City of San Jose City Council Councilmember Omar Torres

Omar Torres was elected to the San Jose City Council in 2022, beating Irene Smith with 66% of the vote. He represents District 3 which encompasses the city’s downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods, including Vendome, Naglee Park and Japantown. According to his campaign, Torres’ priorities as councilmember are eradicating homelessness, restoring public safety, revitalizing downtown businesses, and expanding commerce. He is the first openly gay Latino elected to the San Jose City Council and the first openly gay Latino to serve on any city council in Santa Clara County. Torres was elected to the Board of Education - San Jose, Evergreen Community College District in 2020 as trustee representing area 7.

First elected: November 2022

Twitter bio: Councilmember-Elect, SJC-D3. 4ever Community Organizer. SJCC & SJSU alum. Proudly gay & brown! SJ homegrown!

Alma maters: San Jose State University (2007-2011), San Jose City College (2001-2006)

Other offices held: Board of Education, San Jose Community College Board Trustee (2020-2022), Franklin-McKinley School Board (2014-2018)

Notable quote: “Our campaign is focused on the issues that matter to District 3 voters—public safety, reducing homelessness, support for small business, cleaner neighborhoods. I am looking and moving forward.” (Source: San Jose Spotlight)