Meet Jim Garrity, Candidate For CA Congress

Jim Garrity is vying to represent the 15th Congressional District.

County elections officials will begin mailing ballots by May 4, in which voters will decide between candidates running for the congressional district that covers much of San Mateo County, including San Mateo and Redwood City, and the southeastern portion of San Francisco County along the Bay Peninsula.

Learn more about Garrity’s goals for the region:

Educational background:

I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and a Master of Public Administration both from San Francisco State University.

Professional background:

I served 33 years as a police officer and retired from the San Francisco Police Department as a Police Inspector (Detective). For my final 15 years with SFPD I worked as an Inspector, Major Crimes, graveyard shift, plainclothes, citywide.

Age: 64

Why are you seeking a seat in Congress?

Congress today is fractured. Elected representatives too often vote strictly along party lines, putting party interests ahead of the needs of their district and their country. That must change. As a Congressional Representative, I will work across the aisle. When good legislation emerges that benefits our district and the nation, I will support it, regardless of which party it comes from. I plan to push for practical, bipartisan legislation that delivers results for CA-15 and the nation.

What are the top three issues for voters in this election, and how will you address them?

For our district, the biggest concerns are the cost of living, immigration, and housing.

• Cost of Living: Families are feeling pressure from every direction, housing, groceries, healthcare, childcare, and gas. I’ll work to lower costs and stop policies that raise prices, because CA-15 needs a representative who understands what it takes to live here.
• Immigration: If someone is here unlawfully but is working hard, might be raising a family, contributing to the community, and has no arrest record, I do not and will not support targeting them. They need to be left alone. My focus is public safety prioritizing action against criminals who are committing crimes here.
• Housing: When large institutional investors treat housing primarily as a profit engine, communities pay the price, that’s exploitation, not a healthy market. We need federal incentives for truly affordable housing, fewer barriers to building single-family homes, and protections that help families stay in their homes.

Why are you a better choice than your opponents?

The challenges facing this district are urgent. I bring real-world experience and firsthand perspective on how Washington policies can miss the mark. I’m prepared to work with both parties to deliver practical benefits for our district.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

My proudest accomplishments are being a good husband to my wife and a good father to our children. My broader life experience — especially 33 years of public service as a police officer and Inspector (Detective) — has prepared me to serve effectively in Congress.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

My brother also served many years with SFPD.

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

No

Is there anything else you would like voters to know?

I’ve lived in this district for 36 years. I’m married to my wife, Lorrie, and we have three children. Lorrie and I are also proud grandparents to a baby girl. I’ve coached my kids’ in many sports teams, taken part in community events, and worked to do the right thing in our community. I’m running because I want to help build a better future for everyone in this district. I know we can do better in Congress, and I promise to do my very best for everyone.