San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan told the All-In podcast that if Democrats don't deliver on housing, energy, education and public safety, California risks a "MAGA-like" political backlash. He criticized special interest influence—especially from teachers' unions—and urged officials to demand accountability. While he praised some of Gov. Gavin Newsom's work, Mahan said results matter more than intentions. He has also proposed stricter measures for chronic homelessness after multiple refusals of shelter.
Matt Mahan Warns Democrats: Deliver Results Or California Could See a 'MAGA-Like' Backlash
Matt Mahan is one of several Democratic candidates running to become the next California governor.(AP Newsroom)
San Jose Mayor and gubernatorial candidate Matt Mahan warned fellow Democrats in a recent interview that continued failure to address housing, public safety, education and energy costs could create political openings for a more extreme conservative movement in California.
Key Remarks on the All-In Podcast
Speaking on the All-In podcast, Mahan framed his campaign as a challenge to the political status quo rather than a purely partisan bid. "I'm running against the system because it doesn't matter if you're a Democrat, a Republican, an independent," he said. "We need a high-functioning government that delivers lower housing costs, lower energy costs, better schools, safer neighborhoods, an end to street homelessness. We have the resources to do it. What we haven't had is the political will and accountability to do it. And I don't think that's a partisan point."
"If the Democratic Party doesn't start to wake up and be more responsive to the needs of our constituents and deliver with the resources we've got, we're going to see the pendulum swing all the way the other way, and you're going to see a MAGA-like movement happen here in California."
Accountability, Unions and Policy
Mahan criticized what he described as undue influence from special interests, pointing specifically to teachers' unions for opposing certain accountability measures. "When the teachers' union organizes and says, 'We don't want more accountability. We don't want to be told to use evidence-based curriculum,'" he said, urging elected leaders to prioritize community outcomes over political expedience.
Mahan did not criticize Gov. Gavin Newsom despite calling out Democratic leadership.
On Gov. Newsom
Although critical of some Democratic policies, Mahan stopped short of a direct personal attack on Gov. Gavin Newsom. He said he focuses on results rather than intentions and called Newsom a "bulwark" against some poor legislative ideas, while urging the governor to do more. Newsom's office declined to comment to Fox News Digital.
Controversial Homelessness Proposal
Mahan has previously drawn attention for proposing stricter measures to address chronic street homelessness. At a 2025 press conference he said, "Homelessness can’t be a choice, especially when over 200 people die on our streets each year," and suggested policies that would impose consequences after repeated refusals of shelter offers.
As one of several Democrats running to succeed Gov. Newsom in November, Mahan's remarks underscore an intra-party debate over accountability, governance and the political risks if voters conclude leaders are not solving California's most pressing problems.
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