League of Women Voters Cancels Its 16th Congressional District Candidate Forum Because Incumbent Democrat Refuses to Debate
Silicon Valley and Half Moon Bay, CA. 8 April 2026 – Today, the League of Women Voters of Santa Clara County cancelled its Candidate Forum for California’s 16th Congressional District Primary because incumbent Democrat Sam Liccardo refused to debate. In an early morning email to Independent Congressional Candidate Jotham Stein, LWV Voter Service Director Eleanor Yick wrote: “I am really disappointed but need to inform you that the LWV will not be hosting a primary Candidate Forum for Congressional District 16. Unfortunately, only two of the candidates (you being one) responded that they were available for a forum. The LWV decided not to host a
forum where the incumbent was not participating and one other candidate did not even respond.”
Independent Jotham Stein urged the LWV to reconsider. He wrote Ms. Yick this morning: “In light of the fact that two of the candidates are willing to participate, would it not be in the LWV’s, the voters’ and our Community’s best interest that we move forward with the Candidate Forum? As I know is integral to the LWV’s mission, voter education and protecting our democracy are also critical to my Congressional Campaign. The idea that an incumbent can control/influence the information that reaches potential voters seems contrary to LWV’s guiding principles. I am willing to attend the Candidate Forum as originally scheduled.”
Stein explained that, like so many of us, he is worried about America’s direction and Liccardo’s refusal to debate followed by the cancellation of the Candidate Forum just underscores his concern. Stein said, “If you think things are going well in America and you are happy with a democracy where incumbents refuse to debate, then vote for Liccardo. If instead, you care about our democracy, then vote for me, Jotham Stein, the Independent Candidate who wants to end gerrymandering nationwide, enact term limits for Congress, reign in special interest groups and pass campaign finance reform to get the big money out of politics.” Stein continued, “I will debate
Liccardo and the other candidates anytime and anywhere.”
Stein urged, “Let’s work together to change America’s trajectory. But let’s also recognize that we
are part of the problem. Repeatedly, we vote for the same two billionaire-financed parties and their
I’ll-do-anything-to-get-elected-including-refusing-to-attend-debates candidates. On June 2, I’m
offering you an opportunity to change that!”
___________
The Stein For Congress website is https://VoteStein.com.
For more information, contact Gabi Silverman at gabi@votestein.com or 650-204-1199.
