Newest San Jose councilmember takes oath, fills seat left vacant by arrested predecessor

Anthony Tordillos officially took office as San Jose's District 3 councilmember this week, stepping into a role left vacant by Omar Torres, who resigned following his arrest on child sex abuse charges. Tordillos, a former Planning Commission chair and Google engineering manager, emphasized housing as his top priority during his swearing-in ceremony. Mayor Matt Mahan welcomed Tordillos to the council, highlighting his potential to bring energy and creativity. Tordillos distinguished himself in a competitive election, defeating Gabby Chavez-Lopez by 2,389 votes in the June runoff after Mahan's endorsement. Despite Mahan's support, Tordillos has carefully separated himself from some of the mayor's proposals, particularly those concerning homelessness and funding for temporary shelters.

He expressed a commitment to serving the people of San Jose, stating, "I’m looking forward to serving the people of our city. " The District 3 seat became vacant in November 2024, adding a layer of urgency to the election. Tordillos’ election reflects a shift in local political dynamics, as he advocates for housing solutions amid ongoing debates about homelessness.