Charles Hansen, a lifelong Democratic voter, has kicked down doors to pave the way for change and refuses to accept a future where our children face the same struggles. He envisions safe, sustainable infrastructure, affordable housing, and public safety that serves everyone fairly. His campaign is about dreaming big, and ensuring San Mateo’s city government reflects the diversity and needs of all residents. Join Charles in building a San Mateo free from corporate influence, where every voice is heard and every child can thrive.
Husband. Father. Fighting for District 2.
I am a loving father, devoted husband, and community servant who lives in District 2 with my family. My son was born into this neighborhood. I want him to grow up in a San Mateo that invests in every child, not just the ones who live on the right side of the funding line.
I grew up as the son of an immigrant from Ghana. I was the first in my family to earn a college degree. I know what it feels like to work twice as hard just to get a fair shot, and I know what it means to communities when the systems around them are set up to leave them behind. That is not something I read about. That is something I lived.
I went on to earn an MBA and, in 2024, completed my Doctorate in Social Work. My doctoral research looked at why some children enter school already behind, and what communities, schools, and local leaders can do to change that. The answer is never more punishment. It is always more investment.
For more than 20 years, I have put that belief into practice. As Chief Program Officer at Peninsula Family Service, I oversee 45 programs and a $25 million budget serving thousands of families across San Mateo County every year, including subsidized childcare, senior services, mental health support, job training, and housing assistance. Many of the families we serve are right here in District 2.
I currently serve as Chair of the San Mateo County Civil Service Commission, where I provide oversight of public sector hiring and accountability. I also serve on the San Mateo Unified High School District Equity Advisory Committee. As a San Francisco Foundation Koshland Fellow, I am leading a $300,000 community investment in North Central San Mateo, bringing neighbors and organizations together around youth programs, family health, and neighborhood resilience.
In 2025, I received the Mayor’s Award and the Distinguished Alumni Award from California Baptist University. In 2024, I received a Distinguished Alumni Award from Dallas College. I share those not to list credentials, but because they reflect something I care about deeply: showing up consistently enough that people notice.
Right now, I am leading the community fight to secure full funding for the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center. More than 75 residents showed up or signed on. We came with facts sourced directly from city documents. We secured $5.4 million in Phase 1 funding. And we are not done. A $10.6 million gap remains, and we will be at City Hall on June 1st and June 15th, and every meeting after that, until this neighborhood gets what it deserves.
North Central and North Shoreview have been overlooked for too long. Every neighborhood in San Mateo deserves safe spaces, real investment, and a representative who answers to residents, not to the political machine.
I am not going anywhere.
Investing in infrastructure is crucial to ensure our community is safe, well-connected, and climate-resilient. Charles Hansen is committed to resourcing improvements in flood control, safe streets, and thriving community spaces in every neighborhood across San Mateo. He will advocate for equitable resources for our North Central and North Shoreview neighborhoods, which are most impacted by climate change and the legacy of underinvestment and lack of representation.
San Mateo is stronger when families have the opportunity to establish roots – live close to our jobs, schools, and churches. Charles Hansen will champion affordable housing initiatives to alleviate financial burdens on families and collaborate with local institutions for accessible, quality housing solutions. As a renter and new father, Charles Hansen knows that affordable housing and quality childcare are fundamental for the well-being of our communities.
Charles Hansen will promote community policing models to build trust and collaboration between law enforcement and residents. He supports a compassionate co-response model that embeds youth diversion, mental health, and homeless outreach capacity into the Department coupled with non-violent and de-escalation policies.
San Mateo, CA – June 19, 2024 – In a landmark announcement on Juneteenth, Charles Hansen declared his candidacy for San Mateo City Council, aiming
On Saturday, June 15, 2024, Downtown San Mateo hosted its first-ever Juneteenth celebration,bringing the community together to honor the end of slavery in the United
Overcoming Loneliness in San Mateo County with Peninsula Family Service Loneliness is a growing public health crisis affecting people of all ages. Peninsula Family Service
