San José, CAVoter Guide 2026 · not a ballot

San José City Council District 9 · Nov 3, 2026

Gordon Chester

Candidate for City Council District 9

6 candidates · 3 seats6 sourced positions

Gordon Chester is running for San José City Council District 9 in the Nov 3, 2026 election, against Genny Altwer.

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Vote-by-mail ballots begin mailing (week of) · Mon, Oct 5, 2026

Today

City of San José employee for more than 11 years in the Building Department and Public Works; associate engineering technician.

Occupation (from candidate statement)
City of San Jose Infrastructure Engineer
Endorsed by
State Controller Malia Cohen, State Sen. Dave Cortese, Assemblymembers Marc Berman, Ash Kalra and Alex Lee, Supervisors Susan Ellenberg and Otto Lee, San José Councilmembers Domingo Candelas, David Cohen, Pamela Campos and Peter Ortiz, the Santa Clara County Democratic Party and SJ YIMBY, among others Gordon Chester campaign site
Campaign website
www.gordonford9.com

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Where Gordon Chester stands: positions on the record

Homelessness2 sourced positions

  • Answer to the Mercury News primary candidate questionnaire

    Does not support the policy of citing and arresting homeless residents who repeatedly refuse shelter.

    “No. There are far too many unaddressed concerns for this type of blanket policy to be effective.”

    Own statementMercury News primary candidate questionnaire · May 26, 2026

  • Campaign website

    Wants to prioritize permanent supportive housing with services over more temporary sites.

    “Prioritize permanent supportive housing with services over another round of temporary sites.”

    Own statementGordon Chester campaign site

Housing2 sourced positions

  • Answer to the Mercury News primary candidate questionnaire

    Supports using mixed-use neighborhood zoning to build mid-rise, wood-frame homes near schools and services, including missing middle housing.

    “I would support using San Jose’s mixed-use neighborhood zoning more aggressively to build mid‑rise, wood‑frame homes over neighborhood‑serving uses near existing schools and services, while continuing traditional affordable housing tools.”

    Own statementMercury News primary candidate questionnaire · May 26, 2026

  • Campaign website

    Wants new housing prioritized on transit corridors and underused retail sites, and neighbors' notice and hearing rights protected.

    “Prioritize new housing on transit corridors and underused retail sites.”

    Own statementGordon Chester campaign site

Data centers1 sourced position

  • Answer to the Mercury News primary candidate questionnaire

    Says data centers are not needed in every neighborhood and wants data on recycled water, vibration and grid impacts.

    “We do not need them in every neighborhood, I want clear information on how effectively they can rely on recycled water.”

    Own statementMercury News primary candidate questionnaire · May 26, 2026

Public safety1 sourced position

Also running for City Council District 9

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