Han Li

If you’re new to San Francisco politics, the first thing to know is that the top vote-getter might not win an election.&nbsp;

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If you’re new to San Francisco politics, the first thing to know is that the top vote-getter might not win an election.&nbsp;

When all is said and done, a candidate who was not the first choice for most voters can come out on top. That&#8217;s because the city&#8217;s “ranked-choice” voting system allows voters to choose up to 10 candidates in their preferred order. San Francisco adopted this complex voting method in 2004 to avoid runoff elections, which are held when no candidate meets the threshold of votes needed to win.

When all is said and done, a candidate who was not the first choice for most voters can come out on top. That's because the city's “ranked-choice” voting system allows voters to choose up to 10 candidates in their preferred order. San Francisco adopted this complex voting method in 2004 to avoid runoff elections, which are held when no candidate meets the threshold of votes needed to win.

When all is said and done, a candidate who was not the first choice for most voters can come out on top. That&#8217;s because the city&#8217;s “ranked-choice” voting system allows voters to choose up to 10 candidates in their preferred order. San Francisco adopted this complex voting method in 2004 to avoid runoff elections, which are held when no candidate meets the threshold of votes needed to win.

Because of this year’s highly competitive mayoral and supervisorial races, the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/07/mark-farrell-ranked-choice-london-breed/">ranked-choice voting system</a> is expected to play a major role in deciding the winners.

Mayor&#8217;s race gets petty as Mark Farrell tells supporters to snub London Breed

Because of this year’s highly competitive mayoral and supervisorial races, the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/07/mark-farrell-ranked-choice-london-breed/">ranked-choice voting system</a> is expected to play a major role in deciding the winners.

<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Voters rank up to 10 candidates, from most to least preferred.</li>



<li>First-choice votes are counted initially.</li>



<li>If no candidate receives more than 50% of first-choice votes, then:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>The candidate with the fewest votes in the first round is eliminated.</li>



<li>Votes from the eliminated candidate transfer to those voters&#8217; second choices.</li>



<li>This process repeats until a candidate surpasses 50% of the vote.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>

Voters rank up to 10 candidates, from most to least preferred.

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<li>Voters rank up to 10 candidates, from most to least preferred.</li>

First-choice votes are counted initially.

<li>First-choice votes are counted initially.</li>

If no candidate receives more than 50% of first-choice votes, then:

<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>The candidate with the fewest votes in the first round is eliminated.</li>



<li>Votes from the eliminated candidate transfer to those voters&#8217; second choices.</li>



<li>This process repeats until a candidate surpasses 50% of the vote.</li>
</ul>

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<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>The candidate with the fewest votes in the first round is eliminated.</li><li>Votes from the eliminated candidate transfer to those voters&#8217; second choices.</li><li>This process repeats until a candidate surpasses 50% of the vote.</li></ul>

<li>If no candidate receives more than 50% of first-choice votes, then:</li>

<li>If no candidate receives more than 50% of first-choice votes, then:<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>The candidate with the fewest votes in the first round is eliminated.</li><li>Votes from the eliminated candidate transfer to those voters&#8217; second choices.</li><li>This process repeats until a candidate surpasses 50% of the vote.</li></ul></li>

<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Voters rank up to 10 candidates, from most to least preferred.</li><li>First-choice votes are counted initially.</li><li>If no candidate receives more than 50% of first-choice votes, then:<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>The candidate with the fewest votes in the first round is eliminated.</li><li>Votes from the eliminated candidate transfer to those voters&#8217; second choices.</li><li>This process repeats until a candidate surpasses 50% of the vote.</li></ul></li></ul>

Voters don’t have to list a second, third, or fourth choice. But if they mark more than one candidate as a first choice, known as an “overvote,” the ballot is disqualified.

Voters don’t have to list a second, third, or fourth choice. But if they mark more than one candidate as a first choice, known as an “overvote,” the ballot is disqualified.

Take our quiz: Which SF mayoral candidates do you agree with?

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The system is thought to benefit middle-ground candidates who appeal broadly as second or third choices. It also prevents candidates with similar ideologies from splitting votes, which is why Republicans rarely win in deep-blue San Francisco. Critics <a href="https://www.rankedvote.co/guides/understanding-ranked-choice-voting/pros-and-cons-of-rcv">say the method is too complicated and often delays the result</a>.

The system is thought to benefit middle-ground candidates who appeal broadly as second or third choices. It also prevents candidates with similar ideologies from splitting votes, which is why Republicans rarely win in deep-blue San Francisco. Critics <a href="https://www.rankedvote.co/guides/understanding-ranked-choice-voting/pros-and-cons-of-rcv">say the method is too complicated and often delays the result</a>.

