Josh Fryday

Novato city government (2015–2019)

In 2015, Fryday ran for a seat on the city council of Novato, California, as part of a group that sought to challenge incumbents Jeanne MacLeamy and Eric Lucan.^[6] Fryday led the field in campaign contributions, raising a total of $55,000, with the majority of funds coming from outside Marin County and outside California, which drew criticism from other candidates during the election.^[7] He successfully won the election and was sworn in on December 8, 2015, by his mother, Robin Fryday. Alongside him, fellow councilor Pam Drew was also elected.^[8][9]

During his tenure on the city council, Fryday contributed to initiatives aimed at enhancing public engagement and placed a strong emphasis on sustainability efforts.^[10][11] After being appointed as Chief Service Officer of California, Fryday announced his intention to resign from his city council seat on August 27, 2019, with the Marin Independent Journal noting that his resignation would lead to a split on the city council.^[12] The city council decided that the seat would remain vacant until the next election in 2019.^[13] The seat, now for the 5th district instead of an at-large district, was filled by Amy S. Peele.^[14]

State government (2019–present)

On July 12, 2019, Fryday was appointed by California Governor Gavin Newsom to become the Chief Service Officer of California, with his term beginning on September 1, 2019.^[15] As Chief Service Officer, he was responsible for the state’s volunteer programs, which included efforts to encourage involvement in addressing climate change. In this role, he implemented paid benefits for organizers to assist cities in mobilizing to combat climate change, crediting his military background as a key factor in those efforts.^[16][17] Fryday led and launched several initiatives, including the California Climate Action Corps and the #CaliforniansForAll College and Youth Jobs Corps.^[18]

Fryday helped recruit tens of thousands of Californians to participate in service programs, resulting in the creation of a service force larger than the U.S. Peace Corps, according to The New York Times.^[19] In 2024, President Joe Biden launched the American Climate Corps, largely based on the model Fryday developed in California.^[20] Fryday is also responsible for the organization and administration of AmeriCorps programs in California, and has actively worked to counter the Trump administration's deep cuts to AmeriCorps.^[21][22]

In March 2025, Fryday announced his candidacy for lieutenant governor of California in the 2026 election.^[3][23] During the June 2025 Los Angeles protests and the subsequent deployment of active duty servicemembers and the California National Guard to Los Angeles, Fryday was one of the first state officials to visit the base housing the troops.^[24] He spoke out against the deployment, stating that it was a waste of the troops' time and funding.^[25]

Fryday ultimately won 14.73% vote in the primary and finished third, failing to advance to the general election.^[26]