December 2018 BayAreaGOP Newsletter Articles
Bay Area Republicans Achieve Election Victories
In cities, counties and special districts across the extended Bay Area, Republicans achieved election victories where outside observers might least expect.
County parties endorsed candidates and provided support through electronic and direct mail, digital advertising, phone banks and door-to-door canvassing. The Lincoln Club of Northern California as well as countless individual Republican donors provided financial support. Grow Elect provided expertise and financial support to a number of Latino Republican candidates and officeholders. Together, this remarkable community achieved election success in some of the “bluest” parts of California.
Check out the article below which highlights some of the newly elected Bay Area Republicans. Visit our election results page for a more extensive list of Republicans who won or are leading for local office.
We extend a special thanks to all of those who helped achieve these results in a challenging election cycle.
Different Roads to Victory
In San Benito County Peter Hernandez won his race for county supervisor – by ten percentage points – defeating an opponent who had previously been the supervisor for eight years. Peter is a small business owner and a trustee for the Hollister School District, and he also served as chair of the San Benito County Republican Party in 2015-16. He was born and raised in Hollister, the youngest child of Latino immigrant parents. Peter and his wife run their own business, the Ohana Shave Ice shop.
In Alameda County Jaime Patiño won a seat on the City Council in Union City, coming in ahead of two incumbents. Jaime has worked as a university administrator, chaired the city’s Human Relations Commission, and been active in the community. He ran for state asssembly four years ago and council two years ago, gaining experience and supporters along the way.
Anita Enander narrowly edged out the incumbent mayor to win the second of two seats available on the Los Altos City Council. She said her “focus will be on resident interests and data-based policy making, restoring fiscal responsibility, and retaining exceptional small-town character throughout Los Altos.” Anita has worked as a small business owner, a consultant, and a public-sector manager and served recently on the city’s Downtown Buildings Committee and the Planning Commission.
Marketing manager Lionel Largaespada has priorities for Benecia that include addressing rapidly rising water and sewer rates, investing in roadways, supporting public safety, and thinking strategically about economic development. He continually seeks feedback to determine the needs of the community. He serves in numerous ways, including as Chair of the city’s Economic Development Board, on the Design Committee for Benecia Main Street, and as a volunteer at his daughters’ schools. After losing a city council race two years ago, he jumped right back in and won a city council this year.
Jim McLaughlin reached the rank of Chief at the California Highway Patrol, where he led the Enforcement and Planning Division. He also served on the 2017-18 San Mateo County Civil Grand Jury, which issued a report about the Menlo Park Fire Protection District that includes Atherton, East Palo Alto, Menlo Park, and North Fair Oaks. So Jim had lots of relevant public safety experience when he ran for the Fire District Board, and the voters elected him.
Robert Varich won a seat on the Campbell Union High School District board. Robert has served for 15 years on the Moreland School Board, where he was elected four times and has served as Board President. He also served until recently as Vice Chair of the Santa Clara County Republican Central Committee, where he’s a popular and enthusiastic member. Varich overcame a nasty last-minute hit campaign.