Even though ranked-choice voting can produce surprising results, over the past 20 years, the candidates with the most first-choice votes have won elections in San Francisco, with just a few exceptions.

Even though ranked-choice voting can produce surprising results, over the past 20 years, the candidates with the most first-choice votes have won elections in San Francisco, with just a few exceptions.

The most recent example is the 2020 District 7 supervisor race. Myrna Melgar, who received the third-highest number of first-choice votes, scored enough second- and third-choice votes to win.

The most recent example is the 2020 District 7 supervisor race. Myrna Melgar, who received the third-highest number of first-choice votes, scored enough second- and third-choice votes to win.

&#8220;In a very polarized election, [ranked-choice voting] benefits the person in the middle,&#8221; Melgar told The Standard. “It worked as intended.”

"In a very polarized election, [ranked-choice voting] benefits the person in the middle," Melgar told The Standard. “It worked as intended.”

&#8220;In a very polarized election, [ranked-choice voting] benefits the person in the middle,&#8221; Melgar told The Standard. “It worked as intended.”

She said she sees a similar scenario playing out in this year’s mayoral election. The race features a wide spectrum of candidates, with former interim Mayor Mark Farrell running on the right, Supervisor Aaron Peskin on the left, and Mayor London Breed and nonprofit founder Daniel Lurie in the middle.

She said she sees a similar scenario playing out in this year’s mayoral election. The race features a wide spectrum of candidates, with former interim Mayor Mark Farrell running on the right, Supervisor Aaron Peskin on the left, and Mayor London Breed and nonprofit founder Daniel Lurie in the middle.

As can happen in ranked-choice elections, Farrell has formed an alliance with Supervisor Ahsha Safaí, who is more center-left, and asked voters to leave Peskin and Breed off the ballot. Other candidates haven&#8217;t struck partnerships, but <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/20/grow-sf-mayoral-endorsement/">moderate groups have a consensus on voting for Breed, Lurie, and Farrell</a>.

Farrell edges out Breed, Lurie as all three secure moderate group’s endorsement

As can happen in ranked-choice elections, Farrell has formed an alliance with Supervisor Ahsha Safaí, who is more center-left, and asked voters to leave Peskin and Breed off the ballot. Other candidates haven't struck partnerships, but <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/20/grow-sf-mayoral-endorsement/">moderate groups have a consensus on voting for Breed, Lurie, and Farrell</a>.

As can happen in ranked-choice elections, Farrell has formed an alliance with Supervisor Ahsha Safaí, who is more center-left, and asked voters to leave Peskin and Breed off the ballot. Other candidates haven&#8217;t struck partnerships, but <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/20/grow-sf-mayoral-endorsement/">moderate groups have a consensus on voting for Breed, Lurie, and Farrell</a>.

How will ranked-choice voting affect San Francisco’s mayoral race?

Joel Umanzor

San Francisco’s mayoral race officially entered a new era Saturday as longtime progressive leader Aaron Peskin joined the contest for the city’s top job.

San Francisco’s mayoral race officially entered a new era Saturday as longtime progressive leader Aaron Peskin joined the contest for the city’s top job.

Peskin, 59, president of the Board of Supervisors, formally kicked off his campaign at a rally in Chinatown’s Portsmouth Square, where throngs of his supporters—and a few dozen detractors—gathered.

Peskin, 59, president of the Board of Supervisors, formally kicked off his campaign at a rally in Chinatown’s Portsmouth Square, where throngs of his supporters—and a few dozen detractors—gathered.

&#8220;I am so deeply and sincerely grateful to have received the support I needed to recover and become sober,&#8221; Peskin, who previously <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2021/06/10/aaron-peskin-to-enter-alcohol-treatment/">sought treatment</a> for alcoholism, said to a crowd of hundreds of supporters, &#8220;and it has inspired me to dedicate the next chapter of my life to the recovery of this city.

Supervisor Aaron Peskin to enter alcohol treatment

"I am so deeply and sincerely grateful to have received the support I needed to recover and become sober," Peskin, who previously <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2021/06/10/aaron-peskin-to-enter-alcohol-treatment/">sought treatment</a> for alcoholism, said to a crowd of hundreds of supporters, "and it has inspired me to dedicate the next chapter of my life to the recovery of this city.

&#8220;I am so deeply and sincerely grateful to have received the support I needed to recover and become sober,&#8221; Peskin, who previously <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2021/06/10/aaron-peskin-to-enter-alcohol-treatment/">sought treatment</a> for alcoholism, said to a crowd of hundreds of supporters, &#8220;and it has inspired me to dedicate the next chapter of my life to the recovery of this city.

