Santa Clara County assessor Figor leading, headed for December runoff against Kumar - Local News Matters

Neysa Fligor leads the Santa Clara County assessor race with nearly 40% of the votes, while Rishi Kumar trails with approximately 24%. This election, prompted by Larry Stone's retirement after 30 years, may lead to a runoff on December 30. Fligor, currently the assistant assessor, highlights her extensive experience and commitment to modernizing the office and increasing community engagement. Kumar, advocating for tax exemptions for homeowners aged 60 and over, has positioned himself as a tax hawk, despite pushback from other candidates regarding his authority over tax policy. Yan Zhao, in third place, remains hopeful about her campaign's impact and emphasizes the need for new leadership in the assessor’s office.

The winner will complete Stone's term, ending in 2026, with a requirement to run again for a full four-year term. The candidates' focus on modernization reflects the significant role the assessor's office plays in property tax revenue generation for the county. Voter turnout and the candidates' contrasting approaches to tax policy will be key factors in the upcoming runoff.