The "sensible middle" makes the most sense to most Americans and that's why I'll cast my vote for Peter Ohtaki. Moderate governance is something we could all live with and benefit from. Far left and far right policies are too extreme and non-representative of how the majority of people live their lives. Catering to special interests instead of tax paying Americans is how we've arrived at where we are today and if you look at recent polling objectively, Americans aren't very happy with the current administration's border and economic policies among many other issues that make up the list of concerns.
Ohtaki's experience managing fiscal issues and budget concerns is sorely needed in Washington, DC and he's the perfect candidate to offer up some guidelines and solutions to members of Congress on a national level that would resonate with those lawmakers looking to take on the challenge of fiscal responsibility.

Thank you, Gennady.

We are heavily behind Joe Simitian. He has been a local leader for our state for years and has a solid understanding of the issues facing our community. He is our choice for Anna's seat.

Sure, Florida has a lot of water. The state is almost surrounded by salt water and has hurricanes causing storm surge on the coasts, but they also have a huge potable water problem.

Ms. Lythcott-Haims facily states "That theres too much water in Florida and not enough in California"
She ignores the fact that Florida already has a shortage of potable water in some parts of the state. And, their water supply is greatly threatened by climate change and sea level rise. There are urgent planning efforts underway to ensure there will be sufficient fresh water for the current population and the explosion of growth they expect to continue.
see link below:

Web Link

My vote will go to Julie because she has the smarts, the heart, and the diversity (bi-racial and a woman) that I am looking for to represent our district. Plus she has the courage, energy, priorities, compassion and charisma to inspire the tough conversations and urgent action we need in areas of climate, affordable housing, reproductive rights and criminal justice reform. Most importantly, she inspires young people to feel hopeful about the future and to take action. Our political system is so broken and more white male career politicians is not the answer. Please join me in voting for Julie.

I will vote for the candidate with the most substantive accomplishments and willingness to dig into complicated issues, not one whose claim to fame is identity politics and divisive sloganeering.

I'm very grateful to Simitian for fighting back against Stanford's constant expansion without providing housing.

I question if Liccardo can be more than an advocate for the deep-pocketed tech industry which has shifted the burdens of their constant expansion to us, the taxpayers. And speaking of taxes, I'm not grateful that he pushed for increased sales taxes without addressing government waste and forcing CA to make repaving El Camino a top priority.

I think finishing what one starts is a preferable trait in a candidate b/c it demonstrates reliability and commitment. Actively seeking to leave an elected position after completing less than 25% of a term shows a basic disrespect for constituents and the system generally. As does using derisive terms to describe the work that is part of being a member of Council.

Given the number of Democratic candidates vying for the slot it is likely the Republican who runs will win. The Democrat vote will be spread among many hopefuls compared to Republican concentration on a single candidate. Democrats love to lose and Republicans will have the House again.

While possible there could be a Republican in a run-off, post Primary in March, as likely, two Dems will fill both slots. Even if only one, a Dem will win, likely Supervisor Joe Simitian.
Cause he’s the best, most able of all, for all.

I'm just glad to see a wide range of candidates running and look forward to learning more about their views.

Julie just got onto City Council this year. She barely has her feet wet...and she hasn't had time to accomplish anything substantive on the leadership front. She is smart and capable--and I have noticed and appreciated her quick mastery of the city's complex budget--but she needs to demonstrate that she has the stuff to build coalitions to get things passed. I haven't seen her in a leadership role doing that yet. This is a critical skill in Congress.

I don't like Sam Liccardo who I view as more politician than statesman...and we have enough of that in Washington already. What we need is a principled, strategic, experienced coalition builder who has existing connections. Joe Simitian has proven himself again and again through decades of exemplary service. He has my vote. I'm confident he can do the job, and he has earned it.

-- Evan Low "noted in an interview that there has never been an openly gay person or an Asian American elected to Congress from the Bay Area." Have we already forgotten Mike Honda?! Evan Low may be relatively young, but he should be old enough to remember Honda's 16 years in Congress (2001-17) representing two Bay Area districts in that time. Low should also be careful enough to double check a claim like that. Not a good look. And no fact checking from Sheyner either - though otherwise this is really helpful article.

-- I respect the idea of voting for the best candidate regardless of party, but any Republican running in '24 has to be evaluated (and opposed) as part of the national party. Ohtaki may be a reasonable or moderate conservative, but if the GOP holds the House and he plans to help them install a MAGA extremist as Speaker, then he's an enemy to democracy. It's reached that point, as the current GOP will bend or break any norm to expand and hold on to power. They've driven out a number of their own House representatives who dare to admit Trump lost and Jan. 6 was insurrection. And if Ohtaki is not planning to go along with the GOP caucus, then he'll be left off committees and a less effective representative of our district. Frankly, it's poor judgment for him to think there's even a place for him in government right now. The "parties" are not gridlocked as much as the GOP resists governing, favoring culture wars and conspiracy theories over any practical attempt to govern. The greater the dysfunction and chaos, the better for them. So, Ohtaki is a strong no for me.

I'm still undecided among several of the others; I see good options but all with some drawbacks from my perspective. Let's see what we learn between now and the primary.