[VT | September 6, 2025] Former Saratoga Mayor, current City Councilmember, and licensed residential appraiser Yan Zhao will hold her official campaign kickoff on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at 1:30 PM at the Q Bay Center (160 E Tasman Dr, San Jose), formally launching her candidacy for Santa Clara County Assessor.
The event will feature an impressive lineup of speakers from state, county, and local government:
- California State Treasurer Fiona Ma
- State Senator Dave Cortese
- County Supervisor Margaret Abe-Koga
- Santa Clara Mayor Lisa Gillmor
- Campbell Mayor Sergio Lopez
Their participation highlights not only Zhao’s broad base of political support, but also the unity and growing influence of the Asian American and broader multicultural community in Silicon Valley public affairs.
Endorsement Highlight
Santa Clara Mayor Lisa Gillmor
“As Mayor of Santa Clara, and as a former member of the Santa Clara County Assessment Appeals Board, I know firsthand how deeply the Assessor’s office shapes our lives, even if its work is often behind the scenes. Yan understands that too.
Her commitment to better customer service, faster results, and a fresh, accountable perspective will bring real improvements to our schools, public safety, and the trust between government and residents. I support Yan because she’s not just talking about change, she’s planning it carefully, with our community at the center!“
– Santa Clara Mayor Lisa Gillmor
The Santa Clara County Assessor’s Office manages roughly $700 billion in property valuations annually, shaping the resources available for schools and local services. Former Assessor Larry Stone resigned earlier this year after three decades in office, prompting this special election.
According to Zhao’s campaign website, she plans to leverage her background in computer engineering and hands-on appraisal experience to modernize the Santa Clara County Assessor’s Office, increase transparency, and improve operational efficiency. The website notes that she views the Assessor’s Office as playing a key role not only in property taxes and budgets, but also in schools, public safety, and community trust, and that she hopes to make the office truly resident-centered.
The election is set for November 4, 2025, with a possible runoff in December if no candidate secures a majority. Zhao’s campaign kickoff marks a significant moment in the race and underscores the continued engagement and leadership of Asian American candidates in Silicon Valley politics.
