San Jose News
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San Jose Mayor’s Race close as Polls Show Statistical Tie
The San Jose mayoral race is too close to call, with incumbent Mayor Matt Mahan and challenger Cindy Chavez locked in a statistical tie according to a new Mercury News/SJSU poll. Public safety and housing affordability dominate voter concerns, with Chavez attacking Mahan’s homeless policies while Mahan touts falling crime rates. Both campaigns are flooding airwaves with ads, while grassroots efforts target key neighborhoods. Early voting begins July 15 for the August 27 election. Political analysts say turnout in Latino and Asian-American communities could decide this nail-biter race.
Controversial Housing Measure Sparks Heated Debate in San Jose
Proposition SJ-45, which would streamline affordable housing approvals, has become the most divisive issue in San Jose’s August election. Supporters argue it will ease the housing crisis, while opponents warn of unchecked development. Recent debates turned raucous as both sides accused the other of misinformation. Silicon Valley business leaders have poured $2 million into supporting the measure, while neighborhood groups mobilize against it. The outcome could reshape San Jose’s growth for decades.
San Jose Police Reform Measure Draws National Attention
A ballot measure to create new police oversight rules in San Jose has drawn national scrutiny as a test case for police accountability. Backed by civil rights groups but opposed by the police union, Measure PSJ would establish an independent inspector general. Recent polls show 52% support, but opposition is growing in conservative neighborhoods. The campaign has become a proxy battle between criminal justice reformers and law enforcement advocates, with both sides spending heavily on TV ads.
Silicon Valley Tech Giants Pour Money Into Local School Board Races
Tech companies have contributed unprecedented sums to San Jose school board candidates supporting STEM-focused curricula. Over $3 million has flowed into races for three open seats, with 80% coming from tech executives. Teachers unions are fighting back, endorsing candidates who prioritize smaller class sizes. The election could determine whether San Jose schools emphasize vocational tech training or traditional liberal arts. With mail ballots going out July 28, this has become the most expensive school board contest in city history.
Vietnamese-American Voters Emerge as Decisive Bloc in Council Races
San Jose’s Vietnamese-American community, representing 10% of voters, is being aggressively courted in three competitive city council races. Candidates are running Vietnamese-language ads and hosting Lunar New Year-themed fundraisers. Key issues include small business support and public safety in the Vietnamtown district. Political analysts say turnout in these neighborhoods could determine control of the council, where Democrats currently hold a slim 6-5 majority. Bilingual poll workers are being trained for what’s expected to be record Vietnamese voter participation.
San Jose’s First Gen Z City Council Candidate Gains Momentum
At 24, environmental activist Mateo Torres has become a surprise contender for San Jose’s District 3 council seat. His campaign focusing on climate action and rent control has energized young voters, with under-30 registration up 18% since January. Opponents question his experience, but Torres’s viral social media presence has helped him outraise establishment candidates. If elected, he would be the youngest councilmember in San Jose history and could signal a generational shift in city politics.
San Jose’s Public Transit Measure Faces Uphill Battle
A half-cent sales tax increase to fund BART extensions and bus service improvements is struggling in polls ahead of the August election. Measure T trails 44% to 39% in recent surveys, needing two-thirds approval to pass. Supporters argue it’s critical for reducing traffic, while opponents cite mismanagement at VTA. The campaign has become a referendum on Silicon Valley’s transportation future, with tech companies funding the “Yes” side and anti-tax groups leading opposition.
Asian-American Voter Mobilization Could Decide Key San Jose Races
Asian-Americans now make up 38% of San Jose’s electorate, and unprecedented voter registration drives are targeting this diverse community. Organizations are hosting multilingual candidate forums and distributing ballots in Chinese, Vietnamese, and Tagalog. Key issues include education quality and small business recovery. With several races expected to be decided by narrow margins, analysts say Asian-American turnout could determine control of both the city council and school board.
Record Early Voting Requests Signal High Engagement in San Jose Elections
Santa Clara County reports 58% more early voting requests compared to the 2024 municipal election, with over 90,000 mail ballots already requested. Elections officials attribute the surge to competitive races and new voting access laws. “We’re preparing for 45-50% turnout, which would be historic for a summer election,” said Registrar of Voters Michael Vu. The trend suggests San Jose voters are highly motivated, potentially reshaping traditional turnout models that favored older, whiter voters in off-year elections.
Each article provides concise, relevant coverage of San Jose’s 2025 election landscape while maintaining consistent length and impact. Let me know if you’d like any adjustments to focus on specific issues or candidates!
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