Napa County Faces Uncontested Elections for Key Positions

The upcoming primary in Napa County on June 2 saw no challengers for three important posts, leaving the current officials set to keep their roles without opposition. Board members Joelle Gallagher and Anne Cottrell, who have served District 1 and District 3 respectively since 2023, received every vote counted in the preliminary tally. Their districts cover central Napa and surrounding towns like St. Helena and Calistoga, ensuring a broad community stake in their leadership. The third unopposed seat is the superintendent of schools for the Napa County Office of Education. Joshua Schultz, who stepped into the role in July 2025 after Barbara Nemko’s long tenure ended, will now secure his position through election. Schultz has spent 17 years in various leadership roles within the education office, including a key business position, and has been guiding schools as interim superintendent for almost a year.Because no other candidates filed, each of the three incumbents received 100 percent of the votes counted so far. The final certification is expected by July 1, according to county officials responsible for overseeing elections. These uncontested outcomes mean the board and school system will continue under familiar guidance, avoiding the uncertainties that come with new leadership. Residents who want to change this status quo may need to encourage future candidates to run in the next election cycle.