Richmond District 6: A sheriff’s donation stirs political tensions
Shawn Dunning, a candidate for Richmond’s District 6 City Council seat, is facing scrutiny after accepting a $1,000 campaign contribution from Contra Costa County Sheriff David Livingston.
While Dunning maintains the donation came with no expectations, the contribution has sparked controversy due to Livingston’s political positions.
According to Dunning, Livingston reached out to ask if it would be okay to make a donation. Dunning said he told the Sheriff anyone is free to donate to his campaign but not to count on anything in return, and that "everybody gets a seat at the table whether you support me or not."
Dunning says Livingston's donation likely stems from concerns the sheriff voiced about his opponent. Jimenez, a vocal critic of Livingston, has opposed the sheriff's policies on issues such as jail expansion and his cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
“Livingston told me he had other concerns about Claudia,” Dunning said. “I assumed that he vetted me in terms of my support for law enforcement. I’m the only candidate in this race that supports a reasonable level of service from the Richmond Police Department. It stands to reason that he would support that.”
On June 15, 2020, Jimenez participated in a demonstration in front of Livingston’s Danville home, calling for the Sheriff’s office funds to be reallocated to other services.
Councilmember Claudia Jimenez participated in a Black Lives Matter demonstration in front of Livingston’s Danville home on June 15, 2020.
As a Contra Costa Racial Justice Coalition member, Jimenez argued against expanding the West County Detention Facility in Richmond, emphasizing that Contra Costa County should prioritize investment in mental health treatment, job training, affordable housing, and youth services rather than constructing more jail cells.
Of the donation, Dunning said many people contribute to his campaign, and he doesn’t conduct background investigations or question their motives. The only entity from which Dunning said he would decline support is Chevron due to its history of influence on Richmond politics.
Dunning emphasized that accepting campaign contributions from anyone does not equate to a quid pro quo arrangement. “I know that’s hard to understand because most politicians don’t operate that way,” he said. Dunning stressed that his campaign is built on the principle of treating everyone equally, regardless of their support or political stance.
However, social media posts began to stack up this week, as several commentators equated the $1,000 donation with an endorsement of Livingston’s policies. A Reddit post (embedded below) outlined community concerns about the sheriff and what some see as an attempt to influence Richmond politics.
Shawn Dunning is being supported by Controversial CoCo Sheriff Livingston and its Concerning
r/RichmondCA
Our community is majority minority, and Sheriff Livingston’s support for Shawn Dunning should raise eyebrows. Let’s not forget who Sherriff Livingston is:
Discrimination Allegations: His department has faced lawsuits over racist comments targeting Black and Hispanic people. See article: https://contracosta.news/2023/12/22/discrimination-and-retaliation-lawsuit-filed-against-contra-costa-county-sheriffs-office/
ICE Partnership: Livingston works with ICE to detain immigrants, often violating California sanctuary laws. See here: https://indivisibleeb.org/2018/05/22/vote-no-confidence-to-oppose-contra-costa-sheriff-livingston/
Support for a Convicted Deputy: Livingston defended a deputy convicted of excessive force after a fatal shooting, calling the sentence “abhorrent.” He is not for police accountability. More details: https://contracostaherald.com/becton-3-other-das-ask-for-oversight-audit-of-contra-costa-sheriffs-dept-after-livingston-slams-da-judge-for-sentencing-of-former-deputy/
Resisting Transparency: Livingston has resisted releasing misconduct records, saying it’s too burdensome. Other law enforcement agencies complied, but his reluctance shows a lack of transparency. Source: https://www.kqed.org/news/11738029/contra-costa-county-sheriff-balks-at-releasing-misconduct-records-says-hundreds-of-files-need-review
Our leaders should stand for fairness and equality. Let’s think about who’s supporting our candidates and why that matters. Follow the money!
Dunning says he's not obligated to anyone but Richmond voters.
“I make it very clear I’m the only one out there who actively says that you get no special treatment from me by supporting me, whereas Claudia, by being a member of the RPA, has agreed to support their platform in office,” Dunning said. “I’m not beholden to anyone except the residents I aim to represent.”
Dunning also said he has no experience with Livingston and voted for Richmond Police Sgt. Benjamin Therriault when he ran against the Sheriff in 2022.
Livingston has served as Sheriff of Contra Costa County since 2010. In 2022, he received 58.82 percent of the vote, along with a slew of endorsements from well-known East Bay politicians.
Still, Dunning is dismissive of the chatter surrounding the donation.
“These are a tiny group of people who are in a little, tiny echo chamber. They don't even live in Richmond, and I think they're simply activists supporting Claudia. I think the average voter has no concern about this, and I frankly don't think it's even newsworthy,” Dunning said.
Grandview reached out to Livingston and Jimenez, but neither responded to a request for comment.
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