Shahida Merchant is running for the Gavilan Joint Community College District Board of Trustees in Area 3 in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election.
She faces incumbent Gabriel Gutierrez for one seat, according to Santa Clara County’s official candidate list.
Merchant responded to the Palo Alto Ledger candidate questionnaire on Oct. 5. The information and responses below come from that questionnaire.
Asked why she is running, Merchant said she wants students to have the guidance and support needed to succeed. She cited her experience as an educator and STEM lab coordinator at Gavilan.
“I am seeking elected office because I believe every student deserves a clear path to opportunity,” she said.
Candidate information
Residence: Merchant said she has lived in Gilroy for about 30 years.
Family: She has a husband and one son. She said her husband attended Gavilan College when he was 17.
Education: Merchant reported a master’s degree in organic chemistry and a teaching credential.
Party affiliation: Merchant described herself as a lifelong Democrat. The trustee race is nonpartisan.
Family in politics or government: She said no family member works in politics or government.
Experience and public service
Merchant described more than 10 years of experience as a scientist and 23 years teaching chemistry and physics. She also reported working as an adjunct chemistry professor at Hartnell College and spending three years as a chemistry and biology STEM lab coordinator at Gavilan.
Her public-service experience includes serving as a union representative in the Salinas Union High School District and on a school site council. She said she currently serves as second vice president of the Gilroy Lions organization.
Asked about accomplishments that prepare her for the position, Merchant cited serving as a science department chair, union representative and school site council member. She also reported receiving teaching awards, including a Salinas Union High School District Outstanding Teacher award and an Intel Corporation Teacher of Merit Award, and speaking to the state Assembly about public schools.
On the issues
Student access and completion: Merchant identified helping students enter college, remain enrolled and complete a degree, certificate or transfer pathway as Gavilan’s biggest challenge.
“Opening the door is only the beginning,” she said.
She outlined three priorities: stronger connections with local high schools; better access to courses, counseling, tutoring and other support; and responsible budgeting that protects instruction and connects programs to transfer requirements and workforce needs.
She said high school students and their families should understand Gavilan’s options for dual enrollment, career education and university transfer.
Student affordability: Merchant said college costs extend beyond tuition.
“Books, transportation, food and childcare can affect whether a student stays in college,” she said. “I would support efforts to reduce those costs through financial aid assistance, affordable course materials, and community partnership.”
She said affordability must be considered alongside the need for strong faculty and staff, quality programs and safe facilities.
Workforce preparation: Merchant supports programs and credentials in science, technology, engineering and mathematics; health care; education; information technology; artificial intelligence; advanced manufacturing; and clean energy.
She said Gavilan should work with workforce agencies and four-year institutions and regularly evaluate programs.
“Programs should be evaluated regularly for student demand, completion, transfer and employment outcomes, community needs, and sustainability,” she said.
Fiscal accountability: Merchant supports transparent, multiyear budgeting that considers immediate needs and future obligations. She said the college should prioritize facility maintenance and safety while examining the ongoing costs of new projects.
“My priority is expanding high-quality pathways while keeping Gavilan financially strong and responsive to students, employers, and our community,” she said.
Advice that guides her
“Listen first, seek to understand, and then act,” Merchant said.
She said leadership requires listening to people and following through with thoughtful action.
This profile draws primarily on Shahida Merchant’s responses to the Palo Alto Ledger candidate questionnaire. Responses have been excerpted and paraphrased; direct quotations retain her wording. Statements about her experience and accomplishments are attributed to her.
