rogers, our current assembly representative; Connie Stewart, the former mayor of Arcata and former executive director of the California Center for Rural Policy; and Arcata’s own Wes Chesbro, himself a former member of the state Senate.

Connolly’s campaign launch video, embedded above, contains footage of the assemblymember knocking on constituents’ doors, meeting with fishermen, ordering a big plate of food at Santa Rosa’s Aroma de Cafe and strolling with other people in suits. It also includes the following Shutterstock clips:

Press release for the Damon Connolly for Senate campaign:

Campaign photo.

Today, Assemblymember Damon Connolly announced his campaign for State Senate in District 2, the North Coast district that includes Del Norte, Humboldt, Lake, Marin, Mendocino, Sonoma, and Trinity counties.

“These are dangerous times. The Trump Administration is going after our schools, our businesses, our health care, our coastline, our diverse communities, and our very way of life. We need a State Senator who is ready to step up and meet this moment,” said Assemblymember Damon Connolly. “I’m running for State Senate, because I’m ready on day one to make sure that the North Coast is heard and respected as important decisions are made in Sacramento.”

As a current State Assemblymember and former County Supervisor, City Council Member, School Board President, and California Deputy Attorney General, Damon Connolly brings 25 years of experience to the campaign - touting accomplishments focused on wildfire prevention, climate action, and affordability and quality of life on the North Coast.

The Damon Connolly for State Senate campaign also released a campaign launch announcement video, which can be watched HERE:

Trusted North Coast leaders expressed strong support for Damon’s campaign.

“Damon Connolly is one of the most effective public servants I have ever worked with,” said North Coast Assemblymember Chris Rogers. “He is responsible for major climate change and wildfire prevention reforms at the State and County levels. Damon is always focused on the most pressing issues facing the North Coast, and he’ll be a great Senator.”

“As a State Senator, I always understood that my primary responsibility was to ensure that North Coast priorities had a champion in the Capitol. Damon Connolly will bring that kind of commitment to the State Senate,” said former North Coast Senator and Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro. “At a time when the very future of our democracy is in question, Damon can be counted on to be a true people’s representative. He listens, and he accomplishes big things for the communities he represents. I have every confidence he will represent every corner of this large and diverse district with experience and dedication. That’s why Damon is my choice for State Senate.”

“The North Coast needs a State Senator who deeply understands the unique challenges we face and has a proven record of getting results. That candidate is Damon Connolly,” said Connie Stewart, the former Mayor of Arcata. “Damon’s entire career has been focused on issues that matter to our community, from improving rural access to physical and mental healthcare to defending and supporting public education.”

He is also earning support from leading voices in wildfire prevention and protecting public education.

“No one has done more to protect Northern California from major wildfires, natural disasters, and other emergencies than Damon Connolly,” said John Bagala, the Union President of Marin Professional Firefighters, IAFF Local 1775. “At every stage of his career at the City, County, and State level Damon has worked closely with firefighters and led efforts to keep our communities safe. He’ll be an exceptional State Senator.”

“Across Northern California, the Trump Administration is cutting funding for our schools and universities, making it harder to see a doctor, and even trying to prevent our state from achieving its climate change goals. With all the fear and uncertainty we face, Damon Connolly is the candidate for State Senate I trust to defend our values and protect our neighbors,” said Marin Office of Education Board Member Patty Garbarino.

About Damon Connolly

Damon Connolly is the Chair of the Assembly Committee on Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials and serves on the Assembly Judiciary, Budget, Budget Subcommittee No.4 on Climate Crisis, Natural Resources, and Agriculture Committees. In just three years in the State Assembly, Damon has authored 13 bills that became laws, improving school safety, preventing teen suicides, and expanding access to open space..

As a member of the Climate Bond Working Group and working closely with Senator Mike McGuire, Assemblymember Connolly helped author Proposition 4, the 2024 Climate Bond, which will make billions of dollars of investments in wildfire prevention, drought resilience, sea-level rise adaptation, and home hardening.

Prior to his 2022 election to the State Assembly, Damon served on the Marin County Board of Supervisors, as Vice Mayor of the City of San Rafael, as Board President of the Miller Creek School District, and as California Deputy Attorney General.

To learn more about his campaign, 25 years of experience, and accomplishments, visit https://www.damonconnolly.com.