Anatomy of an upset: How Cindy Chavez lost the SJ mayor’s race she was supposed to win

A VETERAN PUBLIC official with a long list of endorsers and major financial backing had almost every South Bay politico betting on her securing the mayoral seat in the 10th largest U.S. city. Then, she lost.

Days after the November election, it became clear Santa Clara County Supervisor Cindy Chavez had no chance of winning, as her opponent — first-term Councilmember Matt Mahan — continued to widen his lead for San Jose mayor. Despite her experience of more than 20 years, name recognition, support from local and federal leaders, and millions of dollars to propel her campaign, Chavez conceded defeat Nov. 16, short by roughly 6,000 votes, sending Mahan to the mayor’s office at City Hall.