JLH’s relevant experience? Next to none.

In her e-newsletter today she touts identity politics above all, stating her decision to run is because she’s a woman.

Yes, we do want more women in office, but not when an unqualified candidate exploits this issue to our detriment.

Congress is currently a battleground where democracy is at risk. We need to choose the most qualified person to represent us in DC. JLH is clearly not this person.

"In her campaign announcement, she indicated that she wants to focus on affordable housing, climate change and mental health.

... She also said that she believes that as a Black, queer woman, she "brings unique perspective to this Congressional race."

Given what's happening in Congress right now, they need all the help they can get re mental health. Surely they'll welcome her unique perspective.

Serious question: Will she resign from City Council so she can give her Congressional campaign the attention it deserves?

I will be voting for Joe Simitian who has YEARS of experience in numerous levels of government. He was instrumental in helping PA with low income housing (BV Mobile Home Park). He consistently has taken a hard stand against the unfettered and irresponsible growth of Stanford.

He is always there: reliable, humble and effective. Ready to listen to what voters have to say. His list of accomplishments is lengthy and substantial.

I want someone with experiences; platitudes are never enough.

2024 will be a crucial election. Choose your candidates based on accomplishments and dedication to serving the voters, not themselves. and VOTE

I am thrilled that Julie is running! Yes, as a woman, I am excited that this is no longer an all-male field, but in addition to her bringing her valuable perspective as a bi-racial woman, she brings experience as an educator, Stanford Dean, Lawyer, mother (one of only 2 parents in the race), NYT best-selling author, Palo Alto council member, and all around great human. She is courageous, compassionate, and one of the smartest people I have ever known. Silicon Valley does not need the same old guard representing us or a career politician. We need progressive, energetic, courageous and diverse representation with a sense of urgency. And someone who can energize and mobilize our youth. [Portion removed.]

My vote is Joe Simitian!
Cecilia

I agree with Comment ... identity politics is a major component JLH's politics and she is unqualified to run for the office. I also agree that our democracy is at risk under the current administration and will be voting for Peter Ohtaki to fill the seat of Rep. Eshoo. While I admire Joe Simitian and his long record of service to our district I believe California needs some balanced representation. Democrats hold 38 seats in the house and republicans 12. And while these representatives were duly elected there may be a shift coming in the 2024 election when all 435 seats are up for grabs. Why not start here.

Too many Dems in the race means that the final choice is going to likely be Ohtaki, who will get all the Republican votes, and the one Dem who can squeak through a crowded field. Not an optimal way of doing this, as I suspect a Dem who gets 15% of the vote is going to make the November ballot.

My vote goes to Peter Ohtaki! What a great guy. Served as the Mayor of Menlo Park for many years and just a common-sense guy who understands core values and basic financial principles. Please check him out!

Republicans are the problem at the national level, and Democrats are the problem in California.

Ohtaki is a great guy and would be a huge improvement over Berman in state assembly. But no human can resist the poisonous culture of the national GOP today and the threat it poses if it gets power next year.

Paradoxically some of the field might be better for national government than local. In congress you don’t need to do much, just posture and vote how Pelosi says. Locally you actually need judgement.

"Republicans are the problem at the national level, and Democrats are the problem in California."

Agree. As has been often said, this is no longer your grandfather's Democratic Party. Now the county Democratic Party has a horrible track record of endorsing the least qualified, least experienced "sloganeering" candidates who will blindly adhere to their DODO (Developer Owned Developer Operated) policies rather than digging into the complex issues.

They seem indifferent to the fact tat many disgusted Democrats who can't vote GOP have switched to the Common Sense Party.

They keep spouting the same slogans while ignoring that the CA now has a HUGE deficit instead of a surplus.

Examples: Cut transit funds while telling us to take public transit. Force housing density while defunding affordable housing project.

When Berman was a PA city councilman he couldn't even bothered to have a web site. [Portion removed.]

She is probably using this as a stepping stone to vie for the presidency some day. ROFL. Tokenism is so 1900's. "Hey! Look at me! I'm queer! And black! And female!" She ain't ready until he's Jewish and Palestinian, Ukrainian and Russian, Sikh and Christian, and every other kind of battling faction currently living on this big blue ball called earth. This is a big (and diverse) district.

The reality of it is that we need not to have more Joe Bidens, Nancy Pelosis or Anna Eshoos (being their 70 and 80) but a younger generation of elected officials. They served but now is time for a change. Starting in Congress in your 70s is not what we need.

Someone younger would serve our city better (and this is no endorsement of Julie at all but just a general statement).

Some comments here reflect a desire to see Republican candidate Peter Ohtaki replace Anna Eshoo. Ohtaki may be a fine candidate and deserving of the seat, however the issue is not Ohtaki or even the most qualified candidate, but rather the makeup of Congress. Voting for any Republican risks swinging the House to the Republicans again and as we can see this is a disaster for our republic. The GOP has become a party that everyday more resembles the one that took power in Germany in 1933. We need to think strategically when casting our votes if we are to ever right this ship we call our country. At least that is how I see it-there is a lot at stake and we cannot continue the silly kind of statement or third party voting we did in 2000 and in 2016 that had disastrous results for the things these statement voters said they valued. No Republican, no third party candidate or any independent is going to do us any good. Need to hold our noses and vote Democratic for Congress and the President.

Copying my comment from the other thread which was top of the list when I posted.

Hard to know what to think of this. In recent years we have been told that a VP running mate, replacement of deceased senators, etc. would be black women and which black woman was the question. It has obviously sent a message that being black, female, queer, etc. are the most important criteria, with experience and stands on various issues way down the list of priorities.

Nothing against Ms LH, but it does appear she feels those are the necessary qualifications for running for policital office in the present climate. I hope the voters see this for what it is and choose their preferred candidate carefully.

Commentators seem to forget that the Democratic party is in charge of the White House and the horrible decisions that are coming out of that political position. The approval ratings are tanking for Pres and VP and you all know that. The Progressive Brain wants to say it is everyone else's fault except their own.

Steve Dabrowski wants us to keep digging ourselves deeper in to the great hole we are in. Meanwhile Newsome is like a circus barker saying we are the greatest show on earth. He could be on TV as a game show host. Except for big budget issue which is everyone else's fault. Circuses move on to other places. We need this circus to move on out of the state.