Peter Dixon, a Democrat, entered the race for California’s 16th Congressional District in 2024, seeking to represent Silicon Valley in the U.S. House of Representatives. Many voters following the election might ask: Did Peter Dixon Win? The answer is that Peter Dixon did not win. He participated in the primary election held on March 5, 2024, but did not advance to the general election. This article delves into Peter Dixon’s campaign, his background, and the results of the 2024 election for California’s 16th Congressional District.
Peter Dixon’s 2024 Congressional Campaign
Peter Dixon launched his campaign as a Democratic candidate hoping to succeed the long-serving representative of California’s 16th District. His campaign focused on key issues relevant to the district and the broader national discourse. To understand whether Peter Dixon won, it’s essential to look at the timeline and outcomes of the election.
Primary Election Results
The primary election on March 5, 2024, was a crucial step in determining who would contest the general election. In California’s primary system, the top two vote-getters, regardless of party affiliation, advance to the general election. Peter Dixon was among a crowded field of candidates vying for a spot.
Peter Dixon Headshot for 2024 Congressional Campaign
The results of the primary election show that Peter Dixon did not secure enough votes to move forward. He received 8.1% of the vote, totaling 14,677 votes. While this represented a significant number of individual supporters, it placed him fifth in the primary race. The top two candidates who advanced were fellow Democrats Sam Liccardo and Evan Low. Sam Liccardo received the highest percentage of votes at 21.1%, and Evan Low secured 16.6%, narrowly edging out Joe Simitian, also a Democrat, who received almost the same percentage.
| Candidate | Party | Percentage of Votes | Votes | Advanced to General Election |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sam Liccardo | (D) | 21.1% | 38,492 | Yes |
| Evan Low | (D) | 16.6% | 30,261 | Yes |
| Joe Simitian | (D) | 16.6% | 30,256 | No |
| Peter Ohtaki | (R) | 12.8% | 23,283 | No |
| Peter Dixon | (D) | 8.1% | 14,677 | No |
| Rishi Kumar | (D) | 6.8% | 12,383 | No |
| Karl Ryan | (R) | 6.3% | 11,563 | No |
| Julie Lythcott-Haims | (D) | 6.2% | 11,386 | No |
| Ahmed Mostafa | (D) | 3.2% | 5,814 | No |
| Greg Tanaka | (D) | 1.3% | 2,421 | No |
| Joby Bernstein | (D) | 0.9% | 1,652 | No |
As the table illustrates, Peter Dixon’s campaign concluded after the primary election. Therefore, to reiterate, Peter Dixon did not win the election for California’s 16th Congressional District in 2024.
General Election Outcome
While Peter Dixon did not proceed to the general election, it is relevant to examine the final outcome to understand the overall electoral context. The general election for California’s 16th Congressional District took place on November 5, 2024. As predicted by the primary results, the contest was between two Democrats, Sam Liccardo and Evan Low.
In the general election, Sam Liccardo emerged victorious, defeating Evan Low. Liccardo secured 58.2% of the vote with 179,583 votes, while Evan Low received 41.8% with 128,893 votes. Thus, Sam Liccardo became the representative for California’s 16th Congressional District.
Peter Dixon: Background and Experience
Peter Dixon’s campaign, though unsuccessful in terms of winning the election, was rooted in a notable background of service and entrepreneurship. Residing in Portola Valley, California, Dixon’s professional life is marked by his experience as a business owner and Silicon Valley entrepreneur. He is an alumnus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Prior to his career in business, Peter Dixon served in the Marine Corps. His service included deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, and work at the State Department combating cartels and gender-based violence. This military and governmental experience formed a significant part of his campaign narrative, emphasizing his commitment to public service and national security. Notably, Dixon co-founded and served as CEO of Second Front Systems, a cybersecurity company focused on bringing innovative technology to the federal government.
Key Campaign Themes
Peter Dixon’s campaign platform addressed a range of critical issues, reflecting both national Democratic priorities and specific concerns of California’s 16th District. His campaign website outlined his key policy positions, emphasizing:
- Defending Democracy: Drawing on his military background, Dixon stressed the importance of protecting democratic institutions and voting rights, advocating for legislation against gerrymandering and for campaign finance reform.
- Protecting Reproductive Rights: Dixon positioned himself as a strong supporter of reproductive autonomy, vowing to codify Roe v. Wade protections into law and expand access to reproductive healthcare services.
- Addressing the Cost of Living: Recognizing the high cost of living in Silicon Valley, Dixon proposed developing affordable housing on federal land and aimed to lower childcare and healthcare costs.
- Adapting to Climate Change: He highlighted climate change as a critical issue, calling for a rapid transition to renewable energy, investment in resilient infrastructure, and green job training.
- Ending Gun Violence: Dixon advocated for common-sense gun reforms, including universal background checks, red flag laws, and funding for public health research on gun violence prevention.
- Supporting Innovation: As a tech entrepreneur, Dixon emphasized the need for smart regulation of emerging technologies to maintain America’s leadership in innovation while ensuring responsible development.
Campaign Finance
Campaign finance is a significant aspect of modern elections. For his 2024 run, Peter Dixon raised a substantial amount of funds. According to campaign finance disclosures, Peter Dixon’s campaign contributions totaled $3,400,472, and his expenditures amounted to $3,399,434. While significant, these figures ultimately did not translate into a primary election victory.
Conclusion
In summary, Peter Dixon did not win the election for California’s 16th Congressional District in 2024. He participated in the primary election on March 5, 2024, and while he garnered a notable number of votes, he did not advance to the general election. The general election was ultimately won by Sam Liccardo. Peter Dixon’s campaign was built upon his background as a Marine veteran and tech entrepreneur, focusing on key Democratic issues. Despite a well-funded and issue-driven campaign, he was not victorious in this electoral contest.
