San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo Endorses Michael Bloomberg for President

In December, San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo officially endorsed former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg  for the Democratic Presidential nomination.

Liccardo’s decision came less than a week after Liccardo announced he would endorse California Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA), days before she subsequently dropped out.

“I supported Kamala Harris for the same reason that I support Mike Bloomberg and that is — we’ve got the biggest bully in the history of the planet occupying the White House and I want to support those who can take down bullies,” said Liccardo in a press conference. “Kamala Harris has shown through her career that she’s willing to take on bullies and Mike Bloomberg has shown time and time again that he’s willing to take on big oil, he’s willing to take on the gun industry, he’s willing to take on big soda — Coke and Pepsi — with initiatives throughout the country, and for years now he has been doing all he can to create opportunities for cities to take on their biggest challenges.”

Mayor Liccardo was Bloomberg’s first big California-based endorsement and was subsequently named co-chair for the campaign. In addition to advising Bloomberg, Liccardo has been speaking and campaigning on his behalf.

This has brought unwavering support from the Mayor, despite many San Jose voters not liking their Mayor’s endorsement. Liccardo himself has gone on the defensive for Bloomberg, especially in regards to his ‘stop-and-frisk’ Mayoral programs in New York, his climate policy, and his poor debate performances.

“I didn’t support Mike Bloomberg because I thought he was the orator that was going to win the debate,” explained Liccardo in a recent San Jose Spotlight interview. “I supported him because he is the candidate who has demonstrated through his leadership — in New York and since — that he is able to rise above that divisiveness that has paralyzed our country over the last several years, and because I think he’s the candidate in the best position to beat Donald Trump.”

“I respect the fact that around a host of issues from affordable housing to climate change to gun violence, Mike has actually gotten things done. Frankly, it’s very difficult for any legislator to ever say they accomplished anywhere near that amount because they simply were not in the executive position to be able to get things done.”

“As mayor or governor or president, you have that ability. It’s a different skill set.”

California’s Primary is Tuesday March 3, 2020.