Han Li

Annie Gaus

One of the last major political endorsements in the San Francisco mayor’s race has been awarded —&nbsp;and it’s going to the incumbent rather than the challenger who may have been banking on it.

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One of the last major political endorsements in the San Francisco mayor’s race has been awarded —&nbsp;and it’s going to the incumbent rather than the challenger who may have been banking on it.

The San Francisco Police Officers Association, which represents rank-and-file law enforcement officers, said Thursday afternoon it’s endorsing Mayor London Breed’s reelection.

The San Francisco Police Officers Association, which represents rank-and-file law enforcement officers, said Thursday afternoon it’s endorsing Mayor London Breed’s reelection.

“The SFPOA and Mayor Breed have had our differences,” Tracy McCray, the president of the union, said in an email. “Despite our disagreements, over the last four years, the mayor and the SFPOA worked together to make huge strides for our membership and the department.”

“The SFPOA and Mayor Breed have had our differences,” Tracy McCray, the president of the union, said in an email. “Despite our disagreements, over the last four years, the mayor and the SFPOA worked together to make huge strides for our membership and the department.”

Breed had a friendlier relationship with the SFPOA early in her career, but the union did not endorse her first mayoral bid in 2018 because of her advocacy for police reform. Breed briefly joined the call to defund the police during the pandemic, but she has since taken more pro-police positions and worked to increase the department’s budget.

Breed had a friendlier relationship with the SFPOA early in her career, but the union did not endorse her first mayoral bid in 2018 because of her advocacy for police reform. Breed briefly joined the call to defund the police during the pandemic, but she has since taken more pro-police positions and worked to increase the department’s budget.

Blasting unnamed politicians who are “nowhere to be found when we need them,” McCray said Breed had been a strong supporter of the police even before public safety became a top priority in voter polls. The union cited Breed&#8217;s support of increasing the San Francisco Police Department&#8217;s budget and efforts to improve officer morale.

Blasting unnamed politicians who are “nowhere to be found when we need them,” McCray said Breed had been a strong supporter of the police even before public safety became a top priority in voter polls. The union cited Breed's support of increasing the San Francisco Police Department's budget and efforts to improve officer morale.

Blasting unnamed politicians who are “nowhere to be found when we need them,” McCray said Breed had been a strong supporter of the police even before public safety became a top priority in voter polls. The union cited Breed&#8217;s support of increasing the San Francisco Police Department&#8217;s budget and efforts to improve officer morale.

In an interview Wednesday, Breed made a forceful case for her reelection and said she has made progress on crime and police staffing.

In an interview Wednesday, Breed made a forceful case for her reelection and said she has made progress on crime and police staffing.

&#8220;I have the data to demonstrate that I&#8217;m capable of increasing public safety in San Francisco,” Breed said. “I’m proud that as hard as we&#8217;ve worked, all of this stuff seems to be coming together.” She also touted her work to boost police staffing and open the way for the use of airborne drones in policing.

"I have the data to demonstrate that I'm capable of increasing public safety in San Francisco,” Breed said. “I’m proud that as hard as we've worked, all of this stuff seems to be coming together.” She also touted her work to boost police staffing and open the way for the use of airborne drones in policing.

&#8220;I have the data to demonstrate that I&#8217;m capable of increasing public safety in San Francisco,” Breed said. “I’m proud that as hard as we&#8217;ve worked, all of this stuff seems to be coming together.” She also touted her work to boost police staffing and open the way for the use of airborne drones in policing.

The POA&#8217;s endorsement <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/08/sfpoa-san-francisco-mayoral-endorsements/">may be a setback for former interim mayor Mark Farrell</a>, who’s running against Breed on a platform of restoring public safety and beefing up policing. Farrell did, however, secure the support of the fire union, which had been seen as Breed’s to lose. He also won the endorsement of the Deputy Sheriffs&#8217; Association.

Once a pariah, San Francisco’s police union is now a sought-after endorsement

The POA's endorsement <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/08/sfpoa-san-francisco-mayoral-endorsements/">may be a setback for former interim mayor Mark Farrell</a>, who’s running against Breed on a platform of restoring public safety and beefing up policing. Farrell did, however, secure the support of the fire union, which had been seen as Breed’s to lose. He also won the endorsement of the Deputy Sheriffs' Association.

The POA&#8217;s endorsement <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/08/sfpoa-san-francisco-mayoral-endorsements/">may be a setback for former interim mayor Mark Farrell</a>, who’s running against Breed on a platform of restoring public safety and beefing up policing. Farrell did, however, secure the support of the fire union, which had been seen as Breed’s to lose. He also won the endorsement of the Deputy Sheriffs&#8217; Association.

Farrell issued a statement Friday morning criticizing the police union&#8217;s endorsement process didn&#8217;t reflect the members&#8217; support for him.

Farrell issued a statement Friday morning criticizing the police union's endorsement process didn't reflect the members' support for him.

Farrell issued a statement Friday morning criticizing the police union&#8217;s endorsement process didn&#8217;t reflect the members&#8217; support for him.

