Josh Koehn

A group supporting wealthy nonprofit founder <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/17/daniel-lurie-nonprofit-founder-heir-to-levi-fortune-to-challenge-mayor-breed-2024/">Daniel Lurie</a>’s bid to unseat Mayor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/20/london-breed-mayor-san-francisco-drugs-homelessness-crime-economy-election/">London Breed</a> intends to raise a huge sum of money in what could shape up to be a political arms race the likes of which San Francisco has never seen.

Daniel Lurie—nonprofit founder and heir to Levi Strauss fortune—to run for San Francisco mayor in 2024, sources say

London Breed saved herself. Can she save San Francisco?

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A group supporting wealthy nonprofit founder <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/17/daniel-lurie-nonprofit-founder-heir-to-levi-fortune-to-challenge-mayor-breed-2024/">Daniel Lurie</a>’s bid to unseat Mayor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/20/london-breed-mayor-san-francisco-drugs-homelessness-crime-economy-election/">London Breed</a> intends to raise a huge sum of money in what could shape up to be a political arms race the likes of which San Francisco has never seen.

It’s unclear how much money the pro-Lurie committee “Believe in SF, Lurie for Mayor 2024” intends to bundle, but a recent report by <a href="https://puck.news/the-count-of-san-francisco/">Puck</a> suggested the group could raise as much as $7 million to $10 million. By comparison, spending in the 2018 special election for mayor—when Breed came out on top in a race that featured eight candidates—totaled $8.4 million.

It’s unclear how much money the pro-Lurie committee “Believe in SF, Lurie for Mayor 2024” intends to bundle, but a recent report by <a href="https://puck.news/the-count-of-san-francisco/">Puck</a> suggested the group could raise as much as $7 million to $10 million. By comparison, spending in the 2018 special election for mayor—when Breed came out on top in a race that featured eight candidates—totaled $8.4 million.

The new committee was formed by Dan Newman and Brian Brokaw, two longtime political consultants with <a href="https://politico.com/news/2023/09/15/lee-newsom-advisers-super-pac-california-00116206">ties to Gavin Newsom</a>, the former San Francisco mayor and the current governor of California. A source with knowledge of the group said it is expected to tap into Lurie’s deep-pocketed network of friends and family. Lurie is the founder of anti-poverty nonprofit Tipping Point and an heir to the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/12/14/the-furious-effort-behind-effortless-cool-unraveling-the-myth-of-levis/">Levi Strauss</a> fortune.&nbsp;

The furious effort behind effortless cool—unraveling the myth of Levi’s

The new committee was formed by Dan Newman and Brian Brokaw, two longtime political consultants with <a href="https://politico.com/news/2023/09/15/lee-newsom-advisers-super-pac-california-00116206">ties to Gavin Newsom</a>, the former San Francisco mayor and the current governor of California. A source with knowledge of the group said it is expected to tap into Lurie’s deep-pocketed network of friends and family. Lurie is the founder of anti-poverty nonprofit Tipping Point and an heir to the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/12/14/the-furious-effort-behind-effortless-cool-unraveling-the-myth-of-levis/">Levi Strauss</a> fortune.&nbsp;

Newman, who declined to comment for this story, is a longtime friend of Lurie’s and the committee’s local point person. He is expected to raise money from many of the same San Francisco power brokers who have supported Tipping Point, which Lurie founded in 2005. The organization has reportedly distributed as much as <a href="https://www.theinformation.com/articles/daniel-lurie-started-techs-favorite-charity-can-he-save-its-favorite-city">$350 million</a> to other nonprofits over the years.

Newman, who declined to comment for this story, is a longtime friend of Lurie’s and the committee’s local point person. He is expected to raise money from many of the same San Francisco power brokers who have supported Tipping Point, which Lurie founded in 2005. The organization has reportedly distributed as much as <a href="https://www.theinformation.com/articles/daniel-lurie-started-techs-favorite-charity-can-he-save-its-favorite-city">$350 million</a> to other nonprofits over the years.

Top donors to Tipping Point include Lurie’s mother, Mimi Haas, and numerous people in tech and venture capital circles. Money is rarely an issue for the people funding Tipping Point’s work on homelessness and housing, as hundreds of people have given individual donations of more than $25,000, according to <a href="https://tippingpoint.org/support-our-work/our-supporters/">the nonprofit&#8217;s website</a>.

Top donors to Tipping Point include Lurie’s mother, Mimi Haas, and numerous people in tech and venture capital circles. Money is rarely an issue for the people funding Tipping Point’s work on homelessness and housing, as hundreds of people have given individual donations of more than $25,000, according to <a href="https://tippingpoint.org/support-our-work/our-supporters/">the nonprofit's website</a>.

Top donors to Tipping Point include Lurie’s mother, Mimi Haas, and numerous people in tech and venture capital circles. Money is rarely an issue for the people funding Tipping Point’s work on homelessness and housing, as hundreds of people have given individual donations of more than $25,000, according to <a href="https://tippingpoint.org/support-our-work/our-supporters/">the nonprofit&#8217;s website</a>.

Lurie’s affluent connections have become fodder for supporters of Breed, a Black woman who grew up in public housing in San Francisco’s Western Addition neighborhood. In contrast, Lurie is a white man who was raised in Pacific Heights and attended private schools.

