Glazer announces re-election bid for State Senate

Giving himself plenty of time to campaign for his re-election, State Senator Steve Glazer announced on Monday that he would be seeking a second full term representing the people of California’s 7th Senate District.

Glazer, a Democrat and former mayor of Orinda, won a special election for the State Senate in May 2015 and was re-elected to a four-year term in 2016, where he garnered 67% of the vote in his district that encompasses most of Contra Costa County and the eastern portions of Alameda County, including Pleasanton.

In a statement announcing his re-election bid, Glazer highlighted accomplishments during his first four-plus years in office, and stressed that education would remain one of his top priorities heading into the future.

“Educating the next generation is the most important work we do in this state,” Glazer said. “Over the past few years we have added thousands of seats for early childhood education, increased per pupil funding by more than $3,000 a student, and enhanced teacher training and support. We are also raising four-year graduation rates at our public higher education institutions while keeping tuition low.”

“I will push for improvement in all of these areas should the voters give me the opportunity to continue my service in the Senate,” he added.

During his tenure in the State Senate, Glazer said he gained a reputation for being able to achieve bipartisan cooperation, while still maintaining a commitment to progressive values.

Glazer has seen a variety of original legislation passed to date, including the establishment of an Inspector General’s Office to oversee BART activities, the nation’s first truth-in-lending law for small businesses, the enactment of the country’s first rainwater recycling tax reduction program, updating the state’s assault weapon ban and measures to improve the four-year graduation rate at California universities.

These achievements have garnered him a significant amount of support from fellow government officials living in his district. As of Monday, more than 50 mayors and City Council members serving in District 7 have announced their support for Glazer.

In the Tri-Valley alone, Glazer has received endorsements from 19 out of the 25 sitting City and Town Council members, including all five mayors and the entire Pleasanton City Council.

“What stands out to me about Senator Glazer’s Senate service is his relentless advocacy for local control,” Pleasanton Mayor Jerry Thorne said in a statement. “That is why he has been recognized by the California League of Cities for being one of the Legislature’s best defenders for our small towns and cities.”

As a 10-year council member and three-time mayor in Orinda, Glazer said he has always been reluctant to support “one size fits all” rules from the state that could be better decided on the local level. He added that as a longtime public servant on the local level, he has a special appreciation for local decision-making.

“It is an honor and a big responsibility to serve in a leadership capacity. I am grateful for their confidence in me and will work hard every day to be deserving of their trust and support,” Glazer said.