&#8220;I have a message for every rank-and-file police officer: even though you didn’t get a chance to be heard in this endorsement process, I have heard you loud and clear about the state of public safety in our neighborhoods,&#8221; Farrell said, &#8220;and I will always fight for you in City Hall.&#8221;

"I have a message for every rank-and-file police officer: even though you didn’t get a chance to be heard in this endorsement process, I have heard you loud and clear about the state of public safety in our neighborhoods," Farrell said, "and I will always fight for you in City Hall."

&#8220;I have a message for every rank-and-file police officer: even though you didn’t get a chance to be heard in this endorsement process, I have heard you loud and clear about the state of public safety in our neighborhoods,&#8221; Farrell said, &#8220;and I will always fight for you in City Hall.&#8221;

In the interview Wednesday, Breed suggested that Farrell’s reputation as a champion of public safety is the result of him copying her ideas.

In the interview Wednesday, Breed suggested that Farrell’s reputation as a champion of public safety is the result of him copying her ideas.

Mentioning Farrell’s proposal to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/28/farrell-calls-for-armed-national-guard-troops-in-san-francisco-to-fight-fentanyl/">bring National Guard troops to the city</a>, Breed pointed out that she has worked with the federal agency on combating crime and gathering intelligence.

Farrell calls for armed National Guard troops in San Francisco to fight fentanyl

Mentioning Farrell’s proposal to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/28/farrell-calls-for-armed-national-guard-troops-in-san-francisco-to-fight-fentanyl/">bring National Guard troops to the city</a>, Breed pointed out that she has worked with the federal agency on combating crime and gathering intelligence.

“You&#8217;re taking [Farrell’s] plan and saying that he&#8217;s stronger on public safety, because what he&#8217;s talking about is all the stuff I&#8217;m already doing or have already done,” Breed said.

“You're taking [Farrell’s] plan and saying that he's stronger on public safety, because what he's talking about is all the stuff I'm already doing or have already done,” Breed said.

“You&#8217;re taking [Farrell’s] plan and saying that he&#8217;s stronger on public safety, because what he&#8217;s talking about is all the stuff I&#8217;m already doing or have already done,” Breed said.

Police union endorses Breed for mayor, but Farrell gets the deputies

Joe Burn

Mayor London Breed on Tuesday called for an immediate halt to San Francisco&#8217;s school closure process, citing <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/08/parents-react-school-closures-list/">widespread confusion and concern</a> among parents, educators, and staff.

Parents rage at school closures list: &#8216;horrible,&#8217; &#8216;devastating&#8217;

Mayor London Breed on Tuesday called for an immediate halt to San Francisco's school closure process, citing <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/08/parents-react-school-closures-list/">widespread confusion and concern</a> among parents, educators, and staff.

Mayor London Breed on Tuesday called for an immediate halt to San Francisco&#8217;s school closure process, citing <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/08/parents-react-school-closures-list/">widespread confusion and concern</a> among parents, educators, and staff.

Breed said the proposed <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/08/school-closure-list-sfusd/">closures and mergers list</a>, released last week, has made &#8220;a precarious time for our public schools even more chaotic.&#8221;

13 SF public schools targeted for closure or mergers

Breed said the proposed <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/08/school-closure-list-sfusd/">closures and mergers list</a>, released last week, has made "a precarious time for our public schools even more chaotic."

Breed said the proposed <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/08/school-closure-list-sfusd/">closures and mergers list</a>, released last week, has made &#8220;a precarious time for our public schools even more chaotic.&#8221;

The mayor expressed her loss of confidence in the superintendent&#8217;s ability to manage the process, stating that the plan is unlikely to benefit students and the San Francisco Unified School District in the long term.

The mayor expressed her loss of confidence in the superintendent's ability to manage the process, stating that the plan is unlikely to benefit students and the San Francisco Unified School District in the long term.

The mayor expressed her loss of confidence in the superintendent&#8217;s ability to manage the process, stating that the plan is unlikely to benefit students and the San Francisco Unified School District in the long term.

&#8220;Whatever this current proposed school closure process was meant to accomplish, or could have accomplished, is lost,&#8221; Breed said in a statement.

"Whatever this current proposed school closure process was meant to accomplish, or could have accomplished, is lost," Breed said in a statement.

&#8220;Whatever this current proposed school closure process was meant to accomplish, or could have accomplished, is lost,&#8221; Breed said in a statement.

‘Save Harvey Milk’: School named after LGBTQ icon in peril

sf-standard/related-post

Parents, students face nightmare commutes if schools close

Parents rage at school closures list: ‘horrible,’ ‘devastating’

sf-standard/related-posts-container

In response to a request for comment, the district <a href="https://www.sfusd.edu/announcements/2024-10-15-doing-right-all-san-francisco-students">shared a letter</a> from Superintendent Matt Wayne standing by the plan.

In response to a request for comment, the district <a href="https://www.sfusd.edu/announcements/2024-10-15-doing-right-all-san-francisco-students">shared a letter</a> from Superintendent Matt Wayne standing by the plan.

