Meet Jessica

Jessica Leonard is a candidate for Justice of the Peace in Santa Cruz County whose academic and professional path has consistently been shaped by the legal system, public service, and a deep interest in human behavior. Her work has centered on people at the intersection of law and positive psychology, reflecting a long-standing commitment to fairness, dignity, and community well-being.

Jessica is currently completing her capstone course and is on track to earn her master’s degree in psychology in the coming weeks. Her graduate education has strengthened her foundation in ethical decision-making, communication, behavioral insight, and the importance of approaching others with respect and accountability.

Her professional experience includes work with medical-legal consulting firms, where she interviewed plaintiffs involved in class-action litigation, as well as early experience as a paralegal during her first two years of college. She later completed an internship under a psychologist working with justice-involved youth, an experience that gave her valuable insight into the human impact of legal systems and reinforced her belief in the importance of thoughtful, community-centered leadership.

Taken together, these experiences have given Jessica a distinctive perspective on the relationship between law, behavior, and public trust. She believes the Justice of the Peace court should be guided by integrity, sound judgment, and respect for every individual it serves.

Committed to fairness, integrity, and service

“I am proud to be a candidate for Justice of the Peace in Santa Cruz County. My decision to run comes from a strong belief that local courts should reflect integrity, fairness, and respect for the people they serve.

The Justice of the Peace court is often where individuals encounter the justice system most directly. For that reason, this office requires sound judgment, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to treating every person with dignity. I believe public trust is strengthened when leadership is grounded in responsibility, consistency, and service.

My campaign is rooted in the idea that justice should not only be administered fairly, but also experienced as fair by the people who come before the court. I am committed to serving Santa Cruz County with seriousness, accountability, and respect for the law and the community.”