San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan announced his run for governor of California on Thursday, using the launch of his campaign to draw a sharp contrast with Gov. Gavin Newsom, whom he criticized for prioritizing online sparring over governing results, as reported by The New York Post.
Mahan formally entered the already crowded gubernatorial race and addressed his candidacy in an interview with Politico, where he made clear that his approach would differ from Newsom’s highly visible social media presence.
“My primary focus is not going to be on internet trolling,” Mahan told Politico.
“The best resistance is delivering results and showing that states and cities with progressive values can deliver safety, a high quality of life, and economic opportunity.”
“My style is not to engage in the meme wars…”
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, now a Democratic candidate for CA governor, on what his approach would be towards President Trump.
“In the long run, I think the best resistance is delivering results.” pic.twitter.com/oEbRKNOqgr
— Nikki Laurenzo (@NikkiLaurenzo) January 30, 2026
This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year
Newsom responded dismissively when asked about Mahan’s campaign during an appearance at the Bloomberg Newsmakers conference on Thursday.
“I don’t know enough about him,” Newsom said.
Gov. Gavin Newsom is asked by @JeremyBWhite about San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan running for governor.
Newsom said he “doesn’t know enough about him” and didn’t know about his quote criticizing him for “jumping into meme-land.” @BloombergTV pic.twitter.com/TLNBJsZfE5
— Ashley Zavala (@ZavalaA) January 29, 2026
The exchange is the latest chapter in an ongoing feud between the two Democrats.
Mahan, considered a moderate with support among Silicon Valley leaders but limited statewide recognition, has previously clashed with Newsom on policy and funding priorities.
Newsom, meanwhile, has drawn national attention for his aggressive online presence, frequent attacks on conservatives, and high-profile political merchandise promotions.
Earlier this month, Mahan traded pointed messages with Newsom’s press team on X over state funding for a San Jose “tiny home” village designed to house homeless residents, a project that has been a cornerstone of Mahan’s tenure as mayor.
In California, gubernatorial candidates have been looking at the homelessness crisis, as well as solutions for it.
Mayor Matt Mahan in Silicon Valley gave republican candidate @SteveHiltonx a tour of an interim ‘tiny home’ community @LifeMovesOrg@MattMahanSJ pic.twitter.com/j4fUjIxQ2s
— David Lam (@DavidLamNTD) January 24, 2026
The two Democrats have also diverged sharply on criminal justice. Mahan supported Proposition 36, a voter initiative that increased penalties for certain drug and theft-related crimes.
Newsom opposed the measure and has declined to fund it. Proposition 36 ultimately passed with nearly 70 percent of the vote, underscoring voter frustration with crime across the state.
Mahan’s campaign strategy appears to hinge on voter fatigue with Newsom’s political style and the hope that Californians are open to a lower-profile alternative.
However, that strategy carries political risk, as the fragmented Democratic field could open the door for a Republican victory in a state that has not elected a GOP governor since Arnold Schwarzenegger left office in 2011.
Polling suggests Republicans are already competitive. Former Fox News host Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco are polling near the top of the field, while Democrats continue to split support.
On the Democratic side, Rep. Eric Swalwell and former Rep. Katie Porter are leading among declared candidates heading into the June primary.
If additional Democratic candidates do not exit the race in the coming months, analysts warn that intra-party competition could significantly weaken the party’s chances in November.
Larry Gerston, professor emeritus at San José State University, said Mahan’s positioning could appeal beyond the Democratic base.
“The secret recipe for Mahan is not just the Democrat voters, it’s the 30% of the state who are registered as a no political party,” Gerston said.
“Because the Democrats allow no political party voters to take part in the primary, unlike Republicans, they’re less political, less dogmatic, and they could look at Mahan as a fresh face.”
As the primary approaches, Mahan’s challenge will be converting that potential appeal into statewide recognition while navigating a race dominated by Newsom’s political shadow.
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