Despite penning guest essays in publications outside San Jose, growing his national profile, and occasionally gracing the halls of the State Capitol, Mayor Matt Mahan insists he is laser-focused on solving the problems of the nation’s 12th-largest city and not actively seeking a higher office — at least not now.

But as he pushes his “ Back to Basics ” agenda — centered around pillars like ending unsheltered homelessness, building more housing and improving public safety — he’s become frustrated with leadership in Sacramento and some of its dysfunction and asserts they have not yielded satisfactory outcomes, even when voters have sent clear mandates of what is most important.

This week, Mahan announced he would spearhead the formation of a new coalition of elected officials, particularl

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