The musical chairs have begun in mid-Peninsula politics.
Anna Eshoo, who has represented the Palo Alto area in Congress since 1993, announced today (Nov. 21) that she won’t seek re-election next year.
“I’ve chosen this beautiful season of thanksgiving to announce I will not seek re-election to Congress, and I do so with a heart overflowing with gratitude,” she said an email to her constituents this morning.
Her decision opens the floodgates in the March 5 primary to candidates who want to succeed her, including:
• Joe Simitian, a longtime Palo Alto political leader who is being termed out on the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors.
• State Sen. Josh Becker of Menlo Park, who will complete his first four-year term in the senate next year. If he decides to run for Congress, his senate seat will go undefended.
• Assemblyman Evan Low of Campbell;
• Former San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo.
Those who want to run for her office have until 5 p.m. on Dec. 13 to submit their nomination documents for the March 5 primary. The primary will reduce the list of candidates to the two top vote-getters, whose names would appear on the November 2024 ballot.
The Post examined the issue of whether the 80-year-old Eshoo should retire in this story published in March.
She’s done nothing and won’t be missed. We have a huge housing crisis and traffic problems. She doesn’t have any solutions. She’s been coasting and it’s time for a change.
30 years of nothing! I’m sure her ex-husband George, if he is still alive, is happy she’s retired.
Don’t count Marc Berman out of the race.
Oh come on guys, she hasn’t done nothing for 30 years! That’s harsh. She diligently collected a paycheck each and every week.
Her BFF Nancy Pelosi is probably the next Democrat dinosaur to pack it in.
Anna Eshoo has always been responsive to concerns I’ve had and almost everyone I’ve talked to in person has a positive opinion of her. I’m glad she was our rep for so long and glad she gets to retire on her terms. As much as I love Josh Becker, I think he should stay in the CA Senate for another term as he’s doing great work. My vote is for Joe Simitian!