Petaluma School Board Trustee Challenges Longtime Supervisor

Joanna Paun launches bid for Sonoma County's 2nd District Supervisor seat

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Petaluma School Board Trustee Joanna Paun has officially launched her campaign to challenge long-time incumbent David Rabbitt for the Sonoma County 2nd District Supervisor seat. Paun is positioning herself as a 'fresh face' with a focus on housing affordability and mental health, while notably breaking with the board's majority by calling for an end to all local cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

Why it matters

The race for the district, which covers Petaluma, Cotati, and Penngrove, comes at a high-stakes moment as the county braces for significant federal budget cuts and a heated debate over ICE's role in local law enforcement. While unseating an incumbent in Sonoma County is notoriously difficult, Paun believes voters are ready for new leadership.

The details

Paun, a School Board Trustee, is the first challenger to take on long-time incumbent David Rabbitt for the Sonoma County 2nd District Supervisor seat. She is positioning herself as a 'fresh face' with a focus on housing affordability and mental health, while notably breaking with the board's majority by calling for an end to all local cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

  • Paun officially launched her campaign on February 13, 2026.
  • The election for the Sonoma County 2nd District Supervisor seat will be held in June 2026.

The players

Joanna Paun

Petaluma School Board Trustee who is challenging long-time incumbent David Rabbitt for the Sonoma County 2nd District Supervisor seat.

David Rabbitt

Long-time incumbent Sonoma County 2nd District Supervisor.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“While unseating an incumbent in Sonoma County is notoriously difficult, Paun says she believes voters are ready for new leadership when they head to the polls this June.”

— Joanna Paun, Petaluma School Board Trustee and Candidate for Sonoma County Supervisor (ksro.com)

What’s next

The election for the Sonoma County 2nd District Supervisor seat will be held in June 2026.

The takeaway

This race highlights the growing political divide in Sonoma County, with Paun positioning herself as a progressive challenger to the long-time incumbent Rabbitt. The outcome could have significant implications for the county's approach to issues like immigration, housing, and mental health services.