Matt Mahan

From Watsonville to San Jose City Hall

Matthew William Mahan, born November 18, 1982, has rapidly ascended the ranks of California politics. From his roots in Watsonville to his current role as Mayor of San Jose, his career reflects a dedication to civic engagement, spanning both the tech world and public office.

Early Life and Education

Mahan's early life in Watsonville, California, laid the groundwork for his future. Raised Catholic, he attended Bellarmine College Preparatory on a low-income scholarship, where he also began to dip his toes into public service, working with local political figures like Jim Beall and Ann Ravel.

His academic journey led him to Harvard University, where he graduated magna cum laude in 2005 with a degree in social studies. At Harvard, he was a campus leader, serving as president of the Harvard Undergraduate Council, showcasing an early knack for organization and leadership.

After graduation, a Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Fellowship took him to Bolivia for a year. There, he engaged in economic development projects, building irrigation systems—a hands-on experience that surely broadened his perspective on community needs and global challenges.

A Career in Tech and Service

Returning to the United States, Mahan continued his commitment to service, joining Teach for America. From 2006 to 2008, he taught seventh and eighth grade English and history at Alum Rock Middle School in San Jose, directly experiencing the educational landscape of the city he would later lead.

In 2008, Mahan transitioned into the burgeoning tech sector, joining a startup led by Silicon Valley heavyweights Sean Parker and Joe Green. This collaboration soon led to the formation of Causes, a groundbreaking civic technology Facebook application aimed at empowering online activism.

Mahan's leadership at Causes grew, and by 2013, he was CEO and president. Building on this experience, he launched Brigade in 2014, a new social media platform specifically designed for civic engagement. Brigade attracted significant investment from tech luminaries like Parker, Ron Conway, and Marc Benioff, reflecting the industry's belief in its mission.

Brigade continued its mission until 2019, when it was acquired by Pinterest, with its core technology subsequently purchased by Countable. This marked the culmination of a decade spent at the intersection of technology and civic participation for Mahan.

Family Life

Amidst his professional ventures, Mahan also built a personal life. He married Silvia-Wedad Scandar in 2012, a relationship that began during their freshman year at Harvard. Today, they are parents to two children and reside in San Jose's Almaden Valley neighborhood.

Entering the Political Arena

San Jose City Council

Mahan's passion for civic involvement eventually led him directly into politics. In early 2020, he entered the San Jose City Council race for District 10, quickly garnering significant endorsements from local leaders, including then-Mayor Sam Liccardo and influential business groups. He campaigned on fiscal responsibility and transparent government.

His platform resonated with voters, and he secured the seat with an impressive 58% of the vote. Mahan took office in January 2021, beginning a four-year term on the City Council, a crucial step in his political journey.

The Road to Mayor

Barely a year into his City Council term, Mahan set his sights on the city's highest office, announcing his candidacy for Mayor of San Jose in September 2021. His campaign focused on tangible solutions, proposing an 'accountability dashboard' to track progress on critical issues like crime and homelessness, and pledging to end automatic raises for city officials without demonstrated progress.

His common-sense approach earned him the backing of three former San Jose mayors, including his predecessor, Sam Liccardo. In November 2022, Mahan was elected Mayor of San Jose, defeating Santa Clara County supervisor Cindy Chavez in a closely watched contest.

A unique circumstance, however, shaped his initial mayoral term. Due to Measure B, which aligned mayoral elections with presidential elections, Mahan's first term was set for two years instead of the standard four. He successfully ran for re-election in 2024, securing a full four-year term with overwhelming support.

Mayoral Tenure

As Mayor, Mahan has not shied away from challenging established norms. In August 2023, he notably opposed a deal with San Jose's municipal unions that would raise employee wages and expand paid parental leave. He argued that the increased costs could lead to a budget deficit and force cuts to essential city services, highlighting his fiscal conservatism.

Policy Priorities and Vision

Public Safety

Public safety has been a cornerstone of Mahan's administration. In his inaugural address, he outlined efforts to reform the city's booking process in coordination with the county district attorney and advocated for expanding law enforcement technologies, such as license plate readers and speed cameras.

He has consistently supported stronger enforcement against drug trafficking while also championing expanded treatment options. His endorsement of California Proposition 36 in 2024, aimed at addressing drug-related issues, contrasted with some other state Democratic leaders, underscoring his belief that prior reforms had inadvertently contributed to increases in drug-related deaths, theft, and homelessness.

In a decisive moment in October 2024, Mahan and other city council members called for the resignation of Councilmember Omar Torres amid serious allegations of child sexual misconduct. Following public pressure and an investigation, Torres stepped down and was subsequently arrested, demonstrating Mahan's firm stance on ethical conduct.

Affordable Housing and Homelessness

Addressing San Jose's housing crisis is another key focus. While voters approved Measure E in 2020 to fund permanent affordable housing, Mahan's administration has prioritized shelter construction, quick-build communities, and temporary housing. This has led to debates over the allocation of Measure E funds, with his administration proposing redirecting portions toward temporary solutions in the 2024–25 budget.

Elections and Redistricting

Mahan has also weighed in on broader state political issues. In 2025, as California’s Proposition 50, a measure authorizing temporary legislatively drawn congressional maps, approached the ballot, he voiced concerns about partisan redistricting. While he expressed reluctance, he indicated he would support the measure, showcasing a nuanced approach to complex political mechanics.

A Bid for Governor

On January 29, 2026, Matt Mahan announced his most ambitious political move yet: a candidacy for the 2026 California gubernatorial election, seeking to succeed term-limited Democratic incumbent Gavin Newsom. This announcement quickly drew attention, both positive and critical.

The San José Spotlight published an editorial criticizing his decision, citing a pattern of not finishing terms in his elected roles and questioning his ability to deliver on promises. However, his campaign has also attracted significant financial backing from influential Silicon Valley billionaires, including Google co-founder Sergey Brin and Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale.

Mahan has also received high-profile endorsements and praise from within the tech and political communities, including his mayoral predecessor, U.S. Representative Sam Liccardo, and prominent figures like Y Combinator CEO Garry Tan. This strong support network signals a serious contender in the upcoming statewide race.