Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez

Levi Strauss heir Daniel Lurie is now in office, and the political jean machine is cranking into high gear.

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Levi Strauss heir Daniel Lurie is now in office, and the political jean machine is cranking into high gear.

He took his oath Wednesday in front of a sea of supporters hopeful to see him bring his bevy of campaign promises to reality: a revived downtown, city services that work, an end to the fentanyl crisis.

He took his oath Wednesday in front of a sea of supporters hopeful to see him bring his bevy of campaign promises to reality: a revived downtown, city services that work, an end to the fentanyl crisis.

One promise is already baked into his administration.

One promise is already baked into his administration.

On the campaign trail, Lurie repeatedly, fervently described a new mayor’s office in which “insiders” would lose their toehold under City Hall’s gold-trimmed dome.

On the campaign trail, Lurie repeatedly, fervently described a new mayor’s office in which “insiders” would lose their toehold under City Hall’s gold-trimmed dome.

“Cast thee out!” he essentially said. And lo, San Francisco will see a symbolic end to one insider’s reign over City Hall.

“Cast thee out!” he essentially said. And lo, San Francisco will see a symbolic end to one insider’s reign over City Hall.

For the first time since Willie Brown left office, San Francisco has a mayor whose political lineage does not descend from him — not as a protégé, an appointee, or even a distant cousin.

For the first time since Willie Brown left office, San Francisco has a mayor whose political lineage does not descend from him — not as a protégé, an appointee, or even a distant cousin.

Before Lurie, every mayor since Brown left office in 2004 could trace his or her political career back to Da Mayor (or, to his friends, the Ayatollah of the Assembly). Brown first appointed Gavin Newsom to the Parking and Traffic Commission, then to the Board of Supervisors; he also promoted the late Ed Lee in city government roles twice and later helped the late community organizer Rose Pak drum Lee into office. Mayor London Breed, early in her career, worked as an intern for Brown before joining his reelection campaign.

Before Lurie, every mayor since Brown left office in 2004 could trace his or her political career back to Da Mayor (or, to his friends, the Ayatollah of the Assembly). Brown first appointed Gavin Newsom to the Parking and Traffic Commission, then to the Board of Supervisors; he also promoted the late Ed Lee in city government roles twice and later helped the late community organizer Rose Pak drum Lee into office. Mayor London Breed, early in her career, worked as an intern for Brown before joining his reelection campaign.

Brown did not appoint Lurie to any government body. He did not promote him within the halls of city government. Lurie didn’t even show up for Brown’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/05/photos-johns-grill-election-day/">famous Election Day luncheon</a> at John’s Grill.

Photos: Free booze, food draws hundreds to historic John&#8217;s Grill for Election Day party

Brown did not appoint Lurie to any government body. He did not promote him within the halls of city government. Lurie didn’t even show up for Brown’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/05/photos-johns-grill-election-day/">famous Election Day luncheon</a> at John’s Grill.

No insider speaking to The Standard imagines that Brown, perhaps California’s most cunning and powerful living politician, will ever lack access to City Hall. Lurie during his campaign sat down for a meeting with Brown at least once; the new mayor has appeared publicly alongside Brown multiple times and even gave him special recognition on inauguration day.

No insider speaking to The Standard imagines that Brown, perhaps California’s most cunning and powerful living politician, will ever lack access to City Hall. Lurie during his campaign sat down for a meeting with Brown at least once; the new mayor has appeared publicly alongside Brown multiple times and even gave him special recognition on inauguration day.

As someone close to Brown said: “If you think he’s going to be on the outside, you&#8217;re wrong.”

As someone close to Brown said: “If you think he’s going to be on the outside, you're wrong.”

As someone close to Brown said: “If you think he’s going to be on the outside, you&#8217;re wrong.”

People dine on free food and drinks during an election party at John’s Grill in San Francisco on November 5, 2024. The party, which has become an Election Day tradition, offers free food and attracts people from all walks of life, including reporters, politicos and passersby.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/20241029-johnsgrillelection-photo_aar_21.jpg?w=2500" alt="People dine at a t able with white tablecloth outside near a restaurant." class="wp-image-328829"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Willie Brown&#8217;s Election Day party at John&#8217;s Grill is a popular stop for political insiders.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/20241029-johnsgrillelection-photo_aar_21.jpg?w=2500" alt="People dine at a t able with white tablecloth outside near a restaurant." class="wp-image-328829"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Willie Brown's Election Day party at John's Grill is a popular stop for political insiders.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/20241029-johnsgrillelection-photo_aar_21.jpg?w=2500" alt="People dine at a t able with white tablecloth outside near a restaurant." class="wp-image-328829"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Willie Brown&#8217;s Election Day party at John&#8217;s Grill is a popular stop for political insiders.</figcaption></figure>

Instead, the exodus of Brown’s political progeny is better viewed as the end of a certain style of political thought. To Brown, downtown was king, and the neighborhood-focused Board of Supervisors were “<a href="https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/brown-s-quotes-irk-supervisors-alioto-wants-2962066.php">mistresses you have to service</a>” through political acts, and <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/politics/article/Mayor-s-patronage-army-Brown-fattens-payroll-2926494.php">favors always begat favors</a>.

Instead, the exodus of Brown’s political progeny is better viewed as the end of a certain style of political thought. To Brown, downtown was king, and the neighborhood-focused Board of Supervisors were “<a href="https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/brown-s-quotes-irk-supervisors-alioto-wants-2962066.php">mistresses you have to service</a>” through political acts, and <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/politics/article/Mayor-s-patronage-army-Brown-fattens-payroll-2926494.php">favors always begat favors</a>.

