Solano County Board of Supervisors, District 4

What does a county supervisor do? 

Supervisors govern county programs and departments and approve the county budget. Their largest area of spending is traditionally healthcare and human services. Supervisors are also responsible for local jails and elections, and they make decisions on law enforcement and housing in unincorporated areas of the county. If a supervisor candidate receives over 50% of the vote in the primary, they take office for a four-year term. Otherwise, the top two candidates face off in the November general election.

Candidate Statements

Candidate Statements are excerpted from the statements provided to election offices, where available.

John Carli

  • Mayor of Vacaville, retired Vacaville police chief
  • Public safety: “Public safety is foundational. As a 32-year law enforcement veteran, former Police Chief, and Mayor, I understand what it takes to keep communities safe. I will support the Sheriff and fire services, strengthen wildfire readiness, and address homelessness with accountability and practical solutions.”
  • Jobs: “More than 60% of our residents commute outside the county to work. That means time away from family and added financial strain. From day one, I will aim to align the county with our cities, attract advanced manufacturing and defense-related industries, and support small businesses to bring good-paying jobs closer to home.”
  • Infrastructure: “Government should make life more affordable. Infrastructure is not abstract. It is what people rely on every single day. Water. Roads. Energy. Housing. These systems affect the cost of living, the cost of doing business and the quality of life across Solano County. When government fails to plan responsibly, families pay the price.”

Juan P. Desmarais

  • No ballot designation
  • COVID mandates: “During the COVID pandemic, I took a stand for small businesses and individual freedom when I kept my doors open despite pressure to shut down. … I believe your constitutional rights must always come first. I will oppose unconstitutional mandates and always stand up for the freedoms we are sworn to protect.”
  • Transparency: “Transparency will be a cornerstone of how I serve. Every decision I make will be guided by what best protects the safety, security, and future of our residents and our children.”
  • No new taxes: “I will not support new county taxes that place additional burdens on our residents. Instead, I will work to make government more efficient and accountable.”

Michael “Mike” Silva

  • Professor of biotechnology, council member/vice mayor
  • Priorities: “I’m a multigenerational Solano County citizen dedicated to serving hardworking people, not billionaires. My parents worked in the fields and canneries pursuing the American Dream. I pledge to protect agricultural land, water, and open space that power our culture and economy.” 
  • Experience: “As the first in my family to graduate college, I earned my master’s and doctorate degree, becoming a biotechnology professor at Solano College. I train the next generation of health and science professionals and actively recruit good-paying employers to our region. … As vice mayor, city council member and former Vacaville Unified School District trustee, I’ve invested tax dollars where it matters—our working families, youth, and older adults.” 
  • Housing and homelessness: “I supported new affordable senior and workforce housing developments in Vacaville, and will work to provide affordable housing and services to address homelessness. I’m endorsed by Senator Christopher Cabaldon, Assemblymember Lori Wilson, the Napa-Solano Central Labor Council, and elected officials throughout Vacaville and Dixon.”

Player sponsored by