Han Li

When news broke that President Joe Biden was ending his campaign and endorsing Kamala Harris, San Francisco <a href="https://x.com/Scott_Wiener/status/1815161698447180076">politicians</a> <a href="https://x.com/AaronPeskin/status/1815188620007141717">across the spectrum</a> scrambled to <a href="https://x.com/mattdorsey/status/1815163108698276293">post old photos</a> with the vice president and express support for her.

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When news broke that President Joe Biden was ending his campaign and endorsing Kamala Harris, San Francisco <a href="https://x.com/Scott_Wiener/status/1815161698447180076">politicians</a> <a href="https://x.com/AaronPeskin/status/1815188620007141717">across the spectrum</a> scrambled to <a href="https://x.com/mattdorsey/status/1815163108698276293">post old photos</a> with the vice president and express support for her.

Mayor London Breed — who’s in the middle of a tough reelection fight — stands out as one of the vice president’s closest allies and biggest cheerleaders. Local observers are wondering whether the mayor will be able to leverage her ties to Harris to pick up voter support.

Mayor London Breed — who’s in the middle of a tough reelection fight — stands out as one of the vice president’s closest allies and biggest cheerleaders. Local observers are wondering whether the mayor will be able to leverage her ties to Harris to pick up voter support.

“There are some analogies that can be drawn between Kamala Harris and London Breed as Black women leaders,” said Nancy Tung, chair of the San Francisco Democratic Party, who has endorsed Breed in the mayoral campaign.

“There are some analogies that can be drawn between Kamala Harris and London Breed as Black women leaders,” said Nancy Tung, chair of the San Francisco Democratic Party, who has endorsed Breed in the mayoral campaign.

Breed has long touted Harris’ early endorsement when she first ran for supervisor. Additionally, in 2018, Harris, then a U.S. senator, endorsed Breed’s first mayoral bid. But now, the timing could be tricky for Harris to endorse Breed again, as every move by the presumed Democratic presidential nominee will face extra scrutiny. “It’ll be interesting to see if Kamala Harris will publicly endorse her,” said Tung.

Breed has long touted Harris’ early endorsement when she first ran for supervisor. Additionally, in 2018, Harris, then a U.S. senator, endorsed Breed’s first mayoral bid. But now, the timing could be tricky for Harris to endorse Breed again, as every move by the presumed Democratic presidential nominee will face extra scrutiny. “It’ll be interesting to see if Kamala Harris will publicly endorse her,” said Tung.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-harris-breed-mailer">A Harris-Breed mailer?</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-harris-breed-mailer">A Harris-Breed mailer?</h2>

At a rally Thursday celebrating her sole endorsement from the San Francisco Democratic Party, Breed took pains to link her mayoral campaign with Harris’ run for the presidency.&nbsp;

At a rally Thursday celebrating her sole endorsement from the San Francisco Democratic Party, Breed took pains to link her mayoral campaign with Harris’ run for the presidency.&nbsp;

“To San Franciscans and Democrats everywhere, we have an opportunity not just here locally,” Breed said, “but we have an opportunity nationally to make sure that we’re not moving backward.”

“To San Franciscans and Democrats everywhere, we have an opportunity not just here locally,” Breed said, “but we have an opportunity nationally to make sure that we’re not moving backward.”

The San Francisco Democratic Party will send its endorsement results to voters in mailers. When asked if Harris’ and Breed’s images will appear on a mailer together, Tung said, &#8220;Potentially.&#8221; In a statement, Breed’s campaign avoided the question about a potential Harris endorsement, declaring that the focus is on helping Harris defeat their mutual enemy: Donald Trump.

The San Francisco Democratic Party will send its endorsement results to voters in mailers. When asked if Harris’ and Breed’s images will appear on a mailer together, Tung said, "Potentially." In a statement, Breed’s campaign avoided the question about a potential Harris endorsement, declaring that the focus is on helping Harris defeat their mutual enemy: Donald Trump.

The San Francisco Democratic Party will send its endorsement results to voters in mailers. When asked if Harris’ and Breed’s images will appear on a mailer together, Tung said, &#8220;Potentially.&#8221; In a statement, Breed’s campaign avoided the question about a potential Harris endorsement, declaring that the focus is on helping Harris defeat their mutual enemy: Donald Trump.

“Donald Trump poses an existential threat to democracy, women’s rights, LGBT rights and minorities,” Breed campaign spokesman Joe Arellano said in a statement. “Mayor Breed will do everything she can to help her friend and ensure that San Francisco continues to serve as a firewall to right-wing MAGA policies.”

“Donald Trump poses an existential threat to democracy, women’s rights, LGBT rights and minorities,” Breed campaign spokesman Joe Arellano said in a statement. “Mayor Breed will do everything she can to help her friend and ensure that San Francisco continues to serve as a firewall to right-wing MAGA policies.”

Breed, as a California delegate, will attend the Democratic National Convention in August in Chicago to support Harris.

Breed, as a California delegate, will attend the Democratic National Convention in August in Chicago to support Harris.

Breed’s closeness to the vice president hasn’t stopped other mayoral candidates from jumping on the Harris bandwagon. Mark Farrell, a former mayor and supervisor who is leading Breed in some polls, quietly <a href="https://x.com/MarkFarrellSF">added a coconut emoji</a> to his X profile last week. <a href="https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/kamala-harris-coconut-tree-meme-explains-vital-truth-2024-election-rcna163682">The reference to the Harris meme</a> was an apparent effort to absorb some of the energy around the vice president’s candidacy for his campaign.