Lurie’s affluent connections have become fodder for supporters of Breed, a Black woman who grew up in public housing in San Francisco’s Western Addition neighborhood. In contrast, Lurie is a white man who was raised in Pacific Heights and attended private schools.

Mayor London Breed joined elected officials, Tenderloin residents, and community partners to celebrate the reopening of the U.N (United Nations) Plaza which included a skateboard park along Market Street between 7th and 8th Streets in San Francisco on Wednesday, November 8, 2023. The changes to the 150,000-square-foot public space includes skate ramps, platforms along with outdoor chess and pingpong tables.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/inlined21_20231130novemberphotosofthemonth.jpeg?w=2500" alt="San Francisco Mayor London Breed, with a serious expression, looks towards the sky as she's surrounded by other unidentifiable people that are out of focus." class="wp-image-226520"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed could be facing a tough reelection battle as polling numbers show low approval ratings. Her current challengers include nonprofit founder Daniel Lurie and Supervisor Ahsha Safaí.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/inlined21_20231130novemberphotosofthemonth.jpeg?w=2500" alt="San Francisco Mayor London Breed, with a serious expression, looks towards the sky as she's surrounded by other unidentifiable people that are out of focus." class="wp-image-226520"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed could be facing a tough reelection battle as polling numbers show low approval ratings. Her current challengers include nonprofit founder Daniel Lurie and Supervisor Ahsha Safaí.</figcaption></figure>

Conor Johnston, an advisor to Breed’s campaign, said Lurie’s connections will try to “buy him the Mayor’s Office.”

Conor Johnston, an advisor to Breed’s campaign, said Lurie’s connections will try to “buy him the Mayor’s Office.”

“He certainly doesn’t have experience, accomplishments or ideas to run on,” Johnston added.

“He certainly doesn’t have experience, accomplishments or ideas to run on,” Johnston added.

Max Szabo, a spokesperson for Lurie’s campaign, declined to comment for this story. Under state law, independent political committees can raise and spend an unlimited amount of money in support or opposition of candidates, but they cannot coordinate with an individual’s campaign.&nbsp;

Max Szabo, a spokesperson for Lurie’s campaign, declined to comment for this story. Under state law, independent political committees can raise and spend an unlimited amount of money in support or opposition of candidates, but they cannot coordinate with an individual’s campaign.&nbsp;

In September, Lurie formally announced plans to challenge Breed. While the two candidates are aligned as moderate Democrats on most issues, Lurie said the city is suffering from <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/26/qa-daniel-lurie-cites-crisis-of-leadership-in-run-for-san-francisco-mayor/">a crisis of leadership</a> and the mayor has failed to properly address the homelessness and drugs crises, as well as facilitate a stronger recovery coming out of the pandemic.&nbsp;

Why is Daniel Lurie running for San Francisco mayor? He says city has leadership ‘crisis’

In September, Lurie formally announced plans to challenge Breed. While the two candidates are aligned as moderate Democrats on most issues, Lurie said the city is suffering from <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/26/qa-daniel-lurie-cites-crisis-of-leadership-in-run-for-san-francisco-mayor/">a crisis of leadership</a> and the mayor has failed to properly address the homelessness and drugs crises, as well as facilitate a stronger recovery coming out of the pandemic.&nbsp;

An unanswered question ahead of the November 2024 election is whether Lurie will self-fund his campaign instead of agreeing to a spending cap that allows candidates to receive <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/10/06/san-francisco-political-campaign-taxpayer-money/">public matching funds</a>.

SF will pay for your political campaign: Meet the candidates who got the most taxpayer money

An unanswered question ahead of the November 2024 election is whether Lurie will self-fund his campaign instead of agreeing to a spending cap that allows candidates to receive <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/10/06/san-francisco-political-campaign-taxpayer-money/">public matching funds</a>.

“I learned a long time ago: Take the damn money,” said David Latterman, a longtime political analyst in San Francisco. “Everybody knows he’s a jillionaire. He’s not fooling anybody.”

“I learned a long time ago: Take the damn money,” said David Latterman, a longtime political analyst in San Francisco. “Everybody knows he’s a jillionaire. He’s not fooling anybody.”

Jim Stearns, a political consultant who generally works on progressive campaigns in San Francisco, said the pro-Lurie committee will likely be effective in raising his name recognition with voters, but it could also prove effective because of the more unified message it projects.

Jim Stearns, a political consultant who generally works on progressive campaigns in San Francisco, said the pro-Lurie committee will likely be effective in raising his name recognition with voters, but it could also prove effective because of the more unified message it projects.

“Lurie will have a consistent message saying, ‘We want to change San Francisco, and that includes change from a bad mayor,’” Stearns said.

“Lurie will have a consistent message saying, ‘We want to change San Francisco, and that includes change from a bad mayor,’” Stearns said.

He added that having an independent committee do the big spending while Lurie’s official campaign accepts public matching funds would make it “harder for Lurie to be accused of being a little rich boy.”

He added that having an independent committee do the big spending while Lurie’s official campaign accepts public matching funds would make it “harder for Lurie to be accused of being a little rich boy.”

