Robinson: Who will replace Congresswoman Eshoo?

Silicon Valley Congresswoman Anna Eshoo is resigning, San José Spotlight first reported. Eshoo who along with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, former Rep. Jackie Speier and Rep. Zoe Lofgren dominated federal representation in the Bay Area. Her resignation will set off a sprint to the March primary.

State Sen. Josh Becker, 54, is best positioned politically, representing a major portion of the congressional district. Assemblymember Evan Low, 40, represents a major part of the district and could have tremendous base in the Asian and LGBTQ+ communities.

Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian, 70, has long coveted the position and waited patiently for Eshoo to serve before attempting to move up. His base is in Palo Alto, and he already has a $600,000 head start in fundraising.

Finally, there is former San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo, 53, who has tremendous name identification. However, his previous feint to run against Lofgren in another district has hurt him with many Democrats.

Of course, Sally Lieber, 62, is a woman always in search of a public office. She could also run.

Who will run and who will not is still to be determined—but the race will be a huge free-for-all and may increase voter turnout in an election that is predicted to have low turnout.

San José Spotlight columnist Rich Robinson is a political consultant, attorney and author of “The Shadow Candidate.” His columns appear every fourth Wednesday of the month.