Gov. Gavin Newsom wants Americans to see him as the antithesis to President Donald Trump. So Santa Clara County officials could be forgiven for thinking he’d shield them from federal cuts to public health care. Instead, they question whether he’s effectively enabling the president’s agenda. Newsom’s January budget message tosses aside new spending proposals —...
Poll gauges support for San Jose mayor running for governor
Amid reports that San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan is considering a run for California governor, someone has launched an exploratory text message poll to gauge public support. The poll — which runs dozens of questions long — describes Mahan as a Democrat with a working-class background and tech credentials, according to screenshots obtained by San...
Silicon Valley lawmaker could seek East Bay congressional seat
A state lawmaker representing parts of Santa Clara and Alameda counties might be angling for a congressional seat in the East Bay. Her candidacy would leave her own seat in the California Legislature up for grabs — if she decides to jump into the race. A new federal candidate filing suggests 10th District state Sen....
San Jose mayor opposes billionaire tax idea
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan has come out against a controversial proposal to create a “billionaire tax” in California. Backers see it as a means of filling a massive deficit facing the state’s health care system. In a nearly 300-word thread posted to X Monday, Mahan warned if passed by voters, the pending statewide ballot measure...
San Jose lawmaker eyes state attorney general run
State Sen. Dave Cortese plans to run for California Attorney General if Rob Bonta decides to enter the governor’s race. It could boost the odds of the next top state prosecutor coming from Santa Clara County. Cortese represents District 15, which covers portions of San Jose, Morgan Hill, Gilroy and San Martin. He previously served...
New laws affecting Silicon Valley in 2026
California lawmakers approved dozens of new laws in 2025 addressing housing development, wildfire prevention, labor protections and more. Several of the measures, authored by Silicon Valley legislators, will take effect in 2026 and shape daily life across Santa Clara County and the state. Environment Plastic grocery bag ban Senate Bill 1053 closes a loophole in...
State recognizes San Jose’s Japantown as a cultural district
For community leaders in San Jose’s Japantown, receiving statewide recognition as a cultural district affirms what they already know about the historic neighborhood. After a competitive process of more than 70 applicants, Japantown is one of 10 neighborhoods chosen last week to be a state-designated cultural district. This recognition provides the district with a $10,000...
Longtime San Jose mayoral chief of staff leaves for new role
In a San Jose City Hall shakeup, longtime mayoral chief of staff Jim Reed announced Thursday he is leaving to lead a statewide policy initiative launched by Mayor Matt Mahan earlier this year. Reed has been a central figure in City Hall politics for more than a decade, having served as chief of staff for...
San Jose mayor looking for ‘change agent’ governor
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan hosted several gubernatorial candidates at a tiny home site Friday, in the hopes of showcasing the city’s approach to slash homelessness through building temporary housing — and to get their buy in. During a tour of the city’s newest tiny home village at Cherry Avenue, Mahan said he’s looking for...
California’s Prop. 50 has a rocky road ahead
California has overwhelmingly approved Gov. Gavin Newsom’s plan to gerrymander congressional seats in favor of Democrats for the next several election cycles. His most powerful allies in Silicon Valley are tempering their zeal. Though Proposition 50 does little to local political boundaries, a whopping 71% of Santa Clara County voters went in favor of the...