&#8220;It is my responsibility to ensure that SFUSD can be the best possible school district for each and every one of our 49,000 students,&#8221; Wayne said in the Tuesday note. &#8220;Without having the courage to make deep changes and difficult decisions, we cannot expect to meaningfully improve student outcomes.&#8221;

"It is my responsibility to ensure that SFUSD can be the best possible school district for each and every one of our 49,000 students," Wayne said in the Tuesday note. "Without having the courage to make deep changes and difficult decisions, we cannot expect to meaningfully improve student outcomes."

&#8220;It is my responsibility to ensure that SFUSD can be the best possible school district for each and every one of our 49,000 students,&#8221; Wayne said in the Tuesday note. &#8220;Without having the courage to make deep changes and difficult decisions, we cannot expect to meaningfully improve student outcomes.&#8221;

Titled &#8220;Doing Right by All San Francisco Students,&#8221; the letter addressed the community as a whole and did not directly respond to Breed&#8217;s statement.

Titled "Doing Right by All San Francisco Students," the letter addressed the community as a whole and did not directly respond to Breed's statement.

Titled &#8220;Doing Right by All San Francisco Students,&#8221; the letter addressed the community as a whole and did not directly respond to Breed&#8217;s statement.

The mayor&#8217;s opposition adds to the growing backlash from City Hall leaders and parents, who are organizing protests of the closure plan.

The mayor's opposition adds to the growing backlash from City Hall leaders and parents, who are organizing protests of the closure plan.

The mayor&#8217;s opposition adds to the growing backlash from City Hall leaders and parents, who are organizing protests of the closure plan.

The Board of Supervisors has passed a resolution <a href="https://www.instagram.com/connie_chan_sf/p/DAmbwWpSQIq/">unanimously urging the district to reevaluate the closure plan</a>; President Aaron Peskin, who is running for mayor, has been&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/AaronPeskin/status/1843818557291016617" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the most outspoken critic</a>. Daniel Lurie and Mark Farrell, also front-running mayoral candidates, signed a letter expressing concerns that the plan would&nbsp;<a href="https://www.asianjusticemovement.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">unfairly target</a><a href="https://www.asianjusticemovement.org/"> Asian American students and families</a>.

The Board of Supervisors has passed a resolution <a href="https://www.instagram.com/connie_chan_sf/p/DAmbwWpSQIq/">unanimously urging the district to reevaluate the closure plan</a>; President Aaron Peskin, who is running for mayor, has been&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/AaronPeskin/status/1843818557291016617" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the most outspoken critic</a>. Daniel Lurie and Mark Farrell, also front-running mayoral candidates, signed a letter expressing concerns that the plan would&nbsp;<a href="https://www.asianjusticemovement.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">unfairly target</a><a href="https://www.asianjusticemovement.org/"> Asian American students and families</a>.

&#8220;I ask the school district to halt their plan to close schools,&#8221; said Supervisor Connie Chan, who led the resolution. &#8220;Because closing schools will not fix the district&#8217;s budget, but it will tear apart our communities.&#8221;

"I ask the school district to halt their plan to close schools," said Supervisor Connie Chan, who led the resolution. "Because closing schools will not fix the district's budget, but it will tear apart our communities."

&#8220;I ask the school district to halt their plan to close schools,&#8221; said Supervisor Connie Chan, who led the resolution. &#8220;Because closing schools will not fix the district&#8217;s budget, but it will tear apart our communities.&#8221;

Breed emphasized the urgent need to balance the district&#8217;s budget by December in order to prevent a state takeover. She noted that district staff and the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/22/sf-mayor-assigns-team-to-help-citys-troubled-public-schools/">School Stabilization Team</a> are addressing critical operational issues, including teacher credentialing and budget oversight of special education.

Breed assembles rescue team to save city&#8217;s troubled public schools

Breed emphasized the urgent need to balance the district's budget by December in order to prevent a state takeover. She noted that district staff and the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/22/sf-mayor-assigns-team-to-help-citys-troubled-public-schools/">School Stabilization Team</a> are addressing critical operational issues, including teacher credentialing and budget oversight of special education.

Breed emphasized the urgent need to balance the district&#8217;s budget by December in order to prevent a state takeover. She noted that district staff and the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/22/sf-mayor-assigns-team-to-help-citys-troubled-public-schools/">School Stabilization Team</a> are addressing critical operational issues, including teacher credentialing and budget oversight of special education.

The mayor warned of challenging times ahead for the school district, with &#8220;painful but necessary decisions&#8221; on the horizon. She stressed the importance of maintaining local control of public schools to ensure quality education for San Franciscans.

The mayor warned of challenging times ahead for the school district, with "painful but necessary decisions" on the horizon. She stressed the importance of maintaining local control of public schools to ensure quality education for San Franciscans.

The mayor warned of challenging times ahead for the school district, with &#8220;painful but necessary decisions&#8221; on the horizon. She stressed the importance of maintaining local control of public schools to ensure quality education for San Franciscans.

