NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – Yolo County Supervisor Don Saylor has launched his bid for the State Assembly.

Assemblyman Bill Dodd’s decision to seek election to the California State Senate creates an open seat to represent the Fourth Assembly District, which includes Lake and Napa counties, most of Yolo County, and part of Colusa, Solano and Sonoma counties.

Saylor said he's running for the Assembly “to help all Californians thrive and work to make our state government make sense.”

He added, “Together the communities in Assembly District 4 are a major contributor to the global economy. I will work to build on our economic assets, steward our natural resources, invest in our future through infrastructure and education, support agriculture and food security, and strengthen our commitment to our most vulnerable populations.”

Saylor has a record of public service spanning 40 years, including as a local elected official for the past 20 years.

He joined the Yolo County Board of Supervisors in January 2011. He earlier served as mayor and city council member for the city of Davis from 2004 to 2010 and as a trustee of the Davis Joint Unified School District from 1995 to 2003.

Saylor currently chairs the six-county Sacramento Area Council of Governments and has previously chaired the Yolo Solano Air Quality Management District, First 5 Yolo Commission, and the Yolo County Natural Heritage Program.

His public service career includes the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst Office where he provided analyses and advice to the California State Legislature on health and social services programs as well as a variety of administrative roles in education, health care, strategic planning, construction and financial management.

Saylor has worked to build new schools, balance budgets, create partnerships, protect open space and bring new jobs to the area.  “From improving local schools to tackling juvenile delinquency in California, I have been on the front lines. As a county supervisor, I have worked with leaders across the region on transportation planning, climate action, affordable housing, health care and mental health services, access to healthy food, transportation and improving our water supply. As a city council member, I helped launch economic development and innovation strategies.”

As a member of the statewide Cities, Counties, Schools Partnership Executive Committee, Saylor has worked on school community partnerships, food security, safe routes to school and other cross cutting issues.

Saylor has been a founder and active participant in Yolo Food Connect, a group focused on food security and planning for an inclusive food system, and Saving California Communities, a group focused on improving the alignment of public resources, responsibilities and accountability in government. 

“I believe our best hope is to engage people in solving our own problems. Too often public dialogue has become polarized.  I want to help bring balance and fairness to the public square,” said Saylor.

“I am proud of the work we have done together for our community, county and region. At each step along the way, I have gained valuable perspectives, worked hard to make a difference in the lives of people, and built long lasting partnerships. I look forward to continuing this work statewide,” said Saylor.

A lifelong Democrat, Saylor and his wife, Julie, moved to Davis in 1987 to raise their children, Aaron and Kate.

Republican Charlie Schaupp of Esparto also announced this week that he plans to run for the Fourth District Assembly seat.