California State Assembly — District 21
✦ AI Race Summary
AD-21 covers the entire bayside of San Mateo County, from Brisbane south through San Mateo, Belmont, Foster City, Redwood City, and East Palo Alto. Incumbent Diane Papan is seeking a third term against a single Republican challenger. Local issues: SFO-area housing, Highway 101 transit and managed lanes, sea-level rise on the bayfront, and Caltrain electrification follow-through.
Candidates · sorted by endorsements
Two-term Assemblymember (first elected 2022; reelected 2024) and former mayor and councilmember of the City of San Mateo (council 2015–2022). Chairs the Assembly Committee on Water, Parks & Wildlife; also serves on Transportation, Judiciary, Governmental Organization, and Environmental Safety. Daughter of former Assembly Majority Leader Lou Papan. Holds a BA from UCLA and a JD from UC Hastings.
BAJC-Action · Endorsed
Hindu United Vote · Endorsed
Enrolled Agent and small business owner; the lone Republican on the AD-21 ballot. Profiled by the San Mateo Daily Journal as the GOP challenger to Papan.