Democrat Contender for Governor Shifts Focus to Government Efficiency
In the race to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan is making a bold commitment to tackle “waste, fraud, and abuse” in government. He criticized politicians who, in his view, are resistant to change.
Mahan, positioning himself as a moderate counterweight to progressive politics, noted that California seems overly concerned with a proposed billionaire tax while overlooking corruption issues that persist across the state.
It’s baffling, honestly. Mahan, who’s 43, said, “I don’t understand politicians who defend the status quo and say government can’t be more efficient, more effective, or more technologically enabled.”
He has openly opposed a millionaire tax proposal that could appear on this year’s ballot. This measure would ask voters whether to impose a one-time 5% tax, a move that has led many wealthy Californians, like Larry Ellison, to consider relocating.
“That’s playing with fire,” Mahan remarked. “There could be a very serious snowball effect that threatens Silicon Valley’s dominance.”
As Mahan enters the gubernatorial race just four months before the primary, he expressed a preference for an inheritance tax over a wealth or estate tax that would impact around 300 billionaires in the state.
“I don’t think wealthy people should be able to borrow endlessly on appreciated assets to avoid paying capital gains,” he stated, suggesting that a state estate tax could help stabilize California’s budget by taxing unrealized capital gains upon death.
Moreover, Mahan emphasized that California should serve as a “city of laws” rather than function purely as a sanctuary city. He mentioned that when serious crimes are committed, deportation is a logical consequence, while still advocating for a legal pathway to citizenship.
Mahan does share some views with Newsom regarding the billionaire tax but finds himself at odds with the governor on several other issues, including sanctuary policies. With speculation about Newsom’s potential 2028 presidential candidacy, Mahan has emerged as one of his party’s most vocal critics.
As he puts it, “I’m a moderate. And I’m not afraid of any interest groups.” It’s clear he’s ready to carve out his path in a challenging political landscape.
