Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez

The scene: a mayoral forum. Town hall, debate, pancake breakfast — it doesn’t matter which.

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The scene: a mayoral forum. Town hall, debate, pancake breakfast — it doesn’t matter which.

First to speak is the incumbent, confident and brash as she brushes aside her critics and proclaims a bright future. Next up, her alpha-gorilla challenger, who in even louder tones lays a litany of lawlessness at the feet of the incumbent.

First to speak is the incumbent, confident and brash as she brushes aside her critics and proclaims a bright future. Next up, her alpha-gorilla challenger, who in even louder tones lays a litany of lawlessness at the feet of the incumbent.

Then a third candidate takes the mic.

He speaks to the crowd conversationally, his manner professorial. His attacks mostly avoid targeting any single candidate, instead casting them collectively as “City Hall insiders” who have led San Francisco astray.

He speaks to the crowd conversationally, his manner professorial. His attacks mostly avoid targeting any single candidate, instead casting them collectively as “City Hall insiders” who have led San Francisco astray.

The style of this candidate, Daniel Lurie, rankles no one. Maybe voters in the ranked-choice election will consider putting the nonprofit CEO and Levi Strauss heir at No. 2, behind one of the more polemical speakers. Maybe No. 3.

The style of this candidate, Daniel Lurie, rankles no one. Maybe voters in the ranked-choice election will consider putting the nonprofit CEO and Levi Strauss heir at No. 2, behind one of the more polemical speakers. Maybe No. 3.

Is Lurie too nuanced to boil down to a soundbite? Maybe. Does his style feel a little blah? Sure. Call it what you want, but his strategy of being unobjectionable may just work in a ranked-choice election where being everyone’s second- or third-favorite candidate could count for a lot.

Is Lurie too nuanced to boil down to a soundbite? Maybe. Does his style feel a little blah? Sure. Call it what you want, but his strategy of being unobjectionable may just work in a ranked-choice election where being everyone’s second- or third-favorite candidate could count for a lot.

Lurie has demonstrated a chameleon-like ability to appeal to those who may vote for Mayor London Breed, former mayor Mark Farrell, or even Supervisor Aaron Peskin as their first choice, said San Francisco State University politics professor Jason McDaniel.

Lurie has demonstrated a chameleon-like ability to appeal to those who may vote for Mayor London Breed, former mayor Mark Farrell, or even Supervisor Aaron Peskin as their first choice, said San Francisco State University politics professor Jason McDaniel.

“Lurie is trying to be inoffensive making vague appeals that don’t necessarily code ideologically moderate or progressive,” McDaniel said.

“Lurie is trying to be inoffensive making vague appeals that don’t necessarily code ideologically moderate or progressive,” McDaniel said.

Bernal Heights activist Buck Bagot has been in and out of San Francisco politics since Dianne Feinstein was mayor. He has endorsed Peskin, who he said “radiates energy.” Bagot casts Lurie’s style another way.

Bernal Heights activist Buck Bagot has been in and out of San Francisco politics since Dianne Feinstein was mayor. He has endorsed Peskin, who he said “radiates energy.” Bagot casts Lurie’s style another way.

“Boring,” he said. “Lurie is a ghost.”

“Boring,” he said. “Lurie is a ghost.”

A new poll shows just how helpful that trait may be. Conducted by FM3 Research and paid for by an independent expenditure committee supporting Lurie, <a href="https://link.sfstandard.com/click/36629770.801/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb250ZW50LnNmc3RhbmRhcmQuY29tL3dwLWNvbnRlbnQvdXBsb2Fkcy8yMDI0LzA5L3Nhbi1mcmFuY3NpY28tbWF5b3JhbC1zdXJ2ZXktZmluZGluZ3MucGRmP3V0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TRitTdGFuZGFyZCtQb3dlcitQbGF5JnV0bV9jb250ZW50PXAtdGV4dCZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9U0YrU3RhbmRhcmQ/64c990adfdb9f77eaca92aa7B61d61b0d">the poll of more than 700 voters</a> shows him behind in first-place votes under the ranked-choice system. But when you tally second-, third-, and fourth-place votes, Lurie is within striking distance of Breed in the final round.

A new poll shows just how helpful that trait may be. Conducted by FM3 Research and paid for by an independent expenditure committee supporting Lurie, <a href="https://link.sfstandard.com/click/36629770.801/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb250ZW50LnNmc3RhbmRhcmQuY29tL3dwLWNvbnRlbnQvdXBsb2Fkcy8yMDI0LzA5L3Nhbi1mcmFuY3NpY28tbWF5b3JhbC1zdXJ2ZXktZmluZGluZ3MucGRmP3V0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TRitTdGFuZGFyZCtQb3dlcitQbGF5JnV0bV9jb250ZW50PXAtdGV4dCZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9U0YrU3RhbmRhcmQ/64c990adfdb9f77eaca92aa7B61d61b0d">the poll of more than 700 voters</a> shows him behind in first-place votes under the ranked-choice system. But when you tally second-, third-, and fourth-place votes, Lurie is within striking distance of Breed in the final round.

