Canvassing Support
Support activists canvassing to elect Democrats to the US House.
Last year Californians passed Prop 50 to enable us to elect 5 more Democrats to the US House of Representatives.
Now it’s time to do the work to win the seats. Two of these races are in the Central Valley, relatively close to us.
The Bay Area coalition (bayareacoalition.org) will be hosting phonebanks and organizing canvassing to the Central Valley. If you aren’t able to call or phonebank, you can still contribute to our winning by donating to cover the travel expenses of those who are doing the work for all of us.
To help with travel expenses, please make sure to fill out the information below and then press the Process Donation button.
Candidate Training
Hosted by San Mateo County Democratic Party and Santa Clara County Democratic Party
Register for all sessions here.
'The 2026 Candidate Training offers these five sessions. To receive a Certificate, attend four or more.
Campaigns 101 (APRIL 24, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM)
- Day Chair: Alicia Aguirre, Former City Councilmember, Redwood City
- Josh Becker, State Senator
- Jessica McNabb Speiser, Santa Clara County Board of Education
- Gene Kim, San Mateo Foster City School District & Campaign Consultant
- Marcella Padilla, City Councilmember, Redwood City
Campaign Requirements (MAY 1, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM)
- Day Chair: Bill James, Santa Clara County Democratic Party Chair
- Jordan Eldridge, Eldridge Political Partners LLC
- Martin McTaggart, City of San Mateo City Clerk
- FPPC Trainer, California Fair Political Practices Commission
Building a Winning Campaign Team & Message (MAY 8, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM)
- Day Chair: Gina Papan, Former Mayor and Councilmember, Millbrae
- Donna Colson, City Council, Burlingame
- Lisa Gauthier, San Mateo County Supervisor, District 4
- Clayton Koo, Former School Board Trustee
How to Seek Endorsements (MAY 15, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM)
- Day Chair: Karen Maki, San Mateo County Democratic Party Chair
- Julie Lind, Executive Officer, San Mateo County Central Labor Council
- Nicole Fernandez, San Mateo City Councilmember
- Barbara Dye, Coastside Democrats President
Crafting Key Issues & Research to Reach Diverse Audiences (MAY 22, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM)
- Day Chair: Ligia Andrade Zúñiga, San Mateo Union High School District Trustee and Kalimah Salahuddin, Former Jefferson Union High District Board Trustee
- Danielle Danielle Cwirko-Godycki, San Mateo City Councilmember
- Andy Lie, Jefferson Union High District Board Trustee
- Noelia Corzo, San Mateo County Supervisor, District 2
- Manufou Anoai, Former Daly City School District Board Trustee
San Mateo County Democratic Party https://www.smcdems.org/
Paid for by the San Mateo County Democratic Central Committee. FEC ID # C00409359, FPPC ID #882509
2026 SMC Dems CADEM Convention Luncheon
SOLD OUT
We are excited to welcome you back to our SMCDems Luncheon at the Democratic Party State Convention in San Francisco, a longstanding tradition for our group! Join us on Saturday, Feb. 21, from Noon to 1:30 PM at Per Diem in San Francisco. All tickets to this luncheon are sold out! If you have not already purchased a ticket to this luncheon, unfortunately, you won't be able to attend.
Location: Per Diem, 41 Minna Street, Transit Center, San Francisco
Sponsorship Levels
Democracy Defender (6 guests and social media feature, in person recognition): $1000
Chair's Letters
The SMCDems chair sends monthly emails with updates about the party’s activities. You will find links to these letters below.
Help Get Out the YES ON PROP 50 Vote on NOVEMBER 4
In response to Texas' mid-decade partisan congressional redistricting, this measure temporarily requires new congressional district maps, as passed by the Legislature in August 2025, to be used in California's congressional elections through 2030.
- Retains California's independent Citizens Redistricting Commission and directs the Commission to resume enacting congressional district maps in 2031 after the 2030 census and every ten years thereafter.
- Establishes state policy supporting use of fair, independent, and nonpartisan redistricting commissions nationwide.
WAYS YOU CAN HELP
(Click on the images to get more information)
Zoom Phone Banks for PROP 50
Canvassing for PROP 50
About Us
The purpose of the San Mateo County Democratic Central Committee “is to promote and encourage the principles and ideals of the Democratic Party of the United States and to act as the official San Mateo County representative body of the Democratic Party of the State of California as set forth in the California Election Code. The Committee shall be charged with the conduct of all party election campaigns subject only to the direction of the Democratic State Central Committee.” —- from SMCDems bylaws
Activities and Mission
Our mission is to support Democratic candidates and elected officials at all levels of government, and ballot measures promoting Democratic values in San Mateo County and the State of California
The Committee makes the official Democratic Party endorsements in non-partisan municipal, local district and county elections, operates the County's official Democratic Party headquarters, and generally coordinates Democratic activities in the County.
