San Jose Mayor Announces Candidacy for California Governor

Matt Mahan discusses his late entry into the crowded field of gubernatorial candidates.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 11:55pm

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San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan has announced his candidacy for California governor, joining a crowded field of candidates. Mahan sat down with NBC Bay Area's Raj Mathai to discuss the challenges he faces as a late entrant and his vision for the state.

Why it matters

Mahan's candidacy adds a new dynamic to the California governor's race, which has already attracted several high-profile candidates. As the mayor of a major city, Mahan brings a different perspective and set of experiences to the table.

The details

Mahan, a first-term mayor of San Jose, announced his candidacy for California governor on Thursday. In his interview with Raj Mathai, Mahan discussed the challenges of entering the race late and outlined his priorities, which include addressing the state's housing crisis, improving education, and tackling climate change.

  • Mahan announced his candidacy for California governor on Thursday, January 30, 2026.
  • Mahan sat down with Raj Mathai for an interview on Friday, January 31, 2026.

The players

Matt Mahan

The current mayor of San Jose, California, who has announced his candidacy for California governor.

Raj Mathai

The NBC Bay Area news anchor who interviewed Mayor Mahan about his gubernatorial campaign.

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What they’re saying

“I'm running for governor because I believe I can bring a new perspective and a new approach to solving some of the state's biggest challenges.”

— Matt Mahan, Mayor of San Jose (nbcbayarea.com)

What’s next

Mahan's campaign will likely focus on introducing himself to voters across the state and outlining his policy platform in the coming weeks and months.

The takeaway

Mahan's entry into the California governor's race adds a new voice and perspective to the crowded field, and his success or failure could have significant implications for the future of the state's politics.