Daniel Lurie files 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/2023/09/LurieForMayor09262023__0262.jpg?w=2500" alt="Daniel Lurie files paperwork for his candidacy for mayor with the Department of Elections at City Hall in San Francisco on Sept. 26, 2023." class="wp-image-204616"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Daniel Lurie files paperwork for his candidacy for mayor with the Department of Elections at City Hall on Sept. 26.</figcaption></figure>

Breed has several key advantages in the mayor’s race despite <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/10/12/san-francisco-standard-voter-poll-fall-2022/">low polling numbers</a>. She has strong name recognition and can use the bully pulpit of her office to make headlines with a single statement or policy rollout. She also introduced three ballot measures for the election in March, including <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/27/san-francisco-mayor-breed-march-2024-ballot-measure-explainer/">one on public safety</a>, that appear likely to pass.&nbsp;

Voter poll: San Francisco moves a step to the center

San Francisco mayor wants to give cops a long leash. Here’s what you’ll be voting on

Breed has several key advantages in the mayor’s race despite <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/10/12/san-francisco-standard-voter-poll-fall-2022/">low polling numbers</a>. She has strong name recognition and can use the bully pulpit of her office to make headlines with a single statement or policy rollout. She also introduced three ballot measures for the election in March, including <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/27/san-francisco-mayor-breed-march-2024-ballot-measure-explainer/">one on public safety</a>, that appear likely to pass.&nbsp;

Committees to support these measures are not restricted in how they raise and spend funds, and while no explicit endorsement for mayor can be made in ads or mailers, Breed is expected to be featured prominently in the push to pass the ballot measures.

Committees to support these measures are not restricted in how they raise and spend funds, and while no explicit endorsement for mayor can be made in ads or mailers, Breed is expected to be featured prominently in the push to pass the ballot measures.

“The ballot measure strategy is entirely about rebranding Breed,” Stearns said.

“The ballot measure strategy is entirely about rebranding Breed,” Stearns said.

Jason McDaniel, a political science professor at San Francisco State, called Lurie a “blandly acceptable” candidate based on polling, but he said it’s still way too early to know how Lurie will distinguish himself in an election that could turn on the city’s <a href="https://sfgov.org/lafco/sites/default/files/FileCenter/Documents/41990-RCV_%20Final_Report.pdf">ranked-choice voting system</a>. Candidates in these elections can pick up additional votes after a losing challenger’s votes are redistributed.

Jason McDaniel, a political science professor at San Francisco State, called Lurie a “blandly acceptable” candidate based on polling, but he said it’s still way too early to know how Lurie will distinguish himself in an election that could turn on the city’s <a href="https://sfgov.org/lafco/sites/default/files/FileCenter/Documents/41990-RCV_%20Final_Report.pdf">ranked-choice voting system</a>. Candidates in these elections can pick up additional votes after a losing challenger’s votes are redistributed.

“I’ve told candidates they need to be coordinating a strategy in these ranked-choice voting elections,” McDaniel said, “but I don’t see that happening in this case.”

“I’ve told candidates they need to be coordinating a strategy in these ranked-choice voting elections,” McDaniel said, “but I don’t see that happening in this case.”

At this moment, the list of candidates for mayor includes Breed, Lurie and Supervisor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/26/ahsha-safai-raises-149k-in-sf-mayor-race/">Ahsha Safaí</a>. However, rumors are percolating that Supervisor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/03/san-francisco-supervisor-aaron-peskin-says-people-want-him-to-run-for-mayor/">Aaron Peskin</a> and former Supervisor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/29/mark-farrell-san-francisco-mayor-race-london-breed-2024/">Mark Farrell</a> could jump into the race.&nbsp;

San Francisco mayor’s race: London Breed challenger raises $149K, campaign says

San Francisco Supervisor Aaron Peskin says people want him to run for mayor

Mark Farrell, ex-San Francisco mayor, could challenge London Breed in 2024

At this moment, the list of candidates for mayor includes Breed, Lurie and Supervisor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/26/ahsha-safai-raises-149k-in-sf-mayor-race/">Ahsha Safaí</a>. However, rumors are percolating that Supervisor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/03/san-francisco-supervisor-aaron-peskin-says-people-want-him-to-run-for-mayor/">Aaron Peskin</a> and former Supervisor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/29/mark-farrell-san-francisco-mayor-race-london-breed-2024/">Mark Farrell</a> could jump into the race.&nbsp;

San Francisco mayor’s race: Pro-Daniel Lurie group likely to spend big bucks

Han Li

Ellen Lee Zhou has made dozens of red hats for her mayoral campaign in San Francisco. But it’s not only because she likes the color and red is auspicious in Chinese culture.

Ellen Lee Zhou has made dozens of red hats for her mayoral campaign in San Francisco. But it’s not only because she likes the color and red is auspicious in Chinese culture.

More importantly, Zhou’s hat is intended to evoke former President Donald Trump’s iconic “Make America Great Again” headgear.

More importantly, Zhou’s hat is intended to evoke former President Donald Trump’s iconic “Make America Great Again” headgear.

“Who else can come in and say, ‘I support Trump?’ Nobody,” said Zhou, 55, who is making her third run for mayor. “I am publicly supporting Trump as a Republican.”

“Who else can come in and say, ‘I support Trump?’ Nobody,” said Zhou, 55, who is making her third run for mayor. “I am publicly supporting Trump as a Republican.”

