Matt Mahan records huge surge in support California governor run

Gamblers have places their bets on Matt Mahan – with the San Jose mayor and vocal Gavin Newsom critic leapfrogging Democratic rivals in the gridlocked race for California governor.

Betting markets show that straight after announcing his surprise bid for California governor, Mahan’s odds surged 36% on Polymarket, with bettors predicting tough-on-crime Dem with Silicon Valley ties has what it takes to clear to underwhelming field of lefty Democrats such as former congresswoman Katie Porter.

Mahan is now behind only Rep. Eric Swalwell, who is leading the led the field with 45% of bets.

Porter, once considered the Democratic frontrunner before footage emerged of her screaming at a staffer during a video call, has fallen to just to 9%.

Billionaire climate activist Tom Steyer is favored by 7%, while Bianco, Hilton and former LA mayor Antonio Villaraigosa barely register in betting odds at 3% or less.

Steyer’s camp promptly went on the attack, branding Mahan a tool of Big Tech.

“Tom Steyer will continue to make the case that billionaires and wealthy corporations should pay their fair share so we can fund schools, healthcare, and core services,” said Kevin Liao, Steyer’s spokesperson. “California needs a governor who will stand up to powerful interests, not carry their water.”

Mahan bills himself as a “back to basics” candidate focused on fixing the state’s crises of homelessness and affordability, dismissing Newsom’s attention-hogging attacks on the Trump administration as political theater.

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In that poll, 17% of respondents favored Bianco and 14% favored Hilton. Swalwell and Porter were in a dead heat at 11% support each.