By Robert Haugh

Santa Clara mayoral candidate Gary Ferraris has been a Democrat for less than two years.

New voter registration information obtained by Santa Clara News Online shows Ferraris changed his registration from Republican to Democrat on January 20, 2025.

That means Ferraris had been a registered Democrat for only about 21 months before this November’s election.

The precise date adds new information to questions already being raised about Ferraris’ political history.

Earlier this month, SCNO reported that Satish Chandra, a former Santa Clara City Council candidate and active Northside community leader, helped challenge an effort to secure the Santa Clara County Democratic Party endorsement for Ferraris.

Ferraris ultimately did not receive the county Democratic Party endorsement.

Now, Chandra says the January 2025 registration change raises more questions about why Ferraris switched parties.

“I cannot speak for Gary’s personal motives, but the timing certainly raises questions,” Chandra told SCNO.

According to another source, the 49ers suggested Ferraris switch parties after doing polling in Santa Clara.  Only 16 percent of Mission City voters are registered Republican, according to Political Data Inc.

The 49ers have put approximately $1.87 million into an independent expenditure committee supporting Ferraris and opposing mayoral candidates Kathy Watanabe and David Kertes.

Chandra questioned Ferraris’ financial support from the team and other special interests. “Voters deserve complete transparency about potential conflicts and competing interests,” Chandra said.

Chandra also criticized what he described as attacks on Watanabe.

“Instead of spending so much energy attacking another candidate, I believe Gary should be telling Santa Clara residents exactly what he intends to accomplish as mayor,” Chandra said.

He said voters should hear more from Ferraris about how he would protect taxpayers, deal with the City budget and infrastructure, address housing and public safety, and manage Santa Clara’s relationship with the 49ers.

Chandra said the central question is what Ferraris would do when powerful organizations want something from City Hall that may not be in residents’ interests.

“How will he make decisions when the interests of powerful organizations conflict with the interests of Santa Clara residents?” Chandra asked.

“This isn’t personal for me,” Chandra said. “It is about who is going to stand up for Santa Clara when powerful interests come knocking.”

“I believe the mayor’s first responsibility should be to the residents and taxpayers of Santa Clara — not to a political party, not to organized labor, not to the 49ers, and not to any wealthy individual or special interest.”