California gubernatorial hopeful and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan expressed concerns in a recent interview, warning his fellow Democrats that the state could take a “MAGA-like” turn if there isn’t a shift in approach. Mahan emphasized, “I’m against this system because it doesn’t matter if you’re a Democrat, a Republican or an independent. We require a government that effectively reduces housing and energy costs, enhances education, ensures safer neighborhoods, and addresses street homelessness. We’ve the resources to achieve this, but what’s missing is the political will and accountability. It’s not really a partisan issue.”
He further cautioned, “If Democrats don’t begin to respond more to their constituents and fail to deliver results with the resources at hand, the political pendulum will swing in the opposite direction, and we’ll see a movement akin to MAGA emerge in California.”
Mahan is among multiple Democratic candidates vying to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom in the upcoming November election. He criticized various state and city policies under the Democratic leadership, particularly those influenced by special interests. For instance, he remarked, “When teachers’ unions resist measures like accountability or the incorporation of an evidence-based curriculum, they might be representing their members’ interests or what they believe are those interests.”
Additionally, he stated, “We need our elected representatives to advocate for our communities by holding various parties accountable. There’s no room for complacency when we’re not receiving the value we ought to for our expenditures.”
While Mahan did not cast direct blame on Newsom, he acknowledged the governor’s effort to address issues “without targeting individuals,” describing him as a “bulwark” against extreme legislative proposals. “I’m not particularly focused on assessing someone’s intentions or ideology based on their actions. I think some of his initiatives have been commendable, yet I believe more can be done,” he noted.
Newsom’s office opted not to comment on this matter. Mahan previously attracted attention for suggesting the involuntary incarceration of homeless individuals who consistently decline housing services. “Homelessness is simply not an option, particularly when over 200 individuals lose their lives on the streets each year,” he said during a 2025 press conference. “After three offers of shelter, I believe people must take responsibility for improving their situations; we each share a duty to conclude this crisis.”