Mayor London Breed and Daniel Lurie participates in the debate hosted by Manny Yekutiel and Heather Knight at Sydney Goldstein Theater in Hayes Valley in San Francisco, Calif. on Wednesday, June 12, 2024.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240613mayordebate20.jpg?w=2500" alt="Two people, a man in a suit and tie, and a woman in a blue outfit, are standing behind podiums on a stage, speaking, against a black background." class="wp-image-283139"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lurie has demonstrated a chameleon-like ability to appeal to a wide swath of voters.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240613mayordebate20.jpg?w=2500" alt="Two people, a man in a suit and tie, and a woman in a blue outfit, are standing behind podiums on a stage, speaking, against a black background." class="wp-image-283139"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lurie has demonstrated a chameleon-like ability to appeal to a wide swath of voters.</figcaption></figure>

Another finding from the poll underscores Lurie’s noncontroversial appeal.

Another finding from the poll underscores Lurie’s noncontroversial appeal.

In what essentially amounts to a list of who annoys voters most, respondents were asked to name “candidates for mayor for whom you would never vote.” The result: Peskin topped the list, at 44%. He was followed by Breed, 27%; Farrell, 18%; Supervisor Ahsha Safaí, 15%; and Lurie, the winner, at 9%.

In what essentially amounts to a list of who annoys voters most, respondents were asked to name “candidates for mayor for whom you would never vote.” The result: Peskin topped the list, at 44%. He was followed by Breed, 27%; Farrell, 18%; Supervisor Ahsha Safaí, 15%; and Lurie, the winner, at 9%.

Lurie’s opponents are known quantities. That’s both an asset and a weakness.

Lurie’s opponents are known quantities. That’s both an asset and a weakness.

A Chinatown resident may resent Breed for a proposed (later scrapped) sober living facility in the neighborhood; a voter who prioritizes criminal justice reform may remember when Farrell, as mayor, clashed with the Police Officers Association <a href="https://sfpoa.org/node/1064">over rank-and-file raises</a>. Voters may begrudge Peskin for his notorious late-night phone calls skewering city staff for alleged failures.

A Chinatown resident may resent Breed for a proposed (later scrapped) sober living facility in the neighborhood; a voter who prioritizes criminal justice reform may remember when Farrell, as mayor, clashed with the Police Officers Association <a href="https://sfpoa.org/node/1064">over rank-and-file raises</a>. Voters may begrudge Peskin for his notorious late-night phone calls skewering city staff for alleged failures.

Lurie, on the other hand, has no government experience, no record in office to research, and few past public comments to analyze. More than any other candidate, his lack of public history allows him to craft his own narrative, McDaniel said.

Lurie, on the other hand, has no government experience, no record in office to research, and few past public comments to analyze. More than any other candidate, his lack of public history allows him to craft his own narrative, McDaniel said.

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Lurie’s policies sometimes reflect a balance between those of his more outspoken opponents. While some candidates have hammered on the need to arrest drug users, under <a href="https://daniellurie.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/lurie-press-15.pdf">Lurie’s plan</a>, people who are addicted and commit low-level offenses “would be given the option of treatment in lieu of arrest.” He also believes in increasing police hiring.

Lurie’s policies sometimes reflect a balance between those of his more outspoken opponents. While some candidates have hammered on the need to arrest drug users, under <a href="https://daniellurie.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/lurie-press-15.pdf">Lurie’s plan</a>, people who are addicted and commit low-level offenses “would be given the option of treatment in lieu of arrest.” He also believes in increasing police hiring.

McDaniel said candidates take a risk when they don’t paint strong contrasts to their opponents. Despite the role of second- and third-ranked votes, candidates who garner the most first-choice votes enjoy an advantage. Right now, that’s Breed.

McDaniel said candidates take a risk when they don’t paint strong contrasts to their opponents. Despite the role of second- and third-ranked votes, candidates who garner the most first-choice votes enjoy an advantage. Right now, that’s Breed.

“Can you win by being broadly liked, but not loved, for instance, by anyone?” McDaniel said. “I think it&#8217;s going to be hard to win this election for Daniel Lurie in that kind of campaign unless you can finish in the second position.”

