Several seats in the California Assembly and Senate are up for grabs across the Peninsula, extending into the South Bay.

The elected officials will represent some of the state’s wealthiest constituencies, yet the region faces pressing challenges such as a shortage of affordable housing, worsening traffic congestion, homelessness, the opioid crisis and a surge in retail theft.

Scott Wiener

Democrat Scott Wiener is running for reelection to retain his seat in Senate District 11, which includes all of San Francisco and parts of San Mateo County, such as Daly City, Colma and Broadmoor.

Known for his housing initiatives aimed at streamlining affordable housing production, Wiener also authored the controversial Frontier Artificial Intelligence Models Act (SB 1047), which sought to regulate AI to prevent potential catastrophes and terrorist attacks. The bill passed both houses, but it ultimately was vetoed by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Wiener’s campaign emphasizes expanding access to health care, particularly mental health and addiction treatment, while ensuring families have essential resources like food, child care and paid family leave.

Yvette Corkrean

Challenging Wiener is Republican Yvette Corkrean, a first-time state Senate candidate and registered nurse who became politically active due to her discontent with COVID-19 lockdowns.

Corkrean, a vocal critic of progressive politics — including those of Wiener — was actively involved in the unsuccessful recall campaign against Newsom and the successful effort against former San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin.

Currently serving as the vice chair of Volunteers for the San Francisco Republican County Central Committee, Corkrean prioritizes public safety, economic stability and individual rights.

Josh Becker

Democrat Josh Becker seeks reelection to represent the 13th Senate District, covering most of San Mateo County and parts of northern Santa Clara County.

With a background as a former biotech executive and venture capitalist, Becker focuses on clean energy, voter access, and justice reform. His notable legislation includes SB 893, which established tuition-free education for local students at the San Mateo County College District; SB 504, restoring voting rights for formerly incarcerated individuals; and SB 1158, outlining a strategy for California to achieve 24/7 clean energy.

Alexander Glew

Alexander Glew, an engineer and Republican from Los Altos, is once again challenging Becker for the 13th District seat after a loss in 2020. He lost to Becker in 2020, getting only 113,000 votes to Becker’s 348,000.

His campaign website says Glew opposes rent control, supports reinstating felony charges for certain crimes such as retail thefts under $947 and advocates for a bail system. He also seeks to enhance local control over zoning laws and aims to reduce health care costs by 50% through increased competition and transparency in pricing.

Dave Cortese

Dave Cortese, a Democrat, is running for reelection in Senate District 15, which encompasses a significant portion of Silicon Valley in Santa Clara County.

His campaign website says he plans to address key issues such as housing and homelessness, public safety, education, workers’ rights and climate change. He has authored multiple bills aimed at funding and streamlining affordable housing development, enhancing community safety, increasing police accountability, protecting youth from opioid abuse and ensuring equitable school funding.

Robert Howell

Robert Howell, a San Jose native and founder of the Tea Party Patriots of Silicon Valley, is making a second attempt to secure the District 15 seat after only gaining 23,840 votes in the 2020 primary election.

A cybersecurity equipment manufacturer, Howell promises to foster job creation, ensure public accessibility, and support small businesses.

Diane Papan

Democrat Diane Papan is running for reelection in the 21st Assembly District, a new district she first won in 2022, which covers all of eastern San Mateo County. The Millbrae-born lawyer and former San Mateo vice mayor is the daughter of Lou Papan, a former Assembly speaker.

Her campaign emphasizes reproductive choice, maintaining California’s ban on assault weapons, investing in wildfire prevention and creating compassionate solutions for homelessness while addressing the impacts of drought and climate change.

Mark Gilham

Challenging Papan for the 21st Assembly District seat is far-right Republican Mark Gilham, who states on his campaign website, “I will make this simple: Anything the Democratic Party and Republicans In Name Only support, I am against.”

Marc Berman

Marc Berman, a Menlo Park Democrat, has served in the Assembly as the District 23 representative since 2016, covering western San Mateo County and parts of northern Santa Clara County. His priorities include strengthening voting rights, addressing housing shortages and homelessness, supporting student success, protecting reproductive freedom, tackling the climate crisis, reducing gun violence and safeguarding consumer rights.

Lydia Kou

Berman faces fellow Democrat Lydia Kou, a current member of the Palo Alto City Council and former mayor. A real estate professional, Kou prioritizes ending street homelessness, maintaining local authority over land use and zoning, ensuring public safety and promoting smarter government spending.