Full Breakdown
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan Trails in California Gubernatorial Primary, Ends Campaign
6/4/2026, 12:27:32 AM
Primary Results and Immediate Outcome
On June 2, 2026, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan finished sixth in California’s gubernatorial primary with 195,887 votes (4.4 %). The leading candidates were Steve Hilton (26.9 %, 1,167,298 votes), Xavier Becerra (25.7 %, 1,118,203), Tom Steyer (19.8 %, 859,880), Chad Bianco (11.2 %, 486,466) and Katie Porter (5 %, 215,053). Mahan publicly acknowledged the end of his campaign that night.
Campaign Timeline and Context
Mahan launched his campaign in late January 2026, securing donations from Joe Lonsdale, Sergey Brin and Garry Tan. In April he dismissed strategist Eric Jaye and pursued a $35 million escrow fund. Deliver for Mahan dissolved, and California Back to Basics refunded a $1 million contribution from Netflix CEO Reed Hastings, who later reaffirmed his support.
Key Figures and Funding Sources
Steve Hilton, Xavier Becerra, Tom Steyer, Chad Bianco and Katie Porter were the other candidates. Mahan raised over $15 million, second to Steyer’s $197 million. Donors included Lonsdale, Brin, Tan and Reed Hastings, who gave $1 million before refund. His wife Silvia Scandar Mahan and Vice Mayor Pam Foley attended his watch party.
Data & Statistics
Mahan received 195,887 votes (4.4 %). The top five candidates together amassed over 3.5 million votes, with Hilton at 1,167,298 (26.9 %) and Becerra at 1,118,203 (25.7 %). Mahan’s fundraising total exceeded $15 million, while Steyer’s self-funded campaign reported $197 million.
Official Statements & Responses
Mahan said his campaign aimed to showcase San Jose’s approach to public safety, and pledged to continue advocating for a better California. Silvia Scandar Mahan expressed optimism about the campaign’s momentum despite the loss.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts noted Mahan’s late entry and low polling limited his ability to reach the top two, undermining donors’ influence on state politics. The departure of strategist Eric Jaye and the unmet $35 million escrow target highlighted campaign challenges.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Over the past four months, everywhere I go and every room I walked into, I said the same seven words: ‘Here’s what we’re doing in San Jose,'” — Matt Mahan, Mayor of San Jose
- “This is not the last time I will ask you to come together to fight for a better California,” — Matt Mahan, Mayor of San Jose
- “All of us who worked on this campaign have hope cause we saw Mahan-mentum,” — Silvia Scandar Mahan, Spouse of Matt Mahan
- “I’m pretty sure tonight is not going to go well, but we already knew that going in, so our expectations were low and any surprises tonight to the upside would be a welcome relief,” — Daniel Fernandes, Software Engineer, San Jose
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources agree on the vote totals and Mahan’s sixth-place finish, with no contradictory figures reported. The articles do not provide detailed pre-primary polling data or assess the measurable impact of tech-sector donations on voter behavior, leaving those aspects unverified.
What’s Next
Mahan remains mayor of San Jose, with his first full term ending December 2028 and eligibility for one additional term. He indicated that his policy advocacy will continue outside elected office, and supporters remain hopeful his campaign’s momentum will influence future state initiatives.
