Deputy sheriff’s group backs James Gore for supervisor

The Sonoma County Deputy Sheriff’s Association has endorsed James Gore in the race for 4th District Sonoma County supervisor.

The association, which represents more than 250 sworn deputies and several hundred retired deputies, picked Gore, a former Obama administration appointee, over his opponent, Windsor Councilwoman Deb Fudge.

“Our members trust James Gore to be a strong voice for safe neighborhoods across the 4th District and Sonoma County,” stated Joe Dulworth, president of the association.

The Board of Supervisors sets the budget for the Sheriff’s Office and approves employee labor contracts.

“I grew up in the rural part of the county, where the sheriff was around every day,” Gore said Wednesday. “I think they saw somebody who really respected their service.”

Fudge previously gained the endorsement of the 470-member Sonoma County Law Enforcement Association, which represents correctional officers, probation officers, park rangers, emergency dispatchers, fire inspectors and some investigators. She also has been endorsed by Sonoma County Sheriff Steve Freitas and District Attorney Jill Ravitch.