San Jose Mayor Joins Crowded California Governor's Race

Matt Mahan, a former tech CEO, has already garnered massive support from Silicon Valley billionaires.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Matt Mahan, the mayor of San Jose and a former tech CEO, has joined the crowded race for California governor. Mahan, who has dubbed his agenda 'Back to Basics,' has already received significant financial backing from Silicon Valley heavyweights, raising concerns about his priorities if elected. While Mahan has focused on issues like housing and homelessness, some state lawmakers worry his close ties to the tech industry could influence his decision-making as governor.

Why it matters

Mahan's entry into the governor's race adds another Democrat to the crowded field, making it more difficult for voters to determine the leading candidate. Additionally, Mahan's strong support from the tech industry raises questions about his potential influence on tech regulation and oversight if elected.

The details

In his first week, Mahan raised $7 million, far surpassing many of his Democratic opponents who have been running for months or even years. An independent expenditure committee bankrolled by Silicon Valley figures has also raised $3.3 million and spent $1.5 million on a Super Bowl ad for Mahan. Prominent tech figures like Google co-founder Sergey Brin and DoorDash executive Elizabeth Jarvis-Shean have also donated to Mahan's campaign.

  • Mahan joined the California governor's race just two weeks ago.
  • The primary election is around five months away.

The players

Matt Mahan

The mayor of San Jose, a former tech CEO, and a one-time foe of Gov. Gavin Newsom who has now joined the crowded race for California governor.

Ash Kalra

A Democratic Assemblymember who represents San Jose and has not decided whether to endorse a candidate, but said he won't endorse Mahan.

Alex Lee

A Democratic Assemblymember who represents San Jose and has already publicly endorsed Tom Steyer.

Gavin Newsom

The current governor of California, who Mahan has previously opposed on certain issues.

Tom Steyer

A billionaire and former 2020 presidential candidate who has the largest campaign war chest among the Democratic candidates so far.

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What they’re saying

“As much as he likes to talk about back to basics, it's really back to the billionaires.”

— Ash Kalra, Democratic Assemblymember (SFGATE)

“He made $7 million in a week not from neighbors, but [from] the tech bros who urged him to run.”

— Ash Kalra, Democratic Assemblymember (SFGATE)

“Newsom is not beholden to the tech industry or these tech bros the way that Mahan is. We have to be really worried about someone that is going to be so heavily supported by an industry that has shown they have no morality as they bend the knee to the president.”

— Ash Kalra, Democratic Assemblymember (SFGATE)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.