&#8220;I believe San Francisco deserves a mature discussion, not a shouting match,&#8221; he added.

"I believe San Francisco deserves a mature discussion, not a shouting match," he added.

&#8220;I believe San Francisco deserves a mature discussion, not a shouting match,&#8221; he added.

Aaron Peskin, the President of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors representing District 3, is speaks during a rally announcing his run for mayor of San Francisco on Saturday, April 6, 2024.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/peskin-12.jpg?w=2500" alt="A crowd at a political rally with &quot;AARON&quot; signs, listening to a speaker at a podium." class="wp-image-265545"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Peskin speaks to the crowd at his mayoral campaign launch on Saturday.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/peskin-12.jpg?w=2500" alt="A crowd at a political rally with &quot;AARON&quot; signs, listening to a speaker at a podium." class="wp-image-265545"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Peskin speaks to the crowd at his mayoral campaign launch on Saturday.</figcaption></figure>

Prominent progressive leaders, including former mayor Art Agnos and former state legislators Mark Leno and Tom Ammiano, were among those who showed up to support Peskin, who is currently in his fourth—and final—term as supervisor. Also in attendance were local Chinatown leaders and hundreds of Chinese seniors led by Community Tenants Association.

Prominent progressive leaders, including former mayor Art Agnos and former state legislators Mark Leno and Tom Ammiano, were among those who showed up to support Peskin, who is currently in his fourth—and final—term as supervisor. Also in attendance were local Chinatown leaders and hundreds of Chinese seniors led by Community Tenants Association.

Other former and current city leaders who attended the rally told The Standard they were supporting Peskin because he knows City Hall best.

Other former and current city leaders who attended the rally told The Standard they were supporting Peskin because he knows City Hall best.

“He understands how everything works in the city,” former Board President and Supervisor Norman Yee said. “He could use the knowledge to put things together in a sensible way.”

“He understands how everything works in the city,” former Board President and Supervisor Norman Yee said. “He could use the knowledge to put things together in a sensible way.”

Supervisor Hillary Ronen said she has sometimes disagreed and fought with Peskin, but she’s excited to support his candidacy.

Supervisor Hillary Ronen said she has sometimes disagreed and fought with Peskin, but she’s excited to support his candidacy.

“It’s undeniable that he’s incredibly smart and competent,” Ronen said. “He truly loves the city. He’s an independent person [who] isn’t controlled by any billionaires.”

“It’s undeniable that he’s incredibly smart and competent,” Ronen said. “He truly loves the city. He’s an independent person [who] isn’t controlled by any billionaires.”

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/peskin-14.jpg?w=2500" alt="A crowd gathers in a city square, with a speaker addressing them, city buildings in the background." class="wp-image-265547"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Hundreds of supporters listen to Peskin speak during his campaign launch rally.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/peskin-14.jpg?w=2500" alt="A crowd gathers in a city square, with a speaker addressing them, city buildings in the background." class="wp-image-265547"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Hundreds of supporters listen to Peskin speak during his campaign launch rally.</figcaption></figure>

Just outside of the park, a few dozen protesters organized a counter-rally to express their disdain for the board president. Demonstrators slapped fly swatters on signs saying &#8220;Anybody but Aaron&#8221; and &#8220;Pesky Peskin,&#8221; while blowing whistles and chanting, &#8220;Hey Hey, Ho Ho, Pesky Peskin has got to go.”

Just outside of the park, a few dozen protesters organized a counter-rally to express their disdain for the board president. Demonstrators slapped fly swatters on signs saying "Anybody but Aaron" and "Pesky Peskin," while blowing whistles and chanting, "Hey Hey, Ho Ho, Pesky Peskin has got to go.”

Just outside of the park, a few dozen protesters organized a counter-rally to express their disdain for the board president. Demonstrators slapped fly swatters on signs saying &#8220;Anybody but Aaron&#8221; and &#8220;Pesky Peskin,&#8221; while blowing whistles and chanting, &#8220;Hey Hey, Ho Ho, Pesky Peskin has got to go.”

William Brega, an Asian American community activist who has lived in San Francisco for the past two years, said he believes a Peskin victory in November would be the opposite of progress.

William Brega, an Asian American community activist who has lived in San Francisco for the past two years, said he believes a Peskin victory in November would be the opposite of progress.

“He hasn’t done anything to promote public safety,” Brega told The Standard. “I believe right now we need change from what we have had from City Hall. The change slate for the DCCC represents the majority. We need a candidate who shares the values of the current DCCC. Not any particular one—but anyone but Aaron.”

