Victory in D3: Gabby Chavez-Lopez Heads to the General Election!

We’re excited to share that AFSCME-endorsed candidate Gabby Chavez-Lopez has emerged as the top vote-getter in the San Jose District 3 special election with over 2700 hundred votes, 700 more than her second place of the vote, Gabby has secured a commanding first-place finish and is advancing to the June 24th runoff election for this crucial city council seat.

Gabby’s campaign — powered by grassroots energy and community connection — beat back over $800,000 in political spending from PACs and special interests, many backing her opponents. Despite the flood of outside money, her message of equity, affordable housing, and accountable government resonated deeply with voters.

Her closest competitor? That’s still undecided. Just a few votes separate Mayor Mahan’s handpicked candidate Matthew Quevedo from Planning Commission Chair Anthony Tordillos — a razor-thin margin that may trigger a recount.

The stakes couldn’t be higher for city workers. The District 3 seat holds the power to tip the balance of the City Council, which is currently split on many critical issues — from layoffs and staffing to homelessness policy and privatization efforts. With the City projecting a $60 million budget shortfall and departments facing up to 12% budget cuts, the June runoff will be pivotal.

Gabby has shown us what real leadership looks like: door-to-door conversations, listening to workers, and prioritizing public service over politics.

Congratulations to Gabby Chavez-Lopez on her strong showing — and thank you to all of you who knocked doors, made calls, and turned out to vote. This win belongs to all of us.

Stay tuned — we’ll need everyone back in action for the runoff election on June 24th. Let’s make sure Gabby takes this all the way.