William Royer graduated from Sequoia High School and earned a B.S. from Santa Clara University, later pursuing graduate studies. He served in the United States Army Air Forces and subsequently established Royer Realty Company. Royer held various political positions, including serving on the Redwood City Council and as Mayor of Redwood City. He later served on the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors and briefly in Congress.

William Royer's political career reveals a uniquely localized approach, deeply rooted in his long-standing involvement in Redwood City and San Mateo County politics. His consistent focus on local governance, from the Redwood City Council to the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, suggests a strategic emphasis on hyper-local issues over broader national concerns. Despite multiple electoral losses in congressional races, Royer's persistence indicates a dogged commitment to his regional base. His real estate background adds an intriguing layer, hinting at potential policy intersections between local economic development and land use regulations. The absence of detailed policy stances across various domains leaves room for speculation about his ideological agility and how he reconciles local interests with broader national trends.