In the Assembly, Brown was credited with aiding the Chinese community by expanding who could perform acupuncture in California and for passing a bill to reform a state anti-gay law, aiding two oft-overlooked communities among his myriad accomplishments.

In the Assembly, Brown was credited with aiding the Chinese community by expanding who could perform acupuncture in California and for passing a bill to reform a state anti-gay law, aiding two oft-overlooked communities among his myriad accomplishments.

But when he came to San Francisco, Brown sought to aid a whole different set of interests: those of downtown. To turbocharge the area’s economic engine, Brown needed political juice — and money.

But when he came to San Francisco, Brown sought to aid a whole different set of interests: those of downtown. To turbocharge the area’s economic engine, Brown needed political juice — and money.

A San Francisco Chronicle investigation during his second term titled “<a href="https://www.sfgate.com/politics/article/Willie-Brown-Inc-How-S-F-s-mayor-built-a-city-2926278.php">Willie Inc.</a>” offered a comprehensive look at how Brown achieved his goals. He hired roughly 350 people, including former campaign allies, for “special assistant” jobs concocted largely out of thin air; all “owe their jobs” to Brown. This allegedly helped business interests close to the mayor net hundreds of millions of dollars in development deals and city contracts.

A San Francisco Chronicle investigation during his second term titled “<a href="https://www.sfgate.com/politics/article/Willie-Brown-Inc-How-S-F-s-mayor-built-a-city-2926278.php">Willie Inc.</a>” offered a comprehensive look at how Brown achieved his goals. He hired roughly 350 people, including former campaign allies, for “special assistant” jobs concocted largely out of thin air; all “owe their jobs” to Brown. This allegedly helped business interests close to the mayor net hundreds of millions of dollars in development deals and city contracts.

Some of Brown’s hires allegedly repaid political debts. Former Assemblymembers Paul Horcher and <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/san-francisco-ex-lawmaker-hired-as-s-f-agency-2792465.php">Brian Setencich</a> stuck their necks out for Brown politically, and Brown later hired the pair for City Hall gigs.

Some of Brown’s hires allegedly repaid political debts. Former Assemblymembers Paul Horcher and <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/san-francisco-ex-lawmaker-hired-as-s-f-agency-2792465.php">Brian Setencich</a> stuck their necks out for Brown politically, and Brown later hired the pair for City Hall gigs.

Daniel Lurie and Willie Brown attend Humankindness Gala on May 22nd 2024 at San Francisco City Hall in San Francisco, CA

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2494-dignityhealth-240522.jpg?w=2500" alt="Two men in suits are laughing and embracing at a lively indoor event, surrounded by people and tables adorned with colorful flowers and candles." class="wp-image-326030"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Daniel Lurie and Brown share a laugh last year at the Humankindness Gala at City Hall.</figcaption></figure>

Brown has long taken care of the staffers who serve him well, former Supervisor Aaron Peskin said.

Brown has long taken care of the staffers who serve him well, former Supervisor Aaron Peskin said.

“Willie Brown not only demanded loyalty, he gave loyalty in return,” Peskin said.

“Willie Brown not only demanded loyalty, he gave loyalty in return,” Peskin said.

That extends to former staffers who had brushes with the law, like Zula Jones, a Human Rights Commission staffer who twice faced charges for ethical breaches: <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/charges-dropped-in-s-f-contract-scheme-2792919.php">in 2000</a> and again <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/former-sf-political-operatives-charged-with-felony-bribery-money-laundering/article_0faf95c5-2354-51ff-b7b2-4b4cb8ee4380.html">in 2016</a>. The first charges were dropped after an error in her arrest emerged; the second ended in a plea deal.

That extends to former staffers who had brushes with the law, like Zula Jones, a Human Rights Commission staffer who twice faced charges for ethical breaches: <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/charges-dropped-in-s-f-contract-scheme-2792919.php">in 2000</a> and again <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/former-sf-political-operatives-charged-with-felony-bribery-money-laundering/article_0faf95c5-2354-51ff-b7b2-4b4cb8ee4380.html">in 2016</a>. The first charges were dropped after an error in her arrest emerged; the second ended in a plea deal.

Now out of government work, Jones was in the VIP section at Brown’s 2024 Election Day luncheon — the one Lurie skipped as he campaigned against corruption.

Now out of government work, Jones was in the VIP section at Brown’s 2024 Election Day luncheon — the one Lurie skipped as he campaigned against corruption.

Brown creatively navigated the law, exploiting its loopholes and oversights, like a political Claude Monet brushing an impressionist painting of city bureaucracy, shading the light toward his own purposes. Lincoln Mitchell, a teacher with the School of International Public Affairs at Columbia University, noted that Brown learned from Congressman Phil Burton, leveraging money, voting blocs, and political patrons to pull the levers of power.

Brown creatively navigated the law, exploiting its loopholes and oversights, like a political Claude Monet brushing an impressionist painting of city bureaucracy, shading the light toward his own purposes. Lincoln Mitchell, a teacher with the School of International Public Affairs at Columbia University, noted that Brown learned from Congressman Phil Burton, leveraging money, voting blocs, and political patrons to pull the levers of power.

“Willie Brown would use the political tools to stay one, two, three, steps ahead of everybody else in San Francisco and, ultimately, in California,” Mitchell said.

“Willie Brown would use the political tools to stay one, two, three, steps ahead of everybody else in San Francisco and, ultimately, in California,” Mitchell said.

Brown never hid this. He’s proud of it.

Brown never hid this. He’s proud of it.

During his first administration, Brown kicked contractors&#8217; permits to the front of the line for approvals if they donated funds to paint City Hall’s dome a glittering gold.

