San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan enters crowded California governor's race

Upstart Democrat touts his record on crime, homelessness and housing in bid to "fix California"

Jan. 30, 2026 at 2:07pm

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San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, a 43-year-old Democrat, has announced he is entering the race for California governor, joining a crowded field of candidates vying to succeed Gavin Newsom. Mahan, who has been critical of Newsom's leadership, says he wants to "fix California" by focusing on issues like the state's budget deficit, high unemployment, and housing crisis.

Why it matters

Mahan's entry into the governor's race adds another dynamic candidate to an already competitive field. As a relative political newcomer, Mahan will need to convince voters he has the experience and vision to lead the nation's most populous state, which also has the world's fourth-largest economy. His willingness to criticize fellow Democrats like Newsom could also appeal to some voters seeking change.

The details

Mahan, considered a moderate Democrat, was elected San Jose mayor in 2022 after serving on the city council. As mayor, he has touted his record on reducing crime, homelessness and cutting red tape to build more housing. However, his policies have also angered some progressives, such as a controversial plan allowing the city to arrest homeless people who refuse shelter. Mahan has also supported measures to toughen criminal penalties for certain drug and theft crimes.

  • Mahan announced his gubernatorial bid on January 29, 2026.
  • California's primary elections are scheduled for June 2026.
  • The general election for California governor will be held in November 2026.

The players

Matt Mahan

The 43-year-old Democratic mayor of San Jose who is entering the crowded race for California governor.

Gavin Newsom

The current Democratic governor of California, who will be completing his term later this year.

Eric Swalwell

A Democratic Congressman who has also entered the race for California governor.

Chad Bianco

The Republican Riverside County Sheriff who is running for California governor.

Steve Hilton

The former Fox News host who is running as a Republican for California governor.

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What they’re saying

“I'm running to bring focus back to government. To give cities the tools they need to succeed. To show that the best resistance to division is results. And to prove that California can work again – for everyone.”

— Matt Mahan, Mayor of San Jose (X)

“It might be a winning strategy for his presidential campaign, but it's a losing one for improving the lives of Californians. And now even more politicians will try to get ahead with online antics rather than sensible policies.”

— Matt Mahan, Mayor of San Jose (The San Francisco Standard)

“Mahan is going to be an intriguing candidate who could attract a lot of eyeballs to see if he has what it takes.”

— Brian Sobel, Political analyst (USA TODAY)

What’s next

The top two vote-getters in the June 2026 primary election will advance to the November 2026 general election for California governor.

The takeaway

Mahan's entry into the California governor's race adds a fresh face and a moderate Democrat voice to an already crowded field. His willingness to criticize his own party's leadership and tout his record in San Jose could resonate with some voters, but he'll need to prove he has the experience and vision to lead the nation's most populous state.