With the Milpitas mayor seat up for grabs this November, incumbent Carmen Montano is competing against three candidates — including current council members Hon Lien and Anthony Phan — for a chance to lead the city through a growing budget deficit, a revitalization of the downtown area and an influx of new housing and business developments.
The mayor will lead Milpitas thought its search for alternative revenue sources to help accommodate for the deficit, which is projected to swell from $1.2 million in the 2027-28 fiscal year to $5.9 million in 2028-29. They will also have to work with developers and community members to redevelop old commercial properties, and help fulfill state- and city-mandated plans to add thousands of new homes in Milpitas by 2031.
In the midst of these changes, the mayor will also help the council navigate through a wrongful termination lawsuit filed against the city last year by former City Manager Steve McHarris. McHarris is accusing several city officials of intimidation and unethical behavior — including Montano, Vice Mayor Evelyn Chua and former Mayor Rich Tran. The city has denied any wrongdoing, and is pouring thousands of dollars into conducting its own investigation and settling other legal fees.
Carmen Montano
Montano, 69, made history in 2022 when she became the first woman to be elected mayor in Milpitas. Now, she’s running for reelection in hopes of continuing her various projects and initiatives to make Milpitas safer and cleaner.
Her goals include ensuring police and fire are fully equipped, beautifying Milpitas, alleviating traffic congestion, attracting high tech businesses and revitalizing the Main Street.
Montano previously served two terms as a councilmember. Some of her accomplishments on the council include forming a subcommittee to revitalize Main Street, advocating for art murals throughout the city, initiating work force youth summer jobs and helping provide funding for a child care teacher program. She also coined and created the “Beautify Milpitas” initiative to keep the city attractive and clean.
She serves on multiple commissions and boards as a Milpitas representative, including at the VTA, Valley Water and Santa Clara County Cities Association. Montano previously served on the Milpitas School Board for several years.
“I’ve been serving the city over 30 years, and I want to continue to serve the city” Montano said. “I was raised here, and I care for (Milpitas).”
As of Oct. 7, her campaign funds are not listed.
Hon Lien
After serving as a first-time councilmember, Lien, 58, said she feels ready to take on the role of mayor.
“I’m running because I have the desire to serve, I want to give back to the community,” Lien said. “One of the priorities for me is to really restore the transparency and confidence in local government.”
Lien has been outspoken against the council’s approval of an “unlimited budget” to help settle the ongoing wrongful termination lawsuit. Her other priorities include making Milpitas safer for businesses and residents, supporting consistent park maintenance and looking into state and federal funding for city infrastructure projects and other local amenities. Some of Lien’s recent activity on the council include helping the city secure a $2.9 million federal grant to build safe school routes.
In addition to serving as a council member, Lien previously served on the city’s Planning Commission and held various leadership roles on the Milpitas Unified School District, including as board president. Outside of the city and state, she serves as a member on the San Jose Rotary and Milpitas Rotary Club.
Lien’s campaign has raised $16,224 and spent $8,733 as of Sept. 21.
Anthony Phan
Phan, 30, said he is running because Milpitas deserves better leadership.
” I want to make sure everyone’s voices are heard, and ensure the city that works for everyone — not just the few or the powerful and politically connected,” he said.
His priorities include creating more affordable housing for Milpitas families and workers, and investing more resources into keeping neighborhoods safe. Phan also aims to bring more transparency and accountability on the council to “restore people’s trust.”
This is Phan’s second term as a councilmember, and second time campaigning for mayor. Phan said he helped lead the city through the “best and worst of times,” including during the height and aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. He promises to represent a “new generation of leadership” and “turning big ideas into bold action.”
Phan has raised $4,000 for his campaign and has spent $3,710 as of Sept. 21.
Voltaire Montemayor
Montemayor, 72, who did not respond to a request for an interview, has had his eye on the mayor seat since 2016.
In his current election statement, the retired geologist said he wants to help the council balance the city budget accordingly. He supports any city projects related to safety, business, homelessness, house rentals, rapid transits, crime prevention, water and flood concerns and other developments.
Montemayor said he is an active participant in city council meetings and public forums, seminars and hearings and takes pride in staying “up to the finish time.”
As of Oct. 7, his campaign funds are not listed.
