Shasta County Supervisor Mary Rickert is one of two moderate supervisors on the controversial five-person Board of Supervisors in far Northern California.
Her medical leave of absence is due to a ruptured disk in her back and probable surgery.
She said in an interview Wednesday she doesn’t know how long the absence will be.
"I have an injury, and I have to address it and seek treatment," she said.
The board, with a far-right majority, has made news for ordering the hand-counting of election ballots due to unfounded claims of election fraud. In response, the state made hand-counting illegal in most elections. The chaos on the board has led to an exodus of top staff in recent years, according to county employees.
Rickert is supposed to face a runoff election in November against Corkey Harmon, a local business owner. She said it remains to be seen if she’ll run.
The county said Rickert has not vacated her seat, so they don’t anticipate appointing a replacement or substitute for her.
She said she might be able to respond to emails or attend some meetings virtually during her leave.
"We do wish her a speedy recovery and prompt return," a county spokesperson said a statement.