During his first administration, Brown kicked contractors' permits to the front of the line for approvals if they donated funds to paint City Hall’s dome a glittering gold.

During his first administration, Brown kicked contractors&#8217; permits to the front of the line for approvals if they donated funds to paint City Hall’s dome a glittering gold.

“I got it done overnight,” Brown wrote <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/article/How-S-F-City-Hall-got-its-golden-dome-6338936.php">in his Chronicle column</a> a decade ago.

“I got it done overnight,” Brown wrote <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/article/How-S-F-City-Hall-got-its-golden-dome-6338936.php">in his Chronicle column</a> a decade ago.

City Hall rests in San Francisco on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. The San Francisco Board of Supervisors is currently deliberating a proposal to increase funding for Urban Alchemy's patrols in the Tenderloin neighborhood, a region that has faced ongoing challenges related to safety and public order. Many local residents are expressing their frustration and disbelief that such funding is even under discussion, given the pressing needs of the community. They argue that these discussions should have already translated into action, rather than being a point of contention.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241204-urbanalchemyfollo_0001.jpg?w=2500" alt="City Hall's dome" class="wp-image-339093"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Brown was known for creatively navigating City Hall bureaucracy to alter San Francisco&#8217;s landscape. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241204-urbanalchemyfollo_0001.jpg?w=2500" alt="City Hall's dome" class="wp-image-339093"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Brown was known for creatively navigating City Hall bureaucracy to alter San Francisco's landscape. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241204-urbanalchemyfollo_0001.jpg?w=2500" alt="City Hall's dome" class="wp-image-339093"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Brown was known for creatively navigating City Hall bureaucracy to alter San Francisco&#8217;s landscape. </figcaption></figure>

Perhaps that’s why Brown’s landmark achievements, ones he either started or played a key role in, could be measured by how they changed the city’s tangible assets: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/01/11/inside-the-rapid-revival-of-mission-bay/">the development of Mission Bay</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/23/who-lives-san-francisco-yerba-buena-island/">Treasure Island</a> and the construction of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/12/san-francisco-central-subway-leaks/">the Central Subway</a> and the Giant’s most recent ballpark.

Why Mission Bay is recovering faster than anywhere else in San Francisco

They spent millions to live on an island in San Francisco with no grocery store. Who are they?

The $2 billion Central Subway has lots of leaks, few riders

Perhaps that’s why Brown’s landmark achievements, ones he either started or played a key role in, could be measured by how they changed the city’s tangible assets: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/01/11/inside-the-rapid-revival-of-mission-bay/">the development of Mission Bay</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/23/who-lives-san-francisco-yerba-buena-island/">Treasure Island</a> and the construction of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/12/san-francisco-central-subway-leaks/">the Central Subway</a> and the Giant’s most recent ballpark.

No one could argue that those assets don’t benefit some communities. But the Central Subway’s construction was a prime opportunity for Brown political donor Ron Tutor, CEO of Tutor Perini, which saw its contract for the subway balloon to <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/archives/central-subway-estimated-to-be-15-percent-over-1-6-billion-budget/article_73e51d42-4c2a-583a-b877-100791255e75.html">more than $1 billion</a>.

No one could argue that those assets don’t benefit some communities. But the Central Subway’s construction was a prime opportunity for Brown political donor Ron Tutor, CEO of Tutor Perini, which saw its contract for the subway balloon to <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/archives/central-subway-estimated-to-be-15-percent-over-1-6-billion-budget/article_73e51d42-4c2a-583a-b877-100791255e75.html">more than $1 billion</a>.

And what was San Francisco’s end of the bargain?

And what was San Francisco’s end of the bargain?

While the subway arrived, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/11/17/san-francisco-central-subway-375-million-over-budget-union-square-chinatown/">it was four years late and at least $375 million over budget</a>, pushed to the edge by bills for changes, water leaks, and a subcontractor who was <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/muni-cuts-ties-with-contractor-who-pleaded-guilty-to-bid-rigging-federal-fraud/article_72fcb59b-278f-5605-90be-a40491d13dbd.html">later federally indicted</a> for bid-rigging.

San Francisco opens Central Subway 4 years late and $375M over budget

While the subway arrived, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/11/17/san-francisco-central-subway-375-million-over-budget-union-square-chinatown/">it was four years late and at least $375 million over budget</a>, pushed to the edge by bills for changes, water leaks, and a subcontractor who was <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/muni-cuts-ties-with-contractor-who-pleaded-guilty-to-bid-rigging-federal-fraud/article_72fcb59b-278f-5605-90be-a40491d13dbd.html">later federally indicted</a> for bid-rigging.

Giving Brown credit, Peskin said he firmly believes the former mayor wants what’s best for San Francisco. Peskin’s caveat is that Brown’s version of “best” sometimes coincides with what’s best for the well-heeled clients in his latest chapter, as an attorney and sometime-lobbyist.

Giving Brown credit, Peskin said he firmly believes the former mayor wants what’s best for San Francisco. Peskin’s caveat is that Brown’s version of “best” sometimes coincides with what’s best for the well-heeled clients in his latest chapter, as an attorney and sometime-lobbyist.

The mayor’s office was steeped in that thinking for decades.

The mayor’s office was steeped in that thinking for decades.

“Willie Brown did a lot of business with big business. And every successive mayor didn’t part from that. They were all very beholden to corporate interests,” Peskin said.

“Willie Brown did a lot of business with big business. And every successive mayor didn’t part from that. They were all very beholden to corporate interests,” Peskin said.

