County of Santa Cruz Board of Supervisors Supervisor Justin Cummings

After serving just one term on the Santa Cruz City Council—where he was the first Black man to serve as mayor—Justin Cummings is already on to his next milestone. When he was sworn in Dec. 29, 2022, as a Santa Cruz County supervisor, Cummings became the first Black man to serve on the board. He won the seat in a come-from-behind victory against council colleague Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson in the November 2022 election.

The progressive politician came to Santa Cruz to pursue a Ph.D. in ecology and evolutionary biology from UC Santa Cruz. After graduating, he worked for the Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program. When he ran for council in 2018, he promised to represent working-class voices. At his swearing-in ceremony, Cummings reiterated that commitment: “But when we include the voices and perspectives of oppressed people in the decision-making process and create more inclusive policies that help alleviate oppression, everyone benefits.”

Notable quote: “It’s not enough to say we care about diversity, it’s not enough to say we care about our workers, it’s not enough to say we have compassion for the homeless, it’s not enough to say we need affordable housing. We must do something about it and it’s going to come with some major sacrifices.” (Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel)