Carmen Montano announces she will run for Mayor of Milpitas in 2022 election

Early this week, Milpitas’ Vice Mayor Carmen Montano announced that she will run for mayor. The seat opens up in late 2022, after Mayor Rich Tran finishes his third term. 

Tran has endorsed Montano, as has Councilmember Evelyn Chua.

Said Tran in a press release, “Vice Mayor Carmen Montano has dedicated her life to putting Milpitas Families First. She’s the undoubted leader in ensuring the quality of life for all Milpitians time and time again. Please join me in voting for Carmen as our next Mayor; she’s the one that has earned my endorsement by far and unmatched.” 

Chua also praised her friend and colleague: “Carmen leads by example and is the right person to be our Mayor.  She has deep roots in Milpitas and truly cares about our city.  She’ll provide real solutions to any crisis we face.”

Montano, who was Tran’s opponent prior to his first mayoral victory in 2016, has lived in Milpitas since 1964. She had a long career as a schoolteacher, and made history as the first woman of color ever elected to the Milpitas City Council. As a councilwoman and a school board member, she has vocally supported the city’s schools, students, and families. 

Said Montano upon announcing her run, “As Mayor, I will continue my fight to reinvent government and deliver results to address our neighborhood needs.  I will create jobs and advocate to make housing affordable while maintaining safe neighborhoods for our families.” 

Montano runs on her record of service during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has seen many Milpitas families and businesses facing financial hardship. She also highlights her accomplishments in terms of ensuring affordable housing for senior citizens and low-income households, while actively attending to matters of public safety. In 1992, she created the Sunnyhills Improvement Association, facilitating upgrades to that neighborhood. She was a school board trustee for eight years. She first served on the council in 2012, then was elected again in a first-place win in 2018. 

While in office, Montano has formed an Arts Ordinance, two Family Resources Centers, and a Milpitas Skate Park. During COVID, she’s formed a Small Business Subcommittee to aid Milpitas’ small businesses. She was also the initiator of the city’s mask ordinance, making Milpitas the first city in Santa Clara County to require masking.