Jackie Elward
Democratic
Candidate Biography:
Born: Kikwit, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Married: John Ryan Elward
Children: Three including Jean-Marc and Aliyah
2020-Present: Member, Rohnert Park City Council
2024: Primary Candidate for SD-03 (Lost; 18.5%)
- Arrived in the US in 2003 and became a citizen in 2013. "I arrived in 2003 with hope, faith, and a deep belief in what America could be. Even with lawyers, resources, and support, the immigration process took years. The paperwork, the fees, the uncertainty, the constant fear of one mistake setting everything back. It was exhausting. It was humbling. And it opened my eyes. I know firsthand how hard immigrant families work to build a life here." [Source: Facebook]
- "In Rohnert Park, Jackie Elward, 41, became the first Black woman on the council by beating Jake MacKenzie, 81, a six-term incumbent, in the city's first district election." [Source "Sonoma County sorts out divisive presidential campaign" by Guy Kovner, The Press Democrat (11/9/2020)]
- CLOSE CONTEST: Four days after the 2026 Primary, Elward trailed second place candidate Eryn Cervantes (R) by 2.5% which fell to 1.7% on Monday the 8th. On June 9th, Elward was just 34 votes behind Cervantes. On June 10th, Elward was 0.4% ahead of Cervantes.