San Jose City Council District 3 is without representation after its elected councilmember resigned and is in jail, leaving the city to make sure the district's constituents have a voice.
The council is tasked with figuring out the best way to fill the seat left vacant by Omar Torres, who resigned after his arrest on suspicion of sex crimes involving minors.
On Tuesday, the council voted 8-2 to hold a special election to decide who will replace Torres. They also decided to select an interim representative for District 3 until the election can be held.
Torres's term runs through Dec. 31, 2026, and the city attorney has laid out two options to be discussed at the Tuesday City Council meeting. The special election was favorited by San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan favors. Mahan said the people of District 3 should get to vote on who represents them.
Meantime, district Chief of Staff Kiara Kassandra has been trying to make sure constituents know the office is open for business, with oversight from the mayor himself and that six employees are working to address their needs.
"Our focus keeps being the same, helping the community, our District 3 residents, our small businesses, and making sure downtown thrives," Kassandra said.
The estimated cost for a special election, according to the city clerk’s office, could run up to $3.2 million.
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The special election is expected to be held in April with the newly elected council person likely taking office sometime in August.
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