Mark Leno For State Senate

Mission Statement

Although I'm breaking one of the rules of status-quo politics by running against an incumbent from my own party, I happen to hold the peculiar belief that Democracy is best served when the voters have a choice. Whether you're running for an office for the first time or as an incumbent, the voters have the right to hear an open, vigorous discussion and debate on the issues that matter most to them before they cast their votes. I am running because I believe that the constituents in District 3 need a representative who isn't just a safe vote, but who also spends time in the district, is accessible and responsive to constituents' needs, who follows the laws and rules of ethical behavior and who treats their constituents, colleagues and staff members with civility, integrity and respect. I also believe that a representative should go beyond voting on an issue and take a leadership role in bringing attention to those issues by lobbying colleagues, meeting with constituent groups, raising money, appearing at rallies and events, speaking at press conferences, and writing op-ed pieces.