In 2024, as top Democratic mayoral candidates in San Francisco are turning more centrist and embracing tough-on-crime messaging, Zhou is still miles to the right of all of them.

In 2024, as top Democratic mayoral candidates in San Francisco are turning more centrist and embracing tough-on-crime messaging, Zhou is still miles to the right of all of them.

Her far-right views—such as the “plandemic” conspiracy theory and anti-Covid vaccine narratives—mean she has little chance of winning elected office in deep blue San Francisco.

Her far-right views—such as the “plandemic” conspiracy theory and anti-Covid vaccine narratives—mean she has little chance of winning elected office in deep blue San Francisco.

Ellen Lee Zhou announces her bid for SF Mayor at a dinner she hosted on Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024 in San Francisco, Calif.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/nlined01_20240411-ellenleezhoumayor.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person in a red cap and tinsel speaking into a microphone, gesturing upwards with one finger." class="wp-image-266201"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ellen Lee Zhou will be the far-right candidate in the San Francisco mayoral race.</figcaption></figure>

But unlike in her last mayoral campaign in 2019, the crowded and competitive 2024 field of candidates means that Zhou could play the spoiler and make a real impact in the ranked-choice voting.&nbsp;

But unlike in her last mayoral campaign in 2019, the crowded and competitive 2024 field of candidates means that Zhou could play the spoiler and make a real impact in the ranked-choice voting.&nbsp;

Five years ago, Zhou got 25,000 first-choice votes. “She’s such an outlier,” said David Ho, a political consultant, referring to Zhou’s combination of Chinese identity, immigrant background and far-right MAGA politics. “The question is, who can get her second and third votes?”

Five years ago, Zhou got 25,000 first-choice votes. “She’s such an outlier,” said David Ho, a political consultant, referring to Zhou’s combination of Chinese identity, immigrant background and far-right MAGA politics. “The question is, who can get her second and third votes?”

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-maga-candidate-in-san-francisco">A MAGA candidate in San Francisco</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-maga-candidate-in-san-francisco">A MAGA candidate in San Francisco</h2>

On Sunday night, about 65 supporters showed up to a Chinatown restaurant to support Zhou’s campaign. Some of them were wearing Zhou’s version of the red hat, which says “Let God Arise in San Francisco.” A “Make San Francisco Great Again” banner was displayed onstage.&nbsp;

On Sunday night, about 65 supporters showed up to a Chinatown restaurant to support Zhou’s campaign. Some of them were wearing Zhou’s version of the red hat, which says “Let God Arise in San Francisco.” A “Make San Francisco Great Again” banner was displayed onstage.&nbsp;

“We have to have shelters to shield federal criminals. And it’s the so-called ‘sanctuary city,’” Zhou said in her speech. “Have you heard of that?”

“We have to have shelters to shield federal criminals. And it’s the so-called ‘sanctuary city,’” Zhou said in her speech. “Have you heard of that?”

In 2018, in the race to replace the late Ed Lee, Zhou received 9,500 first-choice votes, about 3.8% in a highly competitive race that included London Breed, Supervisor Jane Kim and former state Sen. Mark Leno. Breed eventually won by 1% against Leno.

In 2018, in the race to replace the late Ed Lee, Zhou received 9,500 first-choice votes, about 3.8% in a highly competitive race that included London Breed, Supervisor Jane Kim and former state Sen. Mark Leno. Breed eventually won by 1% against Leno.

In 2019, with no major challengers, Breed easily won reelection. Zhou was the runner-up, receiving 21% of votes in the ranked-choice contest. Across the whole city, Breed <a href="https://electionmapsf.com/?county=SFO&amp;election=11-2019">only lost one precinct to Zhou</a>, a four-block area of Chinatown.&nbsp;

In 2019, with no major challengers, Breed easily won reelection. Zhou was the runner-up, receiving 21% of votes in the ranked-choice contest. Across the whole city, Breed <a href="https://electionmapsf.com/?county=SFO&amp;election=11-2019">only lost one precinct to Zhou</a>, a four-block area of Chinatown.&nbsp;

Supporter Paul Taylor, right, and SF Mayoral candidate Ellen Lee Zhou show a controversial poster that was used in the 2019 campaign at a dinner she hosted on Sunday, April 7, 2024 in San Francisco, Calif.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/inlined02_20240411-ellenleezhoumayor.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person in a red cap is holding a colorful campaign sign beside a bearded man with a microphone pointing at the sign." class="wp-image-266120"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Paul Taylor, right, and mayoral candidate Ellen Lee Zhou show a controversial poster used in the 2019 campaign.</figcaption></figure>

Zhou’s mayoral campaign was infamous. A 2019 campaign billboard, which featured a caricature of Breed and Gov. Gavin Newsom, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/videos/us/2019/10/21/san-francisco-controversial-billboard-ellen-zhou-london-breed-pkg-vpx.kpix">was slammed by critics as racist</a>. After the billboard was taken down by the advertising company, Zhou said <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gtg4iS0nUxw">she was “politically raped”</a>— triggering another wave of outrage. Zhou’s billboard spending <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/12/28/spending-on-political-billboard-ads-violated-sf-election-laws-watchdog-says/">also violated campaign ethics rules</a>, the Ethics Commission <a href="https://sfethics.org/ethics/2024/03/enforcement-update-ethics-commission-concludes-hearing-on-the-merits-and-issues-penalty-for-violations-of-campaign-finance-laws.html">concluded in a March meeting</a>.

