The Ventura County Board of Supervisors has a new leader at the helm. In a unanimous vote during their first meeting of the year on Tuesday, January 13, the board selected Supervisor Jeff Gorell to serve as chair for 2026. Supervisor Vianey Lopez was simultaneously appointed as vice chair. These leadership positions are typically held for one year terms, during which the chair presides over meetings and acts as the formal representative of the board.
Representing a Diverse District
Gorell was first elected to the board in 2022 to represent District 2. His territory is one of the most geographically diverse in the county, spanning from the suburban neighborhoods of Thousand Oaks and parts of Camarillo to the agricultural hubs of Somis and the Santa Rosa Valley. Before joining the Board of Supervisors, Gorell served as a member of the California State Assembly and as a Deputy Mayor for the City of Los Angeles, bringing a deep background in both regional and state level policy to the role.
As chair, Gorell will be responsible for setting the legislative agenda and managing the flow of public meetings. His appointment comes at a critical time for the county as it navigates post storm recovery and major infrastructure projects like the expansion of the Port of Hueneme. Gorell has previously emphasized his commitment to public safety and fiscal responsibility, themes that are expected to define his leadership throughout the coming year.
A Focus on Collaboration
The unanimous nature of the vote suggests a unified front among the five supervisors as they head into a busy election year. Vice Chair Vianey Lopez, who represents District 5, will work closely with Gorell to ensure that the needs of both the coastal and inland communities are addressed. This leadership duo represents a blend of the county's northern and southern interests, which officials hope will foster a more collaborative approach to regional challenges.
Gorell expressed his gratitude for the support of his colleagues and noted that he is eager to get to work on the 2026 priorities. Among those priorities are the continuing efforts to address homelessness and the ongoing modernization of the county's emergency response systems. With a full calendar of public hearings ahead, the new leadership team is ready to steer Ventura County through what is expected to be a transformative year for local governance.