Evan Low Bold Bid for Congress: Silicon Valley Assemblymember Evan Low has officially declared his candidacy for the House of Representatives District 16 seat, aiming to succeed the long-serving Rep. Anna Eshoo. The 40-year-old politician, born and raised in the district, would make history as the first LGBTQ and Chinese-American representative in Congress from the Bay Area if elected.
Confirming his bid, Low expressed excitement about the opportunity but acknowledged the challenge of filling Eshoo’s three-decade legacy. Low, who served as the past chair of the LGBTQ+ Legislative Caucus and currently chairs the Asian American & Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus, emphasized his deep roots in the community and his experience as a former mayor.
Receiving a key endorsement from Rep. Ro Khanna, Low’s campaign is gaining momentum. Khanna praised Low’s forward-looking approach and dedication to bridging technology, innovation, and public policy. The endorsement could play a crucial role in the competitive race featuring well-known figures like state Sen. Josh Becker, Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian, and former San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo.
Reflecting on the competitive field, political observers note that each candidate will need to distinguish themselves. For Low, his connection with the tech community, demonstrated by founding the bipartisan Technology and Innovation Caucus in the assembly, sets him apart.
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Low’s motivation to enter higher office stems from a desire to bring a better understanding of technology’s societal impact to Washington, D.C. As the global hub of innovation, the district expects exceptionalism, and Low pledges to focus on supporting the innovation economy while ensuring consumer protection and privacy.
The candidate also highlighted priorities such as funding for local law enforcement agencies, combating hate, and addressing the rise in anti-Asian attacks and antisemitism. Low, openly LGBTQ, sees his candidacy as countering the lack of LGBTQ representation in Congress.
Having made history as the first Asian American, openly gay councilmember in Campbell in 2006, Low takes seriously the significance of representing diverse communities. District 16, with its large Asian American population, presents an advantage for Low, who aims to connect with voters based on shared experiences rather than tokenism.
As the campaign unfolds, the district’s voters face a tough decision among a pool of accomplished candidates. The outcome will determine who succeeds Rep. Anna Eshoo, a prominent figure in Silicon Valley politics, adding a new chapter to the district’s political landscape.