Others Who Made the List of Others

I have broken this “Others, etc.” list into particular categories.

INSIDERS: These are people who are sought out as advisors to candidates and officeholders alike. They typically stay behind the scenes; they have a deep understanding of how politics works here:

David Burruto, district director to Assemblymember Diane Papan, former chief of staff to then-Supervisor Dave Pine and chair of the county Democratic Party for several years.

Joe Cotchett, one of the leading litigators in the country with an abiding involvement in local, state and national politics.

Former Redwood City Mayor and SamTrans/Caltrain CEO Jim Hartnett. Known for his legal acumen and his understanding of policy-making. He co-chaired the committee that stood by to recall Sheriff Christina Corpus, had it proven necessary.

Former state Sen. Jerry Hill. His endorsement and advice on how to win office remain valuable and his involvement in local campaigns can bestow credibility. He co-chaired the recall effort with Hartnett.

Former San Carlos Mayor Andy Klein. He remains active as an advisor to local candidates.

Karyl Matsumoto, the doyenne of South San Francisco. A role model to women candidates especially, she continues to agitate for her hand-picked candidates.

Former Belmont Mayor Charles Stone. Now in private legal practice, he has remained an active advisor to candidates and officeholders.

UP-AND-COMERS: These are people who could have broader influence, but have yet to prove themselves.

South San Francisco Councilmember James Coleman. He is, perhaps, the leader among the county’s noisy cadre of progressives, but has yet to extend his influence beyond those ranks.

San Mateo Councilmember Danielle Cwirko-Godycki. She won her first race for council without opposition in 2024 and has been focused largely on local issues, but she is seen as bright, likable and hard-working and may emerge beyond her city’s borders.

Supervisor Lisa Gauthier. Long on the East Palo Alto City Council, she won a tough race two years ago and she is being watched closely. Her maturity and experienced manner have created the expectation that she will emerge as a countywide leader.

Redwood City Mayor Elmer Martinez Saballos. He was appointed to the council in 2022 and elected without opposition in 2024. He has a youthful, affable manner and already has shown an ability to balance the competing interests of his council.

BEYOND THEIR BORDERS: These are on the list by virtue of service on regional boards, by raising their own profile within their communities, or simply because insiders see them as broader players.

Redwood City Councilmember Jeff Gee. He is highly influential in the transit field and a seminal figure in the growing importance of the AAPI community.

San Mateo Councilmember Lisa Diaz Nash. She is, quite simply, everywhere, with an energy and drive that is unsurpassed by most of her peers.

San Carlos Vice Mayor Adam Rak. He has quietly emerged as someone insiders are watching as a potential candidate for higher office.

PERSONAGES: These are sustaining influencers.

Former Congresswoman Anna Eshoo. She happily stepped away from office in 2024, but she still has strong opinions on the conduct of public affairs, local and otherwise, and is as uncensored as ever in expressing them. She remains a sought-after endorsement.

Restaurateur Cameron Palmer, owner of Cameron’s Pub, Inn and Restaurant in Half Moon Bay: His establishment is a local landmark and his involvement in local charitable efforts has provided him a singular profile on the coastside.

Environmentalist Lennie Roberts. She is less active than in the past, but for decades she has been the queen of county environmental policies. She has more policy and ballot wins on environmental issues than can be counted, and everyone still seeks her guidance and approval on green matters.

ALSO: State Sen. Josh Becker. He is the most puzzling figure on all the lists. He has carved out a position of power and influence in Sacramento, particularly on environmental issues. He shows up everywhere people are gathered, but to little or no impact. When he was mentioned, it was to comment on his lack of a local impactful presence.

Congressman Sam Liccardo: He issues a news release seemingly every three days, but people are waiting to see whether the former San Jose mayor will have any influence on local politics.

Next week: The top 10.