Breed demands that school closure plan be scrapped

San Francisco&#8217;s vastly outnumbered Republicans don’t have a candidate representing them in the upcoming mayoral election, but they have managed to find consensus on their favorite Democrat in the field —&nbsp;and it’s not the obvious one.

San Francisco's vastly outnumbered Republicans don’t have a candidate representing them in the upcoming mayoral election, but they have managed to find consensus on their favorite Democrat in the field —&nbsp;and it’s not the obvious one.

San Francisco&#8217;s vastly outnumbered Republicans don’t have a candidate representing them in the upcoming mayoral election, but they have managed to find consensus on their favorite Democrat in the field —&nbsp;and it’s not the obvious one.

The San Francisco Republican Party and the rising moderate Republican group <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/30/san-francisco-republican-party-briones-society-candidates-rccc/">Briones Society</a> have put Daniel Lurie, who has never held a government job, at the top of their mayoral recommendation lists.

This group of San Francisco Republicans wants to revive their party in 2024

The San Francisco Republican Party and the rising moderate Republican group <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/30/san-francisco-republican-party-briones-society-candidates-rccc/">Briones Society</a> have put Daniel Lurie, who has never held a government job, at the top of their mayoral recommendation lists.

The decision to back the nonprofit founder and Levi&#8217;s heir comes as a snub to Mark Farrell, a former supervisor and interim mayor who has been campaigning as the most conservative pick among the major candidates. Farrell has <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/24/san-francisco-mayoral-election-republican-voters/">received some support from Republican camps</a> but is not the first choice of the two most high-profile groups.

Lurie and Farrell capture mayor’s race in one key demo: Republicans 

The decision to back the nonprofit founder and Levi's heir comes as a snub to Mark Farrell, a former supervisor and interim mayor who has been campaigning as the most conservative pick among the major candidates. Farrell has <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/24/san-francisco-mayoral-election-republican-voters/">received some support from Republican camps</a> but is not the first choice of the two most high-profile groups.

The decision to back the nonprofit founder and Levi&#8217;s heir comes as a snub to Mark Farrell, a former supervisor and interim mayor who has been campaigning as the most conservative pick among the major candidates. Farrell has <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/24/san-francisco-mayoral-election-republican-voters/">received some support from Republican camps</a> but is not the first choice of the two most high-profile groups.

&#8220;Lurie <a href="https://www.brionessociety.org/voterguide-nov-2024">edged out Farrell</a> because our committee felt the time is ripe for a new crop of candidates and new perspectives in City Hall, including in the mayor&#8217;s office,&#8221; Briones Society founder Jay Donde told The Standard. His group <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/san-francisco-election-republican-county-central-committee/">won control of the Republican County Central Committee</a> in a landslide victory in March.

San Francisco Republicans elect new party leadership

"Lurie <a href="https://www.brionessociety.org/voterguide-nov-2024">edged out Farrell</a> because our committee felt the time is ripe for a new crop of candidates and new perspectives in City Hall, including in the mayor's office," Briones Society founder Jay Donde told The Standard. His group <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/san-francisco-election-republican-county-central-committee/">won control of the Republican County Central Committee</a> in a landslide victory in March.

&#8220;Lurie <a href="https://www.brionessociety.org/voterguide-nov-2024">edged out Farrell</a> because our committee felt the time is ripe for a new crop of candidates and new perspectives in City Hall, including in the mayor&#8217;s office,&#8221; Briones Society founder Jay Donde told The Standard. His group <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/san-francisco-election-republican-county-central-committee/">won control of the Republican County Central Committee</a> in a landslide victory in March.

SF GOP snubs Republican in mayoral endorsements, quietly favoring conservative Dems

Donde said he wanted to emphasize the importance of voting for both candidates in the ranked-choice election.

Donde said he wanted to emphasize the importance of voting for both candidates in the ranked-choice election.

The highly competitive mayoral race could be decided by a small number of votes. Lurie, who’s <a href="https://link.sfstandard.com/view/6436ea099b26044931999510lzqgn.24q/0476870c">surging in polls,</a> has been <a href="https://x.com/DanielLurie/status/1836959002422632841">attacking other candidates</a> as City Hall insiders, claiming he is <a href="https://x.com/DanielLurie/status/1836971967598968849">the outsider who can fix </a>the core problems of corruption, drugs, and homelessness

The highly competitive mayoral race could be decided by a small number of votes. Lurie, who’s <a href="https://link.sfstandard.com/view/6436ea099b26044931999510lzqgn.24q/0476870c">surging in polls,</a> has been <a href="https://x.com/DanielLurie/status/1836959002422632841">attacking other candidates</a> as City Hall insiders, claiming he is <a href="https://x.com/DanielLurie/status/1836971967598968849">the outsider who can fix </a>the core problems of corruption, drugs, and homelessness

In a statement, Lurie said he is a lifelong Democrat and is not seeking Republican endorsement; however, his campaign has always been about bringing people into the fold.

In a statement, Lurie said he is a lifelong Democrat and is not seeking Republican endorsement; however, his campaign has always been about bringing people into the fold.

