Jennifer Swanson enters San Juan County race

Jennifer Swanson announced her candidacy for San Juan County District 3 on October 22, 2026.

In a letter to the editor, Swanson said she has served in local leadership roles for nearly two decades. She listed 11 years on the School Board, including time as chair, followed by seven years as School District Superintendent. During her tenure as superintendent, she managed budgets, curriculum, and state regulations.

Swanson said she moved to Shaw Island in 2003. She described her initial involvement in the community as volunteering at the local library. She later co-founded Shaw’s first Community Land Trust. That organization gave her direct experience with the housing challenges facing residents who want to live and work on the island.

The former superintendent said she helped raise more than a million dollars for Shaw’s teacher housing project. That project is currently finishing its first home. She has also served on the Ferry Advisory Committee for eight years and currently holds the chair position.

Swanson wrote that she will not promise services the county cannot afford. She said she will listen to voters, do her homework, and decide honestly. She added that she wants to leave a strong county for future generations. Her letter concluded with a request for the vote of District 3 residents.