A difficult but necessary decision
I have never walked away from a fight, but I also know to choose my battles wisely. Coming from our broken childhoods, my husband and I know that having a stable family is a luxury, and putting my girls front and center of a battle that is not theirs to wage is not something I’m willing to do.
So today, I’m choosing to fight for my family and wind down my campaign for the California State Assembly.
Our family recently got away for a much-needed vacation. During this time off, I saw how deeply this race impacted the mental health and happiness of my husband and our two daughters. The decision to end this campaign will be perceived in many ways by many people, but it comes down to choosing the three most influential people in my life.
While I could compartmentalize the lies and vicious attacks, focus on the issues, and keep driving – it was impossible for them not to internalize all of it. My five-year-old was regularly served one of my opponents’ hate ads while watching a YouTube kids’ show, and my eight-year-old told me that a classmate brought a negative mailer to school.
My experience isn’t unique. You don’t have to look hard in politics to find people willing to do or say anything to get elected. And you don’t have to look far to see the people hurt by those campaigns. During my race, I lost count of the women who told me they would not run for office after watching the deluge of negative attacks.
This cannot be the norm.
I may be stepping back from my campaign for Assembly, but I will never step down from these tough fights. Change doesn’t come to those who wait. It comes to those who fight for it. I intend to keep fighting – and I am asking you all to do the same.
As Mayor of Redwood City, we will continue to lead the region in creating affordable housing and making public transit a priority. As a mom and a leader, I am joining the Vote Mama Leadership Council to mentor and support other Democratic moms as they push for family friendly agendas in California and nationally. And as someone who has been smeared with misinformation from dark money groups, I am redoubling my effort to improve transparency in our campaign finance system.
Finally, it is with humility and gratitude that I thank everyone for their support for my campaign and our shared vision of what San Mateo County – and California – can be.From the 856 donors who helped me raise over $810,000, to the 300+ volunteers who helped knock 20,000 doors, to over 100 elected officials and community leaders who endorsed my campaign.
Thank you to each one of you who has been a supporter and friend. The world needs more of you.
With gratitude,
Giselle