James Cooper (born January 5, 1964) is the current Sheriff of Sacramento County and politician who served in the California State Assembly. He is a Democrat who represented the 9th Assembly District, which encompassed portions of Sacramento and San Joaquin counties.
Cooper was a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus and Assistant Majority Floor Leader. Prior to being elected to the Assembly in 2014, he was an Elk Grove Founding Mayor and 15-year City Councilmember and 30-year Sacramento County Sheriff's Captain.
After winning the position of Sacramento County Sheriff in 2022, Sheriff Cooper immediately began to work to enhance public safety in the region by tackling issues that have plagued the region. Introducing new initiatives to combat homelessness, violent crime, and taking an honest and direct approach to mental health services for residents are at the forefront of his mission. Sheriff Cooper continues to modernize the SheriffâÂÂs Office, including implementing new technology, training programs for deputies, and strengthening relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
Community service has always been a significant part of Sheriff CooperâÂÂs life. He has served on the boards of the Boys & Girls Club, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the Sacramento ChildrenâÂÂs Receiving Home.
Cooper has also been described as a "crusader against criminal justice reform". Examples of this include his opposition to Proposition 47 and support for Proposition 20.
Cooper is opposed to fossil fuel divestment and played a key role in halting the progression of SB 1173, a bill that would have forced CalPERS and CalSTRS to divest from most fossil fuel holdings.
Cooper unsuccessfully ran for Sheriff of Sacramento County, California in 2010 and lost against Scott Jones. Before running, he had a thirty-year career in various positions at the Sheriff's office.
He ran again in 2022, where he won the election and currently serves as Sheriff for the County of Sacramento.
On March 15, 2022, Cooper announced that he would be a candidate for Sacramento County Sheriff. In the election, he defeated his opponent, undersheriff Jim Barnes with 54.48% of the vote.