“He hasn’t done anything to promote public safety,” Brega told The Standard. “I believe right now we need change from what we have had from City Hall. The change slate for the DCCC represents the majority. We need a candidate who shares the values of the current DCCC. Not any particular one—but anyone but Aaron.”

Jade Tu leads chants during a protest at the edge of Portsmouth square which coincided with a rally announcing Aaron Peskin’s run for mayor of San Francisco on Saturday, April 6, 2024.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/peskin-6.jpg?w=2500" alt="Protesters with signs that equate a person named Aaron Peskin with negativity and rebuke." class="wp-image-265539"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jade Tu, campaign manager for former mayor and now candidate Mark Farrell, leads chants during an anti-Peskin protest at the edge of Portsmouth Square on Saturday.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/peskin-6.jpg?w=2500" alt="Protesters with signs that equate a person named Aaron Peskin with negativity and rebuke." class="wp-image-265539"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jade Tu, campaign manager for former mayor and now candidate Mark Farrell, leads chants during an anti-Peskin protest at the edge of Portsmouth Square on Saturday.</figcaption></figure>

Shortly after 10:30 a.m., before Peskin&#8217;s rally officially started, a few protesters got into a verbal altercation with his supporters, with the warring sides both yelling, &#8220;Shame on you.&#8221; Speaking into a megaphone, community activist Forrest Liu told the supervisor&#8217;s supporters, &#8220;If you are here and you are not white, Aaron Peskin wants you to bow to him.&#8221;

Shortly after 10:30 a.m., before Peskin's rally officially started, a few protesters got into a verbal altercation with his supporters, with the warring sides both yelling, "Shame on you." Speaking into a megaphone, community activist Forrest Liu told the supervisor's supporters, "If you are here and you are not white, Aaron Peskin wants you to bow to him."

Shortly after 10:30 a.m., before Peskin&#8217;s rally officially started, a few protesters got into a verbal altercation with his supporters, with the warring sides both yelling, &#8220;Shame on you.&#8221; Speaking into a megaphone, community activist Forrest Liu told the supervisor&#8217;s supporters, &#8220;If you are here and you are not white, Aaron Peskin wants you to bow to him.&#8221;

&#8220;If you are here and you are not white, bow down to your master, Aaron Peskin,&#8221; added Liu, who was wearing a black &#8220;Recall Chesa Boudin&#8221; hoodie.

"If you are here and you are not white, bow down to your master, Aaron Peskin," added Liu, who was wearing a black "Recall Chesa Boudin" hoodie.

&#8220;If you are here and you are not white, bow down to your master, Aaron Peskin,&#8221; added Liu, who was wearing a black &#8220;Recall Chesa Boudin&#8221; hoodie.

San Francisco police officers and sheriff&#8217;s deputies separated the two groups.

San Francisco police officers and sheriff's deputies separated the two groups.

San Francisco police officers and sheriff&#8217;s deputies separated the two groups.

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<figure class="wp-block-video"><video controls poster="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/20240325_sausalitoanchor-outseviction-00_02_24_16-still025.jpg" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/20240406_antipeskinrally.mp4"></video><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Protesters gather outside Peskin's mayoral campaign launch rally.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-video"><video controls poster="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/20240325_sausalitoanchor-outseviction-00_02_24_16-still025.jpg" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/20240406_antipeskinrally.mp4"></video><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Protesters gather outside Peskin&#8217;s mayoral campaign launch rally.</figcaption></figure>

With Election Day now seven months away, Peskin, one of the city’s most experienced politicians, could very well be the last high-profile candidate to enter the race for mayor. Also running are incumbent Mayor London Breed, former Mayor and Supervisor Mark Farrell, philanthropist and Levi’s heir Daniel Lurie, and Supervisor Ahsha Safaí.

With Election Day now seven months away, Peskin, one of the city’s most experienced politicians, could very well be the last high-profile candidate to enter the race for mayor. Also running are incumbent Mayor London Breed, former Mayor and Supervisor Mark Farrell, philanthropist and Levi’s heir Daniel Lurie, and Supervisor Ahsha Safaí.

Peskin’s long-rumored candidacy was an open secret in the city’s political circles until last week, when he <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/03/san-francisco-aaron-peskin-mayor-chinatown/">started calling and inviting people</a> to Saturday’s rally.

Aaron Peskin to announce run for San Francisco mayor in Chinatown, sources say

Peskin’s long-rumored candidacy was an open secret in the city’s political circles until last week, when he <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/03/san-francisco-aaron-peskin-mayor-chinatown/">started calling and inviting people</a> to Saturday’s rally.

