Matt Mahan concedes minutes after polls close in Calif. governor race
SFGATE • • nation
Key Points:
- San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan conceded the California governor race shortly after initial votes were released, acknowledging that his campaign had ended but emphasizing that his mission continues.
- Early vote totals showed Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton leading, with Mahan not ranking in the top five, meaning he will not advance to the November general election.
- Mahan, a late entrant supported by Silicon Valley elites like Michael Moritz, Reed Hastings, and Sergey Brin, campaigned on reducing homelessness and increasing housing, branding his platform as "Building a Better California."
- Despite his concession, Mahan reiterated his commitment to being a "get sh-t done Democrat" and focused on his policy goals during his election night remarks.
- Mahan's campaign included a unique fundraising pledge to raise $35 million by mid-April, with promises to return donations if unmet; however, he did not reach this target and returned at least $1 million to donors.