Sonny Dhaliwal — who represents the Third District that includes Manteca and Lathrop on the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors — has been elected chair of the governing body for 2026.

Dhaliwal was the unanimous choice at the supervisors’ s annual reorganizational meeting on Tuesday.

Supervisor Steve Ding of District Four was selected to serve as Vice Chair

Dhaliwal is the first Sikh-American to serve on the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors and the first to be elected as Board Chair.

 “As we turn from celebrating the County’s 175th anniversary to the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of this great nation, I am mindful of my place in history and in this community,” Dhaliwal said.

“The United States gave me the opportunity to have the life I have today. The ability to say ‘my fellow Americans’ is a privilege I will never forget.”

“And as we continue to expand what it means to be an American, I am proud to represent the people of San Joaquin County, and District Three, as Chair of the Board. I appreciate the gracious support of my colleagues.”

“I look forward to working with you to continue to keep our meetings efficient, respectful, and accessible – guaranteeing everyone who participates knows their voice matters and is heard, and we can focus on doing the work of the people,” Dhaliwal said.

 Ding also thanked his colleagues and reflected on the opportunity to serve in his new role.

“As a restaurant owner and advocate for North County residents, I want people to know their voices are heard and represented in Stockton,” said Ding. “In this role, I look forward to supporting Chair Dhaliwal and the Board in facilitating smooth governance, while continuing to advocate for common-sense solutions and protections for our Delta and agricultural way of life.” Dhaliwal is beginning the second year of his first term representing District Three, following his election in 2024.

He previously served more than a decade as Lathrop’s mayor, along with having served as a Lathrop City Councilman and on the Planning Commission.

Dhaliwal is a strong advocate for job creation and education, with a focus on expanding access to good-paying local jobs for working families without the burden of long commutes.

Sonny Dhaliwal — who represents the Third District that includes Manteca and Lathrop on the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors — has been elected chair of the governing body for 2026.

Dhaliwal was the unanimous choice at the supervisors’ s annual reorganizational meeting on Tuesday.

Supervisor Steve Ding of District Four was selected to serve as Vice Chair

Dhaliwal is the first Sikh-American to serve on the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors and the first to be elected as Board Chair.

 “As we turn from celebrating the County’s 175th anniversary to the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of this great nation, I am mindful of my place in history and in this community,” Dhaliwal said.

“The United States gave me the opportunity to have the life I have today. The ability to say ‘my fellow Americans’ is a privilege I will never forget.”

“And as we continue to expand what it means to be an American, I am proud to represent the people of San Joaquin County, and District Three, as Chair of the Board. I appreciate the gracious support of my colleagues.”

“I look forward to working with you to continue to keep our meetings efficient, respectful, and accessible – guaranteeing everyone who participates knows their voice matters and is heard, and we can focus on doing the work of the people,” Dhaliwal said.

 Ding also thanked his colleagues and reflected on the opportunity to serve in his new role.

“As a restaurant owner and advocate for North County residents, I want people to know their voices are heard and represented in Stockton,” said Ding. “In this role, I look forward to supporting Chair Dhaliwal and the Board in facilitating smooth governance, while continuing to advocate for common-sense solutions and protections for our Delta and agricultural way of life.” Dhaliwal is beginning the second year of his first term representing District Three, following his election in 2024.

He previously served more than a decade as Lathrop’s mayor, along with having served as a Lathrop City Councilman and on the Planning Commission.

Dhaliwal is a strong advocate for job creation and education, with a focus on expanding access to good-paying local jobs for working families without the burden of long commutes.