Peskin is very popular and has high name recognition in Chinatown, a neighborhood he has represented as a supervisor on and off over the past two decades—making it an obvious choice for his campaign launch. His support for renter protections and low-income families’ rights has made him an ally to many in the community.

Peskin is very popular and has high name recognition in Chinatown, a neighborhood he has represented as a supervisor on and off over the past two decades—making it an obvious choice for his campaign launch. His support for renter protections and low-income families’ rights has made him an ally to many in the community.

Rally attendees huddle and hide from the sun during a rally for Aaron Peskin, the President of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors representing District 3, as he announces his run for mayor of San Francisco on Saturday, April 6, 2024.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/peskin-1.jpg?w=2500" alt="People at a rally hold signs supporting &quot;Aaron&quot; for mayor, with buildings in the background." class="wp-image-265534"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Peskin is popular and has high name recognition in Chinatown, which he currently represents on the Board of Supervisors.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/peskin-1.jpg?w=2500" alt="People at a rally hold signs supporting &quot;Aaron&quot; for mayor, with buildings in the background." class="wp-image-265534"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Peskin is popular and has high name recognition in Chinatown, which he currently represents on the Board of Supervisors.</figcaption></figure>

During his speech on Saturday, Peskin said, if elected, he would support more police and community policing, clean up corruption at City Hall, strengthen local rent control and open 2,000 new shelter beds.

During his speech on Saturday, Peskin said, if elected, he would support more police and community policing, clean up corruption at City Hall, strengthen local rent control and open 2,000 new shelter beds.

&#8220;I will be a hands-on mayor, using the 25 years of governmental know-how, to once again make San Francisco the city that knows how,&#8221; he said.

"I will be a hands-on mayor, using the 25 years of governmental know-how, to once again make San Francisco the city that knows how," he said.

&#8220;I will be a hands-on mayor, using the 25 years of governmental know-how, to once again make San Francisco the city that knows how,&#8221; he said.

Peskin has never won a citywide race before. Traditionally, voters on the city’s westside, including many Chinese Americans, lean more moderate, but Jim Stearns, a campaign consultant for Peskin, said his strong name recognition in Chinese community will help him get some support from that part of the city.

Peskin has never won a citywide race before. Traditionally, voters on the city’s westside, including many Chinese Americans, lean more moderate, but Jim Stearns, a campaign consultant for Peskin, said his strong name recognition in Chinese community will help him get some support from that part of the city.

“Chinese votes will be a key for him to win this election,” Stearns said.

“Chinese votes will be a key for him to win this election,” Stearns said.

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

Breed sick of Peskin’s ‘shenanigans’: Housing spat carves battle lines in San Francisco mayoral race

While he has wielded substantial influence at City Hall, Peskin has also regularly sparred with colleagues and city staff and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/26/san-franciso-mayor-breed-peskin-housing-density/">enraged YIMBYs and pro-development groups</a> in the city by blocking new housing projects. Following complaints about his behavior, Peskin acknowledged in 2021 that he had a drinking problem and went to rehab.

San Francisco mayor’s veto of controversial housing bill is overturned

While he has wielded substantial influence at City Hall, Peskin has also regularly sparred with colleagues and city staff and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/26/san-franciso-mayor-breed-peskin-housing-density/">enraged YIMBYs and pro-development groups</a> in the city by blocking new housing projects. Following complaints about his behavior, Peskin acknowledged in 2021 that he had a drinking problem and went to rehab.

After Peskin confirmed his candidacy on Wednesday, other candidates wasted no time in attacking the supervisor, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/03/san-francisco-aaron-peskin-mayor-chinatown/">comparing him to the Terminator</a> and calling him “abusive” and “toxic.”

After Peskin confirmed his candidacy on Wednesday, other candidates wasted no time in attacking the supervisor, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/03/san-francisco-aaron-peskin-mayor-chinatown/">comparing him to the Terminator</a> and calling him “abusive” and “toxic.”

When asked if Peskin&#8217;s entry into the race would split the moderate vote among the rest of the candidates, Jade Tu, Mark Farrell’s campaign manager, told The Standard that she believed his candidacy would do the opposite.

When asked if Peskin's entry into the race would split the moderate vote among the rest of the candidates, Jade Tu, Mark Farrell’s campaign manager, told The Standard that she believed his candidacy would do the opposite.

When asked if Peskin&#8217;s entry into the race would split the moderate vote among the rest of the candidates, Jade Tu, Mark Farrell’s campaign manager, told The Standard that she believed his candidacy would do the opposite.

“Take a look at this,” Tu said, pointing to the crowd of counter-protesters. “‘Moderates have not been this united, like they are now, to get rid of Aaron Peskin and make sure he isn’t mayor.”

