Healdsburg Mayor Seeks Second Term In District 4

HEALDSBURG, CA — Healdsburg Mayor Chris Herrod has launched his campaign for a second term on the City Council, becoming the first candidate to file nomination papers for the District 4 seat in the city's first-ever district-based election.

Although Herrod currently serves as mayor, voters will not elect a mayor in November.

Under Healdsburg's council-manager form of government, City Council members choose one of their own each year to serve as mayor. The Nov. 3 election will determine who represents District 4 on the City Council.

Herrod first announced his candidacy in April, when he launched his campaign website, and formally kicked off the campaign July 22 during a community event at Elephant in the Room.

The campaign unfolds as Healdsburg transitions to district-based elections, a change that has left many residents uncertain about who can vote and where candidates are running. Instead of campaigning citywide, candidates now focus only on voters within their districts.

He said he has encountered confusion over who can vote for him because this is the first district election.

But, Herrod said the smaller districts create opportunities for more personal campaigning and stronger constituent relationships.

"Instead of trying to cover the entire city, I can spend more time talking with residents, following up on concerns, and coming back to people," he said.

District 4 includes neighborhoods east of Healdsburg Avenue between Powell Avenue and Terrace Boulevard. Based on Sonoma County voter registration records, Herrod estimates the district includes about 1,800 registered voters.

During the campaign kickoff, Herrod highlighted priorities for a second term, including expanding affordable housing, strengthening the city's long-term water supply, advancing Healdsburg's Climate Action Plan, supporting homeless services through L&M Village, and continuing outreach to Latino residents and immigrant families.

He also pointed to accomplishments during his first term, including street improvement projects, declining crime and homelessness, balanced city budgets, and efforts to support local businesses.

District 4 is one of two Healdsburg City Council seats on the November ballot. District 2, which has no incumbent residing within its boundaries, has also drawn multiple candidates. Scott Pratt, Mathew Lopez, and Alex Wood have filed to run for that seat.

Residents can determine which district they live in by using the City of Healdsburg's online district lookup tool before the Nov. 3 election.