Sam Liccardo and Evan Low will face off in November to succeed the 16th congressional district. The current congresswoman, Anna Eshoo, has held the seat since 1993, and her successor could very well do the same, making this election extremely consequential.
The two candidates share similar views on topics important to Bay Area residents, such as climate change. Liccardo’s book “Sam’s Plan” outlined his plan for climate change.
“We’ve got to stop drilling, and we’ve got to stop subsidizing the drilling,” Liccardo said.
Low’s deputy campaign manager Lam Nguyen outlined Low’s climate change goals.
“Evan [Low] … is also pushing for 2045 carbon neutrality in the state of California,” Nguyen said.
Low has highlighted his support for universal healthcare and LGBTQ rights. Conversely, Liccardo has placed a much larger emphasis on his plans to combat homelessness in the Bay Area.
“At the time, one group called EHC … really helped me understand a lot about homelessness,” Liccardo said. “That ultimately propelled my interest in that space.”
Both candidates have previous experience in government: Liccardo was the mayor of San Jose from 2015 to 2023, and Low has been a representative in the California State Assembly since 2014.
The competition was whittled down to two candidates following a recount between Low and County Supervisor Joe Simitian, in which Low won by a margin of five votes.
Both candidates ultimately want to listen to and serve the people.
“What can Congress do to lower costs, and how can Congress help build more housing?” Deputy campaign manager for Liccardo Gil Rubenstein said. “So those are two very big issues. We’re hearing a lot of voters are concerned about climate change.”

Gallery • 1 Photos

Niaz Alasti

Evan Low’s deputy campaign manager Lam Nguyen speaks at Palo Alto High School during NorCal Media Day. He mentioned Low’s record in the fight for improved public safety “he fought to stem the tide of Asian hate and the hate crimes that were happening in the state at the time,” Nguyen said.