Santa Clara Mayor · Nov 3, 2026
Karen Hardy
Candidate for Mayor
Karen Hardy is running for mayor of Santa Clara in the Nov 3, 2026 election, against Gary Ferraris, David Kertes, Kevin Park, Kathy Watanabe and Mike Wiltberger.
Vote-by-mail ballots begin mailing (week of) · Mon, Oct 5, 2026
TodayDistrict 3 councilmember since 2018 and retired Wilcox High School math and computer science teacher; vice chair of the Bay Area Water Supply and Conservation Agency.
- Occupation (from candidate statement)
- City of Santa Clara Councilmember District 3
- Endorsed by
- Former Santa Clara Mayor Judy Nadler, City Historian Lorie Garcia, Morgan Hill Mayor Tom Cline and former Police Chief Mike Sellers, among others Karen Hardy campaign site
- Campaign website
- www.karenhardy.net
Where Karen Hardy stands: positions on the record
Data centers2 sourced positions
Answer to the Silicon Valley Voice mayoral candidate questionnaire
Calls for a moratorium on new data centers while the city evaluates their impacts, and a full accounting of their water use.
“I believe a moratorium on new data centers is needed while we evaluate their impacts on electricity, water, infrastructure and our neighborhoods.”
Own statementSilicon Valley Voice mayoral candidate questionnaire · Sep 26, 2026
Says she authored an emergency data center moratorium and a ban on officials signing nondisclosure agreements with tech developers, both set for a first reading Oct. 6, 2026.
Own statementKaren Hardy campaign press release · Sep 18, 2026
Infrastructure1 sourced position
Answer to the Silicon Valley Voice mayoral candidate questionnaire
Urges a yes vote on Measure C so the city can use additional contracting tools for infrastructure projects.
“Please vote YES on Measure C this November”
Own statementSilicon Valley Voice mayoral candidate questionnaire · Sep 26, 2026
Development1 sourced position
Voted yes to let the Related Santa Clara project replace planned offices on two parcels with light industrial uses (passed 4-3, July 2025).
Council voteCity Council minutes · Jul 8, 2025
Electric rates1 sourced position
Voted yes on a 4.0% electric rate increase for all customer classes (passed 5-2, December 2025).
Council voteCity Council minutes · Dec 16, 2025
Housing1 sourced position
Answer to the Silicon Valley Voice mayoral candidate questionnaire
Says she is exploring whether housing cooperatives could provide housing for people at a range of incomes.
Own statementSilicon Valley Voice mayoral candidate questionnaire · Sep 26, 2026
Also running for Mayor
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