<a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/mayor-s-spurned-appointee-returns/article_e13edf9c-1a59-5388-8983-ceebf321481a.html">Newsom</a>, <a href="https://48hills.org/2015/01/mayors-district-3-appointment-shows-hes-fully-side-developers-big-money/">Lee</a>, and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/11/04/politically-connected-real-estate-mogul-fails-to-get-bank-fraud-conviction-tossed-could-lose-license/">Breed</a> all drew criticism during their mayoral careers over political patronage. Breed bore the brunt of it in her final days as mayor, when she appointed a supervisor who has <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/12/18/stephen-sherrill-san-francisco-board-of-supervisors-london-breed/">ties to one of her political backers</a>, former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Politically connected real estate mogul fails to get bank fraud conviction tossed, could lose license

Breed picks Stephen Sherrill, ex-Bloomberg staffer, for coveted board seat

<a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/mayor-s-spurned-appointee-returns/article_e13edf9c-1a59-5388-8983-ceebf321481a.html">Newsom</a>, <a href="https://48hills.org/2015/01/mayors-district-3-appointment-shows-hes-fully-side-developers-big-money/">Lee</a>, and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/11/04/politically-connected-real-estate-mogul-fails-to-get-bank-fraud-conviction-tossed-could-lose-license/">Breed</a> all drew criticism during their mayoral careers over political patronage. Breed bore the brunt of it in her final days as mayor, when she appointed a supervisor who has <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/12/18/stephen-sherrill-san-francisco-board-of-supervisors-london-breed/">ties to one of her political backers</a>, former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

District 2 Supervisor Stephen Sherrill attends the first Board of Supervisors meeting for this term at City Hall in San Francisco on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. Following the inauguration of Mayor Daniel Lurie, the Board of Supervisors convened to choose a new president and selected District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, a decision that will shape the direction and leadership.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/supervisors-fighting-for-presidency-a-black-horse-wins_aar_49.jpg?w=2500" alt="Men sit at a table in an orange wooden board room." class="wp-image-353169"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Although there are fewer elected officials with ties to Brown, the former mayor says he isn&#8217;t going anywhere.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/supervisors-fighting-for-presidency-a-black-horse-wins_aar_49.jpg?w=2500" alt="Men sit at a table in an orange wooden board room." class="wp-image-353169"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Although there are fewer elected officials with ties to Brown, the former mayor says he isn't going anywhere.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/supervisors-fighting-for-presidency-a-black-horse-wins_aar_49.jpg?w=2500" alt="Men sit at a table in an orange wooden board room." class="wp-image-353169"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Although there are fewer elected officials with ties to Brown, the former mayor says he isn&#8217;t going anywhere.</figcaption></figure>

Former Supervisor Angela Alioto, a Lurie supporter and friend of Brown, believes an administration freed of Brown’s way of thinking may help revive San Francisco.

Former Supervisor Angela Alioto, a Lurie supporter and friend of Brown, believes an administration freed of Brown’s way of thinking may help revive San Francisco.

“For the city I love, it means a huge breath of fresh air,” Alioto said. “I believe [Lurie] is going to put Humpty Dumpty back together again. I absolutely believe that.”

“For the city I love, it means a huge breath of fresh air,” Alioto said. “I believe [Lurie] is going to put Humpty Dumpty back together again. I absolutely believe that.”

Lurie has yet to write his chapter in city history, but one of his inauguration promises didn&#8217;t stray too far from Brown’s ideology: The new mayor intends to make it easier to solicit private money for government purposes. If he’s successful, Lurie could, for example, empower transit planners to beg billionaires to fund public bus lines.

Lurie has yet to write his chapter in city history, but one of his inauguration promises didn't stray too far from Brown’s ideology: The new mayor intends to make it easier to solicit private money for government purposes. If he’s successful, Lurie could, for example, empower transit planners to beg billionaires to fund public bus lines.

Lurie has yet to write his chapter in city history, but one of his inauguration promises didn&#8217;t stray too far from Brown’s ideology: The new mayor intends to make it easier to solicit private money for government purposes. If he’s successful, Lurie could, for example, empower transit planners to beg billionaires to fund public bus lines.

On the surface, the plan smacks of the method Brown employed to gild City Hall’s dome using private funds. But it’s unclear if Lurie will also grant wealthy donors any public perks, cut red tape on their behalf, or otherwise give them a back scratch in exchange for one.

On the surface, the plan smacks of the method Brown employed to gild City Hall’s dome using private funds. But it’s unclear if Lurie will also grant wealthy donors any public perks, cut red tape on their behalf, or otherwise give them a back scratch in exchange for one.

And as for Da Mayor? He’s not going anywhere.

And as for Da Mayor? He’s not going anywhere.

The Standard asked Brown if the end of his dynasty in the mayor’s office showed his influence waning — perhaps a final chapter to the Chronicle’s investigation “Willie Inc.”

The Standard asked Brown if the end of his dynasty in the mayor’s office showed his influence waning — perhaps a final chapter to the Chronicle’s investigation “Willie Inc.”

Brown answered in his characteristically flamboyant style.

Brown answered in his characteristically flamboyant style.

“As long as I continue to breathe, there never will be a final chapter,” he said.

“As long as I continue to breathe, there never will be a final chapter,” he said.

Daniel Lurie’s arrival marks the end of the Willie Brown dynasty

Josh Koehn

Gavin Newsom’s biggest political crises are usually self-inflicted: an affair during his first term as San Francisco mayor, a fancy pandemic dinner party as governor.&nbsp;

Gavin Newsom’s biggest political crises are usually self-inflicted: an affair during his first term as San Francisco mayor, a fancy pandemic dinner party as governor.&nbsp;

In both instances, Newsom not only survived — he emerged emboldened.

In both instances, Newsom not only survived — he emerged emboldened.

