Tit for tat, congressional district 16 candidates Liccardo and Luo Darren debate for 1 hour

On Friday night, candidates Ricardo and Low went head-to-head in a televised debate hosted by NBC Bay Area, Telemundo 48, and KQED, marking a significant moment in the heated race for the congressional seat in California’s 16th district. For months, the competition between these two Democratic candidates, former San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo and California Assemblymember Evan Low, has escalated as they traded barbs through media appearances, online platforms, and rallies with supporters.

During the one-hour debate, Liccardo and Low discussed a wide range of pressing issues, including the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, immigration, homelessness, crime, and technology policies. They took every opportunity to critique one another while touting their past achievements and garnering support from voters.

Liccardo accused Low of campaign violations, alleging that he improperly used state campaign funds for federal elections. He also pointed out that Low is currently under investigation by the Fair Political Practices Commission for failing to disclose donors tied to a nonprofit related to a technology task force he led in California.

Low retaliated by criticizing Liccardo’s record on public safety, claiming it led to the departure of 500 police officers.

In defense, Liccardo noted that under his mayoral leadership, San Jose actually gained an additional 200 police officers.

Low responded with a counterclaim, asserting that Liccardo still owes the city 300 police officers and emphasized his support from the police union, mentioning that his brother, who is a police officer, was in attendance during the debate. He also highlighted Liccardo’s support for pension reforms that reduced police staffing during his tenure.

Liccardo shot back, arguing that Low’s backing from the police union stems from his decision in 2018 to block a police reform bill aimed at making misconduct records public. Low stood firm on his decision.

“Sexual assault, excessive force, theft—these are all crimes. The public has a right to know when officers commit these acts,” Liccardo asserted.

Both candidates expressed support for allowing more immigrants into the U.S. while also advocating for stronger border security. When asked whether they would change President Biden’s immigration policies, Low referred to Vice President Harris’s stance, saying “no,” while Liccardo criticized the Biden administration for its slow response to the border crisis.

Low championed a comprehensive immigration reform at the national level. “In Half Moon Bay, undocumented farmworkers are trying to make a living,” he mentioned, adding that he believes Biden and Harris’s proposed reform is essential for high-skilled workers as well.

When it came to housing and homelessness, both candidates took jabs at each other. Liccardo accused Low of not taking enough action in the California legislature to address these issues, while Low countered that Liccardo allowed the homelessness situation to spiral out of control during his mayoralty.

Liccardo advocated for removing barriers to the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, whereas Low called for more robust audits of homeless services spending and accountability for cities needing to build more affordable housing.

Low also criticized Liccardo for failing to meet the state-mandated goal of 13,128 housing units in San Jose during his time as mayor.

“Low has shown zero leadership on homelessness,” responded Liccardo.

The candidates also discussed Proposition 36, a statewide ballot measure this year aimed at toughening penalties for drug-related and retail theft crimes. Low opposed the measure, asserting a rejection of a return to large-scale incarceration, while Liccardo supported it, emphasizing that “arrest does not equal incarceration.”

With Silicon Valley being a major influence in the 16th district, both candidates found common ground on technology issues. They expressed support for enhanced online privacy protections, particularly for children, and measures to safeguard workers whose jobs are threatened by automation.

“If we set the best standards for the private sector as a minimum level of accountability, we can achieve a lot,” Liccardo stated.

Originally scheduled for October 2, the debate was postponed due to Liccardo suffering from laryngitis.