“Can you win by being broadly liked, but not loved, for instance, by anyone?” McDaniel said. “I think it's going to be hard to win this election for Daniel Lurie in that kind of campaign unless you can finish in the second position.”

“Can you win by being broadly liked, but not loved, for instance, by anyone?” McDaniel said. “I think it&#8217;s going to be hard to win this election for Daniel Lurie in that kind of campaign unless you can finish in the second position.”

Daniel Lurie supporters wave signs before the the second mayoral debate, held at UC Law in San Francisco on Monday, June 17th, 2024.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240614-secondmayoraldebate-ac-11.jpg?w=2500" alt="People seen from the waist up, outside in a city street, hold blue campaign signs reading &quot;LURIE.&quot;" class="wp-image-284211"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supporters wave signs before a June mayoral debate.</figcaption></figure>

Breed campaign spokesperson Joe Arellano said the poll shows that Lurie is deliberately avoiding hot-button issues.

Breed campaign spokesperson Joe Arellano said the poll shows that Lurie is deliberately avoiding hot-button issues.

“His entire campaign is just a bunch of bland political catchphrases stitched together — and it’s by design,” Arrellano said in a statement. “He tells the voters absolutely nothing about what he would do as mayor, so he can appear safe and noncontroversial and be everyone’s second choice.”

“His entire campaign is just a bunch of bland political catchphrases stitched together — and it’s by design,” Arrellano said in a statement. “He tells the voters absolutely nothing about what he would do as mayor, so he can appear safe and noncontroversial and be everyone’s second choice.”

As for Farrell, his distinct style is an advantage, according to campaign manager Jade Tu.

As for Farrell, his distinct style is an advantage, according to campaign manager Jade Tu.

“Our campaign is right where we want to be as we enter the homestretch and has plenty of room to grow as more voters start to tune-in to the race,” Tu said in a statement. “It does not matter how many #2 or #3 votes you get if you are never able to crack into the top two.”

“Our campaign is right where we want to be as we enter the homestretch and has plenty of room to grow as more voters start to tune-in to the race,” Tu said in a statement. “It does not matter how many #2 or #3 votes you get if you are never able to crack into the top two.”

In a text statement, Lurie&#8217;s campaign consultant Tyler Law said the nonprofit CEO&#8217;s campaign may draw a more distinct picture with his opponents soon.

In a text statement, Lurie's campaign consultant Tyler Law said the nonprofit CEO's campaign may draw a more distinct picture with his opponents soon.

In a text statement, Lurie&#8217;s campaign consultant Tyler Law said the nonprofit CEO&#8217;s campaign may draw a more distinct picture with his opponents soon.

&#8220;His candidacy is tapping into San Franciscans’ deep frustration with the City Hall insiders who have grown and exploited a corrupt system for years,&#8221; Law said. &#8220;The contrast in this race is coming into sharp focus heading into the final stretch.&#8221;

"His candidacy is tapping into San Franciscans’ deep frustration with the City Hall insiders who have grown and exploited a corrupt system for years," Law said. "The contrast in this race is coming into sharp focus heading into the final stretch."

&#8220;His candidacy is tapping into San Franciscans’ deep frustration with the City Hall insiders who have grown and exploited a corrupt system for years,&#8221; Law said. &#8220;The contrast in this race is coming into sharp focus heading into the final stretch.&#8221;

There are early signs Lurie’s strategy may be starting to shift. This week, he launched a volley of attack ads against Farrell. The mailers claim: “Mark Farrell won’t change the system. He built and exploited it.”

There are early signs Lurie’s strategy may be starting to shift. This week, he launched a volley of attack ads against Farrell. The mailers claim: “Mark Farrell won’t change the system. He built and exploited it.”

Dan Newman, who runs the independent expenditure committee “Believe in SF, Lurie for Mayor 2024,” has hope that the candidate’s broad-based appeal will work. Ads run by the committee tout Lurie as a positive force for change and shy away from critiquing his opponents.

Dan Newman, who runs the independent expenditure committee “Believe in SF, Lurie for Mayor 2024,” has hope that the candidate’s broad-based appeal will work. Ads run by the committee tout Lurie as a positive force for change and shy away from critiquing his opponents.

Newman knows this strategy can work. More than a decade ago, he campaigned for another candidate known for a less confrontational style: Mayor Ed Lee.

Newman knows this strategy can work. More than a decade ago, he campaigned for another candidate known for a less confrontational style: Mayor Ed Lee.

