"San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan is tech's favorite candidate to be the next leader of California. The 43-year-old former tech executive jumped into the crowded race in January, touting himself as a pragmatic problem-solver. A moderate Democrat, Mahan has built his statewide profile mainly by criticizing Gov. Gavin Newsom and the Legislature's response to homelessness and crime. His centrist message has appealed to tech leaders who want a business-friendly governor to succeed Newsom, a longtime tech ally who's terming out."
"In just three months, Mahan has raised more than any of his rivals, many of whom have been running for more than a year. ( Billionaire Tom Steyer is largely self-funding his campaign.) During a Tuesday night debate on CNN, he criticized his rivals as career politicians while crafting himself as the candidate with practical solutions to the state's challenges. "We don't need MAGA values, but we also don't need more of the same," Mahan said, referring to President Donald Trump's "Make America Great Again" movement supported by Republican rivals Chad Bianco and Steve Hilton, whom Trump has endorsed."
"But Mahan doesn't appear to have yet gained the momentum he expected or the widespread name recognition to beat his rivals - and he's running out of time to win over voters ahead of the June 2 primary. His ties to tech are of particular concern to labor unions and a segment of Democratic voters who question whether he'll stand up to the industry. A Silicon Valley mayor "People do not want somebody who is a puppet of these big tech billionaires, of these AI billionaires - and that's who he has always been," said L"
Matt Mahan, San Jose mayor and former tech executive, is a moderate Democrat favored by tech leaders for California governor. He entered the crowded race in January, presenting himself as a pragmatic problem-solver and criticizing Gov. Gavin Newsom and the Legislature’s handling of homelessness and crime. In three months, he raised more than any rival, supported by major tech investment and even a Super Bowl ad. During a CNN debate, he attacked rivals as career politicians and framed his approach as practical solutions rather than MAGA values or more of the same. His tech ties raise concerns among labor unions and some Democratic voters, especially as he opposes a proposed billionaires’ tax that wealthy residents threaten to resist with an exodus.
#california-politics #tech-backed-campaigns #homelessness-and-crime #billionaires-tax #democratic-primaries
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