I’m Jamin Pursell — a community organizer, small business owner, and problem-solver who’s spent over a decade bringing Richmond residents together to strengthen our neighborhoods and build opportunity. From serving on the Contra Costa Hazardous Materials Commission to leading Richmond Rainbow Pride, my work has focused on environmental safety, equity, and inclusion.
I’m running for City Council in District 4 to revitalize areas like Hilltop Mall, support small businesses, and ensure every neighborhood is safe, clean, and connected. My priorities include filling essential city vacancies, improving infrastructure, and creating pathways for local entrepreneurship. I believe Richmond’s future depends on practical, community-driven solutions that uplift residents, empower small businesses, and keep our city thriving.
Richmond is our heart, our home — and when we work together, we make it stronger for everyone.
Jamin's Story.
Richmond deserves thoughtful, balanced leadership focused on results. Jamin is running to bring people together, improve city services, and keep Richmond a safe and vibrant place to live, work, and grow. Jamin Pursell has been organizing his neighbors to win big fights for more than a decade. A longtime May Valley resident who’s called Richmond home since 2010 with his husband and pets, and like many Richmond families, he knows the value of hard work and community support.
Education
Jamin's Master of Science in Law from McGeorge School of Law, informs his approach to solving problems with common sense, accountability, and collaboration. He earned degrees in philosophy and political science from Cal State East Bay.
Leadership & Experience
Over the past decade, Jamin has served his community in various leadership roles, including the May Valley Neighborhood Council, El Sobrante Valley Planning and Zoning Committee, Contra Costa Hazardous Materials Commission, and the Fish and Wildlife Committee. He's also worked closely with environmental organizations, like the Sierra Club, to protect our shoreline and promote responsible development.
Entrepreneur
As a small business owner, he understands the challenges that local entrepreneurs face, such as navigating permits and building community partnerships. His work focuses on identifying practical solutions to strengthen our neighborhoods, support local small businesses, and enhance the responsiveness of local government to its residents.
Jamin believes in addressing today's challenges for a better Richmond
Corporate-Free and Realtor-Free Campaigns
Jamin Pursell believes public service should be driven by integrity, transparency, and accountability — not by big money or special interests. He supports fair, community-centered campaigns that put Richmond residents first and ensure every voice has an equal say in shaping our future.
By keeping elections accountable to the people, not to corporations or high-dollar donors, we can focus on what truly matters — safe neighborhoods, thriving small businesses, and a city government that works for everyone.
Environmental Justice
Jamin Pursell is committed to practical, results-driven approaches to protecting our environment and strengthening community resilience. He believes that addressing climate challenges starts locally — through smarter infrastructure, cleaner transportation, and policies that make neighborhoods healthful and more livable.
His focus is on solutions that reduce emissions, improve air and water quality, and create good local jobs in the process. By supporting renewable energy, sustainable development, and common-sense environmental planning, Jamin works to ensure Richmond grows responsibly — balancing economic progress with environmental stewardship so that every community benefits from a cleaner, safer, and more resilient future.
Human Rights
Jamin Pursell believes that every person deserves dignity, respect, and equal opportunity — no matter who they are or where they come from. His commitment to human rights is grounded in fairness and compassion, supporting access to quality healthcare, inclusive communities, and policies that strengthen families and protect individual freedoms.
He advocates for greater accessibility for people with disabilities, equal rights for women and LGBTQ+ individuals, and ensuring everyone can participate fully in civic and economic life. Jamin also supports strengthening workplace protections and the vital role of unions in promoting fair wages, safe working conditions, and economic stability.
By listening to diverse voices and focusing on shared goals — equity, opportunity, and mutual respect — Jamin works to build a Richmond where everyone has the tools to succeed and the freedom to live authentically.
Equity and Social Justice
Jamin Pursell believes in building a Richmond where fairness, opportunity, and community are at the heart of every decision. That means investing in quality education from early learning through higher education and trade programs — giving every young person the tools to succeed and contribute to our local economy.
He supports practical housing solutions that keep Richmond affordable, including expanding access to middle- and low-income housing, protecting renters from unfair evictions, and ensuring those facing homelessness have real pathways to stability and dignity.
Jamin also believes public safety should be rooted in trust, accountability, and partnership between law enforcement and the communities they serve — balancing safety with respect for civil rights. By focusing on education, housing, and community well-being, Jamin’s goal is a city where every resident feels safe, supported, and empowered to thrive.
