Jackie Speier Announces Run for San Mateo County Board of Supervisors

Less than a year after retiring from Congress, Jackie Speier is planning a return to local government. Speier has announced she’s running for San Mateo County Board of Supervisors District 1 in March 2024.

District 1 is currently represented by Dave Pine, who is termed out of office. It includes the cities of Burlingame, Hillsborough, Millbrae, parts of San Bruno and South San Francisco, unincorporated Burlingame Hills, San Mateo Highlands and Baywood.

“When I announced that I was not running for re-election to Congress, I made clear that I was not done and not retiring. I was simply coming home to be with my family and my constituents. I believe I have found the path where I can make the greatest contribution to those I have represented for so many years,” Speier said.  

Speier expressed concerns about some of the challenges she sees in her home county. She listed income inequality, lack of affordable housing and childcare, and environmental issues as examples.

Speier served on San Mateo’s board of supervisors once before, from 1980 to 1986. She also served in the state legislature before coming to Congress in 2008. 

Back in 1978, while working as an aide to Congressman Leo Ryan, Speier traveled to Guyana to investigate allegations of human rights abuses by cult leader Jim Jones and the Peoples Temple. She and Ryan were both shot by followers of Jones. Ryan died, while Speier sustained five bullet wounds.

Speier's announcement is a game changer for the District 1 race. Shortly after she announced her candidacy, Burlingame City Councilmember Emily Beach and Millbrae City Councilmember Gina Papan said they were suspending their campaigns for the seat.

Speier would join a short list of people who have returned to local government after serving in Congress. That list includes L.A. County supervisors Janice Hahn and Hilda Solis, as well as L.A. Mayor Karen Bass.