South Bay community offers mixed reactions to San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan's gubernatorial plans

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- In a move many saw coming, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan announced he's entering the California gubernatorial race. The reveal gained mixed reactions from local leaders and residents.

We were there on his first day in office in 2023, and we were there as he announced his next steps.

Mahan told us last week this move could be coming, saying the current candidates did not have the right vision to move the state forward.

Mahan has early support, including from his predecessor, former San Jose mayor and current Congressman Sam Liccardo.

"His leadership here in San Jose's extraordinary. I think he is going to bring the refreshing emphasis on accountability and on focusing on the key issues that Californians care most about," Liccardo said.

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These issues include public safety, homelessness and affordability.

San Jose's Vice Mayor Pam Foley said Mahan can take the successes he's had here and carry them statewide.

"To have someone who's been as effective as he is in San Jose, in the state, running the state government -- that's fabulous," Foley said. "His focus, his energy, I'm all in for Matt."

Although Mahan has high-profile supporters, some residents and community advocates are concerned about unfinished business here in San Jose after less than on term as mayor.

"He ran for city council, made it," Issa Ajlouny said. "Stayed two years and ran for mayor -- made it. After only two years as mayor, now he's going for governor. And then after two years as governor, he'll go for president in two years. That's really what I'm thinking," XXX said.

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It has been a fast political rise, but some residents ask what is there to show for it?

Many have been critical about his handling of the unhoused in the city, citing a lack of equal distribution of interim housing and sweeps across the city.

"He hasn't changed anything," unhoused advocate Shaunn Cartwright said. "He hasn't fixed the system. He's just warehoused unhoused people until the end of World Cup. And then what?"

Councilmember Bien Doan reacted as many others may have Thursday -- he just wants the best for San Jose and the state.

"I want a governor that can, you know, fight for all of us Californians here," Doan said. "And also build relationship, not only within California, but also in the federal level."

Like many voters, he's not yet sure which candidate will deliver as the race for governor heats up.