By Robert Haugh
The Santa Clara Police Officers Association has announced its endorsements for the 2026 City elections, backing Kathy Watanabe, David Kertes, Yvonne Inciarte and Kyle Madej.
Santa Clara POA President Jeremy Schmidt said the association supports candidates who prioritize public safety and Santa Clara residents.
“We are proud to support another diverse slate of long-time Santa Clarans that we believe the residents can depend on,” Schmidt said.
The POA endorsed both Watanabe and Kertes in the Mayor’s race.
Schmidt described Watanabe as an experienced and dedicated civic leader and a strong supporter of public safety.
“Kathy Watanabe is an experienced and dedicated local civic leader and a staunch supporter of public safety,” Schmidt said.
He also praised her responsiveness to residents.
“In my experience with multiple politicians, I have noticed that she is one of the most responsive community organizers I’ve ever seen,” Schmidt said. “She is accessible and accountable to her constituents.”
Schmidt said Kertes has also demonstrated strong support for public safety.
“David Kertes has strongly supported public safety and has a strong business acumen that is unmatched in the Mayor’s race,” Schmidt said. “His family first agenda presents a compelling argument for voters to consider.”
For City Council, the POA endorsed Inciarte, describing her as a longtime resident with a strong understanding of Santa Clara.
“Yvonne Inciarte is a politically astute, long time resident,” Schmidt said. “She knows the city inside and out and values progress for the people first.”
Schmidt also called Inciarte an “outspoken public safety supporter.”
“We expect her to be an excellent partner for years to come,” he said.
The POA also endorsed Madej, citing his longtime involvement in the community and leadership in youth sports.
“Kyle Madej is a pillar of the community and has been here for decades,” Schmidt said. “His youth sports leadership has woven him into the community and given him a strong understanding of what families need.”
Schmidt said Madej’s business experience also gives him an understanding of security and public safety issues.
“He understands security through his business experience and stands ready to support public safety to deliver results to the community,” Schmidt said.
The POA said its endorsements are based on candidates it believes will support public safety, remain accountable to residents and provide dependable leadership at City Hall.
Remember Santa Clarans resoundingly voted 72% against the 49er Cabal to continue to elect our police chief in 2024?!
So, these folks are providing the right direction for Santa Clara’s future!
I spoke out against placing a ballot measure to eliminate the elected police chief on several occasions. When the vote was put to the public despite surveys indicating residents wanted to keep the elected police chief, I walked all over the City against Measure B. Amazing, the voting result was exactly the same as the survey result. And $500k was wasted in the process.
We hear all the time about low voter turnout and we need more voters. I don’t agree. Those of us that stay informed and know what is being done to our city and who is doing it cast meaningful ballots. Not always for the same side, but at least somewhat informed. Instead of more voters we need more informed voters. JMEO. Informed voters would not keep voting against their own interests.
Isn’t it amazing that it’s been so quiet from Miles Barber, Mary Grizzle, Donna West, Adam, Thompson, and many others who seem to criticize people trying to do good things in the city. Not a peep about Jed York and his trailer trash money supporting Gary Farraris and Kimberly Williams for Mayor and City Council. The clock is ticking away Miles, Mary, Donna, Adam and others. You have an opinion on everything give us your opinion on Jed York and his money, his current legal situation and the stain he has put on our city. Tick tick, clock is ticking, give us your thoughts?
Of course the Santa Clara Police are endorsing candidates that have integrity and ethics.
I’m sure they would not put their good name supporting criminal Jed York’s picks: Gary Ferraris and Kimberly Williams. Nor would Jed support 2 of the 49er 5 still on the Council that Jed used and discarded… Karen Hardy and Kevin Park who both sold the City out and provided Jed with Hundreds of millions of public dollars in concessions.
This should be a “no brainer” for SC residents as well. Reject Jed’s filthy money and vote to get our city back.
Thanks Dana
Could not agree more with what you have just stated.
All respect to any one of the fellow residents who are looking to help get our City back.
“Boots on the Ground” and the ability to reach people who are just not aware just how much this one NFL Franchise has already taken from us. And from all appearances, they are just scratching the surface.
All we have to do is remember one key thought process in regards to the 49ers running our City in the Future.
“All they want is everything”.
That’s it…sadly even if they ever got everything they still would never be satisfied because they would think there must be more somewhere…. right?
How sad that in the end, or willingness to help, has only now come back to be maybe the greatest mistake our City has ever made.
To any other Cities… if the NFL comes knocking, RUN…. just Run as fast as you can away from them. Nothing good will ever come of it.
In the mean time, we Santa Clara residents just need to vote what is best for us, not what is best for some NFL Franchise.
Just The Facts Ma’am
Thank you for the info.
In honor of Yvonne’s opposition from Jed York, I made a $160 contribution. Why $160? Hmmm, it just seemed the right amount. I invite others to do so also.
Great comment Dan, It would be great if everyone who donates, does the same thing. I’m going to increase my donation to Yvonne to make it and even $160 as well.
Kudos to the POA for supporting excellent candidates that will move Santa Clara in a positive direction.
These are candidates that will put Santa Clara and its residents first and are not beholden to one business that resides in our City.
None of them are supported by Jed York, in fact every one of them is opposed by Jed York.