Breed’s closeness to the vice president hasn’t stopped other mayoral candidates from jumping on the Harris bandwagon. Mark Farrell, a former mayor and supervisor who is leading Breed in some polls, quietly <a href="https://x.com/MarkFarrellSF">added a coconut emoji</a> to his X profile last week. <a href="https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/kamala-harris-coconut-tree-meme-explains-vital-truth-2024-election-rcna163682">The reference to the Harris meme</a> was an apparent effort to absorb some of the energy around the vice president’s candidacy for his campaign.

Jason McDaniel, an associate professor of political science at San Francisco State University, was skeptical about Harris’ influence boosting Breed’s campaign, believing that the Harris-Trump battle will eat up most of the fundraising energy and media attention.

Jason McDaniel, an associate professor of political science at San Francisco State University, was skeptical about Harris’ influence boosting Breed’s campaign, believing that the Harris-Trump battle will eat up most of the fundraising energy and media attention.

He agreed that Breed will have a chance to build momentum by aligning herself with Harris, but San Franciscans will vote based on local policy.&nbsp;

He agreed that Breed will have a chance to build momentum by aligning herself with Harris, but San Franciscans will vote based on local policy.&nbsp;

“Most people are going to vote [in the mayoral race] based on their feelings of the city,” McDaniel said. “It’s not going to be about Kamala Harris necessarily.”

“Most people are going to vote [in the mayoral race] based on their feelings of the city,” McDaniel said. “It’s not going to be about Kamala Harris necessarily.”

Kamala Harris energized SF voters. Will she also help reelect London Breed?

Josh Koehn

A Republican billionaire, a real estate developer, a venture capitalist, a famed investor’s wife and a lawyer huddled last week to decide whether Jay Cheng—the head of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/30/san-francisco-mayors-race-neighbors-pac-mark-farrell/">Neighbors for a Better San Francisco</a>—should continue to serve as the leader of the city’s most powerful political group.

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

A Republican billionaire, a real estate developer, a venture capitalist, a famed investor’s wife and a lawyer huddled last week to decide whether Jay Cheng—the head of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/30/san-francisco-mayors-race-neighbors-pac-mark-farrell/">Neighbors for a Better San Francisco</a>—should continue to serve as the leader of the city’s most powerful political group.

After spending millions to dominate local politics over the past four years, Neighbors was suddenly in the midst of a crisis.&nbsp;

After spending millions to dominate local politics over the past four years, Neighbors was suddenly in the midst of a crisis.&nbsp;

Media outlets were reporting that Cheng had attempted to help hire staff for Mark Farrell’s mayoral campaign, raising questions about improper coordination between the Neighbors political committee and a candidate committee. More disturbingly, old reports of Cheng being <a href="https://www.ocregister.com/2011/05/17/uc-student-regent-accused-of-sex-assault-resigns/">accused of sexual battery</a> by an ex-partner in 2010 were resurfacing.

Media outlets were reporting that Cheng had attempted to help hire staff for Mark Farrell’s mayoral campaign, raising questions about improper coordination between the Neighbors political committee and a candidate committee. More disturbingly, old reports of Cheng being <a href="https://www.ocregister.com/2011/05/17/uc-student-regent-accused-of-sex-assault-resigns/">accused of sexual battery</a> by an ex-partner in 2010 were resurfacing.

Casting doubt on his claims of innocence then and today, Cheng had confessed in multiple emails—under duress, he said—to sexually assaulting the woman.&nbsp;

Casting doubt on his claims of innocence then and today, Cheng had confessed in multiple emails—under duress, he said—to sexually assaulting the woman.&nbsp;

“I am sorry for sexually assaulting you,” Cheng wrote. “I tried to rape you and I thank you everyday for not letting me do that to you.”

“I am sorry for sexually assaulting you,” Cheng wrote. “I tried to rape you and I thank you everyday for not letting me do that to you.”

If there was any doubt that Neighbors officials sensed that their leader was under siege, the organization hired political consultant Sam Singer, the Bay Area’s preeminent crisis communications manager. After the board meeting, Neighbors circled the wagons and launched a coordinated PR campaign.&nbsp;

If there was any doubt that Neighbors officials sensed that their leader was under siege, the organization hired political consultant Sam Singer, the Bay Area’s preeminent crisis communications manager. After the board meeting, Neighbors circled the wagons and launched a coordinated PR campaign.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, the board sent <a href="https://twitter.com/PhoenixProjNow/status/1786084825193144581/photo/1">a letter to rattled donors</a> to reassure them that Cheng was innocent of any wrongdoing politically as well as criminally. The letter said that Cheng was ordered by the board to not have any interactions with mayoral candidates or campaigns, and the sexual assault allegations were “behind him” as no criminal or civil charges were ever filed.

On Wednesday, the board sent <a href="https://twitter.com/PhoenixProjNow/status/1786084825193144581/photo/1">a letter to rattled donors</a> to reassure them that Cheng was innocent of any wrongdoing politically as well as criminally. The letter said that Cheng was ordered by the board to not have any interactions with mayoral candidates or campaigns, and the sexual assault allegations were “behind him” as no criminal or civil charges were ever filed.

The next day, Cheng sent a letter defending himself against the allegations of sexual assault to Nancy Tung, the new chair of the San Francisco Democratic Party, which was hosting <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/26/sex-crime-allegations-san-francisco-democratic-party/">a hearing on predatory sexual behavior and harassment</a> in local politics. Cheng was the latest prominent figure to come under the spotlight after The Standard reported disturbing allegations against once-rising political star <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/16/san-francisco-housing-jon-jacobo-accused-of-sex-crimes-abuse/">Jon Jacobo</a>.

