Federal Glover, a Contra Costa supervisor since 2000, won’t seek re-election

MARTINEZ — Contra Costa County Supervisor Federal Glover announced Monday that he won’t seek re-election in 2024, ending his 24-year career on the board and paving the way for a new politician to take his place.

Glover, a Democrat and the first and only Black person ever to serve as a Contra Costa supervisor, announced his “retirement” from the board in a news release Monday afternoon. He did not say what he’s planning to do next. He will finish his current term, set to expire in December 2024.

For Glover’s final year, he will serve as chair of the board, a position he’s held four times.

In 2015, Glover’s serious health concerns sparked speculation that he would end his political career. But after two months of waiting on an organ donor list, he underwent kidney and heart transplant surgery, recovered and returned to work.

Glover’s current District 5 seat includes Pittsburg, Martinez, Hercules and Rodeo and portions of Antioch and Pinole as well the unincorporated communities of Alhambra Valley, Bay Point, Briones, Rodeo, Pacheco, Crockett, Tormey, Port Costa, Mt. View, Vine Hill, Reliez Valley and Clyde. Before his election in 2000, he served as a city councilmember and mayor of Pittsburg, where he’s lived all his life.

“Supervisor Glover’s leadership will be missed, but his legacy will live on in the many lives he touched during his time in office,” his office’s release said. “We wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”

Supervisor John Gioia, who represents West Contra Costa and sat on the board along with Glover for the past two-plus decades, told this news organization Monday evening that he “will greatly miss my long time friend and colleague.”

“We worked together on many initiatives to make Contra Costa a healthier and more equitable place. Supervisor Glover cared most about improving opportunities for youth and making sure our most vulnerable residents got the help they needed to thrive and be successful,” Gioia said. “His leadership and advocacy on behalf of those most underserved will be missed.”

The District 5 seat held by Glover is up for re-election in the March 5, 2024 primary election. Because Glover is not running, the deadline for candidates to file is Dec. 12.

Pittsburg city councilmembers Shanelle Scales-Preston and Jelani Killings, along with Antioch Councilmember Mike Barbanica, have already announced intentions to run for Glover’s seat.