San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan on Thursday joined the race for California governor, putting to rest months of will-he-won’t-he speculation about his gubernatorial ambitions. “We need to stand up for our rights, for our freedoms and for our neighbors. We need to use the tools we have at hand to protect our democracy,” Mahan posted...
2026 marks another busy election year for San Jose
With five of San Jose’s 11 City Council seats up for grabs in 2026, the city is gearing up for another busy election year. As the looming contests begin to come into focus, San José Spotlight has asked several local political observers to discuss the races and election storylines they’ll be following most closely. They...
San Jose employee enters District 9 City Council race
Lifelong District 9 resident Gordon Chester says he’s observed San Jose stagnate or even backslide on a number of fronts over his 39-year life — from road safety to public services and housing affordability. Now, the longtime city employee is stepping into the crowded race to represent his home district on the San Jose City Council,...
Political newcomer enters District 9 San Jose council race
Next year’s June primary election is still seven months out, but the battle lines are already taking shape in the District 9 San Jose City Council race. A relative newcomer to San Jose politics is stepping in to a crowded field that includes a well-established City Hall staffer. Lifelong District 9 resident Genny Altwer, a...
San Jose vice mayor’s chief of staff enters District 9 race
Scott Hughes never imagined he’d step into the limelight after serving as San Jose Vice Mayor Pam Foley’s chief of staff for the past seven-and-a-half years. Now, he’s running to replace his boss. Hughes, 58, has entered the race for the District 9 City Council seat, which covers southwest San Jose and meets the borders...