SAN JOSE, Calif. (Diya TV) — San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan has entered the race for governor of California, adding another high-profile name to an already crowded field. The 43-year-old mayor made his announcement after weeks of speculation, framing his decision around public safety, homelessness, and government accountability.
Mahan said the decision became clear after a conversation with his wife, Silvia. He recalled coming home a few weeks ago when she told him, “I think our state needs you.” Mahan said her confidence in his ability to help children, cities,s and the broader state pushed him to run.
“When Silvia talks, you listen,” Mahan said as he announced his campaign. He said California can do better and argued that his record in San Jose shows how change is possible.
Mahan centered his campaign message on results-driven leadership. He said Californians want proof the government can solve problems before asking voters to give more. He pointed to San Jose as an example. Under his leadership, the city reduced unsheltered homelessness by nearly one-third after a decade of steady growth. San Jose also earned recognition as the safest large city in the United States last year, a first in more than 20 years.
Mahan said the city has solved every homicide case for nearly four consecutive years. He described that record as evidence that focused leadership and accountability can improve public safety. Housing affordability also plays a major role in his campaign. Mahan said San Jose unlocked thousands of housing units over the past two years. He said cities need more tools and flexibility to address rising costs and housing shortages across California.
In his announcement, Mahan emphasized protecting rights, freedoms, and democratic institutions. He said the government must use both the law and measurable outcomes to earn public trust.
“We don’t just need to be against something,” Mahan said. “We need to be for something.”
He described his vision as a government that works for everyday people. He said results offer the strongest response to political division. Mahan framed effective governance as a form of polarization resistance. The mayor said California must refocus on problem-solving. He argued that cities remain closest to residents and understand local challenges best. His campaign aims to give local governments more authority to deliver results.
Mahan said his first three years as mayor became a model for addressing issues many believed were unsolvable.
He officially launched his campaign Thursday morning with a social media post. The announcement followed weeks of public hints about a possible run.
Mahan joins a large field of candidates vying for the governor’s office. At least 10 other contenders have already entered the race. The list includes former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, former Rep. Katie Porter, and investor Tom Steyer.
The crowded primary sets the stage for a competitive campaign. Candidates bring a mix of political, business, and policy backgrounds. Mahan stands out as one of the few big-city mayors in the race. He became mayor of San Jose in 2023, defeating former San Jose City Councilmember Cindy Chavez, whom he debated on Diya TV.
Before that, he built a career in technology and civic innovation. His supporters say that his background helps him focus on data, outcomes, and efficiency.
Mahan said he plans to campaign across California to share his record and vision. He said voters deserve clear evidence that the government can improve daily life. He framed his run as a promise to make California work again for everyone. He said that the future is one he and Silvia feel compelled to fight for.
