The Hound's Bark
Healdsburg High School
Who Represents Me?
By: Susanna Conway
Both at the state and federal level, there are people who represent the interests of California, Sonoma County, and the City of Healdsburg in bodies of government. It is always important to know who is representing you so that you can make sure the interests of your city, county, and state, are being properly represented. Additionally, when it comes time for you to vote, it is essential that you know who you are voting for and why instead of simply marking a name on a ballot because of their party affiliation. Listed below are just a few of the many politicians that constitute a representation of Healdsburg, Sonoma County, and or California as a whole.
Congressman Jared Huffman
Photo by: jdlasica
Congressman Jared Huffman is a member of the United States House of Representatives who represents California’s second district, or North Coast, which ranges from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Oregon Border. Huffman grew up in Missouri and came to California to earn his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of California at Santa Barbara. Prior to his election in 2012, where he was elected with approximately 70% of the vote, Mr. Huffman represented the sixth district in the California State Assembly for six years. Today, Congressman Huffman continues to express his values for environmental protection, as well those of his constituents in the North Coast, in the United States House of Representatives.
To learn more about Congressman Huffman, visit https://huffman.house.gov/
Senator Dianne Feinstein
Photo by: davidleesf
Senator Dianne Feinstein is currently the oldest sitting US Senator and has represented the state of California for nearly 30 years. A San Francisco native, Senator Feinstein received her bachelor’s degree in history from Stanford University and was the mayor of San Francisco from 1978-1988. In 1992, Diane Feinstein and Barbra Boxer became the first female US Senators to represent California, and in 2012, Feinstein received the most votes of any senator in history, with over 7.86 million votes. Senator Feinstein remains a popular senator, and even plans to seek reelection for her sixth term in 2024 when she will be 91 years old.
To learn more about Senator Feinstein, visit https://www.feinstein.senate.gov/public/
Senator Alex Padilla
Photo by: Gage Skidmore
Senator Alex Padilla was appointed to the US Senate in late 2020 after incumbent Kamala Harris resigned the seat following her election as Vice-President. Senator Padilla is the proud son of Mexican immigrants, and in 2021 became the first Mexican American and Hispanic Senator to represent California. Growing up in Los Angeles, Padilla earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and then went on to serve as a California state senator from 2006-2014. In 2015, Senator Padilla was elected as California’s secretary of state, a position which he held until his appointment to the US Senate in 2020.
To learn more about Senator Padilla, visit https://www.padilla.senate.gov/
Senator Mike McGuire
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State Senator Mike McGuire represents the North Coast region of California in the California State Senate and was first elected in 2014 receiving approximately 70% of the vote. Born and raised in Healdsburg, McGuire became the youngest member of the Healdsburg school board at the age of 19 and went on to serve in the city council, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, and eventually Mayor of Healdsburg. Senator McGuire attended Sonoma State University, where he received his bachelor's degree in political science.
To learn more about Senator McGuire, visit https://sd02.senate.ca.gov/
Assemblymember Jim Wood
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Assemblymember Jim Wood represents California’s North Coast in the California State Assembly and has been serving in that position since 2014. Prior to his election, Mr. Wood served on the Healdsburg city council for six years. He also held the position of Healdsburg’s mayor and was a local dentist.
To learn more about Assemblymember Wood, visit https://a02.asmdc.org/