Jovanka Beckles (born 1963) is an American politician serving as a member of the Alameda-Contra Costa Transit Board for Ward 1.

She attended Florida A&M University on a full basketball scholarship, and graduated cum laude in 1988 with a BA degree in Psychology.

She moved to the Bay Area in 1989 and worked as a counselor, youth educator, housing case manager for the homeless, and mental health specialist.

[6] She was endorsed by fellow Richmond City Councilmember (and former mayor) Gayle McLaughlin, former Black Panther Ericka Huggins, Senator Bernie Sanders, the Sierra Club, SEIU 1021, Our Revolution, and the Democratic Socialists of America.

"[8] She called for a repeal of the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act, which would enable cities in California to expand rent control.

[8] On July 18, 2020, Beckles announced she would run for AC Transit Board in Ward 1 against 20-year incumbent Joe Wallace.

[11] In 2023, Beckles announced she would run for California State Senate in the 7th District to replace Nancy Skinner, who is term-limited.

She claimed that lawmakers that promised to address climate change, and building more affordable housing and infrastructure were all denied or forged with progressives and those who are New Democrats.