District 3 Councilmember Tordillos Kicks Off Reelection Bid
Just four months after securing his District 3 San Jose City Council seat in a special election, Anthony Tordillos has announced his campaign for a full term. He is the first candidate to enter the race for the downtown San Jose district, focusing his platform on critical local issues like housing affordability, public safety, and the ongoing homelessness crisis.
A Quick Return to the Campaign Trail
Councilmember Tordillos’ recent announcement signals his intent to serve a full four-year term beginning in 2027. His current position fills the remainder of the term left vacant by the resignation of former Councilmember Omar Torres, who faced child sex abuse charges. Tordillos won the special election runoff in June with a decisive 64% of the vote.
Broad Support and Collaborative Vision
The campaign launch immediately highlighted a robust list of endorsements, showcasing a wide cross-section of South Bay political leadership. Supporters include San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, Councilmembers David Cohen and Michael Mulcahy, along with various Santa Clara County supervisors, South Bay Assemblymembers, and other local municipal officials. Tordillos emphasized that this diverse support reflects his ability to build strong working relationships across the political spectrum during his initial months in office, aiming for “big coalitions to deliver results for voters.”
Platform Priorities for San Jose
Tordillos is once again campaigning on the same core issues that drove his successful special election bid:
- Boosting Housing Affordability: Addressing the high cost of living and ensuring more accessible housing options for residents.
- Improving Public Safety: Implementing measures to enhance community safety and reduce crime in District 3.
- Reining in the Homelessness Crisis: Working towards effective solutions to support San Jose’s unhoused population.
Early Policy Wins and Impact
In his brief three-month tenure, Tordillos has already pointed to several policy achievements:
- Gateway Tower Project: He advanced this significant development, which will bring 220 affordable apartments to the downtown SoFA district, with 10 homes specifically earmarked for local artists.
- Building Code Reform: Tordillos has worked to streamline San Jose’s building code, aiming to reduce home construction costs.
- Public Safety Measures: He supported initiatives like a temporary ban on new tobacco shops and increased fines for blighted properties, contributing to a safer, cleaner downtown.
Councilmember David Cohen praised Tordillos’ contributions, particularly highlighting his housing expertise and thoughtful approach to city challenges. “I think he’s going to make a good member of the council and a good partner in the years ahead,” Cohen remarked.
Tordillos’ Path to a Full Term
Tordillos, a former Google employee and past chair of the San Jose Planning Commission, is also noted as the third openly gay member to serve on the city council. The upcoming June 2 primary election for District 3 will determine if he secures a full four-year term, allowing him to expand on his initial policy successes and collaborative approach.
| Election Type | Date | Purpose | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Special Election | June (earlier this year) | Fill vacant term | Won 64% of vote |
| Primary Election | June 2 (next year) | Secure full 4-year term (starting 2027) | Campaigning; no other candidates yet |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What district does Anthony Tordillos represent?
Anthony Tordillos represents District 3 on the San Jose City Council, which covers the city’s downtown neighborhoods. - What are Tordillos’ main campaign issues?
His campaign focuses on boosting housing affordability, improving public safety, and addressing San Jose’s homelessness crisis. - Who has endorsed Tordillos for reelection?
He has a broad base of support, including San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, Councilmembers David Cohen and Michael Mulcahy, and several Santa Clara County supervisors and South Bay Assemblymembers. - What prompted the special election for District 3?
The special election was held to fill the seat left vacant by former Councilmember Omar Torres, who resigned due to a child sex abuse scandal. - What are some of Tordillos’ early policy achievements?
Key achievements include advancing the Gateway Tower affordable housing project, working on building code reform to cut housing costs, and supporting public safety measures like a tobacco shop ban.
As the June 2 primary approaches, District 3 residents can anticipate further discussion on Councilmember Tordillos’ proposals and his vision for San Jose’s downtown core.
Tordillos Kicks Off Reelection Bid For Full Term
