About
Janelle Kellman

The Most Experienced Policy Expert Running

Speaking at the global Sustainable Ocean Summit

“I’m an environmental lawyer, small business owner, and former mayor. I’ve served as a planning commissioner. I’ve helped write climate policy. And I run a nonprofit focused on helping communities prepare for risks like fires, floods, and dealing with insurance companies.’’

Education

• B.A. History Yale
  (Varsity field hockey and lacrosse)

• MSc, Environmental Management Oxford
  (Oxford basketball and rowing)

• J.D., Stanford

All coaches look for ‘pocket presence’ in their best quarterbacks - the ability to see the whole field, stay calm under pressure, and make the right play. That’s how I lead. I see the field, I know how to lead under pressure, and I build strong teams. That’s what I’ve done as an athlete, lawyer, a mayor, and that is what I will do for California.

Where I'm From

I grew up in Northeast Pennsylvania (NEPA), the daughter of a doctor and a homemaker (with her own entrepreneurial mindset!). I have a brother who now lives in Israel with his family. My grandfather came to this country just over a hundred years ago, as his family was fleeing pogroms in Russia.

If you've heard me talk in person, you probably heard my story about my Aunt Charlotte, who was a member of the French Resistance. (If you haven't heard that story, I encourage you to come to one of my events.) She used to ask, “What makes one person choose safety and another choose risk?” - a question that continues to guide me in how I lead and serve.

I’m a lifelong team sport athlete with a high grit score. I played two Division I sports and am proud of the work ethic and discipline I bring to every challenge. I’m also deeply collaborative.

I was fortunate to grow up in a loving, supportive family, and that allowed me to see possibilities where others could not. I know that now, and it's a big reason why I'm running. I can see the possibilities of what California can give to her people, and I know what we have to do to fix things.

What Sets Me Apart

I am grounded in broad real world experience, not talking points. And I’ve actually solved problems faced by everyday Californians:

• During Covid, I organized local manufacturing of 15,000 plastic face shields and distributed them nationwide for free

• As Mayor, a homeless encampment took over a city park, I took action — I declared an emergency, secured funding and worked with all parties to find a compassionate resolution to the encampment

• Working now in global climate issues, I have used my expertise with climate risk in fire stricken areas like Altadena and San Diego to help homeowners navigate a confusing insurance market and explore new insurance opportunities

I believe real change starts close to home, and I’m ready to bring that approach to all of California.

How Does this Apply to the Lieutenant Governor's Job?

California's Lieutenant Governor helps shape: 1) higher education, 2) climate action, and 3) economic development for the whole state.

In fact, this is the only statewide office that serves on the governing body of all three levels of public higher education:

• Voting member of the Board of Regents of the University of California

• Board of Trustees of the California State University system

• Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges system

The lieutenant governor also has critical climate and ocean roles:

• Serves on and alternates as chair of the State Lands Commission, one of three

• Serves as one of seven members of the California Ocean Protection Council

• California Coastal Commission member, one of twelve

Economically, the lieutenant governor chairs the California Commission for Economic Development.

Nowadays

I've lived in California since 1997, but I’ve never heard anyone talk about the lieutenant governor's job like this before. I want to change that.

Can you imagine a lieutenant governor who isn't an afterthought? Someone who actually wants the job, is qualified for the specific responsibilities of the job, and will not stop until the job is done? I can. I am that person, seeing possibilities where others cannot.

I’m deeply committed to service and purpose. I want to make the lives of every Californian better.

Let's do this!"