Mayor Matt Mahan to Announce Gubernatorial Bid This Thursday
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan is poised to announce his candidacy for governor of California this Thursday. Aged 43, Mahan is currently in his second term as mayor of the state’s 13th-largest city. He has established connections within Silicon Valley and garnered support from moderates and business leaders, diverging from traditional Democratic labor backing.
Speculation Surrounding Mahan’s Gubernatorial Bid
Political insiders indicate that Mahan is seriously exploring his options for the gubernatorial race. According to a report by Politico, Mahan has been in communication with supporters and donors to assess their backing. “I’m listening and learning a lot,” Mahan said, emphasizing his intention to make a decision soon.
If he enters the race, Mahan will join a competitive field of candidates, being the ninth Democrat to run. Other notable participants include:
- Katie Porter, former Congress member
- Antonio Villaraigosa, former Los Angeles Mayor
- Eric Swalwell, Congress member from the East Bay
- Xavier Becerra, former Biden cabinet member
- Tom Steyer, entrepreneur
- Tony Thurmond, state Superintendent of Instruction
- Betty Yee, former state controller
- Ian Calderon, former state Assembly leader
- Chad Bianco, Riverside County Sheriff (Republican)
- Steve Hilton, former Fox News host (Republican)
- Butch Ware, Green Party candidate
The Road Ahead
The California primary is set for June, with the top two candidates proceeding to the November election, regardless of their party affiliation. Recent voter registration statistics reveal that Democrats hold 45% of the registered voters in California, while Republicans account for 25% and those with no party preference represent 23%.
Mahan’s Unique Positioning
Although Mahan has not held statewide office, he is characterized by Politico as “an unconventional candidate.” He has taken independent stances on pressing issues like crime and homelessness, often diverging from Governor Gavin Newsom’s policies. Mahan recently invited gubernatorial candidates to tour San Jose’s temporary homeless shelters, underscoring his commitment to addressing homelessness.
His mayoral tenure boasts significant achievements, including a 20% reduction in the city’s unsheltered population and the enhancement of interim shelter options. Mahan’s first election as mayor in 2020 was notable, as he challenged the local progressive Democratic establishment. He overcame significant funding disadvantages to secure his position and was re-elected in 2022 with minimal opposition.
Future Prospects and Polling Data
Mahan’s political career is still unfolding, and his entry into the gubernatorial race could shake up the current dynamics. A recent California Environmental Voters poll highlights a tight race between Porter and Swalwell, both receiving 11% support from likely voters. Other candidates, including Steyer and Becerra, trail behind.
As he weighs his decision, Mahan’s experience in grassroots engagement and local governance positions him as a formidable contender in the race for California governor.
