Seven Candidates Vie for San Jose City Council Seat After Scandal

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Seven candidates have qualified to run for the open District 3 San Jose City Council seat, following the resignation and arrest of former Councilmember Omar Torres. The race, set for April 8, will determine who represents downtown San Jose, with a potential runoff on June 24 if no candidate secures a majority.

The candidates include San Jose Planning Commission Chair Anthony Tordillos, Latina Coalition of Silicon Valley Executive Director Gabby Chavez-Lopez, mayoral staffer Matthew Quevedo, financial analyst Irene Smith, retired family counselor Tyrone Wade, retired sheriff Lt. Adam Duran, and knife sharpener salesman Philip Dolan. Each brings a unique perspective and priorities to the table, ranging from affordable housing to public safety and downtown revitalization.

Tordillos, a software engineer for YouTube, emphasized his focus on affordable housing and innovative solutions. “Voters are tired of the same old special interest battles. They want a councilmember who will deliver for them, and that’s what I’m running to do,” he told San José Spotlight. Chavez-Lopez, endorsed by California Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, highlighted her commitment to tackling homelessness and improving neighborhood cleanliness. “I’m ready to tackle the big challenges like homelessness, public safety, and making our neighborhoods cleaner and more welcoming,” she said.

Quevedo, deputy chief of staff for Mayor Matt Mahan, has been actively involved in addressing blight, homelessness, and public safety in District 3. “We must reject all political excuses and require every homeless neighbor to come indoors as soon as shelter becomes available,” he stated. Smith, a pro tem judge and former candidate, is prioritizing fiscal accountability and large-scale homelessness solutions. “The people’s voice and D3 needs to be heard,” she said.

Wade, who previously ran for mayor, is focusing on housing, public safety, and economic opportunities. Duran, with 29 years of experience in the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, aims to combat downtown crime and restore integrity to City Hall. Dolan, who did not submit a candidate statement, has also qualified for the ballot.

In the interim, 11 individuals have applied for a temporary appointment to the vacant seat, including Caltrain Government Affairs Officer Balthazar Lopez and former downtown councilmember David James Pandori. Bob Staedler, a land use and development consultant, emphasized his experience and ability to deliver results. “My track record of building consensus, driving impactful initiatives, and understanding the unique challenges and opportunities of our diverse neighborhoods makes me uniquely qualified,” he said.

The upcoming election and temporary appointment will shape the future of District 3, as the city seeks to move forward from the scandal and address pressing community needs.