Elk Grove City Councilmember exploring run for Sacramento County Board of Supervisors

With under 18 months until the June 2022 primary, political chatter is heating up for the possibility that Sacramento Supervisor Don Nottoli will not seek an eighth term as the District 5 representative. Although Nottoli has not formally announced his intentions, positioning for a possible run has started.

Among those who have filed candidacy paperwork for the position include Cosumnes Community Service District Director Jaclyn Moreno. With her candidacy papers filed month, Moreno has also transferred over $24,000 from her existing CCSD account to her new campaign finance committee.

Another Elk Grove elected official exploring a run for County Supervisor is Elk Grove Councilmember Stephanie Nguyen. Appointed to a vacancy for District 4 in 2017, Nguyen was elected to a four-year term in 2018.

In a phone conversation, Nguyen confirmed that she is exploring a run for Nottoli's seat. She stressed she would not formally announce her candidacy until Nottoli decision to vacate the seat is confirmed. 

"Yes, I am exploring the options for the 2022 election," Nguyen said. "However, out of respect to Don's exceptional service to the community, I will await his formal announcement."

Along with her position on the city council, Nguyen is the executive director of Sacramento-based Asian Resources Inc. Nguyen has been associated with ARI since 2005 when she became a board member and started working as their operations manager in 2008 and became executive director in 2012. 

While ARI has been involved with workforce development and community-based social services for over 40 years, their role has grown in recent years. Most recently during the COVID-19 crisis, ARI has expanded its role as a conduit for several programs related to the pandemic.

Along with providing services for Sacramento County and the City of Sacramento, they have partnered with other groups such as Sierre Health Foundation in the Sacramento County Covid-19 Collaborative. Also known as SAC COLLAB, ARI has led efforts to distribute direct financial grants and provide other services to at-risk communities.

Along with these efforts, ARI has organized COVID testing in conjunction with area health care providers. As vaccines become available, plans are being made to distribute them.

As a councilmember, Nguyen had led efforts to restrict the use of tobacco and vaping products. At their next meeting on February 10, the Elk Grove City Council is expected to approve a new related ordinance.

Should Nottoli not seek an eighth term representing District 5, it would present a unique opportunity. Along with Nguyen and Moreno, the primary race in June 2022 is likely to attract several candidates, including current and past elected officials. 

If no candidate wins over 50-percent of the votes in the primary, the top two finishers will advance to the November 2022 general election for a run-off. 

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