Spending on political billboard ads violated SF election laws, watchdog says

Zhou’s mayoral campaign was infamous. A 2019 campaign billboard, which featured a caricature of Breed and Gov. Gavin Newsom, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/videos/us/2019/10/21/san-francisco-controversial-billboard-ellen-zhou-london-breed-pkg-vpx.kpix">was slammed by critics as racist</a>. After the billboard was taken down by the advertising company, Zhou said <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gtg4iS0nUxw">she was “politically raped”</a>— triggering another wave of outrage. Zhou’s billboard spending <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/12/28/spending-on-political-billboard-ads-violated-sf-election-laws-watchdog-says/">also violated campaign ethics rules</a>, the Ethics Commission <a href="https://sfethics.org/ethics/2024/03/enforcement-update-ethics-commission-concludes-hearing-on-the-merits-and-issues-penalty-for-violations-of-campaign-finance-laws.html">concluded in a March meeting</a>.

On Jan. 6, 2021, Zhou <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/ellen-lee-zhou-attended-pro-Trump-rally-dc-15853243.php">attended the pro-Trump rally in Washington, D.C.</a>, that became a riot when protesters stormed into the Capitol. Zhou says she did not go into the building.

On Jan. 6, 2021, Zhou <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/ellen-lee-zhou-attended-pro-Trump-rally-dc-15853243.php">attended the pro-Trump rally in Washington, D.C.</a>, that became a riot when protesters stormed into the Capitol. Zhou says she did not go into the building.

Zhou’s right-wing views have bled into her professional life. She is a trained social worker who, after moving to San Francisco from China in 1986, earned two degrees in social work from San Francisco State University. But in September 2022, she was fired from her job at the Department of Public Health for refusing Covid vaccines. She later sued the city for wrongful termination, and the suit is pending. Zhou, who is recently divorced, is financially supported by her siblings.&nbsp;

Zhou’s right-wing views have bled into her professional life. She is a trained social worker who, after moving to San Francisco from China in 1986, earned two degrees in social work from San Francisco State University. But in September 2022, she was fired from her job at the Department of Public Health for refusing Covid vaccines. She later sued the city for wrongful termination, and the suit is pending. Zhou, who is recently divorced, is financially supported by her siblings.&nbsp;

She sees politics as her calling.&nbsp;

“Everyone needs to live out their brilliant side,” Zhou said of the difficulties she’s facing in life. “I like to be involved in politics.”

“Everyone needs to live out their brilliant side,” Zhou said of the difficulties she’s facing in life. “I like to be involved in politics.”

Ellen Lee Zhou crashes a press conference regarding public safety on December 7, 2022 at San Francisco City Hall. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/INLINE3_WeChatMisinfo09282022-4-e1712954136172.jpg?w=1183" alt="A protest scene with a person holding a large U.S. flag next to a giant puppet judge, and a banner about housing." class="wp-image-81140"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ellen Lee Zhou crashes a press conference regarding public safety on Dec. 7, 2022, at San Francisco City Hall.</figcaption></figure>

Koobie Lam, a longtime San Francisco resident and a conservative Christian, said she has voted for Zhou twice for mayor, and she will support her again this time.

Koobie Lam, a longtime San Francisco resident and a conservative Christian, said she has voted for Zhou twice for mayor, and she will support her again this time.

“She loves the city,” Lam said in Cantonese. “Some miracles are happening. God bless her.”

“She loves the city,” Lam said in Cantonese. “Some miracles are happening. God bless her.”

Tom Wong, an Alameda County elected Republican leader and supporter of Zhou’s, argued that supporting Trump doesn’t make one a political extremist.

Tom Wong, an Alameda County elected Republican leader and supporter of Zhou’s, argued that supporting Trump doesn’t make one a political extremist.

“Ellen is more center-right,” Wong said. “She only looks like a far-right [candidate] when you&#8217;re on the far left.”

“Ellen is more center-right,” Wong said. “She only looks like a far-right [candidate] when you're on the far left.”

“Ellen is more center-right,” Wong said. “She only looks like a far-right [candidate] when you&#8217;re on the far left.”

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">An unlikely spoiler?&nbsp;</h2>

This year, the mayoral race is already cutthroat.&nbsp;

This year, the mayoral race is already cutthroat.&nbsp;

Along with Breed, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/10/san-francisco-mayor-candidates-plans-nonprofits-corruption/">major candidates</a> include Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin, former interim Mayor Mark Farrell, nonprofit founder and Levi’s heir Daniel Lurie, and Supervisor Ahsha Safaí. Plus, there are dozens of other contenders with less name recognition and less money.

How to fix a broken City Hall? Mayoral candidates sound off

Along with Breed, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/10/san-francisco-mayor-candidates-plans-nonprofits-corruption/">major candidates</a> include Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin, former interim Mayor Mark Farrell, nonprofit founder and Levi’s heir Daniel Lurie, and Supervisor Ahsha Safaí. Plus, there are dozens of other contenders with less name recognition and less money.

It’s unclear how much money Zhou’s campaign has raised so far. There are no recent financial report filings with the Ethics Commission.

