Your Government
What is a Councilmember?
The San José City Council is the legislative body that represents the community and is empowered by the City Charter to create citywide policy, adopt laws, and approve budgets.
The City Council is composed of the Mayor, who is elected by the community at large and serves as the Council chair, and ten councilmembers who are elected by voters in districts. The primary responsibilities of a Councilmember are:
Leader: Represents the District and City, brings people together, and recognizes community members.
Legislator: Oversees City government by making laws, regulations, and policies.
Liaison: Connects people with their government by providing information and assistance.
Take Action
Contact Your Representatives
Find your local, state, and federal representatives and contact them for support and questions about their level of government.
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Representative Jimmy Panetta: District 19, California, US House of Representatives
Representative Sam Liccardo: District 16, California, US House of Representatives
Senator Alex Padilla: California, US Senate
Senator Adam Schiff: California, US Senate
Learn more about Federal Government Branches.
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Senator Dave Cortese: District 15, California State Senate
Assemblymember Gail Pellerin: District 28, California State Assembly
Assemblymember Ash Kalra: District 25, California State Assembly
Learn more about How State Bills Become Law.
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Supervisor Sylvia Arenas: District 1, Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors
Supervisor Margaret Abe-Koga: District 5, Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors
Learn more about County Government.
Use the Registrar of Voters’ search tool to find all of your elected officials.