Sam Liccardo (D) and Evan Low (D) are running in the general election for California’s 16th Congressional District on November 5, 2024. Incumbent Anna Eshoo (D) is retiring from public office.
In the all-party top-two primary on March 5, 2024, Liccardo finished first with 21.1%. Low finished in second place with 16.6% after a recount. To read more about the recount process, click here.
This race is one of three Democrat vs. Democrat congressional races in California during the 2024 election cycle. Since 2012, there have been an average of six house races in California where two members of the same party competed. The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter rated this district as “Solid Democratic.”
Politico’s Lara Korte, Melanie Mason and Dustin Gardiner said the race “…is expected to be one of the most expensive Dem-on-Dem contests this cycle.” Low has received endorsements from various local labor unions and the Congressional Progressive Caucus. Liccardo received the endorsement of the Sierra Club, who’s vice president described him as the “only candidate in this race who has pledged to turn down fossil fuel money.”
On May 15, the California Democratic Party voted to endorse Low over Liccardo by one vote. The San Jose Spotlight’s Brandon Pho and Ramona Giwargis said: “Despite losing the California Democratic Party endorsement, Liccardo is working to cut into Low’s progressive, union-backed base… the Laborer’s International Union of North America — or LiUNA — broke from the pack and endorsed Liccardo instead.” Low’s union endorsements include National Nurses United and the California Labor Federation.
Liccardo was Mayor of San Jose from 2015 to 2023. Liccardo said in an interview that he would join the Problem Solvers Caucus: “In my first week in office, I intend to join the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus to help find willing partners on issues important to the 16th District – and as the rules require, I would find a Republican House member willing to join with me.” Liccardo has received endorsements from California Controller Malia Cohen (D) and the New Democrat Coalition. Former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg (D) donated $500,000 to a Super PAC supporting Liccardo.
Low was elected to the California Assembly in 2014, representing the 26th District. In an interview with The Mercury News, Low said his priority was “bread and butter key core issues,” including public safety and ensuring Silicon Valley maintained its “competitiveness with global innovation.” Sen. Laphonza Butler (D), Rep. Ro Khanna (D) and Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis (D) endorsed his campaign.
Based on Q2 2024 reports filed with the Federal Election Commission, Liccardo raised $4.3 million and spent $2.3 million and Low raised $2.4 million and spent $1.6 million. To review all the campaign finance figures in full detail, click here
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