San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, a fellow Democrat, has repeatedly and publicly criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom this year, taking issue with the governor’s approach to state-level issues such as homelessness, drug addiction, and his online conduct.
Newsom, who is term-limited in 2026, has been expanding his national presence this year.
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, a fellow Democrat, has repeatedly and publicly criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom this year, taking issue with the governor’s approach to state-level issues such as homelessness, drug addiction, and his online conduct.
According to a Politico report, Mahan has voiced his concern that Newsom is prioritizing his national profile and potential 2028 presidential aspirations over “solving problems in the real world” for Californians.
The mayor has also called for more action and funding from the state on issues like retail theft and drug use, specifically concerning Proposition 36, which voters passed in November. Mahan emphasized to Politico that his “disagreements with the governor are not personal and they’re not particularly political — they are practical,” wishing to see the governor “be laser focused on addressing the basics.”
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Mahan’s critiques have reportedly vexed some of Newsom’s advisors.
Bob Salladay, a spokesperson for Newsom, stated that the governor’s office is “not at war with the mayor,” and added that “we’re all in this together.” However, some Democratic strategists and Newsom allies have dismissed Mahan’s comments. One anonymous Newsom advisor suggested the mayor is simply “trying to get attention,” while longtime Democratic strategist Garry South characterized Mahan as “playing way out of his league.”
Conversely, another veteran Democratic strategist, Steven Maviglio, commended Mahan for voicing the complaint that Newsom “has neglected his job as governor and is totally focused on his presidential ambitions.”
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