It’s unclear how much money Zhou’s campaign has raised so far. There are no recent financial report filings with the Ethics Commission.

The crowded field of candidates, combined with the city’s ranked-choice voting system, complicates the math for all of the top candidates. Zhou isn’t bothered by it.

The crowded field of candidates, combined with the city’s ranked-choice voting system, complicates the math for all of the top candidates. Zhou isn’t bothered by it.

“Well, last time I was No. 2,” Zhou said, referring to the 2019 race. “Tell me what they have done to make our lives better than 2019?”

“Well, last time I was No. 2,” Zhou said, referring to the 2019 race. “Tell me what they have done to make our lives better than 2019?”

Ellen Lee Zhou announces her bid for SF Mayor at a dinner she hosted on Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024 in San Francisco, Calif. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/inlined04_20240411-ellenleezhoumayor.jpg?w=2500" alt="A group of joyous people, some wearing red caps, is gesturing with thumbs up and peace signs." class="wp-image-266122"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ellen Lee Zhou takes photos with supporters at a campaign party she hosted on Sunday.</figcaption></figure>

Ho, the political consultant, expects that Zhou could get more than 10,000 first-choice votes, and many of them will be from Chinese American voters. While that’s not nearly enough to win the race, he believes how those votes are redistributed in the ranked-choice system could have a huge impact on the race.

Ho, the political consultant, expects that Zhou could get more than 10,000 first-choice votes, and many of them will be from Chinese American voters. While that’s not nearly enough to win the race, he believes how those votes are redistributed in the ranked-choice system could have a huge impact on the race.

Ho said that in a competitive election circle like this year, a couple of thousand votes could decide who’s the winner. In 2018, when Breed ran against two major competitors, she won by just 2,500 votes.

Ho said that in a competitive election circle like this year, a couple of thousand votes could decide who’s the winner. In 2018, when Breed ran against two major competitors, she won by just 2,500 votes.

Specifically, when Zhou was eliminated from the ranked-choice process, 2,787 of her votes were transferred to Breed, the highest among the other candidates, as Kim and Leno only received 1,418 and 1,267 votes from Zhou, respectively.

Specifically, when Zhou was eliminated from the ranked-choice process, 2,787 of her votes were transferred to Breed, the highest among the other candidates, as Kim and Leno only received 1,418 and 1,267 votes from Zhou, respectively.

Ho described Zhou as one of the unconventional Chinese candidates who pop up once in a while, but she could really play a role in this election because there has been a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/15/as-asian-immigrants-turn-right-san-franciscos-republican-party-sees-an-opportunity/">conservative turn among Chinese voters</a>, and ethnic Chinese voters often cast ballots for candidates of their same background.&nbsp;

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Ho described Zhou as one of the unconventional Chinese candidates who pop up once in a while, but she could really play a role in this election because there has been a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/15/as-asian-immigrants-turn-right-san-franciscos-republican-party-sees-an-opportunity/">conservative turn among Chinese voters</a>, and ethnic Chinese voters often cast ballots for candidates of their same background.&nbsp;

“Is ethnic affinity [in voting] still alive and well?” Ho asked. “We will find out in Ellen Lee Zhou’s candidacy.”

“Is ethnic affinity [in voting] still alive and well?” Ho asked. “We will find out in Ellen Lee Zhou’s candidacy.”

This far-right, MAGA candidate could decide the race for San Francisco mayor

Supervisor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/26/san-francisco-progressive-supervisor-aaron-peskin-not-running-mayor/">Aaron Peskin</a> has yet to formally announce he’s running for mayor of San Francisco, but he’s been on a fact-finding mission in neighborhoods across the city to gauge support.

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Supervisor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/26/san-francisco-progressive-supervisor-aaron-peskin-not-running-mayor/">Aaron Peskin</a> has yet to formally announce he’s running for mayor of San Francisco, but he’s been on a fact-finding mission in neighborhoods across the city to gauge support.

Peskin, who would become the most progressive candidate in the race, has never sought citywide office, which is why he said he specifically ventured out to the Sunset and Crocker-Amazon neighborhoods.

Peskin, who would become the most progressive candidate in the race, has never sought citywide office, which is why he said he specifically ventured out to the Sunset and Crocker-Amazon neighborhoods.

“It is no secret that I’ve been checking people&#8217;s level of interest, and I’ve been warming up to the idea,” Peskin told The Standard in a call Friday. “None of that is a secret or new news.”&nbsp;

“It is no secret that I’ve been checking people's level of interest, and I’ve been warming up to the idea,” Peskin told The Standard in a call Friday. “None of that is a secret or new news.”&nbsp;

“It is no secret that I’ve been checking people&#8217;s level of interest, and I’ve been warming up to the idea,” Peskin told The Standard in a call Friday. “None of that is a secret or new news.”&nbsp;

Peskin—whose district includes North Beach, Chinatown, Nob Hill and the Financial District—dodged and weaved when The Standard repeatedly asked if he was indeed telling people he’s definitely running. Peskin has been telling associates he will challenge Mayor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/tag/london-breed/">London Breed</a> in November’s election, according to The Standard&#8217;s own sources and the <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/breed-2024-election-mayor-peskin-progressive-18696873.php">San Francisco Chronicle</a>.

