Jackie Elward

City Councilmember, City of Rohnert Park in Rohnert Park, CA

Jackie Elward is a candidate for State Assembly Member District 12 in California State Assembly District 12, California — 2026 Primary Election.

Also running: Eli Beckman, Eric Lucan, Steve Schwartz, Holli Thier, Eryn Cervantes.

Jackie Elward is a Rohnert Park City Councilmember and educator running for the California State Assembly in District 12. Born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Elward immigrated to the United States and settled in Rohnert Park. In 2020, she became the first Black woman elected to the Rohnert Park City Council, later serving as Mayor. She is a bilingual educator, a labor organizer, and the founder of the non-profit Les Enfants Baobab. She holds degrees from Chico State and Central State.