A pediatrician and former state senator aims to break barriers by becoming the first Asian American to be elected mayor of Sacramento. Announcing his bid: Dr. Richard Pan, known for his advocacy on public health issues — including vaccination mandates — announced his candidacy in June 2023 on "The Ronin Project Podcast" with Bill Wong. At the time, he acknowledged Jimmy Yee as briefly becoming the first Asian American mayor of the city following the death of Mayor Joe Serna in 1999.
Voters can choose from six candidates in the 2024 primary election for Sacramento mayor. If no candidate wins more than 50% of the vote, the top two will advance to a November runoff.