&#8220;I welcome the support of every San Franciscan who is committed to restoring safety, ending homelessness, and shutting down open-air drug markets,&#8221; Lurie said. &#8220;That&#8217;s not partisan. It&#8217;s common sense.&#8221;

"I welcome the support of every San Franciscan who is committed to restoring safety, ending homelessness, and shutting down open-air drug markets," Lurie said. "That's not partisan. It's common sense."

&#8220;I welcome the support of every San Franciscan who is committed to restoring safety, ending homelessness, and shutting down open-air drug markets,&#8221; Lurie said. &#8220;That&#8217;s not partisan. It&#8217;s common sense.&#8221;

The local Republican Party sent tens of thousands of mailers to registered members, comparing the major candidates based on five issues — the drug crisis, crime, housing, the economy, and education —&nbsp;and ranking Lurie on top. Farrell is listed below him.

The local Republican Party sent tens of thousands of mailers to registered members, comparing the major candidates based on five issues — the drug crisis, crime, housing, the economy, and education —&nbsp;and ranking Lurie on top. Farrell is listed below him.

The San Francisco Republican Party compares the major candidates based on five issues and puts Daniel Lurie on top.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/sfgop.jpg?w=1920" alt="The image is a table comparing mayoral candidates on five issues. Green checks and red X's mark candidates' positions on drug crisis, crime, housing, economy, and education." class="wp-image-318396"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The San Francisco Republican Party puts Lurie atop its list of candidates.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/sfgop.jpg?w=1920" alt="The image is a table comparing mayoral candidates on five issues. Green checks and red X's mark candidates' positions on drug crisis, crime, housing, economy, and education." class="wp-image-318396"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The San Francisco Republican Party puts Lurie atop its list of candidates.</figcaption></figure>

According to the GOP’s ranking, Mayor London Breed has done well in housing and education, while Supervisors Aaron Peskin and Ahsha Safaí failed in all five categories.

According to the GOP’s ranking, Mayor London Breed has done well in housing and education, while Supervisors Aaron Peskin and Ahsha Safaí failed in all five categories.

Party Chair John Dennis&nbsp;said the chart is not technically an endorsement or show of support, but the group &#8220;wanted to offer the average Republican voters some guidance about what we were thinking about the race.&#8221;

Party Chair John Dennis&nbsp;said the chart is not technically an endorsement or show of support, but the group "wanted to offer the average Republican voters some guidance about what we were thinking about the race."

Party Chair John Dennis&nbsp;said the chart is not technically an endorsement or show of support, but the group &#8220;wanted to offer the average Republican voters some guidance about what we were thinking about the race.&#8221;

Meanwhile, San Francisco Young Republicans <a href="https://sfyr.io/endorsements-for-mayor-of-san-francisco/">support Farrell as their first choice</a>; Ellen Lee Zhou, the only Republican in the race, as their second; and Peskin as their third <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/28/san-francisco-mayors-race-westside-housing-aaron-peskin/">because of his stance against big developers.</a>

Fearing tall buildings, westside homeowners look to Aaron Peskin

Meanwhile, San Francisco Young Republicans <a href="https://sfyr.io/endorsements-for-mayor-of-san-francisco/">support Farrell as their first choice</a>; Ellen Lee Zhou, the only Republican in the race, as their second; and Peskin as their third <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/28/san-francisco-mayors-race-westside-housing-aaron-peskin/">because of his stance against big developers.</a>

Marie Hurabiell, executive director and founder of a new independent group called ConnectedSF, is <a href="https://www.connectedsf.com/citywide-candidate-endorsements#Mayor">endorsing Lurie as her top choice</a>. Hurabiell, whose organization is focused on &#8220;anti-status-quo,&#8221; said Lurie stands out for his outsider image, emphasis on public safety, and fresh takes on government and nonprofit accountability.

Marie Hurabiell, executive director and founder of a new independent group called ConnectedSF, is <a href="https://www.connectedsf.com/citywide-candidate-endorsements#Mayor">endorsing Lurie as her top choice</a>. Hurabiell, whose organization is focused on "anti-status-quo," said Lurie stands out for his outsider image, emphasis on public safety, and fresh takes on government and nonprofit accountability.

Marie Hurabiell, executive director and founder of a new independent group called ConnectedSF, is <a href="https://www.connectedsf.com/citywide-candidate-endorsements#Mayor">endorsing Lurie as her top choice</a>. Hurabiell, whose organization is focused on &#8220;anti-status-quo,&#8221; said Lurie stands out for his outsider image, emphasis on public safety, and fresh takes on government and nonprofit accountability.

Hurabiell, a longtime Republican turned Democrat, acknowledged that Farrell&#8217;s right-leaning policy ideas are attractive and said she&#8217;s supporting him as a second choice. However, she believes Lurie&#8217;s wealthy background is a benefit because &#8220;he can&#8217;t be bought,&#8221; and that&#8217;s a key advantage when it comes to rooting out the city&#8217;s corruption problem.