Bylaws, Code of Conduct, and Meeting Agreements
Current Bylaws (updated April 16, 2026)
Code of Conduct (effective July 2020)
Meeting Agreements
Meeting Calendar
Our Community
Gathering with other Democrats is always important. However, during these trying times, feeling the presence and companionship of other Democrats is more important than ever. The San Mateo County Democratic Party meets monthly on the third Thursday for a speaker and a business meeting. Our chartered Democratic Clubs also meet monthly. We also get together for fundraisers and socials. You will find out more about connecting with San Mateo County Democrats here.
Donate
If you appreciate what the San Mateo County Democratic Party does to promote Democratic values and strong Democratic candidates, please donate to our party, renew your Elected Member or Alternate membership, or become an Associate Member. You can also buy Democratic swag from the campaign store.
Your contributions pay for our endorsement mailers, Democratic candidate support, our events, website, and support for our chartered Democratic clubs
Please make sure to fill out the information below and then press the Process Donation button.
All Democrats Are Welcome at our Monthly Meetings!
The San Mateo County Democratic Party meets the third Thursday of most months. Meetings are hybrid. Meetings start at 7 PM starting with a speaker.
SMC Dems Jan. 15 2025 Meeting
Featured Speaker: Congressman Kevin Mullin, "Defending Democracy: An Update with Congressman Mullin"
California's 15th district representative since 2023, Kevin will share his thoughts about democracy the role of Congress, and what we can do to help.
When: Thursday, January 15th at 7 PM
Where: Laborers Union Local 261, 300 7th Avenue, San Mateo. For hybrid option, register here to receive the Zoom link.
SMC Dems Oct. 16, 2025 Meeting
The meeting will be held on Thurs. Oct. 16th at 7PM at the Laborers Union Local 261, 300 7th Avenue, San Mateo and will be broadcast on Zoom.
Register for Zoom or view the agenda.
Our featured speaker will be CA State Senator Josh Becker.
Sen. Becker will share highlights of his 2025 legislative record, which included wins for clean energy, coastal resilience, and community safety -- plus a pitch for YES on Prop 50.
Take Action
The San Mateo County Democratic Party has no staff. We depend on our members and county Democrats to support Democratic campaigns, candidates, causes and to keep the party functioning.
Supporting Democratic candidates in San Mateo County and beyond are always important. We work with the Bay Area Coalition of more than 30 local progressive and Democratic entities to organize and man phone banking and canvassing activities in California and beyond. These opportunities are listed in the RESIST WITH US tab.
SMCDems needs help to keep the party functioning and do our work within the county. Sign up to volunteer locally on the VOLUNTEER tab.
Endorsements
June 2026 Primary Election
Endorsement Application for Candidates
The San Mateo County Democratic Party (SMCDems) invites Democrats running for city council, school district office, community college board, or open space district in San Mateo County to apply for the Democratic Party endorsement for the June 2026 election. SMCDems will also consider endorsements for ballot measures.
Candidate Endorsements
The requirements for endorsement are:
- Be a registered Democrat. To make sure, check here.
- Take the Fossil Fuel Pledge , that is included in the application process.
Here is the endorsement schedule:
- 3/9 SMCDems Candidate application online here
- 3/21 Candidate applications due
- 4/11 Candidate interviews
- 4/16 Candidate Endorsement decisions made
To apply for the SMCDem Endorsement, please fill out our questionnaire. Please do not send additional documents, resumes, flyers or endorsement letters.
Applications are due on Sunday, March 22nd at 11:59 PM.
Eligible applicants will be scheduled for an interview on April 11th from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM via Zoom. Please keep these dates open for your interview.
To find out more about the SMCDems endorsement process:
- Review the Endorsement Process document.
If you have any questions during this process, please contact the Endorsements Committee leadership:
Karen Maki, Endorsement Committee co-chair, SMCDCC Chair: [email protected]
Paid for by the San Mateo County Democratic Central Committee. FEC ID # C00409359, FPPC ID #882509.
Elections
Voting in elections is the easiest and most important way that citizens can influence how their government operates. Making candidate endorsements and supporting endorsed candidates is the most important role of the San Mateo County Democratic Party.
Members
The Committee is comprised of members, alternates, and associates.
