Several seats in the California State Assembly and Senate are up for grabs across the Peninsula, extending into the South Bay.
The elected officials will represent some of the state’s wealthiest constituencies, yet the region faces pressing challenges such as a shortage of affordable housing, worsening traffic congestion, homelessness, the opioid crisis, and a surge in retail theft.
Scott Wiener
Democrat Scott Wiener is running for reelection to retain his seat in California Senate District 11, which includes all of San Francisco and parts of San Mateo County, such as Daly City, Colma, and Broadmoor.
Known for his housing initiatives aimed at streamlining affordable housing production, Wiener also authored the controversial “Frontier Artificial Intelligence Models Act” (SB 1047), which sought to regulate AI to prevent potential catastrophes and terrorist attacks. The bill passed both houses, however it was ultimately vetoed by Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Wiener’s campaign emphasizes expanding access to healthcare, particularly mental health and addiction treatment, while ensuring families have essential resources like food, childcare, and paid family leave.
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Yvette Corkrean
Challenging Wiener is Republican Yvette Corkrean, a first-time state Senate candidate and registered nurse who became politically active due to her discontent with COVID-19 lockdowns.
Corkrean, a vocal critic of progressive politics — including those of Wiener, was actively involved in the unsuccessful recall campaign against Newsom and the successful effort against former San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin.
Currently serving as the Vice Chair of Volunteers for the San Francisco Republican County Central Committee (SFGOP), Corkrean prioritizes public safety, economic stability, and individual rights.
Josh Becker
Democrat Josh Becker seeks reelection to represent the 13th State Senate District, covering most of San Mateo County and parts of northern Santa Clara County.
With a background as a former biotech executive and venture capitalist, Becker’s campaign focuses on clean energy, voter access, and justice reform. His notable legislation includes SB 893, which established tuition-free education for local students at the San Mateo County College District; SB 504, restoring voting rights for formerly incarcerated individuals; and SB 1158, outlining a strategy for California to achieve 24/7 clean energy.
Alexander Glew
Alexander Glew, an engineer and Republican from Los Altos, is once again challenging Becker for the 13th District seat after a loss in 2020. He lost to Becker in 2020, receiving only 113,000 votes compared to Becker’s 348,000.
According to his campaign website, Glew opposes rent control, supports reinstating felony charges for certain crimes such as retail thefts under $947, and advocates for a bail system. He also seeks to enhance local control over zoning laws and aims to reduce healthcare costs by 50% through increased competition and transparency in pricing.
Dave Cortese
Dave Cortese, a Democrat, is running for reelection in Senate District 15, which encompasses a significant portion of Silicon Valley in Santa Clara County.
His campaign website says he plans to address key issues such as housing and homelessness, public safety, education, workers’ rights, and climate change. He has authored multiple bills aimed at funding and streamlining affordable housing development, enhancing community safety, increasing police accountability, protecting youth from opioid abuse, and ensuring equitable school funding.
Robert Howell
Robert Howell, a San Jose native and founder of the Tea Party Patriots of Silicon Valley, is making a second attempt to secure the District 15 seat after only gaining 23,840 votes in the 2020 primary election.
A cybersecurity equipment manufacturer, Howell promises to foster job creation, ensure public accessibility, and support small businesses.
Candidates running for Assembly. From left, Democrat Diane Papan is running against Republican Mark Gilham, and Democrat Lydia Kou is running against Democrat Marc Berman in the November 2024 election. (Courtesy photos)
Diane Papan
Democrat Diane Papan is running for reelection in the 21st Assembly District, a new district she first won in 2022, which covers all of eastern San Mateo County. The Millbrae-born lawyer and former San Mateo vice mayor is the daughter of Lou Papan, a former State Assembly speaker.
Her campaign emphasizes reproductive choice, maintaining California’s ban on assault weapons, investing in wildfire prevention, and creating compassionate solutions for homelessness while addressing the impacts of drought and climate change.
Mark Gilham
Challenging Papan for the 21st Assembly District seat is far-right Republican Mark Gilham, who states on his campaign website, “I will make this simple: Anything the Democratic Party and Republicans In Name Only support, I am against.”
Marc Berman
Marc Berman, a Menlo Park Democrat, has served in the state Assembly as the District 23 representative since 2016, covering western San Mateo County and parts of northern Santa Clara County. His priorities include strengthening voting rights, addressing housing shortages and homelessness, supporting student success, protecting reproductive freedom, tackling the climate crisis, reducing gun violence, and safeguarding consumer rights.
Lydia Kou
Berman faces fellow Democrat Lydia Kou, a current member of the Palo Alto City Council and former mayor. A real estate professional, Kou prioritizes ending street homelessness, maintaining local authority over land use and zoning, ensuring public safety, and promoting smarter government spending.
