To: Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): County Executive’s Office
Staff Name and Phone Number: David Guhin 707-565-2431
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Title:
Title
CMSP Governing Board Group 3 Supervisor Runoff Election
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Recommended Action:
Recommended action
Authorize the Chair to sign the County of Sonoma ballot affirming the vote for Sonoma County Supervisor Chris Coursey in the runoff election for County Medical Services Program (CMSP) Governing Board, Supervisor Representative for Group 3 Counties, for a term effective immediately following the election and ending on December 31, 2027. The initial election conducted in August 2026 to fill the vacant Group 3 County Supervisor position resulted in a tie between Solano County Supervisor Cassandra James and Sonoma County Supervisor Chris Coursey and therefore this runoff election is necessary.
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Executive Summary:
This item seeks Board approval of a vote for Sonoma County Supervisor Chris Coursey for the County Medical Services Program (CMSP) Governing Board, Supervisor Representative for Group 3 Counties, for a term effective immediately following the election and ending on December 31, 2027. The Chair previously cast a vote for Supervisor Chris Coursey on August 25, 2026 <https://sonoma-county.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=8176462&GUID=76A939BE-6843-4DD1-8E77-AE50F380097E&Options=&Search=> but the initial election resulted in a tie between Supervisor Chris Coursey and Supervisor Cassandra James. A runoff election is now required to fill the vacant Group 3 County Supervisor position.
Discussion:
The County Medical Services Program (CMSP) Governing Board is composed of three County Supervisors, three County Executive Officers, two County Health Officials, two Welfare Directors, and one member who shall be the Secretary of the Health and Welfare Agency, or the secretary’s designee, and who shall serve as an ex officio, nonvoting member, from the 35 member counties. The Governing Board administers the County Medical Services Program, which provides health care services to indigent adults in the 35 counties. https://cmspcounties.org/
In fulfillment of its statutory responsibility, the Governing Board has regularized the terms of its Board. California Welfare & Institutions Code section 16809.4(d)(1)(A) provides that the three county supervisor members shall be elected by the boards of supervisors of the CMSP counties, with each county having one vote and convened at the call of the chair of the governing board.
Group 3 Counties include Marin, Napa, Sonoma, and Solano counties. This seat is currently held by Solano County Supervisor John Vasquez, who is resigning. In the event of a vacancy, the appointment of a successor shall be made as soon as reasonably practicable and the successor member shall serve the unexpired term of the predecessor member. Accordingly, the term for this seat will take effect immediately following the election and end on December 31, 2027.
An initial election was conducted between Sonoma County Supervisor Chris Coursey and Solano County Supervisor Cassandra James in August, 2026 to fill the vacant Group 3 County Supervisor position.
That election resulted in a tie and accordingly a runoff election is now required; either Supervisor must receive a majority vote of the CMSP Group 3 Counties to be elected the new CMSP Governing Board member for Group 3.
This item recommends Supervisor Coursey for the position. Ballots for the runoff election are due by Wednesday, September 30, 2026. If the runoff election results in another tie, the CMSP Governing Board will make the final selection between the two candidates in accordance with the bylaws, which are currently being updated.
Strategic Plan:
N/A
Prior Board Actions:
None
Fiscal Summary
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
N/A
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
N/A
Attachments:
Runoff Ballot
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
None