Two more Democrats have jumped into the increasingly crowded race to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Anna Eshoo — Palo Alto City Councilmember Julie Lythcott-Haims and tech entrepreneur Peter Dixon.
After nearly three decades in Congress, Eshoo, 80, announced last month that she won’t seek re-election, giving a rare chance for congressional-hopefuls to run for her coveted District 16 seat, which spans from Pacifica in the north to San Jose, Los Gatos and Pescadero in the south.
Lythcott-Haims, who was elected to the council in 2022, said that if elected she plans on continuing her advocacy for affordable housing, youth mental health, climate change, workers’ rights, reproductive rights and accessible healthcare.
“Our Congressional District is one of the most prosperous communities on the planet, yet so many have been left behind,” she said in a press release announcing her candidacy. “Every year, the cost-of-living outpaces wages and salaries. Our kids do everything we ask of them, yet can’t afford to live here as adults. They feel the warming planet. They worry their future may be bleak. Their mental health suffers.”
Lythcott-Haims is also the former dean of freshmen at Stanford University and a New York Times best-selling author. She serves on several boards including the board of trustees for the California College of the Arts and advisory boards for the Black Women’s Health Imperative, LeanIn.org, the Sir Ken Robinson Foundation and Baldwin for the Arts.
Lythcott-Haims is currently the only woman running for the seat.
Dixon, a tech entrepreneur and veteran, is the co-founder and former CEO of cybersecurity company Second Front System. In a press release announcing his candidacy, Dixon said he wants to fight for working families in Congress, find solutions for the region’s biggest issues like healthcare, housing, immigration and education and “fight back against Donald Trump and MAGA extremism.”
The Portola Valley resident joined the Marine Corps after 9/11, serving in both Iraq and Afghanistan. He also served in the State Department during the Obama Administration, working to combat cartel violence in Mexico.
“My journey from leading Marines in Afghanistan to combating cartel violence in Mexico and serving in the Hillary Clinton’s State Department has equipped me with the skills needed to navigate the complexities of our time,” Dixon said in a statement. “As a Silicon Valley entrepreneur, I’ve launched a successful start-up business that has brought innovative and cost-saving solutions to the government. My campaign is fueled by a deep sense of duty to serve my country and create a brighter future for my daughters.”
Earlier this week, Assemblymember Evan Low (D-Cupertino) announced his candidacy for Congress and has raised $300,000 in the first 48 hours, according to his campaign. Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian and former Saratoga City Councilmember Rishi Kumar are also in the race, having raised $681,003 and $20,921, respectively, according to campaign filings. Ex-San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo filed paperwork for the race last week, although he said he has yet to make a decision on whether he’s running.
Investor and Stanford graduate student Joby Bernstein and two Republicans — Menlo Park Mayor Peter Ohtaki and Karl Ryan — are also running.