Chiu, Kamhi, Salcman secure seats in Board of Education election

Gavin Lin, Managing Editor • November 19, 2024

Rowena Chiu (left) and her supporters gather at State of Mind in Los Altos to watch the live election results at Chiu’s watch party. “She’s genuine,” Chiu’s campaign manager Ginnie Noh said. “She is the smartest person I’ve ever met.”

The Palo Alto Board of Education election polls closed on Nov. 5 at 8 p.m., with Rowena Chiu, Josh Salcman and Alison Kamhi leading in preliminary results.

Leading the race with 18,190 votes, Chiu held an election watch party at State of Mind in Los Altos. Ginnie Noh, Chiu’s campaign manager, said she supports Chiu’s aim of being a voice for underrepresented students throughout the district.

“She leads with her heart,” Noh said. “She is always thinking about what’s best for everyone. She’s genuine. She is the smartest person I’ve ever met. And I just think we would be so lucky if she wins.”

Kamhi, in second with 16,844 votes, stayed home to watch the election with her family.

Salcman, in third with 15,914 votes, held a watch party at Kirk’s Steakburgers at Midtown with Nicole Chiu-Wang and Chris Colohan. Emily Wessler, one of Salcman’s supporters, said Salcman’s steady personality throughout the whole election earned her vote.

“Things don’t rattle him,” Wessler said. “He is focused. He knows what his task is and gets that done. He doesn’t always agree with everything happening, but he will definitely listen to everybody.”

Chiu-Wang conceded the election through phone calls to Chiu, Kamhi and Salcman on Nov. 8. Even though she didn’t win, Chiu-Wang said she urges people to give back to the community in any way they can.

“Consider donating to DreamCatchers, Ada’s Cafe, Youth Community Service, Palo Alto Community Fund or another local nonprofit doing the work,” Chiu-Wang said. “And if you’re already doing the work in some way — thank you. There is so much we can do together.”

Colohan, with 11,123 votes, finished in fourth place. Linda Henigan, Colohan’s campaign manager, said she supported Colohan because of his focus on data analysis for effective budgeting.

“I think that the way for us to restore trust in our district is through careful presentation and explanation of information,” Henigan said. “I think he’s exceptionally skilled at that.”

With 1,751 votes, Mazhar Hussain, who did not actively campaign, finished last.