Peskin—whose district includes North Beach, Chinatown, Nob Hill and the Financial District—dodged and weaved when The Standard repeatedly asked if he was indeed telling people he’s definitely running. Peskin has been telling associates he will challenge Mayor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/tag/london-breed/">London Breed</a> in November’s election, according to The Standard's own sources and the <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/breed-2024-election-mayor-peskin-progressive-18696873.php">San Francisco Chronicle</a>.

Peskin—whose district includes North Beach, Chinatown, Nob Hill and the Financial District—dodged and weaved when The Standard repeatedly asked if he was indeed telling people he’s definitely running. Peskin has been telling associates he will challenge Mayor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/tag/london-breed/">London Breed</a> in November’s election, according to The Standard&#8217;s own sources and the <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/breed-2024-election-mayor-peskin-progressive-18696873.php">San Francisco Chronicle</a>.

“I’m not trying to play hard to get,” Peskin said. “I’m still grappling with it.”

“I’m not trying to play hard to get,” Peskin said. “I’m still grappling with it.”

Jim Stearns, a political consultant in the city who ran all five of Peskin’s supervisor campaigns, said he was “all in” for a Peskin run for mayor.&nbsp;

Jim Stearns, a political consultant in the city who ran all five of Peskin’s supervisor campaigns, said he was “all in” for a Peskin run for mayor.&nbsp;

“But as of right now, I have not gotten the green light,” he said.

“But as of right now, I have not gotten the green light,” he said.

Peskin’s prospective entry into the race already has many seeing red, as his involvement in politics for decades has earned him his fair share of enemies. He has drawn the ire of everyone from city staff and developers to elected colleagues and YIMBYs. 

Peskin’s prospective entry into the race already has many seeing red, as his involvement in politics for decades has earned him his fair share of enemies. He has drawn the ire of everyone from city staff and developers to elected colleagues and YIMBYs.

However, Stearns suggested Peskin has a strong chance of winning because of his “deep roots in the progressive community” and neighborhood connections (perhaps most notably with <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/29/chinese-american-voter-san-francisco-mayoral-race/">Asian American voters</a> in Chinatown). He noted that Breed is vulnerable due to her low polling numbers and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/14/san-francisco-mayor-london-breed-chamber-commerce/">residents’ dissatisfaction</a> with the state of San Francisco.

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However, Stearns suggested Peskin has a strong chance of winning because of his “deep roots in the progressive community” and neighborhood connections (perhaps most notably with <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/29/chinese-american-voter-san-francisco-mayoral-race/">Asian American voters</a> in Chinatown). He noted that Breed is vulnerable due to her low polling numbers and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/14/san-francisco-mayor-london-breed-chamber-commerce/">residents’ dissatisfaction</a> with the state of San Francisco.

District 3 Supervisor Aaron Peskin is seen at a press conference where Mayor London Breed speaks in Portsmouth Square in Chinatown, San Francisco on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023. Peskin, Breed, and other officials announced that more than 100 families have been able to move out of single room occupancy (SRO) housing.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SRO-CityFederal-092823_JY_001.jpg?w=2500" alt="Aaron Peskin listens intently in a crowd while Mayor London Breed speaks." class="wp-image-206546"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Aaron Peskin has until June 11 to decide if he will challenge Mayor London Breed in November&#8217;s election, but a decision will likely be made much sooner.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SRO-CityFederal-092823_JY_001.jpg?w=2500" alt="Aaron Peskin listens intently in a crowd while Mayor London Breed speaks." class="wp-image-206546"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Aaron Peskin has until June 11 to decide if he will challenge Mayor London Breed in November's election, but a decision will likely be made much sooner.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SRO-CityFederal-092823_JY_001.jpg?w=2500" alt="Aaron Peskin listens intently in a crowd while Mayor London Breed speaks." class="wp-image-206546"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Aaron Peskin has until June 11 to decide if he will challenge Mayor London Breed in November&#8217;s election, but a decision will likely be made much sooner.</figcaption></figure>

“I really feel like the work of government hasn’t been getting done the last five years, because it’s been at this [heightened] political level,” Stearns said.&nbsp;

“I really feel like the work of government hasn’t been getting done the last five years, because it’s been at this [heightened] political level,” Stearns said.&nbsp;

The mayor is already facing challenges from other moderate Democrats in former Mayor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/tag/mark-farrell/">Mark Farrell</a> and well-funded nonprofit founder <a href="https://sfstandard.com/tag/daniel-lurie/">Daniel Lurie</a>. Supervisor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/tag/ahsha-safai/">Ahsha Safaí</a>, who has been tacking left of the field, is also running.

The mayor is already facing challenges from other moderate Democrats in former Mayor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/tag/mark-farrell/">Mark Farrell</a> and well-funded nonprofit founder <a href="https://sfstandard.com/tag/daniel-lurie/">Daniel Lurie</a>. Supervisor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/tag/ahsha-safai/">Ahsha Safaí</a>, who has been tacking left of the field, is also running.

David Latterman, a longtime political analyst in San Francisco, suggested that the ranked-choice voting system could also open the door to Peskin. Breed is likely to be fiercely defensive of her record, and moderates may be more focused on attacking her and one another.

