San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan participated in San Francisco's annual Bay to Breakers race, drawing attention with a costume themed around housing, a central issue in his ongoing campaign for California Governor. Mahan, who leads California's third-largest city, shared his experience on social media, stating, > "I’m running on housing, so I thought this costume would be fitting for Bay to Breakers. Great time in SF!"
Mayor Mahan, elected to his current position in 2022 and re-elected in 2024, has made housing and homelessness key pillars of his political platform. His mayoral tenure in San Jose has seen efforts to streamline permitting and accelerate housing development, with the city breaking ground on over 2,000 housing units in 2025. He advocates for policies that prioritize affordable housing and address the state's broader housing crisis.
Mahan's appearance at the San Francisco event underscores his statewide focus on housing affordability. He has been a vocal critic of California's regulatory environment, arguing that it inflates construction costs and hinders the development of new homes. His proposed solutions include reducing regulatory burdens and focusing on cost-effective, interim shelter solutions for the unhoused.
The Bay to Breakers race, a long-standing San Francisco tradition known for its festive atmosphere and elaborate costumes, provided a unique backdrop for Mahan's political messaging. His presence in San Francisco, outside his home city of San Jose, highlights his ambition to address the housing challenges impacting the entire Bay Area and the state. As a gubernatorial candidate, Mahan continues to emphasize his track record in San Jose as evidence of his ability to tackle complex issues like housing on a larger scale.