Late San Francisco mayor Edwin Lee greets people as he walks through Chinatown on November 8, 2011 in San Francisco. | Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/FEATURED_EdLeeStreet020923-1-scaled.jpg?w=2500" alt="The late Mayor Ed Lee, a man with gray hair wearing sunglasses, is seen from the waist up shaking someone's hands. Supporters hold &quot;Ed Lee&quot; signs." class="wp-image-124155"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The late San Francisco Mayor Edwin Lee walks through Chinatown in 2011.</figcaption></figure>

“Look at how folks like Mayor Ed Lee won overwhelmingly,” Newman said of the 2011 race. “To win in ranked-choice voting, you cannot be polarizing. What you need is an advantage in favorability across the board, and [Lurie’s] dominating in that.”

“Look at how folks like Mayor Ed Lee won overwhelmingly,” Newman said of the 2011 race. “To win in ranked-choice voting, you cannot be polarizing. What you need is an advantage in favorability across the board, and [Lurie’s] dominating in that.”

History offers another lesson: Lee was underestimated too. Critics rolled their eyes at his dad jokes, fumed at his affability, and lampooned his Pollyanna speeches. He rarely boomed or thundered.

History offers another lesson: Lee was underestimated too. Critics rolled their eyes at his dad jokes, fumed at his affability, and lampooned his Pollyanna speeches. He rarely boomed or thundered.

In the end, mild-mannered Lee was christened with a nickname that flipped his weakness into a strength: the consensus mayor, because his professorial style brought warring factions together.

In the end, mild-mannered Lee was christened with a nickname that flipped his weakness into a strength: the consensus mayor, because his professorial style brought warring factions together.

Perhaps Lurie will too. If he wins.

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Han Li

Even for San Francisco political insiders, the city’s vast network of commissions and advisory boards — estimated at <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/20/san-francisco-city-hall-commissions-grand-jury/">over 130</a> — can be bewildering.

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Even for San Francisco political insiders, the city’s vast network of commissions and advisory boards — estimated at <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/20/san-francisco-city-hall-commissions-grand-jury/">over 130</a> — can be bewildering.

On Nov. 5, San Franciscans voted on two competing ballot measures over how to cut or consolidate those boards, committees, councils, and task forces to reduce the city’s layers of bureaucracy and boost government efficiency. It was the most expensive ballot measure fight in this year&#8217;s election.

On Nov. 5, San Franciscans voted on two competing ballot measures over how to cut or consolidate those boards, committees, councils, and task forces to reduce the city’s layers of bureaucracy and boost government efficiency. It was the most expensive ballot measure fight in this year's election.

On Nov. 5, San Franciscans voted on two competing ballot measures over how to cut or consolidate those boards, committees, councils, and task forces to reduce the city’s layers of bureaucracy and boost government efficiency. It was the most expensive ballot measure fight in this year&#8217;s election.

Measure D: Reduce city commissions, increase mayoral authority

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The measure failed to pass, with less than half of voters supporting the measure.

The measure failed to pass, with less than half of voters supporting the measure.

Backed by TogetherSF Action, Prop. D aimed to dramatically reduce the number of city commissions to a hard cap of 65, while expanding mayoral powers. The measure <a href="https://sfethics.org/ethics/2023/12/campaign-finance-dashboards-november-5-2024.html">attracted significant financial support</a>, with its campaign committee raising approximately $6.5 million, plus an additional $2.5 million from a ballot committee tied to mayoral candidate Mark Farrell. The Standard’s chairman Michael Mortiz is a major financial supporter of TogetherSF Action and donated to Farrell’s committee supporting Prop. D.

Backed by TogetherSF Action, Prop. D aimed to dramatically reduce the number of city commissions to a hard cap of 65, while expanding mayoral powers. The measure <a href="https://sfethics.org/ethics/2023/12/campaign-finance-dashboards-november-5-2024.html">attracted significant financial support</a>, with its campaign committee raising approximately $6.5 million, plus an additional $2.5 million from a ballot committee tied to mayoral candidate Mark Farrell. The Standard’s chairman Michael Mortiz is a major financial supporter of TogetherSF Action and donated to Farrell’s committee supporting Prop. D.

Prop. E, a similar but competing proposal introduced by Supervisor Aaron Peskin, was put on the ballot as a “poison pill” to thwart Prop. D, according to its opponents. If both measures pass, the one with more votes will become law.

Prop. E, a similar but competing proposal introduced by Supervisor Aaron Peskin, was put on the ballot as a “poison pill” to thwart Prop. D, according to its opponents. If both measures pass, the one with more votes will become law.

Prop. E was narrowly leading as of the latest returns.

Prop. E was narrowly leading as of the latest returns.

Measure E: Create a task force to consider reducing city commissions

Prop. E proposes a more gradual approach to commission reform: Rather than mandating immediate cuts, it would establish a task force to study the issue and make recommendations by early 2026.

