Throughout his tenure in elected office, Supervisor Simitian has worked across the aisle to support all residents, regardless of their political affiliation. Seeking to understand the political divide between the Bay Area and other places across the country after President Trump was elected in 2016, Supervisor Simitian traveled to counties in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Michigan that had previously voted Democratic, but supported President Trump. “My goal was simply to listen, learn and understand,” said Simitian. Upon returning, he shared what he learned through a number of speaking engagements across the Bay.