Sonoma County Supervisor James Gore is dropping out of the running for the State Senate seat currently held by Democrat Mike McGuire.
The Press Democrat reports Gore, who represents the county’s 4th District, announced his decision in a video late Wednesday evening. He cited the demands of the campaign on his personal life, stating he could not commit to the race “at the expense of my life, as a father and as a husband.”
Gore has served three terms as Supervisor but says he will not seek re-election when his term expires next year. The primary for the 2nd District seat, which spans the coast from the Golden Gate to the Oregon border, is set for June 2nd, 2026.
The field of candidates to succeed the termed-out Mike McGuire now primarily includes Assemblymember Damon Connolly and Santa Rosa City Council Member Natalie Rogers, both Democrats.
