Santa Cruz Supervisor Monica Martinez named 2026 Board Chair

Martinez will lead the county's Board of Supervisors for the coming year.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 11:15pm

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The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors has selected District 5 Supervisor Monica Martinez as the new Board Chair for 2026. Martinez, who has served on the board since 2018, will lead the county's governing body for the next 12 months.

Why it matters

The Board of Supervisors is the main governing body for Santa Cruz County, responsible for overseeing the county's budget, policies, and operations. The Chair position is an influential leadership role that sets the agenda and priorities for the board.

The details

Supervisor Martinez was chosen for the Chair position in a unanimous vote by the five-member Board of Supervisors. As Chair, she will preside over the board's meetings, work with the county administrator to manage the board's agenda, and serve as the public face of the county government.

  • The Board of Supervisors selected Monica Martinez as the 2026 Board Chair on January 30, 2026.

The players

Monica Martinez

District 5 Supervisor on the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors, who was selected as the 2026 Board Chair.

Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors

The main governing body for Santa Cruz County, California, responsible for overseeing the county's budget, policies, and operations.

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The takeaway

Supervisor Martinez's selection as Board Chair underscores her leadership and influence within the Santa Cruz County government. As Chair, she will have an opportunity to shape the county's priorities and agenda for the coming year.