What I Learned Running as a Republican, for Nancy Pelosi's Seat in Congress in San Francisco

Yesterday, San Francisco voters went to the polls in the primary to choose who will succeed Nancy Pelosi in California's 11th Congressional District. I ran as a Republican in one of the most reliably Democratic districts in the country. I felt strongly that in a once in 38 year open seat election, Republicans should be represented--even if SF is the bluest city in America.

I didn't advance to the general election-nor did I expect to-but the experience was invaluable. Here's what I learned along the way.

1. Running for Congress is genuinely fun-and surprisingly normal.

No one threatened me. I didn't experience any vicious flaming on social media. Thousands of people across America are running for office at any given time, and for the vast majority of us, it doesn't turn you into a celebrity. That's a feature, not a bug. Who really wants to live life in the spotlight? The process itself-meeting voters, knocking on doors (virtually and in person), and sharing ideas-felt energizing and grounded.

2. Money matters, but it's not everything.

Preliminary results. I finished 4th after spending like $5000, behind Saikat Chakarabati. He spent $10 million, and finished third.

You can spend as much or as little as you want. I invested about $5,000 of my own money. For perspective, Saikat Chakrabarti poured over $10 million into his campaign and still finished third-right ahead of me. Only the top two advanced. Self-funding at that scale buys ads and visibility, but it doesn't automatically buy votes in a crowded field.

3. The race can feel surprisingly lonely, so find a mentor.

Campaigning, even in a short sprint, tests your resilience. Find a mentor who's been through it. I was fortunate to get advice from Melissa Toomim, a Republican candidate in another California district. She was generous with her time and asked for nothing in return. That kind of guidance is gold.

4. Most people are kind, thoughtful, and grateful.

Across every neighborhood I engaged with, voters were appreciative that someone was willing to step up-so they didn't have to. Even in the bluest city in the bluest State, there are plenty of Republicans--1000s of them, and they will thank you for representing their cause in an election.

San Franciscans, in my experience, are open to conversation even when you're the Republican in the room. They may not agree with you, but they respect the effort.

5. Social Media DMs Are Entirely Scams.

Social media is important, but social media DMs are largely a waste of time. Every direct message I received on X (Twitter) came from foreign scammers posing as attractive American women. Don't waste your time on Social Media DMs; real voters with questions will find your campaign email and write you there.

6. Republican values resonate more than you might think-even in San Francisco.

I had real, substantive conversations about limited government, public safety, economic opportunity, and individual responsibility. Many residents were surprisingly receptive. The caricature of a monolithic progressive bubble doesn't hold up when you talk to people one-on-one.

7. The homelessness crisis has reached a breaking point.

Everywhere I went, Californians-known for their patience-are fed up.

The behavior on our streets has escalated to extremes. I predict a major policy shift soon: a coordinated roundup paired with mandatory treatment and therapy. Even the world's most tolerant city has had enough.

8. Tolerance has its limits-and its inconsistencies.

Many on the left in California will overlook or excuse criminal conduct when it comes from certain groups, often framed through a partisan lens ("because Trump"). Public safety shouldn't be selective. Rule of law applies to everyone.

9. Don't be a TikTok politician.

As Mr. Cohen12345 wisely put it after the results started coming in: "Don't be a TikTok politician-it doesn't win votes." Performative social media clips and viral moments may feel good in the moment, but they don't substitute for substance, relationships, or results. Voters ultimately reward seriousness over spectacle.

Running for Congress reinforced my belief that ordinary citizens can and should participate.

San Francisco deserves better than the status quo of broken promises on crime, housing, and governance. I'm proud I stood up, spent modestly, spoke honestly, and learned a tremendous amount.

The fight for better outcomes continues-on the pages of the Santa Monica Observer, in local advocacy, and wherever else principled voices are needed.

If you're considering a run yourself, go for it. The country needs more people willing to show up, not just complain. Results over rhetoric, always.