San Jose has a new vice mayor

Two-term San Jose Councilmember Pam Foley is getting a new title: vice mayor.

Foley, who represents District 9, will take over the ceremonial role from District 1 Councilmember Rosemary Kamei, who Mayor Matt Mahan in 2023 appointed in an attempt to bridge political divides between labor and business interests. Foley’s new role will start Jan. 28 pending approval by the full San Jose City Council.

Foley, who like Mahan is more fiscally conservative and business friendly, will take over the responsibility of filling Mahan’s role of chairing meetings — and appearing at public events — on occasions where Mahan can’t show up. She said her fiscally conservative approach to governance makes her a sound pick ahead of looming budget woes.

“The concerns he wants to focus on in the city are pretty much those which residents of District 9 want to focus on,” Foley told San Jose Spotlight. “In many ways I am aligned with the mayor.”

But she said that doesn’t mean she’ll go along with every position Mahan takes.

“I am thoughtful in my decision-making process,” she said. “We have this relationship where initially we didn’t really know each other, but developed a trust and respect. I am honored to be selected for this.”

Kamei, who won her first election in the West San Jose district outright in 2022, held the title for two years. Mahan’s selection of her was notable for political reasons.

San Jose politics are often split between a labor-leaning, progressive faction and one that’s more business focused, which leans toward loosening rules on development and business taxes. Mahan, who typically aligns with business interests, started his two-year term in 2022 with a labor majority on the city council that at times hindered his ability to pass policies. With Mahan starting his first full four-year term, councilmembers have been more inclined to agree with his business-focused decisions.

Kamei has previously said she considers herself more moderate, not leaning too heavily on one side versus the other. She said Foley is “an excellent choice.”

“She brings a lot of experience and is our most veteran councilmember,” she told San José Spotlight. “This is going to be a tough year and we’re going to have to make tough decisions. We have economically challenging times ahead — weighing different tradeoffs and budget priorities.”

She said it’s been a privilege to hold the title for the last two years.

“I think I have brought a lot of my own experience and sense of bridge building to the council and I look forward to working with Pam and the mayor and my fellow councilmembers,” Kamei said.
Foley has also chaired the Community and Economic Development Committee, a body focused on managing San Jose’s economic growth and change.

“Having six years’ experience working on city budgets I think is helpful,” Foley said.

Contact Brandon Pho at [email protected] or @brandonphooo on X.