Marin Supe Launches State Assembly Bid

MARIN COUNTY, CA — Marin County Supervisor Damon Connolly on Tuesday launched his state Assembly candidacy.

The District I Supervisor is running for the 10th Assembly District seat being vacated by Marc Levine.

Connolly is serving the third year of his second term on the Board. He represents San Rafael and some surrounding unincorporated areas.

Levine is giving up his Assembly seat to run for state office as the California Insurance Commissioner.

“I am running for the California State Assembly seat representing Marin and Sonoma Counties,” Connolly said in a statement.

“Our district is a phenomenal, unique place to live, with extraordinary natural beauty and an innovative spirit.”

The Bay Area native attended law school at UC Berkeley and has lived in San Rafael for 25 years according to his new campaign website.

“My public service in local government has been the honor of my life, and we’ve accomplished extraordinary things together so far,” Connolly’s statement said.

“I’ve focused on strong environmental advocacy and wildfire prevention, increased access to affordable housing and public transit, and a science-based approach to the pandemic, all while keeping Marin County’s fiscal house in order.”

Recent legal troubles figure to be among Connolly’s chief political hurdles.

Connolly in 2019 pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges in connection with an arrest the previous year on suspicion of driving under the influence and leaving the scene of a collision, The Marin Independent Journal reports.

He told the news outlet in an article published Tuesday afternoon that he “exercised very poor judgment” and that he’s since sworn off booze.

“Several years ago, I exercised very poor judgment by drinking at a holiday gathering and then driving home,” Connolly told the IJ.

“At the time, I took full responsibility for my actions, and I still do.”

“Since the incident, I have eliminated alcohol from my life completely, and I no longer drink. I’m continuing to take all necessary steps to ensure that it never happens again.”