David Latterman, a longtime political analyst in San Francisco, suggested that the ranked-choice voting system could also open the door to Peskin. Breed is likely to be fiercely defensive of her record, and moderates may be more focused on attacking her and one another.

“They’re playing with fire,” Latterman said. “What they all need to do is pound on Peskin.”

“They’re playing with fire,” Latterman said. “What they all need to do is pound on Peskin.”

Jason McDaniel, a political science professor at San Francisco State University, suggested that Peskin would be able to rally progressives who are pushing back against wealthy tech executives and others supporting a more moderate agenda.

Jason McDaniel, a political science professor at San Francisco State University, suggested that Peskin would be able to rally progressives who are pushing back against wealthy tech executives and others supporting a more moderate agenda.

“I expect the progressive movement leaders and organizations to unite behind his candidacy to send that signal to voters that he is the strong progressive candidate facing off against the moderate establishment,” McDaniel said.

“I expect the progressive movement leaders and organizations to unite behind his candidacy to send that signal to voters that he is the strong progressive candidate facing off against the moderate establishment,” McDaniel said.

He added that voters may not align with Peskin’s policy positions, but many people could rank him second on their ballot—allowing him to pick up key votes if their preferred candidate loses—because they see Peskin as a “familiar and experienced” face who has frequently opposed Breed.

He added that voters may not align with Peskin’s policy positions, but many people could rank him second on their ballot—allowing him to pick up key votes if their preferred candidate loses—because they see Peskin as a “familiar and experienced” face who has frequently opposed Breed.

President Aaron Peskin during the Board of Supervisors meeting at City Hall in San Francisco on Feb. 28, 2023. | Michaela Vatcheva for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/1022723BOSRoundup-62.jpg?w=1790" alt="Aaron Peskin sits contemplatively in the San Francisco Board of Supervisors chambers with a hand on his chin. A woman, also absorbed, is partially visible in the foreground." class="wp-image-132339"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Aaron Peskin, president of the Board of Supervisors, has made his fair share of political enemies over the last two decades. | Michaela Vatcheva for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Peskin has always been quick on the draw with a pithy quote, but he also has a sharp tongue. He’s frequently lashed out at staff and political opponents in closed-door meetings. During the pandemic, he acknowledged that he has a drinking problem and later said he went to rehab.

Peskin has always been quick on the draw with a pithy quote, but he also has a sharp tongue. He’s frequently lashed out at staff and political opponents in closed-door meetings. During the pandemic, he acknowledged that he has a drinking problem and later said he went to rehab.

“I would say, just knowing him for a long time, his recovery and sobriety has changed his outlook,” Stearns said. “This is a city of second chances. I think Aaron has changed dramatically in the last few years.”

“I would say, just knowing him for a long time, his recovery and sobriety has changed his outlook,” Stearns said. “This is a city of second chances. I think Aaron has changed dramatically in the last few years.”

Regardless, a public record spanning more than two decades will certainly be a gold mine for opposition researchers. Peskin, 59, was born and raised in Berkeley and graduated from UC Santa Cruz. In addition to serving as a supervisor, he and his wife run a nonprofit called the Great Basin Land and Water, which represents and negotiates with Native American tribes on water rights and land acquisitions in California, Nevada and Utah.

Regardless, a public record spanning more than two decades will certainly be a gold mine for opposition researchers. Peskin, 59, was born and raised in Berkeley and graduated from UC Santa Cruz. In addition to serving as a supervisor, he and his wife run a nonprofit called the Great Basin Land and Water, which represents and negotiates with Native American tribes on water rights and land acquisitions in California, Nevada and Utah.

During his time on the board, Peskin has frequently <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/28/despite-housing-crisis-san-francisco-made-it-harder-to-build-homes-in-some-neighborhoods/">voted against new developments</a> in the name of neighborhood preservation, earning a reputation as the city’s preeminent NIMBY among housing activists.

Despite housing crisis, San Francisco just made it harder to build in some neighborhoods

During his time on the board, Peskin has frequently <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/28/despite-housing-crisis-san-francisco-made-it-harder-to-build-homes-in-some-neighborhoods/">voted against new developments</a> in the name of neighborhood preservation, earning a reputation as the city’s preeminent NIMBY among housing activists.

“His recent bevy of anti-housing legislation is a transparent attempt to cultivate the support of NIMBY voters,” said Corey Smith, executive director of the Housing Action Coalition. “At a time where we need to build as much affordable housing as possible, Peskin’s continued efforts to sabotage new housing must be rejected.”

“His recent bevy of anti-housing legislation is a transparent attempt to cultivate the support of NIMBY voters,” said Corey Smith, executive director of the Housing Action Coalition. “At a time where we need to build as much affordable housing as possible, Peskin’s continued efforts to sabotage new housing must be rejected.”

Despite his polarizing record, Latterman suggested that Peskin could snag as much as 30% of the vote just for his positions on social justice issues and institutional support from labor unions, progressives and far-left organizations. He added that other groups that might not seem politically aligned with Peskin could also be in play to support him if they think Peskin could be an ally in office.

Despite his polarizing record, Latterman suggested that Peskin could snag as much as 30% of the vote just for his positions on social justice issues and institutional support from labor unions, progressives and far-left organizations. He added that other groups that might not seem politically aligned with Peskin could also be in play to support him if they think Peskin could be an ally in office.

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