Santa Clara Mayor · Nov 3, 2026
Kathy Watanabe
Candidate for Mayor
Kathy Watanabe is running for mayor of Santa Clara in the Nov 3, 2026 election, against Gary Ferraris, Karen Hardy, David Kertes, Kevin Park and Mike Wiltberger.
Vote-by-mail ballots begin mailing (week of) · Mon, Oct 5, 2026
TodaySanta Clara Unified School District trustee since 2024; served eight years on the City Council (2016-2024) and earlier on the city's Library Board of Trustees.
- Occupation (from candidate statement)
- School Board Trustee
- Endorsed by
- Rep. Ro Khanna, Supervisor Margaret Abe-Koga, Councilmember Kelly Cox, the Santa Clara Police Officers Association, Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter and Operating Engineers Local 3, among others Kathy Watanabe campaign site
- Campaign website
- kathywatanabe.com
All mayoral candidates except Kathy Watanabe agreed to the city's voluntary campaign expenditure limit. Silicon Valley Voice · Aug 27, 2026
Where Kathy Watanabe stands: positions on the record
Data centers1 sourced position
Answer to the Silicon Valley Voice mayoral candidate questionnaire
Says she would not support unlimited data center growth just because more power capacity becomes available.
“I would not support unlimited data-center growth simply because more capacity becomes available.”
Own statementSilicon Valley Voice mayoral candidate questionnaire · Sep 29, 2026
Electric rates1 sourced position
Answer to the Silicon Valley Voice mayoral candidate questionnaire
Says large power users, including data centers, should pay their share of the infrastructure costs they create.
“ensure large power users, including data centers, pay their fair share of the infrastructure costs they create.”
Own statementSilicon Valley Voice mayoral candidate questionnaire · Sep 29, 2026
Stadium2 sourced positions
Answer to the Silicon Valley Voice mayoral candidate questionnaire
Says she would not have supported asking the mayor and council to sign nondisclosure agreements for the Super Bowl and World Cup.
“I would not have supported asking the Mayor and Council to sign nondisclosure agreements.”
Own statementSilicon Valley Voice mayoral candidate questionnaire · Sep 29, 2026
Interview with San José Spotlight
Says she met with 49ers President Al Guido this year to discuss improving the city's relationship with the team.
Own statementSan José Spotlight · Aug 18, 2026
Housing1 sourced position
Answer to the Silicon Valley Voice mayoral candidate questionnaire
Says the city should identify land near transit for housing for the lowest-income residents.
“The City should identify land that is near transit that would benefit residents with no transportation.”
Own statementSilicon Valley Voice mayoral candidate questionnaire · Sep 29, 2026
Also running for Mayor
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