Gabe Greschler

A high-profile software executive is putting his deep pockets behind mayoral contender and City Hall outsider Daniel Lurie, one of a handful of tech-linked donations that the nonprofit founder has recently secured.

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A high-profile software executive is putting his deep pockets behind mayoral contender and City Hall outsider Daniel Lurie, one of a handful of tech-linked donations that the nonprofit founder has recently secured.

Salesforce co-founder Parker Harris donated $100,000 to the candidate’s independent expenditure committee, “Believe in SF Lurie for Mayor 2024,” according to recently filed campaign disclosures. The committee can take in unlimited money, as opposed to Lurie’s candidate-controlled committee, which has a cap of $500 donations.

Salesforce co-founder Parker Harris donated $100,000 to the candidate’s independent expenditure committee, “Believe in SF Lurie for Mayor 2024,” according to recently filed campaign disclosures. The committee can take in unlimited money, as opposed to Lurie’s candidate-controlled committee, which has a cap of $500 donations.

Salesforce Tower is seen as daily life in San Francisco, Calif., on October 31, 2022. | Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/GettyImages-1244406480-1-scaled.jpg?w=2500" alt="A view of Salesforce Tower, the largest high-rise in San Francisco, from street level." class="wp-image-141204"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Parker Harris is a co-founder of Salesforce, which boasts the tallest skyscraper in the city and is one of San Francisco&#8217;s leading technology companies.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/GettyImages-1244406480-1-scaled.jpg?w=2500" alt="A view of Salesforce Tower, the largest high-rise in San Francisco, from street level." class="wp-image-141204"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Parker Harris is a co-founder of Salesforce, which boasts the tallest skyscraper in the city and is one of San Francisco's leading technology companies.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/GettyImages-1244406480-1-scaled.jpg?w=2500" alt="A view of Salesforce Tower, the largest high-rise in San Francisco, from street level." class="wp-image-141204"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Parker Harris is a co-founder of Salesforce, which boasts the tallest skyscraper in the city and is one of San Francisco&#8217;s leading technology companies.</figcaption></figure>

Harris serves as the chief technology officer of the messaging application Slack, which was acquired by Salesforce in 2021, and has been with the tech behemoth since 1999, according to his company <a href="https://www.salesforce.com/company/parker-harris-bio/">biography</a>. A recent CNBC <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/03/09/parker-harris-prepared-salesforce-for-ai-now-hes-focused-on-slack.html">article</a> pegged Harris’ net worth at about $600 million.

Harris serves as the chief technology officer of the messaging application Slack, which was acquired by Salesforce in 2021, and has been with the tech behemoth since 1999, according to his company <a href="https://www.salesforce.com/company/parker-harris-bio/">biography</a>. A recent CNBC <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/03/09/parker-harris-prepared-salesforce-for-ai-now-hes-focused-on-slack.html">article</a> pegged Harris’ net worth at about $600 million.

Harris and the committee supporting Lurie did not immediately respond to interview requests.

Harris and the committee supporting Lurie did not immediately respond to interview requests.

Salesforce is one of San Francisco’s preeminent technology companies, boasting the city&#8217;s tallest skyscraper and an annual <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/13/dreamforce-2023-san-francisco-benioff-safety-concerns/">conference</a> that brings in a stream of revenue for local bars and restaurants. Salesforce chief Marc Benioff has also been a major player in local politics, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/09/19/salesforce-marc-benioff-loves-sf-downtown-struggles/">supporting a 2018 homelessness ballot</a> initiative that placed an extra tax on large businesses.&nbsp;

Salesforce CEO urged San Francisco to clean up its act ahead of Dreamforce. Do attendees see results?

