Burke drops out of Sonoma Sheriff race

Former Healdsburg Police Chief Kevin Burke, one of four candidates for the June 7 election for Sonoma County Sheriff, today dropped out of the race.

“For reasons related to my health and in consultation with my family, friends, and personal physician, I will no longer be actively campaigning for the office of Sonoma County Sheriff,” Burke said in an email statement. “I am unable to continue.”

Burke, 55, served as police chief in Healdsburg from 2011 to 2021. He worked as a prosecutor before joining the Los Angeles Police Department.

Burke had been endorsed by the Sonoma County Democratics, District Attorney Jill Ravitch, County Supervisor James Gore, Santa Rosa Mayor Chris Rogers, Sonoma City Councilmember Sandra Lowe, and several other regional officials.

Burke announced on Jan. 10 his intention to replace Sheriff Mark Essick, who is not seeking reelection. With today’s withdrawal, three candidate remain: Dave Edmonds, Eddie Engram and Carl Tennenbaum.

Burke’s full email statement:

“Today, for reasons related to my health and in consultation with my family, friends, and personal physician, I will no longer be actively campaigning for the office of Sonoma County Sheriff.

“While this is one of the most difficult personal decisions I have confronted, I am profoundly grateful for the incredible support you have shown this campaign in the past two months. I am humbled by the sheer number of Sonoma County residents who share the vision of inclusive and transparent law enforcement for our community. While I am unable to continue, I am honored to have had you in my corner.

To each of you who have powered this campaign, thank you.”