San José Mayor Matt Mahan Announces Bid for California Governor

Mahan touts successes in San José as he enters crowded Democratic primary race.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 11:07am

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San José Mayor Matt Mahan officially announced his campaign for Governor of California, joining a crowded field of Democratic candidates. Mahan, a 43-year-old former tech entrepreneur, cited his record of reducing homelessness, improving public safety, and increasing housing in San José as reasons he is the right person to lead the state.

Why it matters

Mahan's entry into the California gubernatorial race adds a new centrist voice to a field dominated by more progressive candidates. As a mayor of a major city, Mahan brings a local government perspective that could resonate with voters frustrated with Sacramento's inability to address key issues like housing and homelessness.

The details

In his announcement, Mahan touted his record in San José, including reducing unsheltered homelessness by nearly one-third, being rated the safest big city in America, and solving 100% of homicides for nearly four years. He positioned himself as a pragmatic problem-solver, critical of the state legislature and current Governor Gavin Newsom. Mahan is the ninth Democratic candidate to enter the race, joining a crowded field that also includes two Republicans.

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

The players

Matt Mahan

The 43-year-old mayor of San José, California, who is running for Governor of California as a centrist Democrat.

Gavin Newsom

The current Governor of California, who is term-limited and cannot run for re-election.

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What they’re saying

“I'm running for governor of California — because we can do better. I know we can, because we're proving it in San José.”

— Matt Mahan, Mayor of San José (X, Facebook, Instagram)

“We need to stand up for our rights, for our freedoms and for our neighbors. We need to use the tools we have at hand to protect our democracy.”

— Matt Mahan, Mayor of San José (Campaign announcement)

What’s next

Mahan will need to build statewide name recognition and support in the coming months to survive the crowded Democratic primary in June 2026.

The takeaway

Mahan's entry into the California governor's race brings a pragmatic, results-oriented voice to a field dominated by more progressive candidates. His record of success in San José could resonate with voters seeking a problem-solver, but he faces an uphill climb to gain traction statewide in a short timeframe.