“Take a look at this,” Tu said, pointing to the crowd of counter-protesters. “‘Moderates have not been this united, like they are now, to get rid of Aaron Peskin and make sure he isn’t mayor.”

Aaron Peskin vows to lead San Francisco’s ‘recovery’ in mayoral campaign kickoff

With public safety top of mind for San Francisco voters, the controversial police union has emerged as a sought-after endorsement for some moderates looking to burnish their crime-fighting bona fides.

With public safety top of mind for San Francisco voters, the controversial police union has emerged as a sought-after endorsement for some moderates looking to burnish their crime-fighting bona fides.

The San Francisco Police Officers Association, which represents rank-and-file law enforcement officers, has been giving out <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/08/police-union-poa-marjan/">political endorsements</a> this year and spent more than $100,000 during the March election in support of its preferred local candidates and ballot measures, according to finance disclosures.

Police union wades back into San Francisco politics after years of sitting on the sidelines

The San Francisco Police Officers Association, which represents rank-and-file law enforcement officers, has been giving out <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/08/police-union-poa-marjan/">political endorsements</a> this year and spent more than $100,000 during the March election in support of its preferred local candidates and ballot measures, according to finance disclosures.

Some of that spending appears to have paid off. Candidates and ballot measures related to public safety and police have <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/election-night-winners-and-losers-who-came-out-on-top-in-tuesdays-primary-contest/">prevailed in recent elections</a>, and two moderate frontrunners in the November mayoral races are actively competing for the union’s endorsement.&nbsp;

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

Some of that spending appears to have paid off. Candidates and ballot measures related to public safety and police have <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/election-night-winners-and-losers-who-came-out-on-top-in-tuesdays-primary-contest/">prevailed in recent elections</a>, and two moderate frontrunners in the November mayoral races are actively competing for the union’s endorsement.&nbsp;

&#8220;I&#8217;m very much interested, for sure,&#8221; Mayor London Breed said Tuesday in Golden Gate Park during a National Night Out event, which aims to promote engagement between police and communities.&nbsp;

"I'm very much interested, for sure," Mayor London Breed said Tuesday in Golden Gate Park during a National Night Out event, which aims to promote engagement between police and communities.&nbsp;

&#8220;I&#8217;m very much interested, for sure,&#8221; Mayor London Breed said Tuesday in Golden Gate Park during a National Night Out event, which aims to promote engagement between police and communities.&nbsp;

Mayor London Breed, left, and Chief of Police Bill Scott, right, sit together on stage at the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) promotional ceremony in the Scottish Rite Masonic Center on Wednesday July 24, 2024. The San Francisco Police Department is currently celebrating the promotion of several officers to high ranks within the force. This joyous occasion comes at a time when the department is grappling with a shortage of staff and overall resources in the city of San Francisco.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1668" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240723-breedpolice-tv0247.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman in a red suit and a man in a San Francisco police uniform sit side by side, both looking forward with serious expressions." class="wp-image-294952"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed and Chief of Police Bill Scott sit together at a July police officer promotional ceremony at Scottish Rite Masonic Center.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240723-breedpolice-tv0247.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman in a red suit and a man in a San Francisco police uniform sit side by side, both looking forward with serious expressions." class="wp-image-294952"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed and Chief of Police Bill Scott sit together at a July police officer promotional ceremony at Scottish Rite Masonic Center.</figcaption></figure>

Breed spent the evening hopping around National Night Out events across the city, chatting up law enforcement officers, snapping photos with locals and strengthening her police-friendly image.

Breed spent the evening hopping around National Night Out events across the city, chatting up law enforcement officers, snapping photos with locals and strengthening her police-friendly image.

Breed had closer ties with the SFPOA early in her career, but the union did not endorse her first mayoral bid in 2018 because of her advocacy for police reform. Now, she said, things have changed.

Breed had closer ties with the SFPOA early in her career, but the union did not endorse her first mayoral bid in 2018 because of her advocacy for police reform. Now, she said, things have changed.

&#8220;I think a lot of it has to do with [the union&#8217;s] leadership,&#8221; Breed said of SFPOA President Tracy McCray. &#8220;She&#8217;s really turned things around a lot.&#8221;&nbsp;

"I think a lot of it has to do with [the union's] leadership," Breed said of SFPOA President Tracy McCray. "She's really turned things around a lot."&nbsp;

&#8220;I think a lot of it has to do with [the union&#8217;s] leadership,&#8221; Breed said of SFPOA President Tracy McCray. &#8220;She&#8217;s really turned things around a lot.&#8221;&nbsp;

Breed praised McCray’s deep ties in the community, saying she is a respected member of the department who serves as &#8220;a bridge builder.&#8221;

Breed praised McCray’s deep ties in the community, saying she is a respected member of the department who serves as "a bridge builder."