Salesforce&#8217;s Marc Benioff, long a champion of San Francisco, keeps a low profile on the crisis facing downtown

Salesforce is one of San Francisco’s preeminent technology companies, boasting the city's tallest skyscraper and an annual <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/13/dreamforce-2023-san-francisco-benioff-safety-concerns/">conference</a> that brings in a stream of revenue for local bars and restaurants. Salesforce chief Marc Benioff has also been a major player in local politics, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/09/19/salesforce-marc-benioff-loves-sf-downtown-struggles/">supporting a 2018 homelessness ballot</a> initiative that placed an extra tax on large businesses.&nbsp;

Salesforce is one of San Francisco’s preeminent technology companies, boasting the city&#8217;s tallest skyscraper and an annual <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/13/dreamforce-2023-san-francisco-benioff-safety-concerns/">conference</a> that brings in a stream of revenue for local bars and restaurants. Salesforce chief Marc Benioff has also been a major player in local politics, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/09/19/salesforce-marc-benioff-loves-sf-downtown-struggles/">supporting a 2018 homelessness ballot</a> initiative that placed an extra tax on large businesses.&nbsp;

Harris isn’t the only techie throwing his support behind the Levi Strauss heir. Campaign finance documents show the committee also received $100,000 from venture capitalist Michael Schwab, $50,000 from Palo Alto Networks CEO Nikesh Arora and $15,000 from investor Herald Chen.

Harris isn’t the only techie throwing his support behind the Levi Strauss heir. Campaign finance documents show the committee also received $100,000 from venture capitalist Michael Schwab, $50,000 from Palo Alto Networks CEO Nikesh Arora and $15,000 from investor Herald Chen.

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

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

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Lurie, who is competing against a slew of elected officials with decades of City Hall experience—including incumbent Mayor London Breed, Board President Aaron Peskin, Supervisor Ahsha Safaí and former Supervisor Mark Farrell—has been able to flex his wealthy connections in his bid for the city’s top seat. Lurie’s committee got a cool <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/30/daniel-lurie-mom-spends-million-dollars-san-francisco-mayor-race/">$1 million</a> this year from his mother, Mimi Haas.&nbsp;

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

Lurie, who is competing against a slew of elected officials with decades of City Hall experience—including incumbent Mayor London Breed, Board President Aaron Peskin, Supervisor Ahsha Safaí and former Supervisor Mark Farrell—has been able to flex his wealthy connections in his bid for the city’s top seat. Lurie’s committee got a cool <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/30/daniel-lurie-mom-spends-million-dollars-san-francisco-mayor-race/">$1 million</a> this year from his mother, Mimi Haas.&nbsp;

Documents obtained by The Standard in April show that Lurie has a large share of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/04/san-francisco-mayor-election-daniel-lurie-wealth/">investments</a> worth up to $33 million as of 2019, according to his wife’s financial disclosure forms filed with the state.

Documents obtained by The Standard in April show that Lurie has a large share of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/04/san-francisco-mayor-election-daniel-lurie-wealth/">investments</a> worth up to $33 million as of 2019, according to his wife’s financial disclosure forms filed with the state.

Salesforce co-founder worth $600M gives big to mayor candidate Daniel Lurie

Han Li

For Bill Jackson, a Republican education consultant in San Francisco, voting for a moderate Democrat has become his go-to compromise in local elections.

For Bill Jackson, a Republican education consultant in San Francisco, voting for a moderate Democrat has become his go-to compromise in local elections.

&#8220;Really, what we want is a Republican mayor,” Jackson said. “But we don&#8217;t have a realistic candidate.&#8221;

"Really, what we want is a Republican mayor,” Jackson said. “But we don't have a realistic candidate."

&#8220;Really, what we want is a Republican mayor,” Jackson said. “But we don&#8217;t have a realistic candidate.&#8221;

Jackson isn’t alone. In the deep blue San Francisco where 64% of registered voters are Democratic Party members, all five top candidates for mayor—incumbent Mayor London Breed, Supervisors Aaron Peskin and Ahsha Safaí, former mayor Mark Farrell and nonprofit founder Daniel Lurie—are dyed-in-the-wool Democrats.