But the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, which continue to burn after killing at least 24 people and destroying more than 12,000 homes and other structures, have struck a nerve that could have fallout for Newsom’s political future. Many expect him to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/11/10/gavin-newsom-president-san-francisco-governor-biden-harris/">launch a presidential campaign</a> after serving out his final two years in the governor’s office, and his handling of the ongoing disaster is receiving a torrent of criticism from affected residents as well as political opponents on the right.

Does Gov. Gavin Newsom have what it takes to be president?

But the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, which continue to burn after killing at least 24 people and destroying more than 12,000 homes and other structures, have struck a nerve that could have fallout for Newsom’s political future. Many expect him to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/11/10/gavin-newsom-president-san-francisco-governor-biden-harris/">launch a presidential campaign</a> after serving out his final two years in the governor’s office, and his handling of the ongoing disaster is receiving a torrent of criticism from affected residents as well as political opponents on the right.

President-elect Donald Trump — less than a week from taking office and having the power to potentially withhold federal disaster relief — coined a pejorative nickname for the governor in a social media post, saying “Newscum” refused to sign a water restoration declaration that could have prevented the fires. Newsom fired back that the claim was <a href="https://x.com/GovPressOffice/status/1877067195043221875">“pure fiction.”</a>

President-elect Donald Trump — less than a week from taking office and having the power to potentially withhold federal disaster relief — coined a pejorative nickname for the governor in a social media post, saying “Newscum” refused to sign a water restoration declaration that could have prevented the fires. Newsom fired back that the claim was <a href="https://x.com/GovPressOffice/status/1877067195043221875">“pure fiction.”</a>

Meanwhile, Elon Musk, the world’s richest man and CEO of X, used his substantial social media megaphone to parrot Trump’s talking points, leading Newsom to fire back with his own video accusing Musk of spreading lies.

Meanwhile, Elon Musk, the world’s richest man and CEO of X, used his substantial social media megaphone to parrot Trump’s talking points, leading Newsom to fire back with his own video accusing Musk of spreading lies.

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https://twitter.com/GavinNewsom/status/1878661950021960013
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">.<a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ElonMusk</a> exposed by firefighters for his own lies. <a href="https://t.co/3Q8xFZaQ3S">pic.twitter.com/3Q8xFZaQ3S</a>&mdash; Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) <a href="https://twitter.com/GavinNewsom/status/1878661950021960013?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The complexities of state budget allocations and water management have often taken a backseat to viral moments like a woman <a href="https://www.tmz.com/2025/01/09/gavin-newsom-confronted-by-california-wildfire-victim-pacific-palisades/">chasing Newsom down in a disaster zone</a> to question the state’s response. Unlike planned interviews in which he gesticulates and tallies off talking points in front of smoldering ruins, Newsom appeared helpless during the impromptu exchange, saying he was trying to call President Joe Biden but didn’t have cell service.

The complexities of state budget allocations and water management have often taken a backseat to viral moments like a woman <a href="https://www.tmz.com/2025/01/09/gavin-newsom-confronted-by-california-wildfire-victim-pacific-palisades/">chasing Newsom down in a disaster zone</a> to question the state’s response. Unlike planned interviews in which he gesticulates and tallies off talking points in front of smoldering ruins, Newsom appeared helpless during the impromptu exchange, saying he was trying to call President Joe Biden but didn’t have cell service.

Talk of another recall for Newsom and for Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who could be particularly vulnerable after flying out of the country days before the fires, is gaining steam in Republican circles.

Talk of another recall for Newsom and for Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who could be particularly vulnerable after flying out of the country days before the fires, is gaining steam in Republican circles.

“It’s not if, it’s when and who,” said Anne Dunsmore, a campaign fundraiser who led the 2021 recall effort against Newsom and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/27/gavin-newsom-recall-effort-million-dollars-in-debt/">launched another last year</a>.&nbsp;

Republicans target Gavin Newsom with new recall. Are they doing it to get rich?

“It’s not if, it’s when and who,” said Anne Dunsmore, a campaign fundraiser who led the 2021 recall effort against Newsom and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/27/gavin-newsom-recall-effort-million-dollars-in-debt/">launched another last year</a>.&nbsp;

“I think Newsom is history whether we recall him or not,” she added. “But a recall can show the country that this guy destroyed the state, and you need to know that before you even consider him as an option as president. That dream needs to go away.”

“I think Newsom is history whether we recall him or not,” she added. “But a recall can show the country that this guy destroyed the state, and you need to know that before you even consider him as an option as president. That dream needs to go away.”

A gubernatorial recall would require roughly 1.3 million signatures to qualify and likely cost tens of millions. Dunsmore acknowledged it may be Republicans&#8217; only path to winning the governor’s office in deep-blue California.&nbsp;

A gubernatorial recall would require roughly 1.3 million signatures to qualify and likely cost tens of millions. Dunsmore acknowledged it may be Republicans' only path to winning the governor’s office in deep-blue California.&nbsp;

A gubernatorial recall would require roughly 1.3 million signatures to qualify and likely cost tens of millions. Dunsmore acknowledged it may be Republicans&#8217; only path to winning the governor’s office in deep-blue California.&nbsp;

But fallout from the fires could substantially hinder Newsom’s presidential ambitions, which have been on display since he defeated the 2021 recall effort and utilized tens of millions in leftover campaign money to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/31/newsom-starts-tour-to-boost-red-state-democrats/">elevate his political profile</a>.

California&#8217;s Newsom starts tour to boost red-state Democrats

But fallout from the fires could substantially hinder Newsom’s presidential ambitions, which have been on display since he defeated the 2021 recall effort and utilized tens of millions in leftover campaign money to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/31/newsom-starts-tour-to-boost-red-state-democrats/">elevate his political profile</a>.

