San Jose mayor jumps into governor's race - San Jose Spotlight

""We have a lot of candidates following a tired playbook," Mahan said to POLITICO Thursday. "They're either running against Trump or they're running in his image. I'm running for the future of California.""

"Over the past two years, even as Mahan has taken steps to extend his statewide political profile, he has downplayed rumors that he is seeking higher office, consistently stating he remains focused on his duties as mayor. However, in recent weeks Mahan signaled his thinking had changed, teasing on a number of TV news appearances that he would soon announce his decision on a possible run. Then last week, San José Spotlight reported that residents received a text poll gauging support for Mahan, adding yet another sign of growing momentum for an attempt at the governor's mansion."

"Mahan's forays into statewide politics have already laid some of the groundwork for his burgeoning campaign. Over the past two years, he has made frequent TV appearances up and down the state, often picking policy fights with Gov. Gavin Newsom. Late last year, he launched his own 501(c)(4) political advocacy organization known as Back to Basics with his former chief of staff at the helm. The organization is intended to build a statewide political coalition around Mahan's policy agenda centered on housing affordability, homelessness and crime concerns."

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan intends to run for California governor and is framing his campaign around pragmatic problem solving focused on housing affordability, homelessness, and crime. He has increased his statewide profile with frequent TV appearances and by challenging Governor Gavin Newsom on policy. He launched a 501(c)(4), Back to Basics, to build a statewide political coalition and advance his agenda. He hosted other gubernatorial candidates at a San Jose homeless housing site to promote rapid expansion of temporary shelters. Recent signals included TV teasing and a text poll gauging resident support, creating momentum ahead of the June primary.

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