Local Democratic leader on leave after sexual misconduct allegations emerge

Women accused a rising SF political star of rape and abuse—and met a wall of silence

The next day, Cheng sent a letter defending himself against the allegations of sexual assault to Nancy Tung, the new chair of the San Francisco Democratic Party, which was hosting <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/26/sex-crime-allegations-san-francisco-democratic-party/">a hearing on predatory sexual behavior and harassment</a> in local politics. Cheng was the latest prominent figure to come under the spotlight after The Standard reported disturbing allegations against once-rising political star <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/16/san-francisco-housing-jon-jacobo-accused-of-sex-crimes-abuse/">Jon Jacobo</a>.

San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee (SFDCCC) chair Nancy Tung begins a special hearing on sexual assault and harassment in the San Francisco political community at the Milton Marks Auditorium in San Francisco on Thursday, May 2, 2024. Tung created the committee in response to accusations of sexual assault against housing nonprofit director Jon Jacobo, but at the beginning of the meeting recused herself from the chair position after discussion with her office on whether or not her participation is compatible.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/20240502metoomoment_jy_006.jpg?w=2500" alt="Nancy Tung speaks into a microphone. She looks focused, has long dark hair and wears a tweed blazer." class="wp-image-272564"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jay Cheng wrote a letter to Nancy Tung, chair of the San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee, before party officials held a hearing Thursday to discuss sexual assault and harassment in local politics.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/20240502metoomoment_jy_006.jpg?w=2500" alt="Nancy Tung speaks into a microphone. She looks focused, has long dark hair and wears a tweed blazer." class="wp-image-272564"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jay Cheng wrote a letter to Nancy Tung, chair of the San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee, before party officials held a hearing Thursday to discuss sexual assault and harassment in local politics.</figcaption></figure>

In a phone interview, Cheng told The Standard that he had nothing to hide but stuck mostly to talking points he has repeated since he was arrested on suspicion of sexual battery in 2010. Cheng said he was pressured into the confession because his ex-girlfriend was harassing him, calling him 50 times a day and demanding he admit he assaulted her.

In a phone interview, Cheng told The Standard that he had nothing to hide but stuck mostly to talking points he has repeated since he was arrested on suspicion of sexual battery in 2010. Cheng said he was pressured into the confession because his ex-girlfriend was harassing him, calling him 50 times a day and demanding he admit he assaulted her.

“I regret lying to her in those emails,” Cheng said. “It was absolutely a mistake to capitulate, just so that she would stop calling me to try and move forward.”

“I regret lying to her in those emails,” Cheng said. “It was absolutely a mistake to capitulate, just so that she would stop calling me to try and move forward.”

Prosecutors declined to file charges against Cheng, citing a lack of evidence.

Prosecutors declined to file charges against Cheng, citing a lack of evidence.

On top of discomfort that Cheng may have been improperly colluding with Farrell’s campaign—which ruffled feathers among supporters of Mayor London Breed and nonprofit founder Daniel Lurie—a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/02/san-francisco-democrats-metoo-sexual-assault-rape/">#MeToo moment</a> appears to be taking place in San Francisco as local Democrats demand accountability for those who have enabled harassment and sexual violence.

San Francisco Democrats are having a #MeToo moment as women share stories of rape, abuse

On top of discomfort that Cheng may have been improperly colluding with Farrell’s campaign—which ruffled feathers among supporters of Mayor London Breed and nonprofit founder Daniel Lurie—a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/02/san-francisco-democrats-metoo-sexual-assault-rape/">#MeToo moment</a> appears to be taking place in San Francisco as local Democrats demand accountability for those who have enabled harassment and sexual violence.

Leaders in the local Democratic Party&#8217;s moderate wing are being forced to make a decision on Neighbors: Shut up and stick with Cheng, or risk losing access to the golden spigot of local politics.

Leaders in the local Democratic Party's moderate wing are being forced to make a decision on Neighbors: Shut up and stick with Cheng, or risk losing access to the golden spigot of local politics.

Leaders in the local Democratic Party&#8217;s moderate wing are being forced to make a decision on Neighbors: Shut up and stick with Cheng, or risk losing access to the golden spigot of local politics.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-it-s-all-very-cutthroat">‘It’s all very cutthroat’</h2>

No political organization in San Francisco wields a fatter checkbook than Neighbors.

No political organization in San Francisco wields a fatter checkbook than Neighbors.

The group has spent almost $9 million on an array of successful ballot measures and political candidates since 2020, with conservative hedge fund billionaire <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/05/10/wealthy-individuals-stock-recall-da-chesa-boudin/">William Oberndorf</a>, venture capitalist Steven Merrill and Cheng exerting the most influence on where the money is directed, according to sources with knowledge of Neighbors’ operations.

Tax-free stock from wealthy individuals helps fuel recall of DA Chesa Boudin

The group has spent almost $9 million on an array of successful ballot measures and political candidates since 2020, with conservative hedge fund billionaire <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/05/10/wealthy-individuals-stock-recall-da-chesa-boudin/">William Oberndorf</a>, venture capitalist Steven Merrill and Cheng exerting the most influence on where the money is directed, according to sources with knowledge of Neighbors’ operations.

Neighbors’ donors list apparently numbers in the hundreds, with retirees giving relatively modest sums along with real estate CEOs and tech entrepreneurs cutting six-figure checks or transferring over hundreds of thousands of dollars in stock.