Kate Maeder, a state and national political consultant at KMM Strategies, said the wildfires are a reminder that “every city in America needs to examine their infrastructure for our grim climate realities.” But a more difficult proposition, she added, is <a href="https://gavinnewsom.com/california-fire-facts/">how Newsom will combat misinformation</a> while making sure he doesn’t come off as defensive.

Kate Maeder, a state and national political consultant at KMM Strategies, said the wildfires are a reminder that “every city in America needs to examine their infrastructure for our grim climate realities.” But a more difficult proposition, she added, is <a href="https://gavinnewsom.com/california-fire-facts/">how Newsom will combat misinformation</a> while making sure he doesn’t come off as defensive.

Los Angeles, CA - August 24 Gov. Gavin Newsom, center, is flanked by LA mayoral candidate Karen Bass, right, and Mayor Eric Garcetti, left, as he visit a Homekey site on Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022 in Los Angeles, CA. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/gettyimages-1242715747.jpeg?w=2500" alt="A man in a blue shirt looks off in the distance, flanked by 2 people" class="wp-image-247880"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Gov. Gavin Newsom has found himself on the defensive over the fire response.</figcaption></figure>

“He is navigating these troubled waters obviously with an eye on how this affects the presidential run,” Maeder said. “He’s always going to have a California problem when he’s running nationally. He’s very smart and cunning, and he knows how to navigate this wildfire situation. Running for president could be an impossible task for him because there is so much he has to own that will not serve him well in other states across the country.

“He is navigating these troubled waters obviously with an eye on how this affects the presidential run,” Maeder said. “He’s always going to have a California problem when he’s running nationally. He’s very smart and cunning, and he knows how to navigate this wildfire situation. Running for president could be an impossible task for him because there is so much he has to own that will not serve him well in other states across the country.

“If I had to put money on it, I think Newsom comes out net-neutral,” she added. “He might not be a hero, but I don’t think this is going to spur another recall.”

“If I had to put money on it, I think Newsom comes out net-neutral,” she added. “He might not be a hero, but I don’t think this is going to spur another recall.”

Jim Ross, a consultant who ran Newsom’s first mayoral campaign, likened the governor’s balancing of present and future concerns to a 3D game of chess.&nbsp;Newsom needs to satisfy affected residents of Pacific Palisades and Malibu — a donor class he would absolutely court in a presidential bid — while focusing on larger messaging to all of California and the nation, Ross said. Looming over these two tasks, he added, is the question of how long the disaster will persist as a global storyline, as strong winds are expected to return this week, which could exacerbate the fires.

Jim Ross, a consultant who ran Newsom’s first mayoral campaign, likened the governor’s balancing of present and future concerns to a 3D game of chess.&nbsp;Newsom needs to satisfy affected residents of Pacific Palisades and Malibu — a donor class he would absolutely court in a presidential bid — while focusing on larger messaging to all of California and the nation, Ross said. Looming over these two tasks, he added, is the question of how long the disaster will persist as a global storyline, as strong winds are expected to return this week, which could exacerbate the fires.

“The thing about presidential campaigns is you never can tell what’s going to be the thing that’s determinative, and it’s usually not the thing that you expect it to be — especially at this stage,” Ross said. “This is the stage where most candidates lose their campaign — they don’t get to a primary or a debate stage or even opening a committee. This is kind of a culling of candidates that happens over the next three years, and we’re in the first stage of that culling.”

“The thing about presidential campaigns is you never can tell what’s going to be the thing that’s determinative, and it’s usually not the thing that you expect it to be — especially at this stage,” Ross said. “This is the stage where most candidates lose their campaign — they don’t get to a primary or a debate stage or even opening a committee. This is kind of a culling of candidates that happens over the next three years, and we’re in the first stage of that culling.”

Gavin Newsom’s presidential ambitions engulfed by Los Angeles fires

Alexei Koseff

For their 2004 home opener, the San Francisco Giants invited a special guest to throw the ceremonial first pitch: Gavin Newsom, then just a few months into his first term as mayor of San Francisco.

For their 2004 home opener, the San Francisco Giants invited a special guest to throw the ceremonial first pitch: Gavin Newsom, then just a few months into his first term as mayor of San Francisco.

As Newsom took the pitcher’s mound, wearing dress shoes and a button-down shirt underneath his custom Giants jersey, the announcer informed the crowd that “he played first base for the University of Santa Clara and was drafted by the Texas Rangers.”

As Newsom took the pitcher’s mound, wearing dress shoes and a button-down shirt underneath his custom Giants jersey, the announcer informed the crowd that “he played first base for the University of Santa Clara and was drafted by the Texas Rangers.”

The introduction was quickly overshadowed by Newsom nearly hitting a photographer with the ball. But it left a lasting impact on a few attendees that day—a group of former Santa Clara University baseball players who were struck by the glowing treatment of Newsom’s resume.

The introduction was quickly overshadowed by Newsom nearly hitting a photographer with the ball. But it left a lasting impact on a few attendees that day—a group of former Santa Clara University baseball players who were struck by the glowing treatment of Newsom’s resume.

“It’s kind of the standing joke that Newsom played on the team,” said Vince Machi, who arrived at Santa Clara in 1985, the same year as Newsom, and played baseball for three years. “There’s always been kind of a joke between the guys who stay in touch.”

“It’s kind of the standing joke that Newsom played on the team,” said Vince Machi, who arrived at Santa Clara in 1985, the same year as Newsom, and played baseball for three years. “There’s always been kind of a joke between the guys who stay in touch.”

