San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan Enters California Governor’s Race

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan entered the crowded race to succeed term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom, pitching himself as a results-driven Democrat focused on public safety, homelessness, and affordability.

Mahan, 43, was elected mayor in 2022 after a career as a tech entrepreneur. He says California Democrats have been too consumed with opposing President Donald Trump and have failed to address the state’s most pressing problems.

His campaign centers on what he describes as a “back-to-basics” approach on crime, homelessness, housing costs, and government accountability.

Mahan’s entrance has drawn mixed reactions from voters and political leaders. Supporters, including former San Jose mayor and U.S. Rep. Sam Liccardo, credit him with pushing city officials to focus on measurable outcomes.

Critics, however, question whether his political ambitions given and unfinished work as mayor on issues like homelessness. Some residents argue he hasn’t finished the work he started in San Jose and have faulted his handling of housing and public safety challenges.

Crowded Democrat Field

The 2026 governor’s race remains wide open, with no clear frontrunner emerging in California’s top-two primary system.

Democrat contenders include former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra; former Rep. Katie Porter, who ran unsuccessfully for U.S. Senate in 2024; Rep. Eric Swalwell; and former Assembly Majority Leader Ian Calderon. Other Democrats in the race include Tom Steyer, Antonio Villaraigosa, Betty Yee, and state Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond.

On the Republican and independent side, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and political commentator Steve Hilton have also announced campaigns.

The race could produce a general-election matchup between two candidates from the same party rather than a traditional Democrat vs. Republican contest.

Mixed Reaction to Mahan

Mahan’s challenge underscores growing tensions within California’s Democrat coalition, particularly over crime and homelessness.

His willingness to criticize Newsom’s policies on homelessness and crime distinguish him from other candidates in a field that includes establishment figures and progressive favorites. Mahan’s detractors argue his ambitions are premature and that his city-level record as mayor does not yet translate to statewide leadership.

As the June primary nears, the gubernatorial campaign is shaping up to be a test of whether California voters prioritize ideological alignment or pragmatic governance—with Mahan now among the growing field of candidates.

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