Local Elected Officials Endorse Dave Jones
In a significant show of local support, two prominent leaders from the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) have announced their endorsement of Dave Jones for State Senate. SMUD Board President Nancy Bui-Thompson and Board Director Dave Tamayo are throwing their weight behind Jones in the open-seat race for the 6th State Senate District in 2022. Their endorsements highlight Jones's deep experience in energy policy, environmental stewardship, and his long record of delivering results for Sacramento communities.
Why Local Energy Leaders Are Backing Dave Jones
SMUD Board President Nancy Bui-Thompson emphasized the critical intersection of infrastructure, climate, and community prosperity. "California's infrastructure is both a blessing and a curse, and if we take care of it and invest appropriately, it will drive the next century of innovation in our state," Bui-Thompson said. She pointed to Jones's unique qualifications, noting his roles as a Senior Director for The Nature Conservancy and Director of the Climate Risk Initiative at Berkeley's Center for Law, Energy and the Environment.
Bui-Thompson stressed that Jones understands the relationship between energy infrastructure, climate change, and the environment, as well as businesses and communities. "Dave is uniquely qualified to help guide California's energy future," she added. "I know that, as our State Senator, Dave will work to invest in renewable energy, combat climate change, and build a brighter future for our communities."
A Record of Problem-Solving and Positive Change
SMUD Director Dave Tamayo echoed these sentiments, calling Jones "a force for positive change." Tamayo highlighted Jones's rare ability to not only spot problems but to find solutions. He recalled Jones's time on the Sacramento City Council, where Jones authored laws that required the development of affordable housing, established a living wage, recognized same-sex domestic partnerships, and provided funding to improve local schools.
"After Dave was elected to the City Council in 1999, he authored laws that required the development of affordable housing, established a living wage, recognized same-sex domestic partnerships, and provided funding to improve our local schools," Tamayo said. "In the State Assembly and as our state Insurance Commissioner, Dave never stopped working to help Sacramento residents. I support Dave Jones for State Senate because he is a visionary who delivers results that make a difference."
"Dave Jones understands the relationship between energy infrastructure, climate change and the environment, and businesses and communities. As a Senior Director for The Nature Conservancy and the Director of the Climate Risk Initiative at Berkeley's Center for Law, Energy and the Environment, Dave is uniquely qualified to help guide California's energy future." — Nancy Bui-Thompson, SMUD Board President
About Nancy Bui-Thompson
Nancy Bui-Thompson is the president of the SMUD Board of Directors. She has served as Board president in 2012 and 2016, and as vice president in 2011, 2015, and 2020. Bui-Thompson was first elected in November 2008 to represent the 215,000 constituents of Ward 2, which includes the communities of Folsom, Rancho Cordova, Gold River, Rancho Murieta, Galt, Wilton, and Elk Grove. At the time of her election, she was the youngest ever to be elected to the SMUD Board and the first Vietnamese American elected in Sacramento County.
Her leadership on the board has focused on renewable energy integration, grid modernization, and community engagement. Bui-Thompson's endorsement carries significant weight given her extensive experience in energy policy and her deep roots in the Sacramento region.
About Dave Tamayo
Dave Tamayo was elected to the SMUD Board in 2014 and reelected in 2018. He represents Ward 6, which includes the Meadowview, Oak Park, Parkway, Airport, and Valley Hi neighborhoods. Tamayo is an environmental scientist for Sacramento County and has served on a number of public boards and commissions, including the South Sacramento Planning Advisory Committee and the Sacramento Parks and Recreation Commission.
Tamayo's background in environmental science and his community-focused approach make his endorsement particularly meaningful. He has been a strong advocate for equitable access to clean energy and for ensuring that all neighborhoods benefit from SMUD's programs and investments.
Building a Broad Coalition for the 6th District
These endorsements add to a growing list of local leaders supporting Dave Jones. Jones has already received backing from a wide range of elected officials, including Assemblymember Kevin McCarty, Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez, Congressmember Ted Lieu, Congresswoman Katie Porter, environmental leader Fran Pavley, and State Treasurer Fiona Ma. You can read more about these endorsements on our website: Kevin McCarty Endorses Dave Jones, Lorena Gonzalez Supports Dave Jones, Ted Lieu Endorses Dave Jones, Katie Porter Endorses Dave Jones, Fran Pavley Endorses Dave Jones, and Fiona Ma Endorses Dave Jones.
The 6th State Senate District encompasses much of Sacramento, and the race is expected to be highly competitive. Jones's campaign is focused on addressing climate change, expanding access to affordable housing, improving public education, and ensuring that California's economy works for everyone. The support from Bui-Thompson and Tamayo underscores Jones's ability to bring together diverse stakeholders to tackle complex challenges.
What This Means for the Race
Endorsements from local utility board members are particularly noteworthy because they signal trust in a candidate's ability to manage complex infrastructure and environmental issues. SMUD is a publicly owned utility that serves over 1.5 million customers in the Sacramento area, and its board members are elected by the community. Their endorsement of Jones reflects a belief that he will be a strong advocate for sustainable energy policies and for the interests of SMUD's customers.
As California continues to grapple with the impacts of climate change, the role of state legislators in shaping energy policy has never been more important. Jones's background in environmental law and policy, combined with his experience in state government, positions him as a leader who can navigate these challenges effectively. The endorsements from Bui-Thompson and Tamayo add to the momentum building behind Jones's campaign.
For more information about Dave Jones and his campaign for State Senate, please explore the rest of this website.