San Jose’s newest elected representative has officially taken office, marking a new chapter for District 3 after a period of political turbulence. Anthony Tordillos was sworn in at the City Council meeting on Tuesday, joining his colleagues on the dais to the applause of supporters and community members. The moment marked the culmination of a fast-moving political journey for Tordillos, who previously served as chair of the city’s Planning Commission and worked as an engineering manager. His transition from civic service to elected leadership has been swift, propelled by his campaign’s focus on community needs and a promise to make housing his top priority.
After taking the oath of office, Tordillos addressed the audience with gratitude, acknowledging the people who helped pave his path to public office. He thanked his family for their support and emphasized the honor and responsibility that come with serving the city. His remarks underscored his readiness to address pressing issues in District 3, a central San Jose area that faces both economic opportunities and ongoing challenges, particularly in housing affordability and homelessness.
Mayor Matt Mahan welcomed Tordillos warmly, expressing confidence that the new councilmember’s energy and creativity would bring valuable perspectives to the governing body. The mayor’s remarks highlighted a sense of optimism about the city’s future and the potential for collaborative policymaking on matters that impact residents’ daily lives.
Tordillos’ path to the council seat was marked by a competitive and unpredictable election season. Initially, political analysts and community leaders expected other contenders to secure the role, including figures with established political networks and organizational backing. Labor leaders had thrown their early support behind a nonprofit executive director, while the mayor initially endorsed his own deputy chief of staff. However, the primary election results shifted the political landscape. Tordillos emerged as a surprise contender, earning the mayor’s endorsement after the early favorite was eliminated.
In the June runoff election, Tordillos secured victory by a margin of 2,389 votes over his main opponent, proving his ability to rally voters and build momentum even without the strongest initial political backing. His campaign message focused heavily on the need to address housing shortages, streamline city processes, and create practical solutions to homelessness, which resonated with a diverse base of District 3 residents.
The vacancy Tordillos now fills was the result of a high-profile resignation in late 2024, following the arrest of the previous councilmember on serious criminal charges. That event left District 3 without representation for several months, making the outcome of this election particularly important for residents eager for stable and accountable leadership.
Tordillos has made it clear that housing will be his top priority, recognizing it as a central issue affecting residents’ quality of life. His agenda includes expanding affordable housing options, working to balance development with neighborhood concerns, and ensuring that new projects are integrated into the broader vision for San Jose’s growth. Additionally, he has expressed interest in tackling issues of public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and economic development in the downtown core.
While the challenges ahead are significant, Tordillos’ supporters believe his combination of public service experience and technical expertise will serve him well on the council. The swearing-in ceremony served not only as a formal transition of leadership but also as a symbolic fresh start for District 3. Residents, city staff, and fellow councilmembers will now look to see how he translates his campaign commitments into concrete policy decisions.
As he begins his term, Tordillos faces the complex realities of governing in one of California’s largest cities, where local decisions often intersect with broader regional and state-level issues. Nevertheless, his election reflects a growing trend of candidates from professional and civic backgrounds entering politics to bring practical perspectives to policymaking. For District 3, his arrival offers the promise of renewed focus, accountability, and progress on the issues that matter most to its diverse and vibrant community.
