Altwer Leads Early in San Jose District 9
Newcomer Genny Altwer, a retired police officer, took an early lead in the District 9 council race as incumbents Peter Ortiz and Bien Doan also led their races.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Elections
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Retired police officer Genny Altwer led early returns in San Jose's District 9 council race on Tuesday night. Incumbents Peter Ortiz in District 5 and Bien Doan in District 7 also jumped ahead in their respective contests as ballots were tallied.
Why it matters
Housing has emerged as a primary point of divergence on the council, and the city must plan for 62,000 homes under a state mandate. The outcome of these races will shape how the council approaches that target and a projected budget shortfall.
As of 8:04 p.m., about 21% of ballots sent out across Santa Clara County had been tallied, so the early leads reflect only a portion of the vote. Final outcomes in Districts 5, 7 and 9 remain unresolved until the count is complete.
The players
Genny Altwer
A retired police officer who took an early lead in the District 9 San Jose council race and favors confining data centers to industrial zones.
Peter Ortiz
The incumbent councilmember for San Jose's District 5, who jumped ahead in early returns for his race.
Bien Doan
The incumbent councilmember for San Jose's District 7, who jumped ahead in early returns for his race.
The details
Early returns were reported as the Registrar of Voters tallied ballots on Tuesday night. Altwer's position on data centers favors confining facilities to industrial zones such as North San Jose, and the city expects an ordinance regulating them to reach the council before year's end.
Timeline
Tuesday night: Early returns showed Altwer leading in District 9.
8:04 p.m. Tuesday: About 21% of Santa Clara County ballots had been tallied.
Before year's end: A data center ordinance is expected to reach City Council.
January: Terms begin for newly elected and reelected councilmembers.
Political Context
The state-mandated target of 62,000 homes has made housing a central point of division on the San Jose council. The races in Districts 5, 7 and 9 will determine how that mandate is pursued alongside a projected shortfall of nearly $28 million.
The council members elected in these races will take office in January and will help decide how San Jose handles its housing mandate and budget gap. Residents affected by data center rules or housing policy will see those decisions shaped by the new composition of the council.
The takeaway
The outcome of these council races will determine how San Jose balances a 62,000-home state housing target against a nearly $28 million budget shortfall. Readers should watch the final count in Districts 5, 7 and 9 as remaining ballots are tallied.
Further reading
For more on how local races are shaping city policy, see Elections coverage on San Jose.
Live Poll
Do you think San Jose's housing costs will get better or worse for you?
