Longtime community advocate Elias Gonzales announces bid for 4th District supervisor seat

Watsonville native and community advocate Elias Gonzales is throwing his hat into the ring for the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors’ 4th District seat in November. 

Gonzales, born and raised in Watsonville, said in a media release that his campaign is rooted in one simple goal: “to ensure the county’s 4th District has leadership and someone who will help build a better future for South County residents.” 

Gonzales will face off against incumbent Felipe Hernandez, who announced in early January that he will be running for reelection in District 4, which includes much of the city of Watsonville and the Pajaro Valley. Hernandez won the seat in 2022 and is currently finishing out his first term as a county supervisor. 

Gonzales said he plans to focus on affordability, community and safety — three priorities he believes reflect residents’ needs. 

“People deserve clarity and leadership they can count on. I am running to make sure the Fourth District has someone they can trust and rely on,” Gonzales said in the statement. 

Gonzales more recently worked with nonprofit MILPA Collective, which focuses on empowering the younger generation through Indigenous teaching, policy and community advocacy. He has also managed youth programs for the Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County in Watsonville, and served on the county’s juvenile justice delinquency prevention commission.

Watsonville City Councilmember Vanessa Quiroz-Carter and former District 4 supervisor Greg Caput have already endorsed Gonzales’ candidacy, according to the announcement. “Elias listens with integrity and leads with care,” said Quiroz-Carter in the media release. “He understands and works hard to do what’s best for this community.”

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