Cupertino Mayor Darcy Paul Re-Elected To Position For 2022

CUPERTINO, CA — Cupertino Mayor Darcy Paul was re-elected as the city’s mayor for 2022 during Tuesday’s council meeting, with the council again breaking from the norm of elevating the vice mayor to the position.

Citing Paul’s leadership and the challenges that Cupertino faces next year, Vice Mayor Liang-Fang Chao — who would have been in line to take the gavel from Paul — instead nominated Paul to serve another year at the helm of the city in his final year on council.

It's just the third time in city history that a mayor will hold the title for consecutive years. Prior to Paul's second stint as mayor, Steven Scharf served as mayor in both 2019 and 2020.

“We need stability for the city at this time,” said Chao, who is up for re-election next year and has not yet served as mayor.

Paul was re-elected by a 4-0 vote, with Councilmember Hung Wei abstaining because she wanted to nominate Chao.

Chao was instead unanimously re-elected as vice mayor.

Paul also served as mayor in 2018 and is termed out in 2022. His re-election means that Cupertino will have a male mayor for the fifth consecutive year.

“In my mind, diversity in leadership is not skin-deep,” Chao said. “It’s not about whether a woman should be leaders or men. Diversity in leadership means that we value diverse opinions we each bring in from our diverse background.”

Traditionally in smaller cities, councilmembers rotate the mayoral position, a ceremonial role with the exception of running meetings and playing a larger role in setting the agenda.

“Really for the continuity and the stability of the city and to keep our track record going, I’m willing to accept the nomination,” Paul said.