Janelle Kellman

Janelle Kellman was born in Hartford, Connecticut. She earned a bachelor's degree from Yale University in 1995 and a law degree from Stanford Law School in 1998. Her career experience includes roles as a nonprofit founder, environmental attorney, climate risk expert, and small business owner. She previously held positions as both mayor and planning commissioner in Sausalito, California.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Janelle Kellman, Esq., is a passionate, action-oriented leader who is looking to make a change in the status quo. She served on the Sausalito City Council from 2020-2024 and as Mayor in 2022. Known for her collaborative approach in handling complex, multi-stakeholder issues, Janelle easily solves challenges spanning climate risk, housing equity, and economic development. Her accomplishments include restructuring the city's finance department post-COVID, securing $2 million for sea level rise and infrastructure planning, and leading initiatives to address homelessness.

A global climate leader, Janelle founded the Center for Sea Rise Solutions to address coastal resilience, workforce development, and ocean health. The nonprofit launched an international blue economy job creation program in partnership with the City and Port of Barcelona and the World Ocean Council. As Mayor, Janelle also launched a blue economy task force to revitalize Sausalito's Marinship area, one of the nation's last remaining working waterfronts. She is working with local, state, and federal partners to connect key players in workforce development and ocean health to catalyze job creation and on-shore micro-manufacturing in the maritime industry.

Janelle holds an undergraduate degree in History from Yale, a Master's in Environmental Management from Oxford, and a J.D. from Stanford Law. Janelle is a proud member of the Jewish and LGBTQ communities. She currently lives in the Bay Area.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

California’s economy, housing crisis, and climate risks aren’t isolated—they’re interconnected. As a climate risk expert and former mayor, I’ll tackle homelessness and public safety by expanding housing access, strengthening mental health support, and partnering with local leaders. I’ll also work to stabilize the insurance market and ensure our communities are resilient to wildfires, floods, and other climate-driven threats.

I will bring an integrated vision where economic growth fuels local resilience, environmental protection reduces financial risk, and innovation drives down costs. By supporting workforce development, small businesses, and clean energy jobs, we can build a climate-smart economy that restores affordability across CA.The Lieutenant Governor holds significant power to shape our future. From serving as a voting member of the state's university and college system boards to participating on the CA Ocean Protection Council and Coastal Commission, to alternating as Chair of the CA State Lands Commission and representing our economic interests globally — this office has incredible potential to drive meaningful action on housing, safety, economic resilience, and mental health.

I'm running because, like many of us, I'm frustrated by politics-as-usual. I'm a fresh, dynamic leader who's not afraid to have the hard conversations and turn good ideas into action. I'm committed to practical, common-sense solutions that will make a difference.I've spent the last two decades tackling the defining challenges of the 21st century, including climate change, housing, homelessness, reproductive rights, and equity and inclusion for the LGBTQ+ community.

As Mayor, I wasn't just operating at a high level, creating policy. I was dealing with real, on-the-ground issues that impacted our community. I worked to make sure that all people felt seen. I helped develop our first PRIDE festival, which is now celebrated yearly. I believe our state needs leaders who understand resilience not just as a buzzword, but as a lived experience. Leaders who know how to connect climate action with equity, innovation with inclusion, and policy with place. I'm running for a future where CA leads for all.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

A NEW kind of Democrat for a NEW California!

Despite years of Democratic supermajority, the CA Dream is slipping out of reach for too many. We face a crisis of affordability, rising homelessness, growing climate risk, and economic instability—and it's clear that business as usual isn't working. It’s time for common-sense, results-driven solutions:

More housing, backed by mental health and addiction services.

Strong public safety policies that restore trust and protect communities.

Bold action on climate risk and insurance to keep our homes livable and insurable.

Support for small businesses and job training to strengthen local economies.

I’m ready to bring a fresh, practical approach to CA politics—one that delivers results.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

As an endurance athlete, I've competed in over 15 ultramarathons, embodying the grit and resilience I brings to public service. My journey from a small-town upbringing to becoming a leader in California shows my dedication to building a future where sustainability, opportunity, and community strength are at the forefront. My vision is clear: a thriving, resilient California for generations to come.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The California Lieutenant Governor holds significant power to shape our future. From serving as a voting member of the state’s university and college system boards to participating on the CA Ocean Protection Council and Coastal Commission, to alternating as Chair of the CA State Lands Commission, representing California’s economic interests globally and chairing the California Commission for Economic Development — this office has incredible potential to drive meaningful action on housing, safety, economic resilience, business, and mental health. Specifically, as a voting member of the State Lands Commission, UC Board of Regents, CSU Board of Trustees, and Commission for Economic Development, Janelle will seek to:

1. Infuse climate and economic resilience into land use and coastal access policies that affect port infrastructure, agriculture, and business expansion.

2. Promote university-industry partnerships to commercialize innovation, and support measures to make California's public higher education accessible for all.

3. Push for workforce-aligned curriculum and investment in business-facing research centers across California’s public higher education systems.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

LPAC

Assemblymember Damon Connolly