San Jose, a million-person city in which a fifth of its residents choose the mayor, has a history of close elections. Only three of the past seven open elections could be called lopsided victories. The last time an open seat was decided in one round was 40 years ago, in 1982—the year 39-year-old Matt Mahan was born.

Evan Low has been able to cultivate an image as a phenom of the liberal left. But over the last couple years, the 32-year-old assemblyman has taken a more moderate stance on certain issues, to the chagrin of some of his earliest supporters.

Just how many races would have commenced had Dave Cortese defeated Sam Liccardo?

It's election day and with it comes a ballot packed with key decisions for Santa Clara County, though voter turnout is expected to be pretty low.