Prop. E proposes a more gradual approach to commission reform: Rather than mandating immediate cuts, it would establish a task force to study the issue and make recommendations by early 2026.

Ed Harrington, a former city controller who’s leading the Prop. E campaign, said that Prop. D was the “wrong way” to reform because the public deserves an open process to discuss commission reform. He emphasized the importance of maintaining transparency and openness in city government by allowing citizen oversight.

Ed Harrington, a former city controller who’s leading the Prop. E campaign, said that Prop. D was the “wrong way” to reform because the public deserves an open process to discuss commission reform. He emphasized the importance of maintaining transparency and openness in city government by allowing citizen oversight.

“Prop. D takes a meat ax to our city government,” Harrington said, referring to the potential elimination of “essential and effective commissions” like the Arts, Library, Health, Youth, Small Business, and Environment Commissions. The campaign for Prop. E has raised approximately $62,000, much less than Prop. D&#8217;s nearly $9 million war chest.

“Prop. D takes a meat ax to our city government,” Harrington said, referring to the potential elimination of “essential and effective commissions” like the Arts, Library, Health, Youth, Small Business, and Environment Commissions. The campaign for Prop. E has raised approximately $62,000, much less than Prop. D's nearly $9 million war chest.

“Prop. D takes a meat ax to our city government,” Harrington said, referring to the potential elimination of “essential and effective commissions” like the Arts, Library, Health, Youth, Small Business, and Environment Commissions. The campaign for Prop. E has raised approximately $62,000, much less than Prop. D&#8217;s nearly $9 million war chest.

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Both measures emerged amid growing concerns about San Francisco’s bureaucratic complexity, with a seeming consensus that the city may need fewer oversight bodies, not more.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Both measures emerged amid growing concerns about San Francisco’s bureaucratic complexity, with a seeming consensus that the city may need fewer oversight bodies, not more.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Another major difference between the two measures is mayoral authority. Prop. D sought to grant the mayor the new power to appoint and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/09/25/mayor-breed-to-end-practice-of-making-appointees-sign-undated-resignation-letters-in-face-of-legislative-action/">remove commissioners</a> without Board of Supervisors approval, while also allowing direct firing of department heads. However, critics argued this concentration of power could undermine the purpose of having independent oversight commissions.

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Another major difference between the two measures is mayoral authority. Prop. D sought to grant the mayor the new power to appoint and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/09/25/mayor-breed-to-end-practice-of-making-appointees-sign-undated-resignation-letters-in-face-of-legislative-action/">remove commissioners</a> without Board of Supervisors approval, while also allowing direct firing of department heads. However, critics argued this concentration of power could undermine the purpose of having independent oversight commissions.

The battle lines largely followed San Francisco’s traditional political divide, with moderates generally supporting Prop. D, and progressives backing Prop. E. Mayor London Breed, despite her moderate alignment,opposed Prop. D because of TogetherSF Action’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/30/san-francisco-mayors-race-neighbors-pac-mark-farrell/">cozy ties with Farrell&#8217;s campaign for mayor</a>, calling the measure &#8220;tainted&#8221; in an <a href="https://link.sfstandard.com/view/6436e9f49b2604493199640alqtsr.1d9/7e8e8abe">August statement</a>.

Hello, Neighbors: Mark Farrell’s mayoral campaign gets cozy with rich political group

The battle lines largely followed San Francisco’s traditional political divide, with moderates generally supporting Prop. D, and progressives backing Prop. E. Mayor London Breed, despite her moderate alignment,opposed Prop. D because of TogetherSF Action’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/30/san-francisco-mayors-race-neighbors-pac-mark-farrell/">cozy ties with Farrell's campaign for mayor</a>, calling the measure "tainted" in an <a href="https://link.sfstandard.com/view/6436e9f49b2604493199640alqtsr.1d9/7e8e8abe">August statement</a>.

The battle lines largely followed San Francisco’s traditional political divide, with moderates generally supporting Prop. D, and progressives backing Prop. E. Mayor London Breed, despite her moderate alignment,opposed Prop. D because of TogetherSF Action’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/30/san-francisco-mayors-race-neighbors-pac-mark-farrell/">cozy ties with Farrell&#8217;s campaign for mayor</a>, calling the measure &#8220;tainted&#8221; in an <a href="https://link.sfstandard.com/view/6436e9f49b2604493199640alqtsr.1d9/7e8e8abe">August statement</a>.

Prop. D, SF’s most expensive ballot measure, fails to pass

Within San Francisco’s relatively narrow political spectrum, Michael Nohr, a Sunset District homeowner, thinks of himself as a moderate.

Within San Francisco’s relatively narrow political spectrum, Michael Nohr, a Sunset District homeowner, thinks of himself as a moderate.