Breed praised McCray’s deep ties in the community, saying she is a respected member of the department who serves as &#8220;a bridge builder.&#8221;

San Francisco Police Officers Association President Tracy McCray poses for a portrait after the ‘No on B’ press conference she helped host in the San Francisco Police Officers Association in San Francisco on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. San Francisco Police Officers Association President Tracy McCray, Supervisor Matt Dorsey, and Stop Crime SF Board Member Lily Ho hosted a news conference to preview new “No on B” advertisements and highlight misrepresentations by the “Yes on B” campaign, which claims its “cop tax” is a public safety measure.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20241502_noonb-15.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman in a police uniform stands solemnly before a memorial wall honoring fallen San Francisco officers." class="wp-image-259705"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco Police Officers Association President Tracy McCray said that the union has been approached for endorsements by mayoral candidates.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20241502_noonb-15.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman in a police uniform stands solemnly before a memorial wall honoring fallen San Francisco officers." class="wp-image-259705"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco Police Officers Association President Tracy McCray said that the union has been approached for endorsements by mayoral candidates.</figcaption></figure>

After the 2020 murder of George Floyd, Breed <a href="https://abc7news.com/san-francisco-budget-announcement-defund-sfpd-the-police-london-breed-press-conference/6345069/">briefly joining the call to defund the police</a>. In the years since, as concerns about public safety came to the forefront, Breed has taken more pro-police positions and worked to increase the department’s budget.&nbsp;&nbsp;

After the 2020 murder of George Floyd, Breed <a href="https://abc7news.com/san-francisco-budget-announcement-defund-sfpd-the-police-london-breed-press-conference/6345069/">briefly joining the call to defund the police</a>. In the years since, as concerns about public safety came to the forefront, Breed has taken more pro-police positions and worked to increase the department’s budget.&nbsp;&nbsp;

McCray couldn&#8217;t be reached for comment but wrote in a defiant June blog post that the SFPOA had been approached for endorsements by mayoral candidates — a reversal from its political standing in 2020. The union hasn&#8217;t made any decision on who it will endorse for mayor.

McCray couldn't be reached for comment but wrote in a defiant June blog post that the SFPOA had been approached for endorsements by mayoral candidates — a reversal from its political standing in 2020. The union hasn't made any decision on who it will endorse for mayor.

McCray couldn&#8217;t be reached for comment but wrote in a defiant June blog post that the SFPOA had been approached for endorsements by mayoral candidates — a reversal from its political standing in 2020. The union hasn&#8217;t made any decision on who it will endorse for mayor.

&#8220;Bluntly put, no one came knocking at our door for an endorsement back in 2020 or even before that time,&#8221; <a href="https://sfpoa.org/node/1642">McCray wrote</a> in June. &#8220;Some in this city hated our guts.&#8221;

"Bluntly put, no one came knocking at our door for an endorsement back in 2020 or even before that time," <a href="https://sfpoa.org/node/1642">McCray wrote</a> in June. "Some in this city hated our guts."

&#8220;Bluntly put, no one came knocking at our door for an endorsement back in 2020 or even before that time,&#8221; <a href="https://sfpoa.org/node/1642">McCray wrote</a> in June. &#8220;Some in this city hated our guts.&#8221;

McCray emphasized that she won&#8217;t be &#8220;handing out those endorsements like candy at Halloween time,&#8221; and the decision-making process should be a thoughtful and measured review of all candidates.

McCray emphasized that she won't be "handing out those endorsements like candy at Halloween time," and the decision-making process should be a thoughtful and measured review of all candidates.

McCray emphasized that she won&#8217;t be &#8220;handing out those endorsements like candy at Halloween time,&#8221; and the decision-making process should be a thoughtful and measured review of all candidates.

Mark Farrell, who is running against Breed and campaigning on <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/13/mark-farrell-san-francisco-mayor-police-homeless/">public safety issues</a>, is also seeking the police union&#8217;s support.

Mark Farrell vows to fire police chief, clear homeless camps as mayor

Mark Farrell, who is running against Breed and campaigning on <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/13/mark-farrell-san-francisco-mayor-police-homeless/">public safety issues</a>, is also seeking the police union's support.

Mark Farrell, who is running against Breed and campaigning on <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/13/mark-farrell-san-francisco-mayor-police-homeless/">public safety issues</a>, is also seeking the police union&#8217;s support.

