Former Shasta Supervisor Garman Withdraws from District 5 Race, Endorses Gallagher

Garman cites commitments to church, business, and community service as reasons for exit from Shasta County Board of Supervisors race.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Former Shasta County Supervisor Tim Garman has withdrawn from the race for the District 5 seat on the Shasta County Board of Supervisors, citing the demands of his current responsibilities as a church pastor, business owner, and community board member. Garman has endorsed current Anderson City Council member Mike Gallagher as his replacement in the race, which now pits Gallagher against the incumbent District 5 Supervisor Chris Kelstrom.

Why it matters

Garman's withdrawal narrows the field for the District 5 Supervisor seat, making it more likely that either Gallagher or Kelstrom will win the majority vote needed to secure the seat in the June primary election. The race for this seat on the Shasta County Board of Supervisors is seen as an important one, as the board has faced controversy in recent years over issues like the county's pandemic response.

The details

In his announcement, Garman cited the demands of his role as pastor of Happy Valley Community Church, his business responsibilities, and his service on several community boards as the reasons for his withdrawal from the race. He expressed his belief that District 5 deserves a supervisor who can devote the necessary time and attention to the role, and he believes Gallagher is ready to do that.

  • In July 2024, Supervisor Tim Garman tried to persuade protester Jenny O'Connell Nowain and her husband Benjamin Nowain to leave the board room.
  • Garman announced his withdrawal from the District 5 race on February 13, 2026.

The players

Tim Garman

Former Shasta County Supervisor who has withdrawn from the race for the District 5 seat on the Shasta County Board of Supervisors.

Mike Gallagher

Current Anderson City Council member who is now running for the District 5 Supervisor seat on the Shasta County Board of Supervisors.

Chris Kelstrom

Incumbent Shasta County Board Chair who is running to maintain his seat in District 5.

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What they’re saying

“My heart is to serve the people. However, being the pastor of a growing church — Happy Valley Community Church — along with running a business and serving on several community boards requires significant time and attention. I believe District 5 deserves a supervisor who can fully devote the time needed to respond to every call and email.”

— Tim Garman, Former Shasta County Supervisor (shastascout.org)

“District 5 needs someone who can give the role their full attention, and I believe Mike Gallagher is ready to do that. While I'm stepping back from the race, I'll be supporting Mike and wish him the best as he moves forward.”

— Tim Garman, Former Shasta County Supervisor (shastascout.org)

What’s next

The race for the District 5 Supervisor seat on the Shasta County Board of Supervisors will now be decided in the June 2026 primary election, where either Mike Gallagher or the incumbent Chris Kelstrom is expected to secure the majority vote needed to win the seat.

The takeaway

Garman's withdrawal from the District 5 Supervisor race highlights the challenges that local elected officials can face in balancing their public service duties with other personal and professional commitments. The race for this seat on the Shasta County Board of Supervisors will now be a closely watched contest, as the board has faced scrutiny in recent years over its handling of issues like the pandemic response.