Federal Glover, Contra Costa’s Trailblazing Supervisor, Dies at 69

Federal Glover, Contra Costa’s Trailblazing Supervisor, Dies at 69

Federal D. Glover, a pioneering figure in Contra Costa County politics and a respected community leader from Pittsburg, California, passed away on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at the UCSF Medical Center. He was 69.

Glover made history in 2000 as the first African American elected to the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, where he served District 5 for six consecutive terms until retiring in 2024. His district included a diverse range of communities such as Pittsburg, Antioch, Bay Point, Martinez, Rodeo, Crockett, and Hercules.

Prior to his time on the Board of Supervisors, Glover served on the Pittsburg City Council and held the role of mayor. Professionally, he worked more than two decades at Dow Chemical and POSCO Steel, bringing both industrial experience and grassroots knowledge into his public service.

Glover's legacy is deeply rooted in community empowerment and policy advocacy. He championed public health, racial equity, environmental justice, youth programs, and infrastructure investment.

One of his major contributions was co-founding the Contra Costa County Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice, a reflection of his commitment to fairness and inclusion.

Despite major health challenges—including a heart and kidney transplant in 2015—Glover continued to serve with vigor and compassion.

His personal experiences with healthcare informed his advocacy for improved services and accessibility for all residents.

In 2024, he passed the torch to Shanelle Scales-Preston, a fellow Pittsburg native who made history as the first Black woman on the Board of Supervisors.

At the time of his passing, plans for public memorial services had not yet been announced. Glover’s death marks the end of an era, but his impact will continue to shape Contra Costa County for generations to come.

Federal Glover, Contra Costa’s Trailblazing Supervisor, Dies at 69

Sources:San Francisco ChronicleCBS News Bay AreaKTVU Fox 2City of PittsburgContra Costa HeraldCC Pulse