San Jose Mayor Mahan Slams Newsom's 'Internet Trolling' in Governor's Race

Moderate Democrat Mahan announces run, criticizes Newsom's social media antics as he aims to win over independent voters

Jan. 29, 2026 at 8:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan announced his run for California governor on Thursday, taking aim at Governor Gavin Newsom's attention-grabbing Twitter presence. Mahan, a moderate Democrat, said his "primary focus is not going to be on internet trolling" and that he will instead focus on "delivering results" and showing that progressive cities can provide safety, quality of life, and economic opportunity. Newsom dismissed Mahan's campaign, saying he doesn't "know enough about him." The two Democrats have clashed previously over issues like homelessness and criminal justice reform.

Why it matters

Mahan's entry into the governor's race sets up a potential clash between the moderate wing of the Democratic party and the more progressive faction represented by Newsom. As an underdog candidate, Mahan is betting that voters are tired of Newsom's social media antics and are looking for a pragmatic, results-oriented leader. His campaign could also impact the broader dynamics of the crowded Democratic field and the chances of a Republican winning the governorship for the first time since 2011.

The details

In his announcement, Mahan criticized Newsom's "attention-hogging Twitter antics" and said his "primary focus is not going to be on internet trolling." Newsom dismissed Mahan's campaign, saying he doesn't "know enough about him." The two Democrats have clashed previously, including over funding for a San Jose homeless initiative and Proposition 36, which increased penalties for certain drug and theft crimes. Mahan backed the tough-on-crime measure, while Newsom has avoided funding it.

  • On Thursday, January 30, 2026, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan announced his run for California governor.
  • Also on Thursday, January 30, 2026, Governor Gavin Newsom commented on Mahan's campaign at the Bloomberg Newsmakers conference.

The players

Matt Mahan

The moderate Democratic mayor of San Jose who announced his run for California governor on Thursday. Mahan has fans in Silicon Valley but is little-known statewide.

Gavin Newsom

The current Democratic governor of California, known for his active social media presence and progressive policies. Newsom dismissed Mahan's campaign, saying he doesn't "know enough about him."

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“My primary focus is not going to be on internet trolling. The best resistance is delivering results and showing that states and cities with progressive values can deliver safety, a high quality of life and economic opportunity.”

— Matt Mahan, San Jose Mayor (Politico)

“I don't know enough about him.”

— Gavin Newsom (Bloomberg Newsmakers)

What’s next

The June 2026 primary election will be a key test for Mahan's campaign as he seeks to gain traction against better-known Democratic contenders and fend off a potential Republican victory.

The takeaway

Mahan's entry into the governor's race sets up a clash between the moderate and progressive wings of the Democratic party in California. His campaign is a bet that voters are tired of Newsom's social media antics and want a pragmatic, results-oriented leader, even if it means taking a chance on a lesser-known candidate.