A Stake Through the Heart of the Revolution of Common Sense
For Immediate Release
From: Republican Party of Santa Clara County (SVGOP)
David Johnson, Chairman
chair@svgop.com
Santa Clara County Republican Party Chairman David Johnson rebukes Mayor Mahan and SJ Council's Measure A endorsement and Proposition 50 as "a stake through the heart of the Revolution of Common Sense"
October 21, 2025, San Jose, CA--David Johnson, chair of the Silicon Valley GOP, rebuked Mayor Mahan and the San Jose City Council for their support of county Measure A, calling it a "wrong-headed abandonment of economic basics, and a betrayal of the principles of reform many of these officials campaigned on."
Measure A is a significant general sales tax hike that has been opposed by the San Jose Mercury News editorial board, the city of Cupertino, and many leading current and former elected local officials. Most people agree that taxes are already too high and that it will only force more small businesses and the elderly to move out of the County, further reducing tax revenues. It's a regressive tax.
"By endorsing Measure A, Mayor Mahan and the SJ City Council -just in time for Halloween--drive a stake through the heart of his Revolution of Common Sense. Instead of going 'back to basics,' Measure A rewards the wild expansion of the county's priorities. Instead of being 'transparent,' it deceptively claims to be about health care-- when in fact it's a general tax which can be spent on anything the county chooses. And instead of 'promoting accountability,' it bails out the county's extravagant purchase of failing hospitals.
"With this vote," Johnson said, "the San Jose City Council abdicates any credibility when it comes to fiscal restraint, concern for affordability, or commitment to local business growth." Hopefully San Jose downtown will find a way to survive what is sure to come.
Johnson said the Council needs an infusion of new perspectives and talent, while acknowledging George Casey CM District 10, as at the only "No" vote on the council regarding Measure A.
With regard to the Council endorsing Proposition 50 – the attempt by the State to “right the wrong” being done in Texas, most people agree that eliminating (postponing) the California Citizens Redistricting Commission is wrong and having maps drawn by politicians is wrong. Two wrongs don’t make a right!.
Both moves continue to solidify the fact that the Mayor, the City Council and the County are moving further and further to the left and should not look forward to support from moderates or conservatives in the near future.