Members vote on candidate endorsements, resolutions, and finances. They can participate in committees. There two types of members:
(1) "Elected Members," who are elected by Democratic voters in the five County Supervisorial Districts in the presidential primary election for four years
(2) "Ex Officio Members," who are the County's Democratic state and federal legislators.
Alternates - Both elected and ex officio members are allowed two alternates who may vote if their elected or officio members are absent. Alternates can bring resolution to the Central Committee, (but can not vote on the resolution unless their member is absent) and can participate in committees.
Associates - In addition, any Democrat in the County may become a non-voting Associate Member. Associate members can participate in committees.
Elected Members
First Supervisorial District
Second Supervisorial District
James Coleman, South San Francisco
Rick Bonilla, San Mateo
Sandra Lang, Burlingame
Chelsea Bonini, San Mateo
Uma Krishnan, Burlingame
Noelia Corzo, San Mateo
Gina Papan, Millbrae
Jerry Hill, San Mateo
Alexis Lewis, San Mateo
Third Supervisorial District
Fourth Supervisorial District
Victoria Sanchez De Alba, Pacifica
Lissette Espinoza-Garnica
Jon Levinson, San Carlos
Karen Maki, Menlo Park
Adam Rak, San Carlos
Diana Reddy, Redwood City
April Vargas, Montara
John Woodell, Menlo Park
Pranita Venkatesh, San Carlos
Helen Wolter, Portola Valley
Fifth Supervisorial District
Pamela Digiovanni
Annette Hipona, Daly City
Juslyn Manalo, Daly City
Mark Nagales, South San Francisco
Ex Officio Members
Hon. Kevin Mullin, U.S. Congress
15th District
Hon. Sam Liccardo U.S. Congress
16th District
Hon. Scott Wiener, CA State Senate
11th District
Hon. Josh Becker, CA State Senate
13th District
Hon. Catherine Stefani, CA State Assembly
19th District
Hon. Diane Papan, CA State Assembly
21st District
Hon. Marc Berman, CA State Assembly
23rd District
State Executive Board Representatives
Karen Maki
Ally Chan
James Coleman
Officers
The chair must be an elected member of the central committee. All other officers may be a member or an alternate of a elected member or an ex officio member.
Chair: Karen Maki
Email: [email protected]
Northern Vice Chair: Victoria Sanchez De Alba
Southern Vice Chair: Maryann Moise
Corresponding Secretary: Alexis Lewis
Recording Secretary: Heather Zimmerman
Controller: Sam Hindi
Communications Director: Ally Chan
Pay Alternate Member Dues
Alternates, who are appointed by an elected member to vote when they cannot, pay $35 dues every July. Alternates can propose resolutions to establish county party positions and participate in our committees.
Please make sure to fill out the information below and then press the Process Donation button
Pay Elected Member Dues
Members, elected in the primary presidential election to represent Democratic voters in their supervisorial district, pay $70 annual dues every July. Members vote on candidate endorsements and resolutions that establish county party positions. They also propose resolutions, and participate in our committees.
Please make sure to fill out the information below and then press the Process Donation button
Pay Associate Member Dues
You can join the San Mateo County Democratic Party as an Associate Member for annual dues of $25. As an associate member, you can participate in the county party’s work and join our committees.
Please make sure to fill out the information below and then press the Process Donation button.
Event Submissions
Please use this box to submit your upcoming event. Make sure to include the following information:
1. The name of your club or organization.
2. The date & time of your event.
3. The name of your event (regular monthly meeting or special event).
4. The location of your event (include the name of the venue, the address, and any helpful parking info).
5. Any agenda or program details (regular meeting, special speaker, etc.).
6. Contact person, including their email and/or phone number.
7. Any other information that would be helpful, such as the Facebook link for the event or your own website.
Also let us know that you would like to have the event listed in our monthly newsletter. It's published around the first of each month. Please get us your event details by the 25th of the month before to guarantee we can get it in the newsletter.
2025 SMC Dems CADEM Convention Luncheon
We are excited to welcome you back to our SMCDems Luncheon at the Democratic Party State Convention in Anaheim, a longstanding tradition for our group! Join us on Saturday, May 31, from 11:45 AM to 1:30 PM at Huckleberry's Breakfast and Lunch in Anaheim. Space is limited so RSVP now!
Location: Huckleberry's Breakfast and Lunch, 321 W Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92802
Sponsorship Levels
Democracy Defender (+2 guests, social media feature, event speaker): $1000
Change Champion (+2 guests, social media feature): $500
True Blue Supporter (+1 guest, social media feature): $250
Friend (+social media shoutout): $100
Individual Ticket (Includes Brunch Buffet & Mimosa): $40
