California's gubernatorial race just got another contender. San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan announced Thursday he's running for governor, promising to shake things up on some of the state's thorniest issues.

A Democrat Enters the Fray

Mahan, a Democrat and former tech entrepreneur, revealed his plans via X on Thursday. He's pitching himself as someone who's actually gotten things done in San Jose and wants to replicate that at the state level, focusing on homelessness, public safety, and making California more affordable.

His announcement lands as California grapples with debates over a proposed 5% billionaire tax—timing that's certainly not accidental.

As for what pushed him to run? His wife Silvia. "She looked at me and she said, 'I think our state needs you,'" Mahan shared in his campaign announcement. Sometimes the best campaign advisors are at home.

Not everyone's thrilled about his entry, though.

Early Reactions Split Along Predictable Lines

Republican gubernatorial candidate and Fox News host Steve Hilton wasted no time taking shots, calling Mahan "squarely in line with Democratic orthodoxy on climate change." Hilton warned this would bring more "climate insanity" and higher costs—a reference to Democrats' environmental regulations and mandates.

Meanwhile, Garry Tan, President and CEO of Y Combinator, is firmly in Mahan's corner. Tan said California needs a leader focused on "results and excellence," and declared in a separate X post, "It's time for Matt Mahan to be Governor of California." Tan has been outspoken against the proposed billionaire tax, so his endorsement suggests where Mahan might land on that debate.

November Election Features Packed Field

Mahan's joining what's already a crowded race ahead of the June primary. The field includes former Rep. Katie Porter, Rep. Eric Swalwell, former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. With this many candidates, November's election is shaping up to be quite the contest.