☆ Election roundup (5/14): Experts recall spellbinding wins, surprises, takeaways from Nov. 2024
Before Ron jealously ruins the evening, Hermione has a lovely time attending Hogwarts' Yule Ball (commemorating the Triwizard Tournament) with Quiddich star Viktor Krum. From Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005).
In this exclusive installment of a special Opp Now Election '24 series, our contributors aren't dancing around the issues: they unpack, below, some key City/County election results—including how “low information voters” impact which candidates are, or aren't, given a whirl in office. From Tobin Gilman (SJ community leader), Gus Mattammal (Midcoast Community councilmember), Mark Burns (local real estate agent), and Pierluigi Oliverio (SJ planning commissioner).
Biggest winner of the election?
Tobin Gilman, San Jose community leader, retired Silicon Valley technology industry executive: The Housing Industrial Complex (HIC), a coalition of real estate, labor, and nonprofits that continue to pursue failed “housing first” policies. Prior to the election, the council was split between nine members aligned with the HIC coalition and two independents (Doan and Batra) who have been advocating a “shelter first” strategy. With the apparent defeat of Batra in D10, it appears the HIC has added another member to its majority. Its net gain could be temporary, however, if an independent is chosen to fill the vacancy in D3.
Gus Mattammal, Midcoast Community councilmember: At the state level, the biggest winners were the people of California. In passing Proposition 36 so overwhelmingly, they made a strong statement that they won't tolerate politicians compromising on public safety to achieve goals. Also, they voted down Proposition 5, which would have made it easier forever to raise everyone's taxes, here in a state that is already the 5th-highest taxed in the nation. Overall, the voters exercised a lot of practical, good judgment.
Mark Burns, Bay Area real estate agent: I thought Sam Liccardo was an interesting, big win.
Any unexpected alliances?
Pierluigi Oliverio, San Jose planning commissioner, former San Jose councilmember: We saw what we have known for a long time: during presidential elections, many people that typically do not vote, do show up and vote. These voters are sometimes called "low information voters" and they generally vote based on candidate profiles, party affiliation, gender, job title, and the like.
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