Candidates for San Jose District 3 special election address residents' biggest issues

With the San Jose District 3 special election less than two months away, candidates in the crowded field to replace disgraced former Councilmember Omar Torres have begun to roll out their policy platforms in hopes of winning the support of voters.

At a forum hosted by the San Jose Downtown Association and the San Jose Chamber of Commerce Wednesday, public safety, the homelessness crisis, and housing development remained among the top priorities for the five candidates who participated in the event.

“As I’ve been knocking on doors talking with voters, it’s clear that many folks in our community have lost trust in their local government, and rightfully so,” said Anthony Tordillos, an engineer and city planning commissioner running for the seat. “Housing is still much too expensive. Too many of our neighbors are living on the streets without shelter. Too many of our small businesses are struggling, and too many folks don’t feel safe in their own city.”

Tordillos, Gabby Chavez-Lopez, Irene Smith, Matthew Quevedo and Adam Duran participated in Wednesday’s forum, which is the first of several to take place over the coming weeks. Philip Dolan and Tyrone Wade — the two other candidates that qualified to appear on the ballot — did not take part in the event.



https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/02/13/candidates-for-san-jose-district-3-special-election-address-residents-biggest-issues/