Former San José Mayor Sam Liccardo Drops Out of Congressional Debate

Updated 7:50 p.m. Wednesday

Former San José Mayor Sam Liccardo pulled out of tonight’s scheduled debate with fellow Democrat Assemblymember Evan Low, citing laryngitis and losing his voice, according to his campaign.

Liccardo’s decision to drop out of the debate, hosted by KQED, NBC Bay Area and Telemundo 48, comes amid a tense election year for the closely-watched Silicon Valley congressional seat. A controversial recount in the March primary election upped the intensity.

“I’ve unfortunately lost my voice and had to cancel three meet-and-greets yesterday,” Liccardo said in a statement. “We’re canceling other events until my voice recovers. My doctor has given me medication to help with the laryngitis, and I hope to be back out there in a few days.”

Liccardo added that “knocking on doors across our community, participating in nearly 100 meet-and-greets and several debates has taken its toll on my vocal cords.”

Liccardo and Low are competing to replace Rep. Anna Eshoo, 81, who last year announced she would not seek re-election. Eshoo was elected in 1992 and is the first woman and Democrat to represent California’s 16th Congressional District.

In the March primary, Low and Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian tied for second place, with both garnering exactly 30,249 votes, a first since California launched its top-two primary system.

In May, Low won a high-profile recount, requested by a former Liccardo campaign staffer, by just five votes, allowing him to face Liccardo in November. Campaign finance reports revealed the recount process was largely funded by allies of Liccardo and a pro-Liccardo super PAC.

Liccardo is polling at 30.9%, compared to 20% for Low, according to polling released in late September by USC, Cal Poly Pomona and CSU Long Beach.

Candidates can break through to voters during debates in ways that door-knocking and mailers might not. But it’s not clear what impact, if any, backing out of tonight’s debate will have on Liccardo’s lead in the polls.

In San Francisco, Mayor London Breed recently came under some heat for dropping out of several mayoral debates.

In July, Liccardo declined to participate in a candidate forum with Low.

“It’s extremely suspicious — especially since it comes days after San Jose police and firefighters blasted Liccardo for lying about his record attacking first responders and causing the city to lose 500 cops on the beat,” said Low’s campaign manager, Lindsey Cobia. “The President of the San Jose Police Officer Association said it best. ‘There is a reason why every law enforcement organization has not endorsed Sam Liccardo: we don’t trust him.’ Liccardo should prove it.”

The Liccardo campaign provided KQED with a copy of his medical records Wednesday night dated for an appointment earlier that morning. A doctor recommended five to seven days of voice rest for the former mayor, along with medication to treat laryngitis.

NBC Bay Area, KQED and Telemundo 48 are working to reschedule the debate.

“I’m disappointed I’m unable to participate in the debate tonight, but I’ve instructed our team to do everything possible to reschedule this televised debate within the next three weeks to ensure voters have an opportunity to hear from both candidates,” Liccardo said.

KQED’s Guy Marzorati contributed to this report.