Neighbors’ donors list apparently numbers in the hundreds, with retirees giving relatively modest sums along with real estate CEOs and tech entrepreneurs cutting six-figure checks or transferring over hundreds of thousands of dollars in stock.

The group has pinned pelts to the wall in the form of two successful recall elections: One ousted <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/02/16/school-board-recall-successful/">three school board members</a> who were seen as too woke, and another sidelined progressive District Attorney <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/06/07/recall-election-sf-district-attorney-chesa-boudin/">Chesa Boudin</a> to a bench far outside of any courtroom.

Education spotlight shifts to Breed as city asserts more control after the ousting of 3 school board members in recall

The rise and fall of Chesa Boudin: Why a progressive DA lost in deep-blue San Francisco

The group has pinned pelts to the wall in the form of two successful recall elections: One ousted <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/02/16/school-board-recall-successful/">three school board members</a> who were seen as too woke, and another sidelined progressive District Attorney <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/06/07/recall-election-sf-district-attorney-chesa-boudin/">Chesa Boudin</a> to a bench far outside of any courtroom.

DA Chesa Boudin addresses is supporters at The Ramp on Terry A Francois Blvd in San Francisco, Calif. on Tues. June 7, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/NEW-1-scaled.jpg?w=2500" alt="Chesa Boudin stands before a crowd, facing bright lights, holding a microphone." class="wp-image-53709"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Neighbors for a Better San Francisco led the multimillion-dollar effort to recall former District Attorney Chesa Boudin. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Sources with knowledge of Neighbors’ operations told The Standard that even before the tumultuous last two weeks, the organization’s board was split on Cheng’s future. Some of his allies have been slow to speak up in support of him. Sources said that relationships have become strained as moderate political groups are competing for the same pot of money in an election year.&nbsp;

Sources with knowledge of Neighbors’ operations told The Standard that even before the tumultuous last two weeks, the organization’s board was split on Cheng’s future. Some of his allies have been slow to speak up in support of him. Sources said that relationships have become strained as moderate political groups are competing for the same pot of money in an election year.&nbsp;

Just weeks before the March primary election, housing advocates were dumbfounded by a Mission Local report that found Cheng had signed off on giving <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2024/02/neighbors-for-a-better-san-francisco-takeactionsf-prop-a-breed/">$110,000 to a slate mail&nbsp;organization that opposed an affordable housing bond measure</a>, Proposition A, which was widely supported in the city’s political community. Neighbors, at its core, specializes in slate mailers.

Just weeks before the March primary election, housing advocates were dumbfounded by a Mission Local report that found Cheng had signed off on giving <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2024/02/neighbors-for-a-better-san-francisco-takeactionsf-prop-a-breed/">$110,000 to a slate mail&nbsp;organization that opposed an affordable housing bond measure</a>, Proposition A, which was widely supported in the city’s political community. Neighbors, at its core, specializes in slate mailers.

“When he made an excuse about his PAC supporting an organization that didn’t support the affordable housing bond—that was unacceptable,” said a source who works on housing in San Francisco.

“When he made an excuse about his PAC supporting an organization that didn’t support the affordable housing bond—that was unacceptable,” said a source who works on housing in San Francisco.

Winning causes that Neighbors supported in the March primary included Gov. Gavin Newsom’s mental health ballot measure <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/california-election-proposition-1/">Proposition 1</a> and Breed’s public safety measure <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/san-francisco-voters-election-prop-e-results-police/">Proposition E</a>. The group also helped to defeat Proposition B, a measure derided <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/san-francisco-election-prop-b-results-police-staffing/">as a &#8220;cop tax.&#8221;</a>

California Prop. 1, a $6.4B mental health initiative, is passing—but only by 25,000 votes

Voters approve Prop. E, giving more powers to San Francisco police

Voters reject Prop. B, measure to fund San Francisco cops through tax

Winning causes that Neighbors supported in the March primary included Gov. Gavin Newsom’s mental health ballot measure <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/california-election-proposition-1/">Proposition 1</a> and Breed’s public safety measure <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/san-francisco-voters-election-prop-e-results-police/">Proposition E</a>. The group also helped to defeat Proposition B, a measure derided <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/san-francisco-election-prop-b-results-police-staffing/">as a "cop tax."</a>

Winning causes that Neighbors supported in the March primary included Gov. Gavin Newsom’s mental health ballot measure <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/california-election-proposition-1/">Proposition 1</a> and Breed’s public safety measure <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/san-francisco-voters-election-prop-e-results-police/">Proposition E</a>. The group also helped to defeat Proposition B, a measure derided <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/san-francisco-election-prop-b-results-police-staffing/">as a &#8220;cop tax.&#8221;</a>

Within the city&#8217;s pro-development YIMBY coalition, tensions have emerged over Cheng&#8217;s role in Neighbors. The Standard obtained screenshots of a Slack channel used by members of YIMBY, where several people raised concerns about the allegations of sexual assault and political impropriety against Cheng.&nbsp;

Within the city's pro-development YIMBY coalition, tensions have emerged over Cheng's role in Neighbors. The Standard obtained screenshots of a Slack channel used by members of YIMBY, where several people raised concerns about the allegations of sexual assault and political impropriety against Cheng.&nbsp;

Within the city&#8217;s pro-development YIMBY coalition, tensions have emerged over Cheng&#8217;s role in Neighbors. The Standard obtained screenshots of a Slack channel used by members of YIMBY, where several people raised concerns about the allegations of sexual assault and political impropriety against Cheng.&nbsp;