He supported the recalls of former District Attorney Chesa Boudin and three progressive school board members in 2022 and prefers a more business-friendly environment. Most importantly, he wants a more cautious approach to building dense apartment buildings on the west side of the city.

He supported the recalls of former District Attorney Chesa Boudin and three progressive school board members in 2022 and prefers a more business-friendly environment. Most importantly, he wants a more cautious approach to building dense apartment buildings on the west side of the city.

In the upcoming mayoral election, Nohr is struggling over whether to vote for the most left-leaning candidate—Supervisor Aaron Peskin—because of his similar views on housing.

In the upcoming mayoral election, Nohr is struggling over whether to vote for the most left-leaning candidate—Supervisor Aaron Peskin—because of his similar views on housing.

Michael Norh, a moderate voter, stands on the beach in the Sunset district on Wednesday, June 26, 2024. Norh says he is not sure who he will be voting for in the upcoming election because he believes that those who are running do not have substantial ideas or plans that will help the city.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240625-westtwinpeaksmayoralrace-tv0466-cropped.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man is standing with arms crossed, wearing a dark long-sleeve shirt. He's outside with a blue sky, houses, and greenery in the background. His expression is serious." class="wp-image-286503"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Michael Nohr, a moderate voter, says that he&#8217;s struggling with whether to vote for Aaron Peskin, a progressive candidate for mayor.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240625-westtwinpeaksmayoralrace-tv0466-cropped.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man is standing with arms crossed, wearing a dark long-sleeve shirt. He's outside with a blue sky, houses, and greenery in the background. His expression is serious." class="wp-image-286503"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Michael Nohr, a moderate voter, says that he's struggling with whether to vote for Aaron Peskin, a progressive candidate for mayor.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240625-westtwinpeaksmayoralrace-tv0466-cropped.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man is standing with arms crossed, wearing a dark long-sleeve shirt. He's outside with a blue sky, houses, and greenery in the background. His expression is serious." class="wp-image-286503"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Michael Nohr, a moderate voter, says that he&#8217;s struggling with whether to vote for Aaron Peskin, a progressive candidate for mayor.</figcaption></figure>

“It is truly a conundrum,” Nohr told The Standard. “Peskin and I are not in alignment on most policies, but he is the only candidate currently making sense on the issue of housing.”

“It is truly a conundrum,” Nohr told The Standard. “Peskin and I are not in alignment on most policies, but he is the only candidate currently making sense on the issue of housing.”

San Francisco’s west side, which generally refers to the area west of Twin Peaks, had been largely zoned for single-family homes, with multi-family buildings banned on most of the land. But as the city grapples with how to meet a state mandate to accommodate 82,000 new homes and city officials look to loosen zoning restrictions, the opposition is mounting on the west side as residents fear mega-projects that they believe would crowd streets and threaten neighborhood character.

San Francisco’s west side, which generally refers to the area west of Twin Peaks, had been largely zoned for single-family homes, with multi-family buildings banned on most of the land. But as the city grapples with how to meet a state mandate to accommodate 82,000 new homes and city officials look to loosen zoning restrictions, the opposition is mounting on the west side as residents fear mega-projects that they believe would crowd streets and threaten neighborhood character.

A paradox is emerging in the mayor’s race: Peskin, who’s considered progressive on most issues, has been outspoken about prioritizing neighborhood preservation instead of building market-rate housing. That seems to be resonating with homeowners on the west side, who are typically some of the city’s most moderate-conservative voters.

A paradox is emerging in the mayor’s race: Peskin, who’s considered progressive on most issues, has been outspoken about prioritizing neighborhood preservation instead of building market-rate housing. That seems to be resonating with homeowners on the west side, who are typically some of the city’s most moderate-conservative voters.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-campaigning-on-the-west-side">Campaigning on the west side</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-campaigning-on-the-west-side">Campaigning on the west side</h2>

In early June, Neighborhoods United SF, which is organizing against the city’s rezoning proposals, hosted <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/07/san-francisco-zoning-housing-element-united-neighborhoods/">a town hall meeting</a> on the west side of the city. In an area where progressive politicians typically get a cool reception, Peskin was the star of the show.

Angry San Francisco homeowners plot to kill city’s rezoning plan

In early June, Neighborhoods United SF, which is organizing against the city’s rezoning proposals, hosted <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/07/san-francisco-zoning-housing-element-united-neighborhoods/">a town hall meeting</a> on the west side of the city. In an area where progressive politicians typically get a cool reception, Peskin was the star of the show.

In his speech, Peskin said that San Francisco’s coastline and natural beauty are what makes it special. He won applause for his recent fight over <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/26/san-franciso-mayor-breed-peskin-housing-density/">building restrictions along the northern waterfront</a>.

