Mayors prior to 1850 Mayors since 1850 Before 1967, the mayors of San Jose were nominated and elected by the
San Jose City Council.
Popularly elected mayors (1967-present) Since 1967, San Jose has elected its mayors by popular vote. Due to state laws regarding primary elections, political parties cannot nominate candidates for mayor, although candidates often choose to identify with a party. All registered candidates, regardless of party affiliation, compete in an election held in June of even-numbered years which are non-
leap years. If no person gets over 50% of the popular vote, the top two candidates automatically move to a runoff election. Mayors are limited to two terms. All elected mayors of San Jose have been members of the
Democratic Party. The first elected mayor was Ron James and the first female mayor was
Janet Gray Hayes. ==See also==