The conversation quickly turned confrontational when Cheng’s wife—Kanishka Cheng, the head of another powerful moderate political group, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/01/san-francisco-together-sf-ballot-measure-mayor-abandoned/">TogetherSF Action</a>—responded that people were treating reports about her husband as “fun gossip.”&nbsp;

After spending millions, San Francisco political group abandons push to empower mayor

The conversation quickly turned confrontational when Cheng’s wife—Kanishka Cheng, the head of another powerful moderate political group, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/01/san-francisco-together-sf-ballot-measure-mayor-abandoned/">TogetherSF Action</a>—responded that people were treating reports about her husband as “fun gossip.”&nbsp;

Kanishka Cheng, founder and CEO of Together SF Action, left, and Jay Cheng, CEO of Neighbors for a Better San Francisco at an event in San Francisco on November 8, 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2207-tsa-2311081.jpg?w=2041" alt="Kanishka Cheng and Jay Cheng both smile while seated at a festive table with dinnerware, both dressed semi-formally." class="wp-image-270462" style="width:669px;height:auto"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kanishka and Jay Cheng have become a political power couple in San Francisco, but both have come under the spotlight for their organizations’ close ties to Mark Farrell&#8217;s mayoral campaign.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2207-tsa-2311081.jpg?w=2041" alt="Kanishka Cheng and Jay Cheng both smile while seated at a festive table with dinnerware, both dressed semi-formally." class="wp-image-270462" style="width:669px;height:auto"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kanishka and Jay Cheng have become a political power couple in San Francisco, but both have come under the spotlight for their organizations’ close ties to Mark Farrell's mayoral campaign.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2207-tsa-2311081.jpg?w=2041" alt="Kanishka Cheng and Jay Cheng both smile while seated at a festive table with dinnerware, both dressed semi-formally." class="wp-image-270462" style="width:669px;height:auto"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kanishka and Jay Cheng have become a political power couple in San Francisco, but both have come under the spotlight for their organizations’ close ties to Mark Farrell&#8217;s mayoral campaign.</figcaption></figure>

“If people want to ‘hold him accountable’ they should feel free to have those conversations,” Kanishka Cheng wrote. “You opining about it and alluding to things is what makes it gossip.”

“If people want to ‘hold him accountable’ they should feel free to have those conversations,” Kanishka Cheng wrote. “You opining about it and alluding to things is what makes it gossip.”

TogetherSF Action and Neighbors have received funding from Michael Moritz, The Standard’s chairman.&nbsp;

TogetherSF Action and Neighbors have received funding from Michael Moritz, The Standard’s chairman.&nbsp;

Jay Cheng’s political acumen has generally been widely praised, but his decision to send text messages about a job offer for Farrell’s mayoral campaign was seen as stunningly naive, if not an ethical breach that should disqualify Neighbors from trying to influence the mayor’s race.

Jay Cheng’s political acumen has generally been widely praised, but his decision to send text messages about a job offer for Farrell’s mayoral campaign was seen as stunningly naive, if not an ethical breach that should disqualify Neighbors from trying to influence the mayor’s race.

“In this town, if you open your mouth to one person, you might as well put it on a billboard on Van Ness,” said a longtime San Francisco political consultant who spoke on the condition of anonymity to avoid upsetting Neighbors.

“In this town, if you open your mouth to one person, you might as well put it on a billboard on Van Ness,” said a longtime San Francisco political consultant who spoke on the condition of anonymity to avoid upsetting Neighbors.

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/11/15/theyre-like-hillarys-emails-powerhouse-behind-boudin-recall-dismisses-ethics-concerns-over-brooke-jenkins/">Mary Jung</a>, the former chair of the local Democratic Party and Cheng’s predecessor as the executive director of Neighbors, said in an interview that criticism of Cheng is motivated by progressive forces looking to derail the moderate agenda.&nbsp;

&#8216;They&#8217;re like Hillary&#8217;s emails&#8217;: Powerhouse behind Boudin recall dismisses ethics concerns over Brooke Jenkins

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/11/15/theyre-like-hillarys-emails-powerhouse-behind-boudin-recall-dismisses-ethics-concerns-over-brooke-jenkins/">Mary Jung</a>, the former chair of the local Democratic Party and Cheng’s predecessor as the executive director of Neighbors, said in an interview that criticism of Cheng is motivated by progressive forces looking to derail the moderate agenda.&nbsp;

“It’s all very cutthroat, and this is part of the progressive playbook to stop us from having any victories in November, but I really disagree with the way people are going about it,” Jung said. “Maybe it’s because I’m older, but politics should be about the issues—not jeopardizing someone’s livelihood because they’re smart enough to figure out how to win.”&nbsp;

“It’s all very cutthroat, and this is part of the progressive playbook to stop us from having any victories in November, but I really disagree with the way people are going about it,” Jung said. “Maybe it’s because I’m older, but politics should be about the issues—not jeopardizing someone’s livelihood because they’re smart enough to figure out how to win.”&nbsp;

Mary Jung, chairperson of the Safer SF Without Boudin campaign speaks at Portsmouth Square on Friday, May 28, 2021, in San Francisco, Calif. Paul Kuroda for The Standard.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/JenkinsConflicts_INLINED2-scaled.jpg?w=2500" alt="Mary Jung speaks into a microphone at a podium with signs urging to recall District Attorney Chesa Boudin." class="wp-image-71080"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mary Jung mentored Jay Cheng when he first arrived in San Francisco to work on former Mayor Ed Lee’s 2011 campaign. | Paul Kuroda for The Standard.</figcaption></figure>

Cheng said repeatedly he has shown “humility” in the way he conducts himself personally and professionally.

