1st Black Woman Elected To Contra Costa County Board Of Supervisors

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors convened Tuesday's annual reorganization meeting at the County Administration Building, ushering in a new era of county leadership and milestones.

In a groundbreaking moment, Shanelle Scales-Preston was sworn in as District 5 supervisor, becoming the first African American woman elected to the county governing board. Also on Tuesday, District 2 Supervisor Candace Andersen was sworn in as chair, and District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis became vice-chair.

"This moment is about building bridges—bridges to equity, community safety, economic opportunity, and a brighter future for all," Scales-Preston said. "Together, we will strive to ensure that every voice is heard, every neighborhood thrives, and every family has the opportunity to succeed."

Scales-Preston is a lifelong resident of Pittsburg and was elected to the Pittsburg City Council in 2018. She served as Pittsburg mayor in 2023. Currently, she is the board chair for Marin Clean Energy, a local electricity provider.

Scales-Preston fills the District 5 seat vacated by longtime county Supervisor Federal Glover. The district encompasses Alhambra Valley, Antioch (North), Bay Point, Briones, Clyde, Concord (North), Crockett, Hercules, Martinez, Mt. View, Pacheco, Pittsburg, Port Costa, Reliez Valley, Rodeo, Tormey and Vine Hill. She succeeds former Supervisor Federal Glover, who retired in December 2024.

The board will be led this year by Andersen and Burgis.

"Community safety, fiscal responsibility, and ensuring that all residents have a good quality of life are at the heart of my work," Andersen said. "I am honored to serve as Chair and remain dedicated to ensuring County programs and services reflect our residents’ values and aspirations for a thriving future."

Andersen represents Danville, Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, San Ramon and Walnut Creek, along with the unincorporated communities of Alamo, Blackhawk, Canyon, Diablo, Parkmead, Saranap and the Tassajara Valley. She was first elected to the Board in June 2012 and was most recently reelected in March 2024. Chair Andersen serves on 28 local and regional boards and commissions, addressing planning, land use, transportation, pensions, mental health, healthcare, reuse and recycling, economic development, and public safety.

Burgis serves the 222,000 residents of District 3, which includes Antioch, Bethel Island, Brentwood, Byron, Discovery Bay, Knightsen, and Oakley. She was first elected to the Board in 2016 and most recently reelected in 2024. She serves on over 30 Board and regional committees, including as Chair of the Legislation Committee, Internal Operations Committee, and the Transportation, Water & Infrastructure Committee. As Chair of California’s Delta Protection Commission, she also represents the Commission on the State’s Delta Stewardship Council.

"This year, I want to continue enhancing public safety by strengthening fire protection and law enforcement coverage, ensuring our communities feel secure and supported," Burgis said. "Everyone deserves a safe and stable place to call home, and we are prioritizing addressing homelessness and the housing affordability crisis. I am also committed to bringing more services and jobs to East County, where our population is growing the fastest."

District 1 Supervisor John Gioia and District 4 Supervisor Ken Carlson complete the five-person board elected to oversee a $5.9 billion budget serving 1.2 million East Bay residents.