Twenty years later, as the Giants kick off their latest home season Friday, Newsom is now a national political figure—not just an outspoken champion of the Democratic Party but a potential future presidential contender. He regularly appears on cable news to discuss California policies and attack Republicans. Lately, he has traveled the country as a leading surrogate for President Biden’s reelection campaign. 

Twenty years later, as the Giants kick off their latest home season Friday, Newsom is now a national political figure—not just an outspoken champion of the Democratic Party but a potential future presidential contender. He regularly appears on cable news to discuss California policies and attack Republicans. Lately, he has traveled the country as a leading surrogate for President Biden’s reelection campaign.

Through his rise over the intervening two decades, his baseball career has provided Newsom a triumphant narrative to push back on the perception that his upbringing was privileged and easy: the high school standout scouted by the major leagues, who overcame his dyslexia and academic shortcomings to earn a partial scholarship to Santa Clara University before an injury forced him to find a new purpose.

Through his rise over the intervening two decades, his baseball career has provided Newsom a triumphant narrative to push back on the perception that his upbringing was privileged and easy: the high school standout scouted by the major leagues, who overcame his dyslexia and academic shortcomings to earn a partial scholarship to Santa Clara University before an injury forced him to find a new purpose.

It has become so closely associated with Newsom that Saturday Night Live <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpNCwUzIPtU">opened a show in March with a sketch</a> where the Democratic governor, portrayed by Michael Longfellow, defends President Biden’s mental fitness by recounting, “The other day, he was taking a nap, and I whipped a baseball at him, and he caught it like De Niro in Awakenings.”

It has become so closely associated with Newsom that Saturday Night Live <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpNCwUzIPtU">opened a show in March with a sketch</a> where the Democratic governor, portrayed by Michael Longfellow, defends President Biden’s mental fitness by recounting, “The other day, he was taking a nap, and I whipped a baseball at him, and he caught it like De Niro in Awakenings.”

Newsom told the story himself again in January on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIn1YknOSsc#t=1h00m38s">the podcast Pod Save America</a>: Because of poor test scores, he was headed to community college until he got a call from the Santa Clara University baseball coaches. “It was literally the ticket to a four-year university,” he said. “It changed my life, my trajectory.”

Newsom told the story himself again in January on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIn1YknOSsc#t=1h00m38s">the podcast Pod Save America</a>: Because of poor test scores, he was headed to community college until he got a call from the Santa Clara University baseball coaches. “It was literally the ticket to a four-year university,” he said. “It changed my life, my trajectory.”

But former coaches and teammates said that biography, repeated again and again through interviews and glossy magazine profiles and coverage of his 2021&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mercurynews.com/2021/09/30/gov-newsom-writes-childrens-book-inspired-by-personal-experience-with-dyslexia/">baseball-themed children’s book</a>&nbsp;on overcoming dyslexia, has inflated Newsom’s baseball credentials, giving the impression that he was a more accomplished player than he was.&nbsp;

But former coaches and teammates said that biography, repeated again and again through interviews and glossy magazine profiles and coverage of his 2021&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mercurynews.com/2021/09/30/gov-newsom-writes-childrens-book-inspired-by-personal-experience-with-dyslexia/">baseball-themed children’s book</a>&nbsp;on overcoming dyslexia, has inflated Newsom’s baseball credentials, giving the impression that he was a more accomplished player than he was.&nbsp;

Most notably, Newsom never played an official game for Santa Clara University; he was a junior varsity recruit who played only during the fall tryouts his freshman and sophomore years, then left the baseball program before the regular season began. He does not appear on the Broncos’&nbsp;<a href="https://santaclarabroncos.com/sports/2023/6/20/all-time-roster-bold-indicates-current-player-bb.aspx">all-time roster</a>&nbsp;or in media guides published by the athletic department to preview the upcoming season.

Most notably, Newsom never played an official game for Santa Clara University; he was a junior varsity recruit who played only during the fall tryouts his freshman and sophomore years, then left the baseball program before the regular season began. He does not appear on the Broncos’&nbsp;<a href="https://santaclarabroncos.com/sports/2023/6/20/all-time-roster-bold-indicates-current-player-bb.aspx">all-time roster</a>&nbsp;or in media guides published by the athletic department to preview the upcoming season.

Gov. Gavin Newsom tosses a snowball after the California Department of Water Resources conducted a media snow survey at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada on April 2, 2024

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/screenshot-2024-04-04-at-3-04-05-pm.png?w=762" alt="Gavin Newsom throwing a snowball" class="wp-image-264979"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Gov. Gavin Newsom tosses a snowball after the California Department of Water Resources conducted a media snow survey at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada on Tuesday.</figcaption></figure>

A deeper look at his recruitment also reveals that Newsom’s admission to Santa Clara University—like&nbsp;<a href="https://www.latimes.com/projects/la-pol-ca-gavin-newsom-san-francisco-money/">so many of his formative opportunities</a>—was substantially boosted by friends and acquaintances of his father, William Newsom, a San Francisco judge and financial adviser to the Gettys, the wealthy oil family. One associate connected Newsom to the baseball program when he was in high school, while his father’s best friend, then a member of the university’s board of regents, wrote him a letter of recommendation.

A deeper look at his recruitment also reveals that Newsom’s admission to Santa Clara University—like&nbsp;<a href="https://www.latimes.com/projects/la-pol-ca-gavin-newsom-san-francisco-money/">so many of his formative opportunities</a>—was substantially boosted by friends and acquaintances of his father, William Newsom, a San Francisco judge and financial adviser to the Gettys, the wealthy oil family. One associate connected Newsom to the baseball program when he was in high school, while his father’s best friend, then a member of the university’s board of regents, wrote him a letter of recommendation.

