The California Attorney General, Rob Bonta, has granted permission for a lawsuit against Gloria D. Gray, a member of the Board of Directors for the West Basin Municipal Water District. The lawsuit seeks to remove Gray from her position, claiming she forfeited her office by also serving on the Inglewood City Council. This decision, made on October 7, 2026, is significant as it addresses the legality of holding two public offices simultaneously, which could impact governance in local water management.
The case, identified as Opinion No. 26-901, arose when Daniel Bookman and Conner Everts filed an application to sue Gray, arguing that her dual roles create a conflict of interest under California Government Code section 1099. This law prohibits individuals from holding incompatible public offices to avoid divided loyalties. The Attorney General's approval allows the matter to proceed to court, which could set important precedents regarding public office eligibility.
Gray has been a member of the West Basin Board since 2006 and began her current term in 2022. The applicants contend that since she became a council member in Inglewood in 2023, she has violated the incompatibility rule, as the two offices have overlapping responsibilities regarding water supply and governance. The West Basin Municipal Water District provides water to nearly one million residents in Los Angeles County, making the outcome of this case crucial for local governance.
The legal process of quo warranto, which translates to “by what authority,” allows individuals to challenge a person's right to hold a public office. In this instance, the Attorney General determined that the proposed lawsuit met the criteria for judicial review: it was appropriately filed, it raised a significant legal issue, and resolving it would serve the public interest. In the ruling, the Attorney General stated, "The application raises a substantial issue whether Gray forfeited her office as water board director when she became a city councilmember."
The ruling is based on previous opinions and court decisions that established the incompatibility of holding both a city council position and a water district board role. The Attorney General referenced a 2002 opinion which concluded that such dual roles could lead to divided loyalties, particularly when the water district and city council have interrelated powers regarding water supply and management. This principle was further supported by a 2020 court ruling in People ex rel. Lacey v. Robles, which affirmed the incompatibility of similar offices.
This ruling could have far-reaching implications for local governance, particularly in how public officials navigate their responsibilities. If the court ultimately decides that Gray must vacate her position on the West Basin Board, it may set a precedent for future cases involving dual office holders in California. The ruling emphasizes the importance of maintaining clear loyalties in public service, especially in agencies that manage essential resources like water.
Moving forward, the lawsuit will proceed in court, where the legal arguments will be examined in detail. The decision to grant leave to sue reflects a commitment to ensuring that public officials adhere to laws designed to prevent conflicts of interest. The case could also influence how future candidates approach their eligibility for public office, particularly in roles that may overlap in authority and responsibility.
While Gray's term on the West Basin Board is nearing its end, the Attorney General's opinion suggests that the issue of incompatible officeholding is of significant public interest, warranting judicial review even if her term concludes soon. The ruling indicates that the public has a vested interest in ensuring that elected officials do not hold conflicting loyalties, which could undermine public trust in governance.
As of now, it is unclear whether Gray will appeal the decision or if there are related cases pending. However, the outcome of this lawsuit will likely be closely monitored by other public officials and candidates across California, as it could reshape the landscape of public office eligibility and accountability.