GOP "won't get fooled again" by tax-increasing Democrats

On June 16, 2026, the San Jose City Council voted (9-2) to oppose the Protect Prop 13 Initiative, which will be on the November ballot.

The Initiative was powered by thousands of volunteers who spent countless hours gathering signatures to get it on the ballot.

We applaud the principled stance of Councilmembers Casey and Doan. They continue to carry the now-flickering candle of fiscal responsibility on the Council, by standing athwart their colleagues' ongoing efforts to gut Proposition 13's taxpayer protections.

Protect Prop 13 would close the bizarre loopholes that cities use that make it increasingly easy to squeeze taxpayers for more funds without broad voter support.

For many local Republicans, the actions of the majority make this moment feel like a cowardly act of betrayal; a slap in the face to the very people who worked tirelessly to give voters a voice.

Mahan, Mulcahy, Foley--in particular: these “leaders” present themselves as champions of responsible budgeting and conservative-leaning stewardship. Yet their stance on the Save Prop 13 Act and a parade of other tax measures shows why many residents feel burned by their promises.

Attitudes toward taxation are foundational. They define the relationship between citizens and their elected leaders. When politicians bait and switch, when they say one thing about their fiscal philosophy to get your vote and then govern in the opposite direction, it’s not just disappointing. It’s disqualifying.

To Mahan, Foley, and Mulcahey: don’t think people aren’t noticing and pulling their support. Mayor Mahan has already experienced this in his humiliating gubernatorial campaign. The results reveal what happens to a politician who assumes GOP votes, then loses that support:

• A Miniscule 3.7% support statewide after spending $35 million.

• Not even 10% in Santa Clara county where he has high name recognition.

Republicans in Silicon Valley know we’re a minority, and we understand that local offices are nonpartisan. That’s why we’ve often crossed the aisle to support NPPs and moderate Democrats who promised responsible governance.

We’ve done so in good faith for the good of our cities, our county, and our shared future. But this isn’t the first time we’ve been betrayed. When the San José City Council voted unanimously to support Prop 50, Republicans saw it as yet another example of leaders who are more than willing to bite the hand that feeds them.

Enough is enough. There comes a point when voters refuse to be taken for granted. That point has arrived. Recent results have already shown what happens when leaders assume GOP votes will simply materialize.

The message from the grassroots is clear: Fool us once, shame on you. Fool us twice… we won’t be fooled again.