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In his speech, Peskin said that San Francisco’s coastline and natural beauty are what makes it special. He won applause for his recent fight over <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/26/san-franciso-mayor-breed-peskin-housing-density/">building restrictions along the northern waterfront</a>.

“I need your help because it takes a lot of political courage to stand up to the well-funded organizations that are pushing this agenda,” Peskin said.

“I need your help because it takes a lot of political courage to stand up to the well-funded organizations that are pushing this agenda,” Peskin said.

Supervisors Joel Engardio and Aaron Peskin attends a town hall meeting focusing on the upzoning impacts in San Francisco as Lori Brooke speaks.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240625-westtwinpeaksmayoralrace-hl01.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman speaks at a podium labeled &quot;Town Hall Upzoning Impacts.&quot; Two men sit beside her, attentively listening in a room with a wooden floor and technical equipment in the background." class="wp-image-286504"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisors Joel Engardio and Aaron Peskin attends a town hall meeting focusing on the upzoning impacts in San Francisco as Lori Brooke speaks.</figcaption></figure>

Lori Brooke, the event organizer and an outspoken critic of rezoning, said that the housing issue has become a priority for many moderate voters. They are looking to Peskin to stand up against rezoning, she said.

Lori Brooke, the event organizer and an outspoken critic of rezoning, said that the housing issue has become a priority for many moderate voters. They are looking to Peskin to stand up against rezoning, she said.

“If they were potentially a more moderate voter, this issue has opened their eyes to leadership that would actually fight for the neighborhoods,” Lori told The Standard.

“If they were potentially a more moderate voter, this issue has opened their eyes to leadership that would actually fight for the neighborhoods,” Lori told The Standard.

The process of rezoning and building new housing will take a long time. Lydia So, a planning commissioner, doesn’t expect zoning laws to change dramatically before the mayoral election. But the question remains as to whether the housing issue will override other concerns among moderate voters.

The process of rezoning and building new housing will take a long time. Lydia So, a planning commissioner, doesn’t expect zoning laws to change dramatically before the mayoral election. But the question remains as to whether the housing issue will override other concerns among moderate voters.

Matt Boschetto, a westside homeowner who’s running for District 7 supervisor, said that “extreme housing and planning policies” will drive many westside moderate voters to become “one-issue voters,” supporting a candidate that they agree with on housing but disagree with on almost every other topic.

Matt Boschetto, a westside homeowner who’s running for District 7 supervisor, said that “extreme housing and planning policies” will drive many westside moderate voters to become “one-issue voters,” supporting a candidate that they agree with on housing but disagree with on almost every other topic.

“In the face of a public safety, mental illness and addiction crisis, this would be tragic for the city,” Boschetto said.

“In the face of a public safety, mental illness and addiction crisis, this would be tragic for the city,” Boschetto said.

In a statement, Peskin’s campaign said it is gaining momentum on the west side of the city.

In a statement, Peskin’s campaign said it is gaining momentum on the west side of the city.

“We are finding strong support [on the westside] for Supervisor Peskin’s effective leadership and record of giving neighborhoods a voice at City Hall,” the statement said.

“We are finding strong support [on the westside] for Supervisor Peskin’s effective leadership and record of giving neighborhoods a voice at City Hall,” the statement said.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nimby-or-not">NIMBY or not?</h2>

There&#8217;s a precedent for progressives and conservatives joining forces on urban development in San Francisco.

There's a precedent for progressives and conservatives joining forces on urban development in San Francisco.

There&#8217;s a precedent for progressives and conservatives joining forces on urban development in San Francisco.

In 1986, <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/Remember-Prop-M-SF-may-use-it-to-increase-12967248.php">a ballot measure to cap office building growth</a> in the city was considered one of the first battles that united the progressive anti-displacement activists and conservative homeowners, according to Jane Kim, a former city supervisor and progressive advocate.&nbsp;

In 1986, <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/Remember-Prop-M-SF-may-use-it-to-increase-12967248.php">a ballot measure to cap office building growth</a> in the city was considered one of the first battles that united the progressive anti-displacement activists and conservative homeowners, according to Jane Kim, a former city supervisor and progressive advocate.&nbsp;

“There&#8217;s a very long time history of struggle between what I would call neighborhoods and downtown,” Kim said. “It was the fight of everyday neighborhoods versus big downtown.” In 2018, Kim herself <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/Kim-runs-against-Wiener-housing-bill-in-her-race-12810672.php">was part of such an alliance</a>. When she was running for mayor as the most far-left candidate, she found some common ground with westside homeowners against a pro-housing state bill.

