PRESS RELEASE. From the San Mateo County Executive’s Office on November 4th, 2025.
Process for Recruitment and Selection of New Sheriff
(Candidate Information pending…stay tuned)
Redwood City – The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors is currently accepting applications until noon this Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025, for a new sheriff. Residents are encouraged to take part in a community-driven process to help select the next sheriff by submitting questions for a Candidate Forum, attending or viewing two additional upcoming meetings, and submitting public comments.
Under Section 415 of the County Charter, the Board must appoint a new sheriff by Nov. 13, 2025. The Board has already taken into account feedback from nearly 100 residents who shared their perspectives as part of a special public meeting on October 28. Following this input, the Board instructed County staff to design a transparent, community-focused approach over the remaining two weeks.
“Residents have made it clear they want accountability, fairness, and integrity in the Sheriff’s Office, and this process empowers them to influence that leadership,” said Board of Supervisors President David Canepa.
The result is a process that emphasizes transparency at every stage, from advertising the job posting, to conducting interviews, hosting a candidate forum, and selecting the next sheriff in public meetings.
Prior to the Board’s interview of candidates at a public meeting on November 6, the County will post biographical information, short videos, and other relevant materials about each candidate. As part of the November 6 meeting, the Board of Supervisors will select a set of finalists to continue in the process.
A Candidate Forum will then take place on November 10, where finalists will respond to questions submitted by community members and stakeholders. Multi-lingual news coverage, paid advertisements, social media posts, and printed flyers encourage questions from residents, with submissions encouraged by no later than Friday, November 7.
These efforts will allow residents multiple opportunities to learn about the candidates, submit questions, and participate in proceedings either in person or virtually before the Board considers selection of a sheriff on Wednesday, November 12.
How to Participate:
Residents are invited to participate at every stage of the process. During Board of Supervisor meetings, Spanish-language interpretation will be available, and accessibility accommodations can be requested by calling 650-363-4123 or by sending an email to sgolestan@smcgov.org. Participation opportunities include:
- Wednesday, Nov. 5: Noon deadline for candidates to submit applications. Candidate information will be posted as soon as possible at smcgov.org/ceo/new-sheriff.
- Thursday, Nov. 6: Board of Supervisors meeting at 1 p.m. for candidate interviews and finalist selection.
- Monday, Nov. 10: Public Candidate Forum at 6 p.m. in Board Chambers. Residents can submit suggested questions until Friday, Nov. 7 at smcgov.org/ceo/new-sheriff
- Wednesday, Nov. 12: Board of Supervisors meeting at 9 a.m. Public interviews of finalists, selection of appointed sheriff.
An appointed sheriff must live in San Mateo County and meet all applicable legal and professional requirements, including certification from the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) or equivalent experience.
For complete details, visit smcgov.org/new-sheriff.
