UPDATE: Vallejo Mayor Andrea Sorce is making headlines as she boldly balances her roles as a city leader and an economics professor at Diablo Valley College. At just 39, Sorce is on a mission to transform local governance and enhance transparency in Vallejo, California.
In an exclusive statement, Sorce emphasized the urgency of her dual responsibilities: “There is a lot of work to do in Vallejo,” she remarked, wishing for “40 hours in a day.” The mayor, who was elected in a surprising upset last year, has vowed to restore public trust in local government while educating future leaders.
Sorce, a native of Raleigh, North Carolina, holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and international studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a master’s in public administration from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. Her academic background informs her governance style, where she integrates classroom lessons with real-world economic issues facing Vallejo.
“The perspectives of my students directly inform the way I approach my time as mayor,” Sorce stated. Her unique position allows her to use real-time public policy examples in her teachings, enhancing the learning experience for her students.
Recently, Sorce initiated two public study sessions aimed at demystifying Vallejo’s financial situation. “I try to explain the risks of dipping into our reserves,” she said. “Having an economics professor on the dais presents an opportunity to break down some of the jargon.” These sessions are part of her effort to make city finances accessible and understandable for residents.
Addressing Vallejo’s troubled past, Sorce is committed to confronting issues of police misconduct and corruption openly. “We have to be honest about what happened,” she asserted, stressing the need for transparency to earn back community trust.
In her quest to change the culture of governance, Sorce prioritizes accessibility, making it a point to engage with all community members, particularly those historically sidelined from political processes. “I take very seriously issues around fairness in who gets access to the mayor’s office,” she noted, highlighting her recent visits to local high schools.
Outside her official duties, Sorce is dedicated to fostering a sense of community. She hopes that students will feel comfortable approaching her in public spaces, reflecting her commitment to being an approachable leader.
With a guiding philosophy inspired by Maya Angelou, Sorce believes in continuous improvement. “Accountability doesn’t have to be punitive — it’s necessary for growth,” she explained. Her term ends in 2029, but her vision is clear: to leave Vallejo with a government that residents trust more than ever.
Looking ahead, Sorce stated, “If people have more trust in their city government in 2029 than they did in 2024, I will have done my job.” As Vallejo navigates its future, the community watches closely, eager for the positive change Sorce promises to deliver.
For more insights, view a brief meeting between Mayor Andrea Sorce and student Anya Gupta discussing community engagement at bit.ly/sorcegupta2025.
Contact Charleen Earley, a freelance writer and journalism professor at Diablo Valley College, at [email protected] or 925-383-3072.
