Sonoma County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Amie Carter was recently recognized by the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus during its Pride Month 2026 celebration. 

Carter was nominated by state Sen. Christopher Cabaldon, D-West Sacramento, whose district includes portions of Sonoma County. She was one of 15 honorees representing regions around the state.

In remarks on social media, Cabaldon recognized Carter as the first out LGBTQ+ leader to serve as Sonoma County Superintendent of Schools, and praised her leadership around student safety, literacy, career pathways and fostering a sense of belonging for all students.

“It was a tremendous honor to be recognized alongside this diverse group of elected officials, entrepreneurs, performers, and community leaders,” Carter said. “I’m truly humbled.”

Other honorees included:

• Ariana Bates, counselor at Paramount High School
• TJ Bruce, owner and CEO of Splash Bar and Western Pacific Depot
• Lauren Cazares, vice mayor of La Mesa and associate director of political affairs at Equality California
• Lázaro M. Concepción, aka “Lola Veronica,” drag performer
• J Trinidad Garcia and Adam Vasquez Garcia, Chicano creators and LGBTQ+ advocates
• Dr. Jonathan P. Higgins, author, producer, and educator
• Kealie Mardell-Carrera, president of Underdog Bookstore’s board of directors
• Monica Martinez, Santa Cruz County supervisor
• Elizabeth Padilla, sidewalk vending program manager at ICON CDC
• Matthew J. Sánchez, founder of Matteo Parfums
• B. Scott, multimedia personality and activist who founded LBS and Happy to Have You Initiative
• Christopher Verdugo, CEO of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus and the Chan National Queer Arts Center
• Retired U.S. Army Major Veronica Zerrer, California Veterans Board