Mahan Gains Traction in CA Governor Race

0:00It's April 17. Welcome in. This is California News Today, where local news meets AI. San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan just dropped some upbeat internal polling in his push for California Governor. The survey of 900 likely primary voters puts him at 8%, landing third among Democrats ahead of the June 2nd primary. He's trailing Republican Steve Hilton at 25%. Democrat Tom Steyer at 16%, and Katie Porter at 10%. His poll hit right after Congressman Eric Swalwell bowed out amid sexual assault claims shaking up the field. Mahan's team is wrapping up his moderate Democrat vibe with a new slogan. Democrat for Governor splashed across TV ads and his site. They're highlighting his working-class roots in a $3 million media push. Campaign insiders are buzzing with hope, calling it proof voters connect with the story once they hear it. He's pulled in $12 million himself, plus 23 million from outside groups, mostly Silicon

1:00Valley bigwigs. Experts note he's ditching his tougher on-cry mayor pitch to appeal more to the Democratic base. But a fresh Emerson college poll from April 14th to 15th shows Hilton leading a 17% with others at 14 and Mahan down. At 5%, political pros say name recognition is his big hurdle with just weeks left. Mahan squad sees momentum building. Betting voters tune in late and his fresh face cuts through the noise as the primary heats up.