A San Mateo County ballot measure to allow the county Board of Supervisors to remove embattled Sheriff Christina Corpus appears likely to pass.
Measure A would amend the county charter to grant the Board of Supervisors the ability to remove an elected sheriff for cause with a four-fifths vote. The amendment would last until December 31, 2028, unless extended by voters.
The measure garnered 84% votes in favor and 16% against. Out of the 444,497 registered voters in the county, 107,797 ballots have been counted as of Thursday afternoon, amounting to a 24.3% voter turnout.
Following the preliminary release of the votes, Corpus said she will not be resigning.
“I will not resign and will continue to do my job as Sheriff and continue to keep the residents of San Mateo County safe. My record in public service has been pristine, not only in enforcing the law but also respecting it. I am committed and focused on honoring the residents of San Mateo County and will continue to work to make this county one of the safest in California,” she said.
The special election was a result of Corpus’ refusal to resign amid allegations related to her fostering of a hostile work environment, use of intimidation tactics and retaliation, use of homophobic and racial slurs to belittle an employee, and her creation of jobs for her alleged chief-of-staff and boyfriend, Victor Aenlle. She has vehemently denied all allegations.
A report detailing the findings of an independent investigation into Corpus’ conduct was released last November. LaDoris H. Cordell, the presiding judge, interviewed 40 employees, the majority of whom were complaints. Cordell was able to interview Aenlle, but Corpus did not respond to a request for an interview.
The measure gained widespread support, with Representative Kevin Mullin, former representative Anna Eshoo, county supervisor Noelia Corzo, the San Mateo County Deputy Sheriff’s Organization, and the San Mateo County Organization of Sheriff’s Sergeants all signing off on the primary argument in favor.
Dan Stegink, a rescue diver, wrote the primary argument against the measure.
County officials still officially certify the votes, which could take up to 30 days. After that, the Board of Supervisors will have to vote with a four-fifths majority to remove Corpus from office.
