Jackie Speier announces breast cancer diagnosis

Speier, who represented San Mateo County and San Francisco from 2008 to 2023, said she almost missed her routine mammogram this year due to a busy summer schedule. After deciding to go, she was diagnosed early and had a successful lumpectomy Tuesday, July 2.  

“The lesson here is, please be diligent about your own screenings and don’t skip them,” she wrote.

The tenured politician began her career as an aide to former 14th District U.S. Rep. Leo Ryan. In 1978, they traveled to Guyana to investigate human rights abuses by Jim Jones and his Peoples Temple and, as the team prepared to fly home, members of Jones’ cult opened fire. Ryan was killed and Speier survived five gunshot wounds. 

She then was elected to the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors in 1980, defeating a 20-year incumbent. At the time, she was the youngest person elected to the board. 

More than 40 years later, Speier returns to serve the county after winning the District 1 seat in March, defeating opponent Ann Schneider with nearly 70% of the vote. Taking over for Supervisor Dave Pine, Speier will represent Burlingame, Hillsborough, Millbrae, parts of San Bruno and South San Francisco and other areas.