Santa Cruz County Supervisor Felipe Hernandez formally launched his reelection campaign for District 4 on Jan. 29, citing a record of infrastructure improvements, park development and flood protection efforts during a kickoff event attended by community members and local leaders.
The South County event marked the start of Hernandez’s bid for another term representing Watsonville, Pajaro and surrounding communities.
In his remarks, Hernandez highlighted projects completed during his current term and outlined priorities for the coming years, including housing, public safety and continued investment in South County.
Among the accomplishments cited was progress on the 38-acre Valle del Pájaro Park, including a community-led master planning process. Hernandez also pointed to renovations at the Pinto Lake pump track and funding secured for a new skate park.
He highlighted a series of infrastructure improvements throughout the district, including work on Green Valley Road, Rogge Road, Murphy Crossing, Scurich Road, College Road, Holohan Road and Casserly Road. Hernandez described the $700 million Pajaro River Levee Project, which is now under construction, as a major milestone for flood protection in the region.
Other accomplishments included the opening of the South County Government Center, which expanded access to county services, as well as continued investments in community cleanups, neighborhood beautification projects and family-focused bike rides.
Looking ahead, Hernandez said his priorities include housing stability, sustained infrastructure funding, park and open space development, protection of essential services, community safety and youth leadership development.
“I’m running for reelection because there is more work to do, and because District 4 deserves leadership that listens, acts and delivers,” Hernandez said in a statement.
The campaign announced endorsements from a broad coalition of elected officials and community leaders, including state Sen. Anna Caballero, Santa Cruz County Supervisors Justin Cummings, Kimberly De Serpa and Monica Martinez, several former county supervisors and U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta.
“Supervisor Hernandez kept his promises and delivered results for Watsonville and the greater Pajaro Valley,” Panetta said. “His record speaks for his work for the people.”
Additional endorsements came from Sheriff Chris Clark and former Sheriff Jim Hart, District Attorney Jeff Rosell, Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley, Watsonville Mayor Kristal Salcido, multiple former Watsonville mayors, county Superintendent of Schools Faris Sabbah, Pajaro Valley Unified School District trustees, and fire and community leaders from across the county.
Hernandez served on the Watsonville City Council from 2012–2020. He served as mayor in 2016.
He graduated from Watsonville High School before enlisting in the U.S. Army as a combat medic. He served in the Persian Gulf War, and upon his return attended Cabrillo College before continuing to UC Santa Cruz. He has served on the board since 2022.
The primary election is in June, during which he will face challengers Elias Gonzalez.