&#8220;I am proud to have been endorsed by the POA in all my campaigns for elected office,&#8221; Farrell said in a statement. &#8220;We have been building significant support among the rank and file and are actively working to earn the POA&#8217;s endorsement.&#8221;

"I am proud to have been endorsed by the POA in all my campaigns for elected office," Farrell said in a statement. "We have been building significant support among the rank and file and are actively working to earn the POA's endorsement."

&#8220;I am proud to have been endorsed by the POA in all my campaigns for elected office,&#8221; Farrell said in a statement. &#8220;We have been building significant support among the rank and file and are actively working to earn the POA&#8217;s endorsement.&#8221;

Mark Farrell listens to the other candidates at the second mayoral debate, held at UC Law in San Francisco on Monday, June 17th, 2024.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1666" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/featured02_20240725-farrell50kintern.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a dark suit and white shirt is seated, looking to his left. He is wearing a microphone and appears attentive. A blurred U.S. flag is visible in the background." class="wp-image-294611"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mark Farrell said his campaign is actively working to earn the police union&#8217;s endorsement.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/featured02_20240725-farrell50kintern.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a dark suit and white shirt is seated, looking to his left. He is wearing a microphone and appears attentive. A blurred U.S. flag is visible in the background." class="wp-image-294611"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mark Farrell said his campaign is actively working to earn the police union's endorsement.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/featured02_20240725-farrell50kintern.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a dark suit and white shirt is seated, looking to his left. He is wearing a microphone and appears attentive. A blurred U.S. flag is visible in the background." class="wp-image-294611"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mark Farrell said his campaign is actively working to earn the police union&#8217;s endorsement.</figcaption></figure>

However, Farrell has had a tumultuous relationship with the union. It supported him for supervisor in 2014 but blasted him <a href="https://sfpoa.org/node/1064">during contract negotiations</a> when he was interim mayor in 2018.

However, Farrell has had a tumultuous relationship with the union. It supported him for supervisor in 2014 but blasted him <a href="https://sfpoa.org/node/1064">during contract negotiations</a> when he was interim mayor in 2018.

Daniel Lurie, another moderate candidate for mayor, has no apparent ties with the SFPOA but is believed to be working on getting a ranked-choice endorsement.

Daniel Lurie, another moderate candidate for mayor, has no apparent ties with the SFPOA but is believed to be working on getting a ranked-choice endorsement.

&#8220;Daniel looks forward to working with the POA to turn around the morale and staffing crisis created by Mayors Breed and Farrell,&#8221; his campaign said in a statement.

"Daniel looks forward to working with the POA to turn around the morale and staffing crisis created by Mayors Breed and Farrell," his campaign said in a statement.

&#8220;Daniel looks forward to working with the POA to turn around the morale and staffing crisis created by Mayors Breed and Farrell,&#8221; his campaign said in a statement.

Board President Aaron Peskin, a progressive mayoral candidate who is unlikely to receive the SFPOA&#8217;s support, expressed a surprisingly friendly attitude toward the union.

Board President Aaron Peskin, a progressive mayoral candidate who is unlikely to receive the SFPOA's support, expressed a surprisingly friendly attitude toward the union.

Board President Aaron Peskin, a progressive mayoral candidate who is unlikely to receive the SFPOA&#8217;s support, expressed a surprisingly friendly attitude toward the union.

Peskin said he supports culturally and linguistically sensitive community policing and believes that holding police accountable is good for public safety and for officers themselves.

Peskin said he supports culturally and linguistically sensitive community policing and believes that holding police accountable is good for public safety and for officers themselves.

“If my work on public safety resonates with the members of the POA,” Peskin said, “we would welcome their endorsement.&#8221;

“If my work on public safety resonates with the members of the POA,” Peskin said, “we would welcome their endorsement."

“If my work on public safety resonates with the members of the POA,” Peskin said, “we would welcome their endorsement.&#8221;

core/quote

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-back-with-money">Back with money</h2>

core/heading

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-back-with-money">Back with money</h2>

How will ranked-choice voting affect San Francisco’s mayoral race?

Aaron Peskin vows to lead San Francisco’s ‘recovery’ in mayoral campaign kickoff

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

Prison or probation? Protesters clash over sentencing of man who stabbed Asian woman

We got our hands on Aaron Peskin’s campaign haul. (It’s small)

Search Results for: mark farrell

How will ranked-choice voting affect San Francisco’s mayoral race?

Aaron Peskin vows to lead San Francisco’s ‘recovery’ in mayoral campaign kickoff

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

Prison or probation? Protesters clash over sentencing of man who stabbed Asian woman

We got our hands on Aaron Peskin’s campaign haul. (It’s small)