Matt Mahan facing campaign questions, political jabs ahead of CA primary

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan is in the final days of California’s gubernatorial primary amid new questions about campaign finances and recent political developments. Polls show him losing ground. A pro-Mahan political committee refunded $1 million to Netflix chairman Reed Hastings, a major backer. Mahan said Hastings did not request the refund and continues to support his campaign, and he said a corruption complaint involving alleged coordination was rejected. Mahan criticized media coverage for rushing to publish potentially inaccurate headlines. Political observers said independent expenditure committee actions, including shutting down and refunding money, may indicate weakening support, and the timing of these moves is notable.

"“Today has been an inspiring day. And as we head into the homestretch of this election, I'm just going to stay focused on solutions. That's why I'm in this race,” Mahan said."

"“I would ask the media, though, to hold itself to a higher standard and really take the time to get the story right, rather than rush to have a very clickable headline that turns out a day later to be totally false,” he said."

"“Regardless, that independent expenditure committees are shutting down and are deciding to refund money. That's not good news for the Mahan campaign,” Michelson said."

"“Mahan said Hastings did not request the refund and continues to support his campaign. He also noted that the complaint was rejected.”"

Read at ABC7 San Francisco