San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus vows "I will not resign" after special election
After early returns from Tuesday's special election indicated overwhelming support for giving the board of supervisors the power to oust embattled San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus, she promised she would not go down without a fight.
"My legal team and I look forward to this opportunity, and are confident that I will be vindicated through a legitimate process," Corpus said in her statement. "As far as for me—I will not resign."
Preliminary results released just after 8 p.m. Tuesday showed that 85.6% of ballots counted supported Measure A, which would give the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors the power to fire the sheriff. A majority of at least 50% is required for the charter amendment to be passed.
The Board of Supervisors resorted to holding a special election after Corpus refused to step down amid scathing allegations about her tenure in office. In November, a 400-page independent investigation into her administration was released, containing findings of abuse of power, retaliation, and intimidation.
Members of the board held a press conference Wednesday to discuss the returns.
"The voters have passed Measure A by an overwhelming majority," said Sup. Ray Mueller. "The results of this historic election send a clear message that San Mateo County voters continue to make educated decisions and trust the Board of Supervisors to uphold accountability and justice."
"We are mindful of the serious responsibility that the voters of San Mateo County have decisively entrusted the board of supervisors with," said board Vice President Noelia Corzo.
The sheriff released a statement regarding the special election's initial results Wednesday afternoon.
"It appears that Measure A has passed," the statement read. "Unfortunately, this vote took place during an offcycle election in which barely 20% of registered voters participated—hardly a mandate for overturning the will of the people."
"With the passage of Measure A, I now have the opportunity to formally challenge and disprove the politically motivated allegations against me and my administration," the statement continued. "I will be entitled to a public hearing before a neutral and unbiased body—something that was deliberately denied to me throughout this process."
Back in November, an independent investigation alleged Sheriff Corpus's administration was filled with "lies, secrecy, intimidation, retaliation, conflicts of interest, and abuses of authority."
The Board of Supervisors originally asked for the sheriff to step down but she refused, adamantly defending her administration and denying all allegations against her.
Supervisors said the formal process to remove Sheriff Corpus will begin after the election results are certified.
"The certification should be completed within 30 days. Second, the Board of Supervisors will then need to approve the election results. The charter amendment will become effective 10 days after approval," said Sup. Corzo.
The supervisors did not take questions after their press conference.
In order to remove the sheriff, they will need at least a four-fifths vote. The authority given under Measure A will expire at the end of 2028.