Cheng said repeatedly he has shown “humility” in the way he conducts himself personally and professionally.

“My son is 3 years old,” Cheng told The Standard. “I don’t want him to grow up with this question there. I don’t want him to grow up with gossip or rumors like this flying around. So that’s why I decided to kind of be very straightforward in all of this.”

“My son is 3 years old,” Cheng told The Standard. “I don’t want him to grow up with this question there. I don’t want him to grow up with gossip or rumors like this flying around. So that’s why I decided to kind of be very straightforward in all of this.”

While he may be able to weather doubts about his allegiance in the mayor’s race—Neighbors officials said they have not taken a stance on the race at this point—the sexual assault allegations could prove harder to overcome.&nbsp;

While he may be able to weather doubts about his allegiance in the mayor’s race—Neighbors officials said they have not taken a stance on the race at this point—the sexual assault allegations could prove harder to overcome.&nbsp;

Ryan Khojasteh, a San Francisco prosecutor who is challenging <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/08/29/tangled-web-how-all-3-nonprofits-that-paid-da-brooke-jenkins-have-links-to-the-chesa-boudin-recall/">District Attorney Brooke Jenkins</a> in November’s election, called for Cheng to be removed as the head of Neighbors in a statement to The Standard.

Tangled web: How all 3 nonprofits that paid DA Brooke Jenkins have links to the Chesa Boudin recall

Ryan Khojasteh, a San Francisco prosecutor who is challenging <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/08/29/tangled-web-how-all-3-nonprofits-that-paid-da-brooke-jenkins-have-links-to-the-chesa-boudin-recall/">District Attorney Brooke Jenkins</a> in November’s election, called for Cheng to be removed as the head of Neighbors in a statement to The Standard.

“Standing up for victims and survivors should not be a left or right issue—or within San Francisco’s political culture, a moderate or progressive issue,” Khojasteh said. “Accountability needs to supersede political alliance.”

“Standing up for victims and survivors should not be a left or right issue—or within San Francisco’s political culture, a moderate or progressive issue,” Khojasteh said. “Accountability needs to supersede political alliance.”

Nadia Rahman, the former president of the San Francisco Women’s Political Committee, questioned the decision to keep Cheng in a position of such influence in San Francisco politics.&nbsp;

Nadia Rahman, the former president of the San Francisco Women’s Political Committee, questioned the decision to keep Cheng in a position of such influence in San Francisco politics.&nbsp;

“It is possible for someone to move on with their life after allegations like this without having an extremely influential role in shaping political power,” Rahman said. “This is one of the issues that is making survivors uncomfortable about this specific case—it sends a message on who is allowed to be the gatekeeper of power despite their past.”

“It is possible for someone to move on with their life after allegations like this without having an extremely influential role in shaping political power,” Rahman said. “This is one of the issues that is making survivors uncomfortable about this specific case—it sends a message on who is allowed to be the gatekeeper of power despite their past.”

San Francisco’s most powerful political group is in crisis

The <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/16/san-francisco-mark-farrell-mayor-race-fundraising/">most expensive mayor’s race in San Francisco history</a> might need to add an extra zero when it’s all said and done, as Daniel Lurie—a nonprofit founder and heir to the Levi’s Strauss fortune—announced Friday that his campaign will eschew the city’s public financing program that caps spending.

Breed challenger hauls in $200K in first 2 days of campaign

The <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/16/san-francisco-mark-farrell-mayor-race-fundraising/">most expensive mayor’s race in San Francisco history</a> might need to add an extra zero when it’s all said and done, as Daniel Lurie—a nonprofit founder and heir to the Levi’s Strauss fortune—announced Friday that his campaign will eschew the city’s public financing program that caps spending.

Speculation has been building in recent months that Lurie, who is believed to be a centimillionaire, would <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/25/san-francisco-mayor-race-daniel-lurie-campaign/">self-fund his campaign</a> to raise his name ID and remain competitive in what is becoming a crowded race to unseat Mayor London Breed.&nbsp;

Will self-funding make Daniel Lurie a contender for mayor—or a punchline?

Speculation has been building in recent months that Lurie, who is believed to be a centimillionaire, would <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/25/san-francisco-mayor-race-daniel-lurie-campaign/">self-fund his campaign</a> to raise his name ID and remain competitive in what is becoming a crowded race to unseat Mayor London Breed.&nbsp;

Lurie, Breed and Mark Farrell, a former supervisor who was briefly appointed mayor in 2018, are all running as moderate Democrats, pitting them close together not only on policy issues, but also when it comes to tapping campaign donors. Other notable candidates courting the more progressive side of local politics include Supervisors Aaron Peskin and Ahsha Safaí.

Lurie, Breed and Mark Farrell, a former supervisor who was briefly appointed mayor in 2018, are all running as moderate Democrats, pitting them close together not only on policy issues, but also when it comes to tapping campaign donors. Other notable candidates courting the more progressive side of local politics include Supervisors Aaron Peskin and Ahsha Safaí.

Lurie’s campaign framed Friday’s announcement as a move to save taxpayer dollars, as qualifying mayoral candidates can max out public financing at $1.2 million if they receive enough contributions from city residents.

Lurie’s campaign framed Friday’s announcement as a move to save taxpayer dollars, as qualifying mayoral candidates can max out public financing at $1.2 million if they receive enough contributions from city residents.