Hurabiell, a longtime Republican turned Democrat, acknowledged that Farrell's right-leaning policy ideas are attractive and said she's supporting him as a second choice. However, she believes Lurie's wealthy background is a benefit because "he can't be bought," and that's a key advantage when it comes to rooting out the city's corruption problem.

Hurabiell, a longtime Republican turned Democrat, acknowledged that Farrell&#8217;s right-leaning policy ideas are attractive and said she&#8217;s supporting him as a second choice. However, she believes Lurie&#8217;s wealthy background is a benefit because &#8220;he can&#8217;t be bought,&#8221; and that&#8217;s a key advantage when it comes to rooting out the city&#8217;s corruption problem.

&#8220;We need a change,&#8221; Hurabiell said. &#8220;We need someone who&#8217;s not beholden to anybody.&#8221;

"We need a change," Hurabiell said. "We need someone who's not beholden to anybody."

&#8220;We need a change,&#8221; Hurabiell said. &#8220;We need someone who&#8217;s not beholden to anybody.&#8221;

SF Republicans throw support behind surprising Democrat for mayor

Gabe Greschler

After a March primary election that was <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/election-night-winners-and-losers-who-came-out-on-top-in-tuesdays-primary-contest/">dominated by public safety</a>, the upcoming mayoral contest appears to be quickly pivoting to another issue San Franciscans often disagree on.

Election night winners and losers: Who came out on top in Tuesday&#8217;s voting?

After a March primary election that was <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/election-night-winners-and-losers-who-came-out-on-top-in-tuesdays-primary-contest/">dominated by public safety</a>, the upcoming mayoral contest appears to be quickly pivoting to another issue San Franciscans often disagree on.

You guessed it: Housing. And, for now, the people clamoring to build more of it are on the back foot.

You guessed it: Housing. And, for now, the people clamoring to build more of it are on the back foot.

On Tuesday, seven supervisors stood behind Board President Aaron Peskin and his legislation that seeks to preserve a handful of blocks in Telegraph Hill, an area home to some buildings dating back to the Gold Rush era. 

On Tuesday, seven supervisors stood behind Board President Aaron Peskin and his legislation that seeks to preserve a handful of blocks in Telegraph Hill, an area home to some buildings dating back to the Gold Rush era.

The supervisors who <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/04/aaron-peskin-san-francisco-mayor-race/">supported the expected mayoral candidate</a> in his housing bill—and struck down an earlier veto from Mayor London Breed—included those who are not even staunch allies of Peskin.&nbsp;

Aaron Peskin sees ‘a lane’ to winning San Francisco mayor’s race

The supervisors who <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/04/aaron-peskin-san-francisco-mayor-race/">supported the expected mayoral candidate</a> in his housing bill—and struck down an earlier veto from Mayor London Breed—included those who are not even staunch allies of Peskin.&nbsp;

“All politics and no policy,” Supervisor Rafael Mandelman described the situation during Tuesday’s meeting—a surprising barb thrown at the mayor. “The area actually at issue here is tiny.”

“All politics and no policy,” Supervisor Rafael Mandelman described the situation during Tuesday’s meeting—a surprising barb thrown at the mayor. “The area actually at issue here is tiny.”

San Francisco Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, right, listens during a meeting at the Supervisors Chambers at City Hall in San Francisco on Tuesday, March 26, 2024. The Board of Supervisors are expected to pass Peskin's housing legislation again after a veto from Mayor Breed earlier this month.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240326-mayorveto_eg_017.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in glasses, focused and resting his chin on his hand, sits amidst blurred figures in a formal meeting room setting." class="wp-image-262729"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco Supervisor Rafael Mandelman was among the lawmakers who sided with Board President Aaron Peskin&#8217;s effort to restrict density in part of his district. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240326-mayorveto_eg_017.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in glasses, focused and resting his chin on his hand, sits amidst blurred figures in a formal meeting room setting." class="wp-image-262729"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco Supervisor Rafael Mandelman was among the lawmakers who sided with Board President Aaron Peskin's effort to restrict density in part of his district. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240326-mayorveto_eg_017.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in glasses, focused and resting his chin on his hand, sits amidst blurred figures in a formal meeting room setting." class="wp-image-262729"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco Supervisor Rafael Mandelman was among the lawmakers who sided with Board President Aaron Peskin&#8217;s effort to restrict density in part of his district. </figcaption></figure>

The moment was a defeat for Breed, who promised in her State of the City speech this month that she would block any legislation that crossed her desk she deemed as “anti-housing.” For Breed, the veto may go down as a political gamble that offers Peskin—or another progressive challenger in the mayoral race—a leg up this November.

The moment was a defeat for Breed, who promised in her State of the City speech this month that she would block any legislation that crossed her desk she deemed as “anti-housing.” For Breed, the veto may go down as a political gamble that offers Peskin—or another progressive challenger in the mayoral race—a leg up this November.

It also marked a setback for YIMBYs, who have racked up considerable political wins in recent years but are now facing more resistance—even from some lawmakers in the city’s moderate camp.

