By Robert Haugh

Satish Chandra, a former Santa Clara City Council candidate and active Northside community leader, is questioning mayoral candidate Gary Ferraris’ switch from Republican to Democratic registration and whether the change was motivated by political conviction or political opportunity.

Chandra has already acted on those concerns.

Working with former Santa Clara Unified School Board Member Chris Stampolis, Chandra helped stop a recommendation to endorse Ferraris when it came before the Santa Clara County Democratic Central Committee on Sept. 3.

Stampolis is a long-time Democratic activist and a former Democratic National Committee Delegate.

Chandra and Stampolis were successful.

Ferraris did not receive the county Democratic Party’s endorsement for Mayor. The party’s current 2026 endorsement list has none in the Mayor’s race.

“I personally fought this issue inside the Santa Clara County Democratic Party because I did not believe Gary Ferraris should automatically receive a sole Democratic endorsement without serious scrutiny of his political history and record,” Chandra told Santa Clara News Online.

“To me, Gary Ferraris’ recent shift from Republican registration to Democratic registration raises serious questions about political consistency and whether this was a matter of genuinely changing political beliefs or political opportunism,” Chandra said.

Another Democratic source was more pointed.

The source, who requested anonymity because of fear of retaliation within the local Democratic Party, characterized Ferraris and his wife as “MAGA” or “MAGA-friendly.”

SCNO has not verified that characterization. The source also questioned the timing of Ferraris’ party switch.

“He was a Republican for years at least through 2020, possibly 2022 so he was happily on the GOP rolls through at least Trump’s first term.”

“He seems to have discovered a new political identity just in time for a mayoral run. Did the 49ers pollster tell him to do it?” the source said. 

Chandra said people can legitimately change political parties and that a registration change by itself should not disqualify a candidate.

“But when that change occurs close to seeking political office and party endorsement, it is fair to ask whether the change reflects conviction or political calculation,” Chandra said.