California Assemblymember Evan Low on Tuesday filed paper work to run for the congressional seat held by Rep. Anna Eshoo, who announced her retirement last month.
Low is the latest among notable local officials to join the race for California’s 16th Congressional District, which encompasses Silicon Valley as well as parts of San Jose and San Mateo County.
Former San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo and Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian also have declared their candidacy to replace Eshoo.
Get a weekly recap of the latest San Francisco Bay Area housing news. Sign up for NBC Bay Area’s Housing Deconstructed newsletter.
Low, currently representing District 26 in the state Assembly, has broken barriers in local politics, becoming the first Asian American member of the Campbell City Council in 2006 then becoming the youngest openly gay mayor in the U.S. in 2010.
Low was first elected to the state Assembly in 2014.
“They have more in common than not, but still there are some differences,” said political analyst Larry Gerston.
Local
He said most are well established with name recognition across the district, and he believes it may come down to accomplishments.
“In some ways, it’s a shame that they’re all in the same district. You think about some districts where people scratch their heads over the quality of the candidates and then you look at this district where they’re all so good. It’s going to be an interesting problem,” said Gerston.
On Tuesday, NBC Bay Area spoke with three of the candidates about their vision and what differentiates them.
“Our district expects exceptionalism, and that’s what I’ll bring to Congress,” said Low. “I’ve been a local hometown mayor, I’ve been on the city council, state legislature, and born and raised in this community so I’m excited about the opportunity to continue the legacy of service in this region.”
“I have a record of accomplishment, real results that has done that from climate change to early childhood education,” said Simitian. “Only one candidate’s going to be able to say, ‘I’ve done the work. I have proven I can do the work, and I still have the passion and drive to do the work at the national level.’”
“I’m not a career politician, I’m here to serve and I served the interest of the people which is what I did in the city of Saratoga,” said Rishi Kumar, who is also running for Congress. “There are enough challenges going on here, there is an exodus. There is a housing and homelessness and crime problem here. We need able leaders who are there to represent the people.”
Sam Liccardo sent a statement noting that he’s doing his due diligence and talking with community leaders, adding he’ll make a formal announcement of his plans in the next several days.
The primary is March 5.
