The Santa Clara County Democratic Party doesn’t plan to narrow its dual endorsement of both candidates running to represent downtown San Jose in the June 24 runoff election.
The party endorsed Gabby Chavez-Lopez, executive director of the Latina Coalition of Silicon Valley, and Planning Commission Chair Anthony Tordillos over five other candidates in the April 8 special election. The dual endorsement won’t change — despite both candidates competing against each other — because insiders say the party historically hasn’t changed its endorsements.
“The Democratic Party can make a dual endorsement if the Central Committee doesn’t have a sufficiently high consensus for a sole endorsement,” Bill James, chair of the Santa Clara County Democratic Party, told San José Spotlight. “A sole endorsement requires two-thirds consensus.”
He said dual endorsements aren’t common, but happen in open seat races with multiple Democrats running, as is the case with District 3. The seat became open following former Councilmember Omar Torres’ resignation and arrest last November on Election Day. Torres pleaded no contest earlier this year to alleged child sex abuse and faces up to 24 years in jail.
“Then their supporters band together to get those candidates included in a multiple endorsement,” James said. “The circumstances under which this arises is unique given the way Torres left the seat.”
Both Chavez-Lopez and Tordillos tout the dual endorsement.
“I’m proud to have the Democratic Party supporting me in my campaign. Obviously I share a lot of values the party has, and have a proven track record of doing so,” Chavez-Lopez told San José Spotlight. “I’m the only candidate with the breadth and the depth of experience on the variety of issues beyond just housing that’s happening in our district.”
Chavez-Lopez said she remains the only candidate endorsed by the South Bay Labor Council — the city’s largest labor union coalition — and wants to remain focused on the core issues of the District 3 campaign including housing, downtown and City Hall.
Kurt Frewing, spokesperson for Tordillos, cited recent San José Spotlight stories about Chavez-Lopez re-establishing residency in the district and her campaign ties to PG&E as examples of her breaking voter trust.
“Numerous labor unions and Democratic clubs know they simply can’t count on Gabby and have solely endorsed Anthony’s campaign,” Frewing told San José Spotlight. “Anthony is building a unique coalition that stands up to special interests and focuses on progress. He’s proud to be endorsed by the Democratic Party, local labor unions, Mayor Matt Mahan, San Jose’s police officers and thousands of District 3 neighbors.”
Contact Vicente Vera at [email protected] or follow @VicenteJVera on X.
