Board of Supervisors meet 7 candidates vying for Alameda County DA job

For the first time, seven candidates hoping to be appointed Alameda County district attorney, went before the county board of supervisors to explain why they would be best for the job.

"We have seven candidates, a host of questions," said David Haubert, the board president.

The seven finalists are vying to replace the recalled Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price.

Each candidate made their case to the board on Tuesday in a meeting that lasted more than five hours.

The candidates:

The candidates include: Judge Ursula Jones Dickson, Alameda County Superior Court; Annie Esposito, Contra Costa County assistant district attorney; Venus Johnson, chief deputy attorney general with the California Justice Department; LaTricia Louis, deputy counsel for Alameda County; Elgin Lowe, Alameda County senior deputy district attorney; Yibin Shen, Alameda City Attorney; and Jimmie Wilson, Alameda County deputy district attorney.

First to speak was Elgin Lowe, a 28-year veteran of the district attorney's office. He promised fairness, accountability, trust, and justice befitting each case.

"If justice requires a person be incarcerated for an extended period of time, I will not hesitate to do so if that's what justice requires," Lowe said.

Alameda County deputy District Attorney Jimmie Wilson said he is a fair, seasoned prosecutor who values law enforcement and reforms. 

"I come from a family of community activists. So I believe in reform. I believe we can do both. I believe we can keep people safe and we can give them a second chance," Wilson said.

"I stand apart from everybody else, because I can hit the ground running," Annie Esposito, Contra Costa assistant district attorney said, noting she had worked at the DA's office previously assisting with administrative work as well, "I know the culture."

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Annie Esposito

"We must tackle the backlog of cases that has gone on too long. And must address the crime harming our businesses and communities," said LaTricia Louis, Alameda County counsel.

Alameda County Superior Court Judge Ursula Jones Dickson says she brings administrative expertise, and pledged to meet with families of every homicide case.

"I think you show respect to the families and clear communication about what's going on with these cases that have been sitting for years," Jones Dickson said.

"I'm committed to implementing the board's vision of finding diversion and restorative justice programs," said Yibin Shen, who touted his experience as Alameda City Attorney and work on fair housing issues.

Venus Johnson is Chief Deputy Attorney General for California, who has received a wide range of endorsements from politicians, including Attorney General Rob Bonta and former Mayor Libby Schaaf. 

"My vision for this office... is to return to be a model for the state," Johnson said.

The person appointed by the Alameda County Board of Supervisors will serve as district attorney until an election is held in 2026. 

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