It also marked a setback for YIMBYs, who have racked up considerable political wins in recent years but are now facing more resistance—even from some lawmakers in the city’s moderate camp.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-happened">What happened?</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-happened">What happened?</h2>

At the end of February, the board approved Peskin’s housing legislation in an 8-3 vote, with Supervisors Joel Engardio, Myrna Melgar and Matt Dorsey dissenting.&nbsp;

At the end of February, the board approved Peskin’s housing legislation in an 8-3 vote, with Supervisors Joel Engardio, Myrna Melgar and Matt Dorsey dissenting.&nbsp;

The legislation comes after Peskin and Breed last summer teamed up to encourage <a href="https://sfplanning.org/project/downtown-adaptive-reuse-program#:~:text=New">housing development in the northeastern corner of the city</a> through the streamlining of office space to residential conversions.

The legislation comes after Peskin and Breed last summer teamed up to encourage <a href="https://sfplanning.org/project/downtown-adaptive-reuse-program#:~:text=New">housing development in the northeastern corner of the city</a> through the streamlining of office space to residential conversions.

However, Peskin says state law would have allowed for extra-large residential towers to bulldoze areas he considers vital to the city’s past: the Jackson Square and Northeast Waterfront historic districts. His efforts come after a spate of moves that have angered his critics, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/07/supervisors-strike-down-challenge-to-pacific-heights-library-redevelopment/">including being the sole vote in favor of blocking a redevelopment project in Pacific Heights in February.</a>

Supervisors strike down challenge to Pacific Heights library redevelopment 

However, Peskin says state law would have allowed for extra-large residential towers to bulldoze areas he considers vital to the city’s past: the Jackson Square and Northeast Waterfront historic districts. His efforts come after a spate of moves that have angered his critics, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/07/supervisors-strike-down-challenge-to-pacific-heights-library-redevelopment/">including being the sole vote in favor of blocking a redevelopment project in Pacific Heights in February.</a>

“Housing will get built, developers will still make sizable profits, but the reality is that they won’t be able to destroy the very things that make San Francisco so special. Today good planning won out over bad politics,” Peskin wrote in a statement after Tuesday’s vote.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Housing will get built, developers will still make sizable profits, but the reality is that they won’t be able to destroy the very things that make San Francisco so special. Today good planning won out over bad politics,” Peskin wrote in a statement after Tuesday’s vote.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Peskin&#8217;s critics see his recent housing moves as an effort to appeal to a still-sizable constituency in San Francisco: preservation-minded residents who feel that denser housing taxes infrastructure and tarnishes neighborhood character, even if they agree with moderates on issues like public safety.

Peskin's critics see his recent housing moves as an effort to appeal to a still-sizable constituency in San Francisco: preservation-minded residents who feel that denser housing taxes infrastructure and tarnishes neighborhood character, even if they agree with moderates on issues like public safety.

Peskin&#8217;s critics see his recent housing moves as an effort to appeal to a still-sizable constituency in San Francisco: preservation-minded residents who feel that denser housing taxes infrastructure and tarnishes neighborhood character, even if they agree with moderates on issues like public safety.

“There’s a piece of the moderate coalition that’s at stake here,” said longtime San Francisco political consultant Jim Ross. “Which are homeowners.”&nbsp;

“There’s a piece of the moderate coalition that’s at stake here,” said longtime San Francisco political consultant Jim Ross. “Which are homeowners.”&nbsp;

Breed sees things differently, describing Peskin’s recent moves as anathema to her goal to build more housing in the city—she even stated she was “tired of his shenanigans” at a rally in front of City Hall. She vetoed Peskin’s bill this month with the hopes that one supervisor may have sided with her to keep her blockade intact.&nbsp;

Breed sees things differently, describing Peskin’s recent moves as anathema to her goal to build more housing in the city—she even stated she was “tired of his shenanigans” at a rally in front of City Hall. She vetoed Peskin’s bill this month with the hopes that one supervisor may have sided with her to keep her blockade intact.&nbsp;

Mayor London Breed speaks at the intersection of 9th Avenue and Irving Street in San Francisco on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. Mayor London Breed joined Police Chief Bill Scott, District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, Sheriff Paul Miyamoto, San Francisco Board of Supervisors Myrna Melgar, and Joel Engardio joined business leaders and members of the community to announce the City's plan to install 400 Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR) at approximately 100 intersections across San Francisco. These new public safety license plate reader cameras will be used by SFPD to address critical public safety issues, including organized retail theft and motor vehicle theft.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/powerplaynewsletter-07.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman in a blue jacket speaks into a microphone with blurred figures and vehicles in the background." class="wp-image-261097"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed solidified her partnership with pro-housing voters when she vetoed a controversial ordinance to change density limits in a chunk of the waterfront. </figcaption></figure>

That gambit failed Tuesday after an identical 8-3 vote took place—with supervisors who sided with Peskin claiming Breed’s move was purely political, the legislation was small in scope and the Planning Commission had given its thumbs up.

