Napa Valley RegisteR NEWS SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2023 | A3

Eshoo retiring from Congress, won’t run in 2024

SAN JOSE SPOTLIGHT
U.S. Rep. Anna Eshoo had it all
planned out.
She had lined up endorse-
ments, secured donations and
volunteers. The 80-year-old
Palo Alto Democrat was about
to launch a reelection campaign
for her 16th District congressio-
nal seat.
But a voice in her head stopped
her.
“Most people don’t think we
spend any kind of time thinking
about whether we’re going to run
again or not. It’s highly private,”
Eshoo told San Jose Spotlight.
“I was prepared to seek reelec-
tion. ... I was fully engaged and
ready to go. And then I had this
little voice inside of me that was
pulling me another way. It was
last week very late at night that I
decided it’s time. I said to myself,
‘It’s time, Anna.’”
As first reported by San Jose
Spotlight, Eshoo confirmed
Tuesday she’s retiring from
Congress after three decades
and won’t seek reelection when
her term ends in 2024. The an-
nouncement has rocked Silicon
Valley’s political establishment.
Some are surprised. Others are
jockeying to replace her. A hand-
ful of politicos are already eyeing
the once-in-a-generation shot at
serving in Congress. This is the
first time a Silicon Valley con-
gressional representative has
opted not to run again in two de-
cades.
Eshoo explained her decision
and what’s next in an interview
with San Jose Spotlight.
SAN JOSE SPOTLIGHT:
U.S. Rep. Anna Eshoo, D-Palo Alto, speaks during the groundbreaking ceremony for the affordable housing
project, La Avenida Apartments, in Mountain View on March 3.
Why did you decide to retire
now and how are people re-
acting to the news?
ANNA ESHOO: I just decided
it’s time. When I told my family
they said, ‘Is it because of the
mess in Congress?’ I said, ‘Abso-
lutely not.’ I’m not running away
from anything. This is the time
for me.
I made the announcement right
before Thanksgiving because it
is such a beautiful season. It is a
season of thanks. My entire sea-
son is full of thanks – and that’s
to three decades of constituents
because they’ve placed their trust
in me. They’ve trusted me every
two years. This has been an enor-
mous honor, a great privilege.
I’ve done everything and will
continue to do everything I can
to keep adding distinction to our
district.
What direction is that little
voice in your head pulling you
toward?
I’ve loved the community that
want to have the freedom that if
I want to go somewhere, I can do
it. I don’t have to ask my staff for
permission.
I’m looking over my shoulder
with enormous gratitude.
Candidates are already lin-
ing up for your seat. Have any
called for your support yet
and what do you hope to see
in your successor?
I haven’t had time to check my
phone today – it’s been ringing
off the wall. I’m sure some have
reached out. That’s our democ-
racy. But today is not the day for
that.
What’s the one thing you’re
most proud of as you reflect
on your three decades in Con-
gress?
I hope that for young people
and those who were younger at
one time that my public service
will be a source of pride to them.
I hope it’s something they are at-
tracted to – to understand how
DAI SUGANO, BAY AREA NEWS GROUP
all this works and to have a deep
sense of respect and regard for the
awesomeness of our democracy.
That they know this job can be
done with honor, grace and in-
I live in – and I love my country. tegrity. That they can make im-
The time I have post-Congress portant changes.
will certainly be devoted to efforts Everyone has a role to play in
to make our community better. our country to help make her
This job is demanding seven stronger and better. I hope I’ve
days a week, practically 24/7. I inspired people and I can con-
have more than willingly car- tinue to be an inspiration to young
ried that because the responsi- girls and women; we need them at
bilities are serious ones. But my the public table. Our experiences
days and my weeks and nights are are different. We need immigrant
filled with have-to-dos. That’s perspectives – my parents fled
my job. But post-Congress I’m to come to the U.S. We need the
looking forward to eliminating experience of immigrants and
a lot of have-to-dos in my life. I young people.

PUBLIC SAFETY
Police: Scammer said in a Wednesday announce- agency’s non-emergency num- of Homeland Security. The caller gency line. Do not press redial or
spoofs department ment warning residents of a pos- ber, 707-257-9223. then asked several questions give out any information on the
sible phone scam. According to police, a resident about credit cards and purchases. phone.
phone number A Facebook posting from Napa received a call from someone Anyone who is unsure whether Residents also can visit the
Is that phone call from Napa Police informed people about a who claimed to be Detective Bill a call from Napa Police is authen- Napa Police lobby downtown at
Police really from Napa Police? caller it said impersonated one of Hernandez and also purported tic is asked to hang up and call 1539 First St. to speak to someone
Not necessarily, the department its detectives while spoofing the to work for the U.S. Department the department’s non-emer- in person.

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