“Amid a massive deficit and frontline workers who are understaffed and overworked, I’m not going to take over a million dollars of taxpayer money to fund my campaign,” Lurie said. “The amount I’d receive in public financing could pay the salaries of 10 police officers or 15 teachers. There are limited taxpayer resources and they’re better spent protecting and educating our community than on my campaign.”

“Amid a massive deficit and frontline workers who are understaffed and overworked, I’m not going to take over a million dollars of taxpayer money to fund my campaign,” Lurie said. “The amount I’d receive in public financing could pay the salaries of 10 police officers or 15 teachers. There are limited taxpayer resources and they’re better spent protecting and educating our community than on my campaign.”

Daniel Lurie gives a press conference at the Petrero Hill Neighborhood House after filing paperwork officially announcing his candidacy for mayor with the Department of Elections at City Hall in San Francisco on Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023. Lurie is challenging Mayor London Breed for the position.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/lurieformayor09262023__0556.jpg?w=2500" alt="Daniel Lurie in a white shirt and tie speaks at a podium with a sign that reads &quot;Daniel Lurie for Mayor&quot; in English and Chinese characters." class="wp-image-278214"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Daniel Lurie said he will self-fund his mayoral campaign to avoid using public matching funds, which can reach as high as $1.2 million for qualifying candidates.</figcaption></figure>

Lurie’s campaign would not disclose how much money he intends to spend, but it is not likely to come anywhere near the <a href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-11-18/how-karen-bass-prevailed-against-carusos-100-million-campaign">$100 million Rick Caruso spent</a> on the 2022 mayor’s race in Los Angeles. However, Lurie could spend millions of his own money.

Lurie’s campaign would not disclose how much money he intends to spend, but it is not likely to come anywhere near the <a href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-11-18/how-karen-bass-prevailed-against-carusos-100-million-campaign">$100 million Rick Caruso spent</a> on the 2022 mayor’s race in Los Angeles. However, Lurie could spend millions of his own money.

Breed won the previous most-expensive mayor’s race in San Francisco history in 2018, when she beat out Mark Leno and Jane Kim in a special election that totaled roughly $8.4 million in campaign and outside spending. The Board of Supervisors appointed Farrell to the role of mayor in January of that year, following Breed&#8217;s serving in an interim capacity after the unexpected death of Mayor Ed Lee.

Breed won the previous most-expensive mayor’s race in San Francisco history in 2018, when she beat out Mark Leno and Jane Kim in a special election that totaled roughly $8.4 million in campaign and outside spending. The Board of Supervisors appointed Farrell to the role of mayor in January of that year, following Breed's serving in an interim capacity after the unexpected death of Mayor Ed Lee.

Breed won the previous most-expensive mayor’s race in San Francisco history in 2018, when she beat out Mark Leno and Jane Kim in a special election that totaled roughly $8.4 million in campaign and outside spending. The Board of Supervisors appointed Farrell to the role of mayor in January of that year, following Breed&#8217;s serving in an interim capacity after the unexpected death of Mayor Ed Lee.

Lee was the last major candidate for mayor to forego public financing, but he didn’t operate in the same tax bracket as Lurie. The Standard obtained financial records filed by the candidate’s wife that show <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/04/san-francisco-mayor-election-daniel-lurie-wealth/">Lurie has investments in numerous hedge funds</a> and a substantial stake in Levi’s. Lurie has held assets worth up to tens of millions of dollars, if not much more.

Daniel Lurie may be the richest person to ever run for mayor of SF. What does he own?

Lee was the last major candidate for mayor to forego public financing, but he didn’t operate in the same tax bracket as Lurie. The Standard obtained financial records filed by the candidate’s wife that show <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/04/san-francisco-mayor-election-daniel-lurie-wealth/">Lurie has investments in numerous hedge funds</a> and a substantial stake in Levi’s. Lurie has held assets worth up to tens of millions of dollars, if not much more.

Lurie’s family has also been active in the mayor’s race, with his <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/30/daniel-lurie-mom-spends-million-dollars-san-francisco-mayor-race/">mother and brother helping to fund an independent committee</a> that spent millions on billboards, mailers and other efforts.

Daniel Lurie&#8217;s mother spends $1 million to help him win San Francisco mayor’s race

Lurie’s family has also been active in the mayor’s race, with his <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/30/daniel-lurie-mom-spends-million-dollars-san-francisco-mayor-race/">mother and brother helping to fund an independent committee</a> that spent millions on billboards, mailers and other efforts.

Other candidates in the race were quick to pounce on Lurie’s plan to fund his own campaign.

Other candidates in the race were quick to pounce on Lurie’s plan to fund his own campaign.

Jade Tu, Farrell’s campaign manager, accused him of making the announcement late on a Friday to avoid voters’ attention.

Jade Tu, Farrell’s campaign manager, accused him of making the announcement late on a Friday to avoid voters’ attention.

“No matter how much Lurie and his family are willing to pay, the Mayor’s Office isn’t for sale,” Tu said. “San Francisco voters want experience and competence in their next mayor with a strong vision for our city’s future—not a candidate who is trying to buy an election.”

“No matter how much Lurie and his family are willing to pay, the Mayor’s Office isn’t for sale,” Tu said. “San Francisco voters want experience and competence in their next mayor with a strong vision for our city’s future—not a candidate who is trying to buy an election.”

Derek Jansen, a political consultant for Safaí’s campaign, also accused Lurie of trying to use his and family’s wealth to win the mayor’s race.

Derek Jansen, a political consultant for Safaí’s campaign, also accused Lurie of trying to use his and family’s wealth to win the mayor’s race.

