San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan Enters California Governor’s Race
SAN JOSE, Calif. — San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan has announced his candidacy for California governor, joining an increasingly crowded field of Democratic contenders ahead of the June primary.
Mahan, a moderate Democrat, has gained attention for occasionally breaking with members of his own party, particularly on issues such as crime and homelessness. He has also been a vocal critic of Gov. Gavin Newsom, though he says his campaign will not be focused solely on opposing the current administration.
In launching his campaign, Mahan emphasized a pragmatic approach to governance, pledging to reduce bureaucracy, avoid new taxes and focus on practical solutions for working residents. “We need a government that proves it can solve problems for working people again,” he said in a social media post.
Mahan is expected to receive support from prominent business and technology leaders. His platform includes expanding housing development, addressing homelessness through faster and lower-cost solutions such as small housing units, and increasing access to drug treatment programs.
As mayor, Mahan has prioritized reducing street homelessness. He has supported policies that require unhoused individuals to accept shelter offers and backed measures allowing arrests for those who repeatedly refuse housing assistance.
He has also supported stricter penalties for certain drug and theft-related offenses, aligning himself with a 2024 ballot measure that passed despite opposition from many Democratic leaders, including Newsom.
Despite his criticism, Mahan acknowledged areas of agreement with the governor, including efforts to reform environmental regulations to accelerate housing construction and continue state funding programs addressing homelessness.
Newsom, who is set to leave office at the end of his term, responded briefly to Mahan’s candidacy, saying he wished him well but declined to comment further.
Mahan joins other Democratic candidates, including Rep. Eric Swalwell, former Rep. Katie Porter and investor Tom Steyer. The large number of candidates has left the race without a clear frontrunner and could shape a competitive primary season.
