SAN JOSE, Calif. (Diya TV) — Former San José Mayor Sam Liccardo has won a hotly contested race for Congress, defeating state Assemblyman Evan Low in a closely watched contest to represent California’s 16th District. According to the Associated Press, which called the race late Wednesday, Liccardo took more than 59 percent of the vote and will succeed outgoing Rep. Anna Eshoo, who has held the seat since 1993.
At an election-night watch party in San José, Liccardo spoke graciously to his supporters, laying out his vision for bipartisan cooperation. “We are all Americans, and we face massive challenges together,” Liccardo said. “I’m committed to reaching across the aisle, regardless of who is president, to build relationships and tackle our biggest challenges.”
The bitter race, characterized by sharp personal attacks and ethical disputes, defined the campaign less by policy differences and more by contentious exchanges between the candidates. Democrats Liccardo and Low sparred throughout the campaign over campaign spending, political conduct, and a controversial primary recount that shifted the dynamic of the general election.
In the March primary, Liccardo led a crowded field, and Low and Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian finished in a virtual tie for second. A Liccardo-backed group funded a recount that pushed Low ahead of Simitian by just five votes. Low accused Liccardo of orchestrating the recount to narrow his competition, while Liccardo criticized Low for attempting to stop the legal process.
The candidates resorted to attack advertisements and accusations as the campaign for the general election gained momentum. Liccardo threw accusations against Low for illegal expenditures of over half-a-million dollars from his re-election funds in using that for a TV commercial featuring his record in the California Assembly. Low’s campaign responded by questioning Liccardo’s commitment to public safety, tagging him a “defunder” of the San José Police Department, as the department saw its staffing decline during his tenure on the City Council.
In an October debate in San José, the few policy differences between the two candidates were highlighted. Low opposed Proposition 36 supported by Liccardo – a measure that allows for more severe sentencing on repeat offenders. On the other hand, Low was against a decision by Congress to enforce the sale of TikTok from its Chinese parent company, which Liccardo supported.
Both campaigns had significant outside spending. Liccardo’s campaign had spent $4.7 million by mid-October with an additional $1.9 million in outside support, much of it from a super PAC funded by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Low’s campaign, which had spent $2.6 million, was aided by $2.1 million in support from PACs endorsing rights for LGBTQ+ people and medical professionals.
