Nora Campos
Candidate for City Council Member, San Jose, District 5 · Businesswoman/Policy Analyst
Nora Campos grew up in East San Jose's Cassell area. She went to Overfelt High School, then San Francisco State University. She sat on the San Jose City Council from 2001 to 2010. She then served in the state Assembly from 2010 to 2016. On the council, she helped write the city's Bill of Rights for Children and Youth. She also backed new bus and train lines and a walking path near Eastridge Mall. She got over $2 million for East San Jose parks and playgrounds. She helped bring $20 million for the Mayfield Community Center. She now runs 55 Advisors, a policy advice firm.
Positions in brief
Campos wants lower costs and safer, cleaner streets. She also wants a City Hall that is more open and answers to voters.
On housing, Campos wants more workforce and middle-income homes. She backs stronger renter rules and steps to stop people from being pushed out. On homelessness, she wants more mental health and drug treatment. She pairs this with housing and checks on results. On safety, she wants stronger community policing and youth programs. She wants enough staff for police and fire. She also wants cleaner streets through stronger rules on illegal dumping. On costs, she wants cheaper childcare, fair utility rates, and more local jobs. On City Hall, she wants faster permits and clearer, more open spending.
On the issues
- Housing & Homelessness
Wants a housing strategy built around affordable, workforce, and middle-income housing, with stronger renter protections and anti-displacement measures.
“San José needs a housing strategy that reflects the reality of its residents.”
Source → - Housing & Homelessness
Backs expanded mental-health and addiction treatment and supportive housing, coordinated to move people off the street while keeping neighborhoods safe.
“Homelessness must be addressed with urgency, dignity, and accountability.”
Source → - Public Safety & Policing
Wants to strengthen community policing, back youth violence-prevention programs, and make sure police and fire have adequate staffing and resources.
Source → - Taxes & Cost of Living
Wants to lower household costs through affordable childcare, fair utility rates, and local job creation.
“Families should be able to live, work, and raise children without being priced out.”
Source → - Government, Elections & Democracy
Wants to streamline city permitting, modernize services, and make city spending more transparent and results-focused.
“City Hall should work for residents — not the other way around.”
Source → - Infrastructure & Transportation
Points to her prior council record championing the Alum Rock bus rapid transit line, Capitol Expressway light rail, and Eastridge pedestrian improvements as a model for future infrastructure work.
“Championed the Santa Clara–Alum Rock Bus Rapid Transit, Capitol Expressway Light Rail, and Eastridge Mall pedestrian projects”
Source →
Profiles are compiled from the candidate’s own statements and public records. We never tell you how to vote.