San Jose Mayor Enters Race for California Governor

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San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan announced on Thursday that he is running for governor of California, entering an already competitive race less than six months before the June primary election. The 43-year-old Democrat said he decided to run after growing frustrated with what he described as 'business as usual' in Sacramento.

Why it matters

Mahan's entry into the gubernatorial race adds another high-profile candidate to an already crowded field, shaking up the dynamics ahead of the June primary. As the mayor of the Bay Area's largest city, Mahan brings name recognition and a track record in local government to the statewide contest.

The details

Mahan, who was first elected mayor of San Jose in 2022, cited his frustration with the status quo in Sacramento as a key reason for his decision to run for governor. He promised to bring a fresh approach and new ideas to address the state's pressing challenges, such as the housing crisis, homelessness, and economic inequality.

• Mahan announced his gubernatorial bid on Thursday, January 29, 2026.
• The California gubernatorial primary election is scheduled for June 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Mahan will need to build a statewide campaign infrastructure and raise significant funds to compete in the crowded gubernatorial race. The June 2026 primary election will be a key test for his candidacy.