Shasta County Republican Candidates Highlight Achievements, Priorities at Central Committee Town Hall

REDDING — Four Republican candidates seeking local and federal office shared their records, visions, and challenges during a candidate forum hosted by the Shasta County Republican Central Committee on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at Sequoia Middle School auditorium.

The roughly 90-minute event, moderated by Erin Ryan, featured opening statements, Central Committee and audience questions, and closing remarks from incumbent Supervisor Kevin Crye (District 1), Supervisor Chris Kelstrom (District 5), incumbent Registrar of Voters/Clerk candidate Clint Curtis, and U.S. House District 2 hopeful Robin Littau. Central Committee Chair Valerie Vollbrecht presided over the forum, which drew a few dozen attendees.

Candidates emphasized fiscal responsibility, election integrity, public safety, and constituent service while addressing topics ranging from code enforcement reforms to federal legislation and homelessness.

Incumbents Tout Reforms and Results

Kevin Crye, seeking re-election to the Board of Supervisors, highlighted three years of progress since his election on a charter county platform. “We audited 15 fees, 13 were wrong, and we refunded money,” he said. Crye pointed to fire mitigation efforts, efforts to establish the alternative custody program, and plans for a new medical school in Shasta County. He described learning from personal challenges, including a 2009 bankruptcy, which he said made him a stronger fiscal hawk.

Crye stressed prayer, direct consultation with department heads, and pushing boundaries, noting that initial detractors of the medical school idea have become supporters. He encouraged potential candidates to prepare for opposition: “If you’re trying to make change, you are going to face opposition.”

Chris Kelstrom detailed changes during his term, including a new resource management manager, complaint-driven code enforcement, and personnel adjustments that reduced harassment of residents. “Code enforcement won’t harass you now,” he said. Kelstrom shared stories of helping constituents with permits and liquor license issues, saving local business owners thousands. He also mentioned infrastructure wins like paving Balls Ferry Road.

Kelstrom noted difficult votes, such as a letter opposing the True North Campus and a solar project in Manton, where he voted against approval despite the board majority’s decision. “My opinion is the least valuable opinion — I represent what you guys want,” he said. He advised aspiring supervisors to build relationships with staff while remaining cautious.

Election Integrity and Clerk’s Office Focus

Clint Curtis, running for Registrar of Voters and County Clerk, focused on transparency reforms implemented since his appointment. He eliminated many drop boxes and electronic poll pads, improved chain-of-custody procedures, installed cameras, and enabled live-streaming. “Every voter can now see every vote,” Curtis said. “In Shasta County you don’t have to worry about it because you can now see both sides of the ballot.”

Drawing on his background as a programmer, attorney, and whistleblower who once wrote code capable of flipping votes, Curtis warned of ongoing threats, particularly from San Francisco interests funding his opponent. He advocated for more tabulators, in-house ballot printing, and better envelopes to make Shasta County a national “gold standard” for elections. Currently, the ballots are printed and mailed by a company in Arizona. In the last election, the envelopes had holes in places that compromised the security of the ballot. If the printing could be done in-house, he would place the required envelope hole at the edge, where no information could be seen through it. Having more tabulators would allow all the ballots to be run through the tabulating machines on one day. Curtis noted that the other role, as County Clerk, is less demanding and manageable with good staff.

Littau Brings Grassroots Perspective to Congressional Race

Robin Littau, one of eight candidates for the U.S. House District 2 seat, shared her personal journey—from a U.S. Coast Guard veteran who served 4 years (the only woman on a 30-person crew in one posting) to business owner and homeschooling parent. She described taking over Joyful Living Magazine and serving on the Enterprise School District board.

Littau stressed tenacity, faith, and a commitment to “justice and righteousness.” For federal issues, she prioritizes reading legislation directly and listening across the diverse district. She expressed interest in water and wolf issues for farmers and ranchers, education reform, increasing penalties for crimes against children and sex trafficking, and curbing excessive legislation. On district offices, she suggested locations including possibly Crescent City alongside Marin and Redding.

Questions on Homelessness, Research, and Service

Questions touched on sources of information, controversial votes, and skills brought to office. Candidates cited prayer, department staff, county counsel, and direct constituent input.

Homelessness drew pointed discussion. Crye defended the Alternative Custody Program (ACP) as a way to handle quality-of-life crimes and free jail beds for serious offenders, while acknowledging coordination challenges with Redding. Kelstrom noted the county’s lack of jurisdiction in the city but highlighted code enforcement actions against squatters.

Concerns were raised about larger cities allegedly sending homeless individuals to unincorporated areas like Burney.

Closing Appeals for Support

In one-minute closing statements, candidates reiterated priorities:

Crye mentioned the medical school, a needed Buenaventura bridge, and fire mitigation;

Kelstrom highlighted rejecting his CalPERS pension and protecting local resources like Lake McCumber and North Battle Creek Reservoir;

Littau emphasized servanthood and urged grassroots involvement;

Curtis called for financial and volunteer support to counter well-funded opponents.

The forum underscored a focus on local control, accountability, and community-driven solutions, reflecting the Central Committee’s endorsement priorities in upcoming races.

League of Women Voters of Redding Hosting a Candidate Forum Tonight (May 1, 2026) for California State Assembly District 1.

Date & Time: Friday, May 1, 2026 - 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Location: Riverfront Playhouse, 1950 California St., Redding, CA 96001

Candidates:

• Heather Hadwick (R) - Incumbent Assemblymember

• Darin Hale (R) - Challenger

• Dianna Janes (D) - Challenger

Note: Robin Littau is not related to Redding City Mayor Mike Littau, in case you were wondering about that.