“There's a very long time history of struggle between what I would call neighborhoods and downtown,” Kim said. “It was the fight of everyday neighborhoods versus big downtown.” In 2018, Kim herself <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/Kim-runs-against-Wiener-housing-bill-in-her-race-12810672.php">was part of such an alliance</a>. When she was running for mayor as the most far-left candidate, she found some common ground with westside homeowners against a pro-housing state bill.

“There&#8217;s a very long time history of struggle between what I would call neighborhoods and downtown,” Kim said. “It was the fight of everyday neighborhoods versus big downtown.” In 2018, Kim herself <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/Kim-runs-against-Wiener-housing-bill-in-her-race-12810672.php">was part of such an alliance</a>. When she was running for mayor as the most far-left candidate, she found some common ground with westside homeowners against a pro-housing state bill.

Rita O’Hara, a San Francisco native, stands in a doorway in the Evergreen Mortuary in the Richmond district on Thursday, June 27, 2024. O’Hara says she is leaning towards voting for Aaron Peskin even though she typically votes for Republican candidates.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240625-westtwinpeaksmayoralrace-tv1514-cropped.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman with gray hair in a ponytail, wearing a dark plaid blazer and a necklace, is standing indoors by a mirror with her reflection visible, surrounded by beige curtains." class="wp-image-286505"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rita O’Hara says Aaron Peskin and Mark Farrell are her top two choices for San Francisco mayor.</figcaption></figure>

Rita O’Hara, a Richmond District homeowner who identifies as a moderate voter, said she’s torn between Peskin and Mark Farrell for mayor. Farrell, a businessman with a tough-on-crime message, is considered the most conservative of the top candidates.

Rita O’Hara, a Richmond District homeowner who identifies as a moderate voter, said she’s torn between Peskin and Mark Farrell for mayor. Farrell, a businessman with a tough-on-crime message, is considered the most conservative of the top candidates.

“There are many things that I completely disagree with Peskin,” O’Hara said. “What&#8217;s important is he&#8217;s all about the preservation of San Francisco.”

“There are many things that I completely disagree with Peskin,” O’Hara said. “What's important is he's all about the preservation of San Francisco.”

“There are many things that I completely disagree with Peskin,” O’Hara said. “What&#8217;s important is he&#8217;s all about the preservation of San Francisco.”

O’Hara and Nohr both rejected the “NIMBY” label, arguing that they support affordable housing and the city should focus on better utilizing existing vacant units.

O’Hara and Nohr both rejected the “NIMBY” label, arguing that they support affordable housing and the city should focus on better utilizing existing vacant units.

“I&#8217;m neither a YIMBY nor a NIMBY. I am a YIMBYIDP—If Done Properly,” Nohr said in an email.

“I'm neither a YIMBY nor a NIMBY. I am a YIMBYIDP—If Done Properly,” Nohr said in an email.

“I&#8217;m neither a YIMBY nor a NIMBY. I am a YIMBYIDP—If Done Properly,” Nohr said in an email.

Peskin has long been targeted by pro-housing groups as a NIMBY mastermind who has blocked and stalled new housing during his years in office. Peskin counters by saying he backs affordable housing instead of the “luxury towers that none of us can afford.” Breed is considered the most <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/27/yimbys-on-their-heels-after-lawmakers-kill-housing-veto/">pro-housing-development candidate</a>, while other leading candidates fall somewhere in between Peskin and Breed.

YIMBYs on their heels as race for mayor heats up

Peskin has long been targeted by pro-housing groups as a NIMBY mastermind who has blocked and stalled new housing during his years in office. Peskin counters by saying he backs affordable housing instead of the “luxury towers that none of us can afford.” Breed is considered the most <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/27/yimbys-on-their-heels-after-lawmakers-kill-housing-veto/">pro-housing-development candidate</a>, while other leading candidates fall somewhere in between Peskin and Breed.

Jason McDaniel, a political science professor at the San Francisco State University, said many voters are not that politically engaged and don’t necessarily sort themselves by the same moderate or progressive labels that political insiders do.&nbsp;

Jason McDaniel, a political science professor at the San Francisco State University, said many voters are not that politically engaged and don’t necessarily sort themselves by the same moderate or progressive labels that political insiders do.&nbsp;

“I’ve long said that Peskin is the progressive politician who very skillfully appeals to homeowners and he talks about communities, neighborhoods, protection and preservation.” McDaniel said. “He is trying to appeal to those portions of the electorate.”

“I’ve long said that Peskin is the progressive politician who very skillfully appeals to homeowners and he talks about communities, neighborhoods, protection and preservation.” McDaniel said. “He is trying to appeal to those portions of the electorate.”

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