“Daniel’s billionaire family has already spent over $3 million trying to buy his way to relevance, so it’s no surprise that he’s using his family’s money to try and buy Room 200,” Jansen said. “It didn’t work for billionaire Rick Caruso in LA, and it won’t fool San Franciscan voters.”

“Daniel’s billionaire family has already spent over $3 million trying to buy his way to relevance, so it’s no surprise that he’s using his family’s money to try and buy Room 200,” Jansen said. “It didn’t work for billionaire Rick Caruso in LA, and it won’t fool San Franciscan voters.”

Officials for Lurie’s campaign declined to note how much money his campaign has raised and spent to date, beyond noting that 63% of his 2,319 unique donors came from people living in San Francisco.

Officials for Lurie’s campaign declined to note how much money his campaign has raised and spent to date, beyond noting that 63% of his 2,319 unique donors came from people living in San Francisco.

Earlier this week, Farrell’s campaign announced he had raised more than $520,000 in the first 100 days of the campaign while also qualifying for an additional $830,000 in matching funds from the city. Safaí’s campaign announced that it had secured enough contributions to unlock matching funds, bringing the campaign’s total haul to more than $900,000.

Earlier this week, Farrell’s campaign announced he had raised more than $520,000 in the first 100 days of the campaign while also qualifying for an additional $830,000 in matching funds from the city. Safaí’s campaign announced that it had secured enough contributions to unlock matching funds, bringing the campaign’s total haul to more than $900,000.

Candidates for mayor will be required to disclose fundraising through the first half of this year on July 31.

Candidates for mayor will be required to disclose fundraising through the first half of this year on July 31.

Correction: This story has been updated to note that semi-annual disclosures are due July 31.

Correction: This story has been updated to note that semi-annual disclosures are due July 31.

Sky’s the limit as Daniel Lurie will use his deep pockets for mayor’s race

Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez

Mayor London Breed is a perennial gold medalist in the most important event for any City Hall political athlete: scandal hurdles.

Mayor London Breed is a perennial gold medalist in the most important event for any City Hall political athlete: scandal hurdles.

When former public works director Mohammed Nuru was arrested by the FBI in 2020 for taking bribes, San Franciscans didn’t bat an eyelash. No matter that Nuru was Breed’s former paramour, who paid to fix her broken-down jalopy.

When former public works director Mohammed Nuru was arrested by the FBI in 2020 for taking bribes, San Franciscans didn’t bat an eyelash. No matter that Nuru was Breed’s former paramour, who paid to fix her broken-down jalopy.

After all, Covid struck just weeks after Nuru&#8217;s impropriety surfaced, recasting the mayor as a life-saving hero.

After all, Covid struck just weeks after Nuru's impropriety surfaced, recasting the mayor as a life-saving hero.

After all, Covid struck just weeks after Nuru&#8217;s impropriety surfaced, recasting the mayor as a life-saving hero.

Later that same year, the FBI arrested former Public Utilities Commission General Manager Harlan Kelly. The bribery accusations also implicated his wife, former City Administrator Naomi Kelly.

Later that same year, the FBI arrested former Public Utilities Commission General Manager Harlan Kelly. The bribery accusations also implicated his wife, former City Administrator Naomi Kelly.

The story was much the same: They were longtime Breed confidants. In any given week, Kelly may have pocketed those bribes on a Monday and met with Breed to talk city matters on a Tuesday.

The story was much the same: They were longtime Breed confidants. In any given week, Kelly may have pocketed those bribes on a Monday and met with Breed to talk city matters on a Tuesday.

Breed sailed with the grace of <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/08/08/g-s1-16076/sydney-mclaughlin-levrone-400m-hurdles-world-record-olympic-gold">Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone</a> far above any critiques.

Breed sailed with the grace of <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/08/08/g-s1-16076/sydney-mclaughlin-levrone-400m-hurdles-world-record-olympic-gold">Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone</a> far above any critiques.

This time she may not be so lucky. Fast-forward to 2024, and Breed is running for reelection. Last week’s latest City Hall scandal gives her opponents ample chance to raise those hurdles higher than she can soar.

This time she may not be so lucky. Fast-forward to 2024, and Breed is running for reelection. Last week’s latest City Hall scandal gives her opponents ample chance to raise those hurdles higher than she can soar.

An investigation by The Standard revealed that Sheryl Davis, head of the Human Rights Commission, approved <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/12/san-francisco-dream-keeper-initiative-sheryl-davis-james-spingola-nonprofit/">$1.5 million in contracts with a local nonprofit</a>, Collective Impact, run by a man she has a close personal relationship with; the two shared a home address and a car. Rules require her to disclose such a relationship, though she allegedly has done no such thing.

An investigation by The Standard revealed that Sheryl Davis, head of the Human Rights Commission, approved <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/12/san-francisco-dream-keeper-initiative-sheryl-davis-james-spingola-nonprofit/">$1.5 million in contracts with a local nonprofit</a>, Collective Impact, run by a man she has a close personal relationship with; the two shared a home address and a car. Rules require her to disclose such a relationship, though she allegedly has done no such thing.

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Sky’s the limit as Daniel Lurie will use his deep pockets for mayor’s race

Breed has dodged scandals before. This one might actually stick

Mayor London Breed is skipping a debate, again, inviting criticism

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Kamala Harris energized SF voters. Will she also help reelect London Breed?

San Francisco’s most powerful political group is in crisis

Sky’s the limit as Daniel Lurie will use his deep pockets for mayor’s race

Breed has dodged scandals before. This one might actually stick

Mayor London Breed is skipping a debate, again, inviting criticism