Matt Mahan Launches Gubernatorial Bid with $4.8 Million Ad Campaign
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan has begun airing television advertisements statewide as part of his campaign for California governor in 2026, backed by a significant $4.8 million investment from an independent expenditure committee. The ads focus on Mahan’s personal story and his record as mayor of San Jose.
Silicon Valley Support Fuels Campaign
The advertisements, funded by California Back to Basics Supporting Matt Mahan for Governor 2026, highlight Mahan’s upbringing in a working-class family, his experiences working on a grounds crew and as a middle school teacher, and his accomplishments in leading San Jose. A narrator in one ad emphasizes Mahan’s focus on “the basics,” citing improvements in public safety, homelessness, and housing construction during his tenure as mayor.
Key Donors to the Independent Expenditure Committee
Major donors to the independent expenditure committee include billionaire venture capitalist Michael Moritz, Ashley Merrill, founder of a luxury sleepwear company, and Silicon Valley entrepreneur Michael Seibel. Billionaire Los Angeles developer Rick Caruso, who previously considered running for governor or mayor of Los Angeles, is also involved in the effort, according to a strategist familiar with the committee.
Fundraising and Campaign Status
While legally prohibited from coordinating directly with Mahan’s campaign, the independent expenditure committee is working to raise his profile among California voters. Mahan officially launched his gubernatorial campaign four weeks ago and has already raised nearly $9.2 million in large donations, demonstrating strong support from the tech industry. He is entering a crowded field of candidates vying to replace Governor Gavin Newsom, who is termed out of office in 2026.
Background on Matt Mahan
Matt Mahan was elected mayor of San Jose in January 2023. Prior to becoming mayor, he served on the San Jose City Council from 2021 to 2023, representing the 10th district. He is also a tech entrepreneur, having co-founded and served as CEO of Brigade Media, a company focused on civic engagement. Mahan was born in San Francisco, California, in 1982 and graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University in 2005. He also served as president of the Harvard Undergraduate Council. 1
Early Life and Education
Mahan was raised in Watsonville, California, by a school teacher and a letter carrier. He attended Bellarmine College Preparatory on a work-study scholarship. 2 After graduating from Harvard, he spent a year in Bolivia working on economic development projects and later taught middle school English and History in San José through Teach for America. 2
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