Mike Cummins, the assistant coach at Santa Clara while Newsom was there, said the governor has “embellished his baseball career a little bit at times.”

Mike Cummins, the assistant coach at Santa Clara while Newsom was there, said the governor has “embellished his baseball career a little bit at times.”

“He never played in a varsity game. He may have played in some scrimmages,” said Cummins, who is now the <a href="https://eastbaypioneers.com/staff-directory/mike-cummins/193">head baseball coach</a> at California State University East Bay. “He’s embellished it. It’s half-truths. He was recruited to Santa Clara, he was there in the fall, but he never played. He didn’t have a varsity career there.”

“He never played in a varsity game. He may have played in some scrimmages,” said Cummins, who is now the <a href="https://eastbaypioneers.com/staff-directory/mike-cummins/193">head baseball coach</a> at California State University East Bay. “He’s embellished it. It’s half-truths. He was recruited to Santa Clara, he was there in the fall, but he never played. He didn’t have a varsity career there.”

The misconception has been propelled as much by what Newsom doesn’t say as what he does—a polished sweep over his time at Santa Clara University that rarely gets more detailed than, “I played a little baseball. Just my first and second year,” as he told the Santa Clara, the student newspaper, in <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20090426073753/http:/media.www.thesantaclara.com/media/storage/paper946/news/2008/02/14/News/San-Franciscos.Gavin.Newsom.Sits.Down.With.The.Santa.Clara-3210314.shtml">a 2008 interview</a>.

The misconception has been propelled as much by what Newsom doesn’t say as what he does—a polished sweep over his time at Santa Clara University that rarely gets more detailed than, “I played a little baseball. Just my first and second year,” as he told the Santa Clara, the student newspaper, in <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20090426073753/http:/media.www.thesantaclara.com/media/storage/paper946/news/2008/02/14/News/San-Franciscos.Gavin.Newsom.Sits.Down.With.The.Santa.Clara-3210314.shtml">a 2008 interview</a>.

Not for the first time in his career, Newsom has allowed a more flattering version of events to develop in the public discourse while being slow to clear up the inaccuracies.&nbsp;During his first gubernatorial campaign in 2018, he acknowledged that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article209176644.html">he never attended rehab</a>, as was widely reported more than a decade earlier after he pledged to seek treatment for problems with alcohol.

Not for the first time in his career, Newsom has allowed a more flattering version of events to develop in the public discourse while being slow to clear up the inaccuracies.&nbsp;During his first gubernatorial campaign in 2018, he acknowledged that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article209176644.html">he never attended rehab</a>, as was widely reported more than a decade earlier after he pledged to seek treatment for problems with alcohol.

Some Broncos players from the era, who said they still regularly get asked about Newsom when people find out they played baseball at Santa Clara, wanted to correct the record.

Some Broncos players from the era, who said they still regularly get asked about Newsom when people find out they played baseball at Santa Clara, wanted to correct the record.

“He didn’t earn it. He didn’t earn the right to say it,” said Kevin Schneider, who pitched for two seasons and now runs a pitching academy in San Francisco. “I worked my ass off. So did everyone else on that team. For him to just go all these years, to say he did something he didn’t that takes not just talent but also dedication and effort and sacrifice, it’s not right.”

“He didn’t earn it. He didn’t earn the right to say it,” said Kevin Schneider, who pitched for two seasons and now runs a pitching academy in San Francisco. “I worked my ass off. So did everyone else on that team. For him to just go all these years, to say he did something he didn’t that takes not just talent but also dedication and effort and sacrifice, it’s not right.”

Spokespeople for Newsom rejected multiple requests to interview the governor about his baseball career. They said Newsom had never exaggerated his experience at Santa Clara University and that it was not his job to fix whatever mistaken assumptions the public may have developed.

Spokespeople for Newsom rejected multiple requests to interview the governor about his baseball career. They said Newsom had never exaggerated his experience at Santa Clara University and that it was not his job to fix whatever mistaken assumptions the public may have developed.

“He’s been very honest and consistent about what happened to him in college and more personable than you would get from most politicians,” spokesperson Bob Salladay said. “He is not responsible for other people’s impressions or interpretations of him and his life. He is doing his job, and he cannot spend his entire day correcting people when they make errors about him. He’s moved on.”

“He’s been very honest and consistent about what happened to him in college and more personable than you would get from most politicians,” spokesperson Bob Salladay said. “He is not responsible for other people’s impressions or interpretations of him and his life. He is doing his job, and he cannot spend his entire day correcting people when they make errors about him. He’s moved on.”

Newsom speaks about his baseball journey with “emotional, real truth that is visceral to him,” said Nathan Click, another spokesperson for the governor. “We all go through life and remember the emotions we feel about things, not, you know, facts.”

Newsom speaks about his baseball journey with “emotional, real truth that is visceral to him,” said Nathan Click, another spokesperson for the governor. “We all go through life and remember the emotions we feel about things, not, you know, facts.”

“He chooses to talk about the emotional side of it, because he thinks that is the place that young people in particular, who are going through struggles, people with dyslexia, can find themselves in his story,” Click said. “That matters way more than, you know, whether he was a rostered player or what his stats were in the fall ball, JV, freshman year, Santa Clara University season.”

“He chooses to talk about the emotional side of it, because he thinks that is the place that young people in particular, who are going through struggles, people with dyslexia, can find themselves in his story,” Click said. “That matters way more than, you know, whether he was a rostered player or what his stats were in the fall ball, JV, freshman year, Santa Clara University season.”

From high school standout to Santa Clara University

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-high-school-standout-to-santa-clara-university">From high school standout to Santa Clara University</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-high-school-standout-to-santa-clara-university">From high school standout to Santa Clara University</h2>

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