Background and Purpose

James Gore is a passionate public servant and Sonoma County native.  Born in Healdsburg and raised throughout the 4th District, James is 6th generation Californian whose passions drive towards building a vibrant and resilient future for his community, his neighbors, and his family.

Prior to his election to Supervisor, James Gore served as the Assistant Chief of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Natural Resources Conservation Service, a Presidential Appointment position where he led nationwide conservation efforts at the intersection of agriculture, business, and the environment. Of personal note, he ardently led efforts to expand services in persistent poverty areas with underserved communities.  This work took him across the country and into some of the most disadvantaged areas of the U.S., including the Colonias along the Mexican Border, the Mississippi Delta region in the deep south, and tribal reservations from Alaska to Florida. 

Whether at the local, regional and statewide level, James leads campaigns to build healthy communities, environments, and economies. 

James graduated from Cal Poly and then served in the United States Peace Corps as an agricultural and natural resources volunteer in Bolivia, South America. Fluent in Spanish and Italian, James and his wife Elizabeth are proudly raising their two children, Opal and Jacob, along the Russian River near Healdsburg. 

James Gore holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Agribusiness from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo and a Master’s Degree in Political Management from George Washington University

James sits on the Board of Directors for the Pepperwood Preserve, the Career Technical Education (CTE) Foundation, and the Sonoma County Children’s Museum.

Standing Committees: Health Action

Ad Hocs: Lytton Rancheria Development

Countywide Assignments: North Coast Air Basin Control District; Solid Waste Hearing Panel; Sonoma County Indian Gaming Local Community Benefit Committee

Regional Assignments: Eel Russian River Commission; Northern California Counties Tribal Consortium; Public Policy Facilitating Committee (Dry Creek Habitat Project), North Coast Resource Partnership

County Department Liaisons: Development Services (Ag Preservation & Open Space District, Community Development Commission; Economic Development Board; Emergency Services; Permit & Resource Management; Regional Parks; Transportation & Public Works; Water Agency/Sanitation)