Overview
- The San José mayor rolled out an eight-page plan that ties pay raises for the governor, lawmakers and top appointees to results and pauses new taxes until the state shows better outcomes.
- The platform also seeks tighter lobbying rules, follow-through on state audit findings, and a tech upgrade to purchasing and digital systems, plus a Texas-style “California Performance Review” to hunt waste.
- The pay plan faces a constitutional hurdle because a citizen commission now sets raises for elected officials, so any change would likely need voter approval.
- Mahan remains a long-shot in a crowded race, with recent polls placing him in the low single digits as some surveys show two Republicans on track to advance.
- Dozens of Silicon Valley executives have poured millions into his bid and allied groups, drawing support for his management pitch and criticism over potential tech influence on state policy.