Council Member Anthony Becker is running to become the next Santa Clara mayor. Becker kicked off his campaign on July 18 outside of Santa Clara City Hall. He says it’s time for a change and he believes he can be the driving force behind that change.
“Santa Clara is in need of new leadership as well as change,” said Becker. “The current mayor has been on the City Council since 1992 when she was first elected. I was 6 years old then and today I turn 37.” That is way too long to be in elected office for one city.”
“We need a mayor who serves the community’s needs, not personal agendas,” continued Becker. “A mayor who has an interest in the city and its residents, not one with conflict of interests. We do not need a politician from yesteryear, we need a public servant for today and tomorrow. Leadership that does not come with strings attached but with accountability.”
Becker, who was elected to the Council in November 2020, says his track record already proves that he’s suited for the job.
“Since I have been on Council, I have accomplished big changes and reforms for Santa Clara (with the help of my colleagues) starting with ending the costly CVRA lawsuit that current leadership squandered $6 million dollars on, improving the relationships with our stakeholders and neighboring cities, bringing the World Cup to Santa Clara in 2026, implementing the Homeless Task Force,” said Becker. “I will ensure this Council will explore every avenue for generating revenue, whether that’s bringing major events to Levi’s Stadium, the new business license tax or ensuring developers are paying their fair share for affordable housing programs.”
He plans to continue a push for affordable housing as mayor of Santa Clara.
“My priorities are building the affordable housing that we desperately need, combating homelessness by what I call, ‘prevent and provide,’ reducing our deficits, investing in our infrastructure and rebuilding our downtown and swim center,” said Becker. “In the last six years under the current leadership, the City has seen a decline in all these areas and I want to change that. Santa Clara is the center of what’s possible and the possibilities are endless when our City is back on track and our governance is focused on the quality-of-life things that matter.”
Becker is expected to run against current Santa Clara Mayor Lisa Gillmor, someone he has butted heads with during previous Council meetings. Despite their history, Becker expects the race to remain civil.
“I am looking forward to a clean and ethical race that will focus on the issues, focus on the solutions and focus on providing Santa Clarans an excellent quality of life,” said Becker.