That gambit failed Tuesday after an identical 8-3 vote took place—with supervisors who sided with Peskin claiming Breed’s move was purely political, the legislation was small in scope and the Planning Commission had given its thumbs up.

The squabble even plunked itself into state politics, with state Sen. Scott Wiener claiming in an opinion piece <a href="https://sfstandard.com/opinion/2024/03/25/letting-aaron-peskin-pass-another-anti-housing-law-would-be-a-slap-in-the-face-for-sf/">penned for The Standard</a> that Peskin’s bill was the latest in a long line of efforts to skewer housing production in the city.&nbsp;

Letting Aaron Peskin pass another anti-housing law would be a slap in the face for SF

The squabble even plunked itself into state politics, with state Sen. Scott Wiener claiming in an opinion piece <a href="https://sfstandard.com/opinion/2024/03/25/letting-aaron-peskin-pass-another-anti-housing-law-would-be-a-slap-in-the-face-for-sf/">penned for The Standard</a> that Peskin’s bill was the latest in a long line of efforts to skewer housing production in the city.&nbsp;

Former Mayor Art Agnos fought back in an article <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/forum/aaron-peskin-housing-criticism-misses-mark-art-agnos-says/article_e578420e-ebac-11ee-b800-d717bca05a0f.html">with the Examiner</a>, claiming YIMBYs like Wiener were pushing for “a radical one-size-fits-all approach promoted by calculating special interests in Sacramento who care nothing about our city.”

Former Mayor Art Agnos fought back in an article <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/forum/aaron-peskin-housing-criticism-misses-mark-art-agnos-says/article_e578420e-ebac-11ee-b800-d717bca05a0f.html">with the Examiner</a>, claiming YIMBYs like Wiener were pushing for “a radical one-size-fits-all approach promoted by calculating special interests in Sacramento who care nothing about our city.”

Housing emerges as a key wedge in November&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-housing-emerges-as-a-key-wedge-in-november-nbsp">Housing emerges as a key wedge in November&nbsp;</h2>

Tuesday’s vote was a speed bump for Breed, who is facing low poll numbers and a tough reelection battle.&nbsp;

Tuesday’s vote was a speed bump for Breed, who is facing low poll numbers and a tough reelection battle.&nbsp;

The beginning of March offered her momentum when three of Breed’s propositions during the March primary saw success—while a rousing win for moderates at the local Democratic County Central Committee further solidified her political base.

The beginning of March offered her momentum when three of Breed’s propositions during the March primary saw success—while a rousing win for moderates at the local Democratic County Central Committee further solidified her political base.

“I’m disappointed, but not surprised,” said Jake Price, an organizer for the YIMBY-oriented Housing Action Coalition in San Francisco, in an interview after the vote. “If we can’t agree to build housing in affluent neighborhoods adjacent to the downtown we want to revitalize, where can we build housing?”

“I’m disappointed, but not surprised,” said Jake Price, an organizer for the YIMBY-oriented Housing Action Coalition in San Francisco, in an interview after the vote. “If we can’t agree to build housing in affluent neighborhoods adjacent to the downtown we want to revitalize, where can we build housing?”

Breed’s veto—and her promise during her State of the City address—firmly validated her allyship with the YIMBY coalition, which has historically backed Breed but hasn’t yet made endorsements for November.

Breed’s veto—and her promise during her State of the City address—firmly validated her allyship with the YIMBY coalition, which has historically backed Breed but hasn’t yet made endorsements for November.

But in a crowded field of contenders, Breed’s moderate opponent, former Supervisor Mark Farrell, may see a path to victory without the backing of dedicated pro-housing voters.&nbsp;

But in a crowded field of contenders, Breed’s moderate opponent, former Supervisor Mark Farrell, may see a path to victory without the backing of dedicated pro-housing voters.&nbsp;

A variety of styles of homes and residential buildings are positioned along Greenwich Street under Coit Tower in Telegraph Hill in San Francisco on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024. Luxury home sales were significantly down in 2023 and experienced real estate brokers have theories about macro economics, changing attitudes, and the San Francisco housing crisis.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/20240210-sfluxurymarketfeature_-0466.jpg?w=2500" alt="A cityscape with Coit Tower atop a hill, flanked by trees and terraced modern houses under a clear sky." class="wp-image-250247"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Aaron Peskin&#8217;s Telegraph Hill neighborhood emerged as a flashpoint for disagreements on housing policy. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/20240210-sfluxurymarketfeature_-0466.jpg?w=2500" alt="A cityscape with Coit Tower atop a hill, flanked by trees and terraced modern houses under a clear sky." class="wp-image-250247"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Aaron Peskin's Telegraph Hill neighborhood emerged as a flashpoint for disagreements on housing policy. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/20240210-sfluxurymarketfeature_-0466.jpg?w=2500" alt="A cityscape with Coit Tower atop a hill, flanked by trees and terraced modern houses under a clear sky." class="wp-image-250247"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Aaron Peskin&#8217;s Telegraph Hill neighborhood emerged as a flashpoint for disagreements on housing policy. </figcaption></figure>

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