Picture of Rosemary Kamei

Vice Mayor Rosemary Kamei

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Aside from District 9’s Pam Foley, who ran unopposed, Rosemary Kamei is the only one of the four new councilmembers taking office in 2023 who won her seat outright in the June 2022 primary. She got off to a good start once in office, with newly-elected Mayor Matt Mahan nominating her to serve as vice mayor. The choice makes sense given her experience on elected boards, since the ten-member council will have six new members (two appointed to fill vacancies) and a newbie mayor.


In addition to being Director of the Santa Clara Valley Water District for 17 years, Kamei has been involved with the community through various nonprofits, the business sector and serving on various government committees, including the Santa Clara County Board of Education. Prior to being elected to City Council, Kamei served as the Chief Development and Innovation Officer at the Silicon Valley Education Foundation.


Kamei holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Political Science, and a Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from San Jose State University. She and her family reside in District 1.


Notable quote: “I would be honored to serve as vice mayor to the San Jose community and be able to have the opportunity to bring my expertise in governance and leadership to the San Jose City Council.” (Source: San Jose Spotlight)

Related News

California Local Pin Marker From San Jose Spotlight...

07/10/2023
In a series on the city’s new councilmembers, San José Spotlight talks to Rosemary Kamei. The West San Jose councilmember won her District 1 in June. A week into her term, Mayor Matt Mahan tapped her to be his vice mayor.

San Jose Inside logo From San Jose Inside...

01/27/2023
Image for display with article titled Rosemary Kamei Begins Role as San Jose Vice Mayor

Councilmember Kamei was elected to San José City Council last  year with over 60% of the popular vote, representing District 1 in West San Jose.

California Local Pin Marker From San Jose Spotlight...

01/15/2023
It started with stuffing campaign envelopes together as a family. Decades later, mother Rosemary Kamei and daughter Ellen Kamei are both serving in local government.

San Jose Inside logo From San Jose Inside...

01/06/2023
Image for display with article titled Vice Mayor Nominee Kamei Sees Herself as a ‘Bridge Builder’

Prior to her election to the San Jose City Council, Rosemary Kamei served on the Morgan Hill Planning Commission, the Santa Clara Valley Water District and the Santa Clara County Board of Education.

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