Super Tuesday, the primary election, is less than two weeks away. Most races will determine which two candidates advance to the general election in November. However, in the San Jose mayoral race, a winner will be declared on March 5 since there are only two candidates: incumbent Matt Mahan and challenger Tyrone Wade.

Wade, a retired marriage, family, and crisis counselor who has worked in various city governments around the Bay Area, expressed dissatisfaction with the current city government, mayor, and city council, stating that none have addressed his desired changes. He aims to reform child protective services and the police department, advocating for counselors to respond to domestic violence calls instead of officers. Wade also emphasized his experience running homeless shelters, believing it qualifies him to tackle homelessness, which he described as an epidemic claiming 300 lives annually.

Mahan is completing an unusual two-year term due to winning the 2022 runoff. Voters opted to align the mayoral election with presidential years for higher turnout, so Mahan is finishing a two-year term and seeking another four years. He highlighted his priorities of accelerating the transition of individuals from tent encampments to dignified housing, increasing police numbers for enhanced safety, city cleanup, and broadening economic opportunities for residents. Mahan acknowledged progress on his agenda but stressed the need for continued efforts.

With only two candidates, the March 5 election will determine the San Jose mayoral race’s outcome. While ballots have been mailed out, in-person voting is available until polls close at 8 p.m. on March 5.