David Canepa is a fourth-generation San Mateo County resident and a graduate of the University of San Francisco, where he earned a degree in political science. With more than two decades of public service rooted in transparency, accountability, equity, and accessibility, he currently serves on the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors and is a former Mayor of Daly City.
Known for his hands-on, people-first leadership and results-driven approach, Canepa has dedicated his life to improving lives across San Mateo County. His leadership philosophy is simple but powerful: “You can’t govern behind a desk.”
Now, David Canepa is running for Assessor • County Clerk • Recorder & Chief Elections Officer with a clear and forward-looking vision: to modernize government systems, ensure data privacy and transparency, improve the accuracy of property assessments, and guarantee accessible, secure elections. His campaign is rooted in a deep and consistent commitment to public integrity, innovation, and equity—bringing the same energy and impact to the Clerk-Recorder’s Office that has defined his public service career.
A Champion for Civic Engagement
David Canepa has made expanding access to democracy a cornerstone of his work as a County Supervisor:
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Authored the creation of “Let San Mateo County Vote Day,” an optional County holiday observed every Election Day in November
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In 2024, launched a voter outreach campaign highlighting over 70,000 eligible but unregistered County residents, promoting Conditional Voter Registration that allows individuals to register and vote through 8 p.m. on Election Day
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Led efforts to expand voter access for: People with disabilities, Residents in temporary shelters, and First-time and young voters
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Adopted a resolution authorizing the Chief Elections Officer, or designee, to enter into an agreement for and receive, on behalf of the County, Help America Vote Act (HAVA) funds provided by the United States Election Assistance Commission (EAC) to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19 for the 2020 Federal election cycle, in an amount not to exceed $1,233,063.
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Adopted a resolution authorizing the Chief Elections Officer to apply for and receive reimbursement funds related to voting system replacement through a grant from the California Secretary of State in an amount not to exceed $2,474,000 and with a term of February 1, 2019 through June 30, 2021.
Delivering Results Across San Mateo County
Under Canepa’s leadership as President of the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors in 2025, the County passed a balanced $4.9 billion budget—funding essential services while maintaining strong reserves despite unpredictable state and federal funding.
As Supervisor, David Canepa has been recognized statewide and nationally, Canepa’s work is rooted in five core pillars: housing and affordability, public health, transportation, environmental stewardship, and job creation.
Housing and Homelessness
As a dedicated housing advocate, President Canepa has tackled the Bay Area's chronic housing shortage head-on. His leadership has driven more than $262 million in investments to create or plan nearly 3,200 affordable housing units, with a focus on supporting veterans, families, and foster youth. Canepa’s approach ensures that housing justice remains a top priority, aiming to provide homes for those who need them most:
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Helped secure over $350 million in County investments to develop more than 4,500 affordable housing units for veterans, foster youth, single mothers, older adults, essential workers, and low-income families
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Advocated for long-term supportive housing solutions to break the cycle of homelessness
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Championed the creation of a $55 million Navigation Center providing 240 unhoused individuals with shelter, mental health care, and job training
Public Health
Health is at the heart of President Canepa’s work. His leadership at the San Mateo Medical Center has transformed the county’s public health landscape, ensuring essential services. Canepa has spearheaded mental wellness programs, such as GotWheels!, which supports older adults, and peer support networks that provide community-based care. His focus on health equity ensures that all San Mateo County residents have access to the care they need.
Transportation and Infrastructure
Supervisor Canepa has been instrumental in advancing regional transportation projects to reduce congestion, promote sustainability, and enhance safety. His efforts have directed over $1 billion in funding to the Caltrain Electrification Project and secured additional investments for pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, as well as major highway upgrades. These projects not only address the region’s mobility needs but also create jobs and reduce the county's carbon footprint.
Environmental Stewardship
President Canepa’s forward-thinking environmental policies aim to safeguard the county against the impacts of climate change. He has championed projects that reduce San Mateo’s carbon footprint, such as the green construction of civic buildings and the funding of flood and sea-level rise resiliency efforts. His dedication to sustainable infrastructure, including clean transportation and environmental preservation, ensures that future generations inherit a healthy, thriving county.
Job Creation
Fostering opportunities for the next generation is one of President Canepa’s core missions. He has invested in programs that provide access to education, job training, and mentorship for young people. His efforts include initiatives like pre-apprenticeship programs, youth wellness projects, and expanded community college access. By focusing on economic mobility, Canepa helps ensure that all residents, particularly youth, have the tools to succeed in a rapidly evolving workforce.
Capital Projects that have been delivered
Under Supervisor Canepa and his colleagues have been able to deliver on the following projects;
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San Mateo County Animal Shelter
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Cordilleras Health Campus
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County Office Building 3 (COB3)
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Lathrop House
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Navigation Center
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Parking Structure 2
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Regional Operations Center
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San Mateo Medical Center
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North County Wellness Center
A Leader for All Generations
Supervisor Canepa is committed to building opportunities for future generations. Through investments in community college access programs, pre-apprenticeship job training, and youth wellness initiatives, he has laid the groundwork for economic mobility and personal success for San Mateo County’s young residents.
Rooted in Community. Ready to Lead.
David lives in San Mateo County with his wife, Ana Valenzuela, and their son, Piero. As a father, policymaker, and proud San Mateo County native, he is dedicated to building a more inclusive, transparent, and resilient future—for every resident, in every neighborhood.
