Sam Liccardo, the Democratic incumbent, defends his seat against Republican Peter Soulé in California’s 16th Congressional District on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Election results are pending. This article will be updated as election officials release vote totals.
The district includes Palo Alto and stretches from southwestern San Mateo County into northwestern Santa Clara County and part of San Jose, according to the Mercury News. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Pacific time, according to the California Secretary of State’s office.
What’s at stake
Control of the U.S. House hangs in the balance across California. Republicans hold 218 seats, while Democrats hold 214, according to the House Radio-Television Gallery. One member is an independent, and two seats are vacant.
The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter rates the 16th District “Solid D,” meaning it strongly favors Democrats.
The candidates
Sam Liccardo (D, incumbent): Liccardo succeeded Anna Eshoo after the 2024 election. The former San Jose mayor is seeking a second House term, according to Cook’s race profile. His congressional office says four bipartisan measures he led or co-led were included in the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which became law in July.
He also helped shape a New Democrat Coalition technology proposal calling for more computer science and artificial intelligence instruction in K-12 schools, the Mercury News reported.
Peter Soulé (R): Soulé worked in his family’s steel business in San Francisco and Los Angeles, according to his campaign biography.
His campaign website blames Democratic policies for high housing and energy costs and criticizes Democratic lawmakers’ positions on deportations. He says he would support President Donald Trump.
Primary and fundraising
In the June 2 primary, Liccardo took 75.6% of the vote, according to the Secretary of State’s certified results. Soulé finished second with 10.8%. A third candidate, Republican Kevin Johnson, received 10.2%. Under California’s top-two primary system, the top two vote-getters advance regardless of party.
Federal Election Commission reports through Oct. 14 show approximately $2.26 million in cash on hand for Liccardo and $4,125 for Soulé.
How to vote and track results
Voters can cast ballots in person at any vote center in their county through 8 p.m. on Nov. 3. Mailed ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 3 and received by county election officials by Nov. 10, according to the Secretary of State’s ballot-return guidance.
Readers can follow returns on the California Secretary of State’s election results website. Initial returns are unofficial and can change as additional ballots are counted.
