Based on our analysis, the two candidates for this position have distinct visions for the district. We recommend that you choose the candidate who best aligns with your values in this race.
The Position
Each of the 58 counties in California elects a sheriff to police unincorporated areas of a county, to manage county jails, and to act as security in local government buildings. The sheriff is a constitutionally elected official. A sheriff’s role can vary from county to county, but they tend to be sworn peace officers with the power to make arrests, serve before a magistrate or a judge, serve warrants for arrest, and give tickets and citations. Sheriffs are elected to four-year terms in office.
The District
Contra Costa is California’s ninth most populous county, with a population of over 1.1 million. Contra Costa’s sheriff oversees an office of 1,100 sworn and professional employees, and provides law-enforcement services and jail services for the county. Contra Costa County has a demographic breakdown of 27% Latino, 18% Asian, and 8% Black.
The Race
There are two candidates running for this seat, including incumbent David Livingston and opponent Ben Therriault. Neither of the candidates have recorded fundraising receipts with the Secretary of State.
No Recommendation
Livingston is the incumbent, having served as Contra Costa sheriff since 2010. Livingston’s approach to policing is grounded in an understanding that change or reform is not necessary. Based on his track record, Livingston is likely to provide no progressive leadership in office. Livingston has been criticized for defending a police officer who killed an unarmed man in 2018, saying he served with “honor and distinction” and calling the sentencing of the officer “a sad day.” Livingston has also been critiqued for resisting efforts at transparency in investigations related to use of force, officer dishonesty, and officer sexual assault.
Benjamin Therriault, a police officer in Richmond, has spent the last 12 years in law enforcement and the last ten in the community he serves. In his time as police officer in Richmond, he has worked as vice detective, gang detective, housing officer, and crisis negotiator. Therriault trains new officers and provides advanced officer courses in use of force and deescalation. He was selected by his peers as Richmond Police Officer of the Year in 2011. His platform focuses on increased police accountability, reform in policing, and listening to the community.
Each candidate brings a unique approach and vision to the campaign for Contra Costa Sheriff. We encourage you to select the candidate who best aligns with your values and who you believe will govern in the best interest of the diverse constituents of the district.
Based on our analysis, the two candidates for this position have distinct visions for the district. We recommend that you choose the candidate who best aligns with your values in this race.
The Position
Each of the 58 counties in California elects a sheriff to police unincorporated areas of a county, to manage county jails, and to act as security in local government buildings. The sheriff is a constitutionally elected official. A sheriff’s role can vary from county to county, but they tend to be sworn peace officers with the power to make arrests, serve before a magistrate or a judge, serve warrants for arrest, and give tickets and citations. Sheriffs are elected to four-year terms in office.
The District
Contra Costa is California’s ninth most populous county, with a population of over 1.1 million. Contra Costa’s sheriff oversees an office of 1,100 sworn and professional employees, and provides law-enforcement services and jail services for the county. Contra Costa County has a demographic breakdown of 27% Latino, 18% Asian, and 8% Black.
The Race
There are two candidates running for this seat, including incumbent David Livingston and opponent Ben Therriault. Neither of the candidates have recorded fundraising receipts with the Secretary of State.
No Recommendation
Livingston is the incumbent, having served as Contra Costa sheriff since 2010. Livingston’s approach to policing is grounded in an understanding that change or reform is not necessary. Based on his track record, Livingston is likely to provide no progressive leadership in office. Livingston has been criticized for defending a police officer who killed an unarmed man in 2018, saying he served with “honor and distinction” and calling the sentencing of the officer “a sad day.” Livingston has also been critiqued for resisting efforts at transparency in investigations related to use of force, officer dishonesty, and officer sexual assault.
Benjamin Therriault, a police officer in Richmond, has spent the last 12 years in law enforcement and the last ten in the community he serves. In his time as police officer in Richmond, he has worked as vice detective, gang detective, housing officer, and crisis negotiator. Therriault trains new officers and provides advanced officer courses in use of force and deescalation. He was selected by his peers as Richmond Police Officer of the Year in 2011. His platform focuses on increased police accountability, reform in policing, and listening to the community.
Each candidate brings a unique approach and vision to the campaign for Contra Costa Sheriff. We encourage you to select the candidate who best aligns with your values and who you believe will govern in the best interest of the diverse constituents of the district.