Hoo boy, it's gonna be a hot one!

After months of speculation, former prosecutor Allison Jackson officially confirmed today that she will seek to unseat her former boss, incumbent District Attorney Paul Gallegos, in the June elections. A formidable and even frightening trial attorney, Jackson can now be expected to lay out the case against Gallegos at a pretty high temperature. There is no love lost between the two.

Jackson joins fellow former prosecutors Paul Hagen and Kathleen Bryson in the race. Gallegos himself had his campaign kickoff event earlier today.

Press release follows:

Allison Jackson to Join District Attorney Race

Former Humboldt County Senior Prosecutor Allison Jackson will announce her candidacy for the office of district attorney tomorrow at a campaign kick-off in Eureka.

A highly respected trial attorney with two decades of courtroom experience, Jackson will be introduced by former County Administrative Officer Loretta Nickolaus and Fifth District Supervisor Jill Duffy.

“Allison is exactly who we need as our next district attorney,” Nickolaus said. “She has the experience we need and the integrity we can trust.”

Nickolaus called Jackson’s trial record “impressive” and noted that the former deputy DA lost only one case in ten and a half years with the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office.

“Allison is committed wholeheartedly to prosecuting bad guys to keep our children, families and communities safe,” Nickolaus said.

“Allison has a reputation for tackling tough cases, taking them to trial and getting sentences commensurate with the crimes committed,” Duffy said. “She also has developed strong relationships with local agencies and nonprofits dedicated to public safety and victims’ rights. I’m confident that she will make Humboldt County a safer place to live and raise our families.”

Jackson, 50, is a graduate of California State University San Francisco and Santa Clara University. She was admitted to the bar in 1991 and has practiced criminal law for 15 years and civil law for five. She is a partner in The Harland Law Firm, with offices in Eureka and Fortuna.

A resident of Hydesville, she is married to Peter Ranken, her partner of 25 years. Please join Jackson and her friends and supporters Saturday, 12 to 1 p.m., at the Aquatic Center at 921 Waterfront Drive in Eureka. It is located next to the Adorni Center.