California’s race to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom just got more complicated.
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, a 43-year-old Democrat with deep Silicon Valley ties, announced this week that he is entering the governor’s race—only five months before the June primary. His late entry adds uncertainty to an already crowded field and raises questions about whether Democrats are quietly scrambling for a new direction after years of one-party rule.
Who Is Matt Mahan?
Mahan built his career as a technology entrepreneur in Silicon Valley before entering public service. He later helped launch a digital political organizing company after being encouraged by Mark Zuckerberg, whom he knew while attending Harvard.
Those connections could give Mahan a major fundraising advantage, especially among wealthy tech donors and business leaders. Housing developers are also viewed as a natural ally, as Mahan has consistently supported aggressive homebuilding and pro-growth policies.
A ‘Back to Basics’ Democrat
After winning the mayor’s race in 2021 in California’s third-largest city, Mahan has presented himself as a practical, results-oriented leader with an emphasis on public safety, homelessness, affordable housing, and accountability in government.
Unlike many Democrats, he has backed tougher penalties for certain theft and drug crimes. He has also supported allowing police to arrest homeless individuals who repeatedly refuse shelter offers—positions that have drawn backlash from progressive activists but appeal to voters frustrated with crime and disorder.
Not Afraid to Criticize Newsom
Although Mahan is a Democrat, he has publicly criticized Newsom’s leadership on crime and homelessness. He has also taken aim at Newsom’s social-media strategy targeting President Donald Trump, calling it political theater instead of serious problem-solving.
Mahan argues California needs fewer culture-war distractions and more measurable results—an argument that may resonate with voters weary of partisan noise.
Personal Life and Political Flexibility
Mahan is married to attorney Silvia-Wedad Scandar Mahan, whom he met at Harvard. The couple has two children. His current mayoral term runs through 2028, meaning he can campaign statewide without giving up his office.
To advance, however, he must finish in the top two in California’s June primary—no easy task in a packed race.
A Crowded Governor’s Field
Among Democrats already in the race are Tom Steyer, Eric Swalwell, Betty Yee, Tony Thurmond, Xavier Becerra, and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. On the Republican side, candidates include Steve Hilton, Chad Bianco, and Jon Slavet.
Mahan’s biggest challenge may be name recognition outside the Bay Area, along with lingering tension inside his own party after repeatedly breaking with Democratic orthodoxy.
Where He Agrees With Newsom
Despite their differences, Mahan recently aligned with Newsom in opposing a proposed “billionaire tax,” arguing it would further damage California’s economy and accelerate the exodus of businesses and high-income earners.
That stance has earned him cautious praise from business groups but skepticism from progressive activists.
Why Run Now?
Mahan says he decided to run after encouragement from his wife and a belief that California needs new leadership. He points to what he describes as tangible results in San Jose: a significant drop in unsheltered homelessness, recognition for public safety, high homicide clearance rates, and thousands of new housing units approved.
Rather than attacking Trump, Mahan says California leaders should focus on fixing California.
“We don’t just need to be against something,” he said. “We need to deliver results.”
Whether voters view Mahan as a serious reformer or just another Democrat with better messaging remains to be seen. But his late entry ensures the fight to replace Gavin Newsom will be anything but predictable.