Listen with Respect.
Protect what Matters.
Plan for the Future.
My Goals as Supervisor
Over the years, I have watched our county change and grow at an alarming pace. I worry we could lose the beauty, charm, and open space that make San Benito County special. We may not be able to stop progress, but our leaders have a responsibility to make sure we grow the right way and listen to residents. Somewhere along the way, politics and personal ambition seem to have overshadowed that responsibility.
My goals as your next supervisor are simple: listen to and respect the people, protect what matters, and plan carefully for our future.
I worked in the agricultural industry for my entire career, and have a deep respect for our farmland. I want to protect it. We cannot stop housing growth, but we can focus on what matters most for our community; affordable housing, and providing options for residents like multifamily, condos and townhouses. Our children should have a chance to remain in the community where they grew up. Rising housing costs and lack of good-paying jobs are pushing the next generation away, and my own family has felt that impact.
San Benito County is rich in beauty and history, but we do not have the local revenue of many surrounding communities. We have built thousands of new homes without bringing in enough new businesses and good-paying jobs to provide the revenue to support a growing community. Too many residents leave the county every day for work, spending hours on the road instead of with their families.
The lack of local revenue affects the county’s ability to provide the public safety, roads, infrastructure, and services needed. There has been a major focus by county leaders on tourism as the answer to our revenue problems. I believe it can help, but should not be our only focus. A broader economic development plan is needed that welcomes responsible businesses and industries, creates local jobs, and strengthens our economy.
One of the biggest reasons I decided to run is my concern about the lack of unity and cooperation on the Board of Supervisors. Too often, politics seems to get in the way of the work and the voice of the people gets lost. I want to see supervisors leave politics at the door, work together, balance the budget, and prioritize the basics: public safety, roads, infrastructure, and the services residents depend on. Above all, we need to work together to build a stronger San Benito County and give residents the safety, security, and quality of life they deserve.
I am not running to be a politician. I am running to listen, to serve, and to give back to the community that has been my home for my entire life.
Listen with Respect
Residents deserve a supervisor who is accessible, communicates openly, and provides clear information before important decisions are made. That means listening not only to the loudest voices, but reaching out to people who may feel disconnected or may not have all the facts. Through transparency, regular communication, and genuine community engagement, we can rebuild trust and ensure every resident has the opportunity to be heard.
Protect What Matters
Protecting our community means helping every resident feel safe, supported, and secure in their quality of life. That includes strong sheriff, fire, and emergency services, as well as safe roads, reliable infrastructure, and dependable county services. By planning carefully and investing responsibly, we can protect the people, places, and way of life that make San Benito County special.
Plan for the Future
Good planning ensures our roads, water, public safety, and other infrastructure can support our community for years to come. We should encourage growth that pays its own way, protect our agricultural land and rural character, and attract the businesses and good local jobs our county has needed for decades.
About John
My roots in San Benito County run deep. I am a lifelong resident of Hollister, and a second-generation San Benito County resident. I graduated from Hollister High School and was part of the first group of students to attend Gavilan College in Gilroy with a degree in Physics and Math. I met my beautiful wife here in Hollister, and raised four wonderful children.
I believe strongly in giving back to my community and have volunteered with various organizations over the years, especially since retiring. While my children were growing up, I served as Cub Master with the Boy Scouts of America. I have been involved with the Hazel Hawkins Auxiliary nonprofit for ten years, serving as President the past three years. I am especially proud of the wonderful work that the Auxiliary does to support the hospital, which has over 100 active volunteers and 50 associate members. They not only support operations like the gift and thrift shops, but they also fundraise to help provide equipment for the hospital as well as for a scholarship fund. I was inspired by my father who for many years was a leading donor with the American Red Cross in Hollister back in the day. I have continued that tradition, achieving the 23 gallon mark for donations. Most recently, I served on the San Benito County Civil Grand Jury, which gave me an insider view of operations at the county and city level, and the issues facing our community.
Connect with John
For questions, support, or to learn more about John's vision for San Benito County, please get in touch. Your thoughts and contributions are invaluable to our campaign.
John Williams for
Supervisor
2026