He’s got the looks, great hair, and doesn’t shy away from left-leaning Democrats.
But no, this isn’t about Gavin Newsom.
Interestingly, even the prominent Democrats in California aren’t rallying behind the latest contender for governor.
If we take Newsom’s fast-paced explanation at face value, it seems he feels the same way.
On Thursday, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan declared his intention to run for governor while taking a jab at Newsom’s high-profile social media behavior during an interview.
“My focus isn’t on internet trolls,” Mahan shared with Politico. “The real pushback is to demonstrate that successful states and cities can embody progressive values and offer safety, a good quality of life, and economic prospects.”
When asked about Mahan’s campaign in Congress, Newsom responded with a dismissive, “I don’t know enough about him,” at a conference on Thursday.
This isn’t Mahan’s first engagement with Newsom. Despite having supporters in Silicon Valley, he hasn’t gained much recognition on a state level. Newsom has garnered attention for his audacious tweets and merchandise aimed at opposing Trump, including a pair of $100 knee pads marketed at Davos.
Mahan is standing firm on issues of public safety. He notably backed Proposition 36, while Newsom chose not to allocate funds for it despite its passage with nearly 70% support from voters.
Mahan appears to be banking on the idea that voters are weary of Newsom’s showmanship and might take a chance on a more subdued moderate Democrat, even if it risks handing over the governorship to a Republican, something not seen since Arnold Schwarzenegger’s tenure.
Recent polls indicate that two Republicans, former Fox News host Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, are edging ahead in a modestly crowded Democratic primary field. On the Democratic front, figures like Rep. Eric Swalwell and former Rep. Katie Porter are leading.
Larry Gerston, a retired political science professor from San Jose State University, suggested that Mahan should separate himself from “all the candidates on the left” who have tough-on-crime stances and prioritize addressing homelessness.
Gerston remarked, “Mahan’s edge lies not just within Democratic circles, but also with the 30% of voters registered with no party.” He observed that unlike Republicans, Democrats don’t allow voters from other parties to participate in their primaries, which could position Mahan as a refreshing choice, appearing less partisan and more grounded.
If more Democrats don’t bow out soon, there’s a growing risk that they might split the vote, paving the way for a Republican victory that would mark a significant shift since 2011.