Jackson isn’t alone. In the deep blue San Francisco where 64% of registered voters are Democratic Party members, all five top candidates for mayor—incumbent Mayor London Breed, Supervisors Aaron Peskin and Ahsha Safaí, former mayor Mark Farrell and nonprofit founder Daniel Lurie—are dyed-in-the-wool Democrats.

Bill Jackson sits on his couch with campaign literature surrounding his coffee table in Noe Valley on Friday, June 21, 2024. Jackson is a Republican education consultant and co-founder of the moderate-leaning Briones Society in San Francisco.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240606-gopmayorrace-tv1297.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a dark suit sits on a beige sofa in a well-lit living room, with campaign posters spread out on the coffee table in front of him." class="wp-image-285246"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bill Jackson, a Republican education consultant, says he&#8217;ll back a moderate Democrat in the mayor&#8217;s race.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240606-gopmayorrace-tv1297.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a dark suit sits on a beige sofa in a well-lit living room, with campaign posters spread out on the coffee table in front of him." class="wp-image-285246"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bill Jackson, a Republican education consultant, says he'll back a moderate Democrat in the mayor's race.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240606-gopmayorrace-tv1297.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a dark suit sits on a beige sofa in a well-lit living room, with campaign posters spread out on the coffee table in front of him." class="wp-image-285246"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bill Jackson, a Republican education consultant, says he&#8217;ll back a moderate Democrat in the mayor&#8217;s race.</figcaption></figure>

Bill Jackson shows off his American and California flag pin in his home office in Noe Valley on Friday, June 21, 2024. Jackson is a Republican education consultant and co-founder of the moderate-leaning Briones Society in San Francisco.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240606-gopmayorrace-tv1308-1.jpg?w=2500" alt="A hand is adjusting a lapel pin that features crossed American and Californian flags, attached to a dark-colored blazer worn over a white shirt." class="wp-image-285263"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">With the mayor&#8217;s race expected to be close, the city&#8217;s relatively few Republicans could play a role in choosing the winner.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240606-gopmayorrace-tv1308-1.jpg?w=2500" alt="A hand is adjusting a lapel pin that features crossed American and Californian flags, attached to a dark-colored blazer worn over a white shirt." class="wp-image-285263"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">With the mayor's race expected to be close, the city's relatively few Republicans could play a role in choosing the winner.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240606-gopmayorrace-tv1308-1.jpg?w=2500" alt="A hand is adjusting a lapel pin that features crossed American and Californian flags, attached to a dark-colored blazer worn over a white shirt." class="wp-image-285263"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">With the mayor&#8217;s race expected to be close, the city&#8217;s relatively few Republicans could play a role in choosing the winner.</figcaption></figure>

This reality leaves Republicans like Jackson with a tough choice between supporting a conservative with no chance of winning or a viable Democrat whose policies they can tolerate. This year’s mayoral race, expected to be highly competitive, could be decided by just a few thousand votes, meaning that local Republicans could play a vital role in choosing the winner.

This reality leaves Republicans like Jackson with a tough choice between supporting a conservative with no chance of winning or a viable Democrat whose policies they can tolerate. This year’s mayoral race, expected to be highly competitive, could be decided by just a few thousand votes, meaning that local Republicans could play a vital role in choosing the winner.

However, there’s a split within the small world of San Francisco Republicans. Pragmatists who will vote for Democrats appear to be coalescing around Farrell and Lurie, while those who strictly vote Republican won’t consider any Democrats at all.&nbsp;

However, there’s a split within the small world of San Francisco Republicans. Pragmatists who will vote for Democrats appear to be coalescing around Farrell and Lurie, while those who strictly vote Republican won’t consider any Democrats at all.&nbsp;

&#8220;I am a moderate Republican,” Jackson said. “It&#8217;s important that one of the moderate Democrats win.&#8221;

"I am a moderate Republican,” Jackson said. “It's important that one of the moderate Democrats win."

&#8220;I am a moderate Republican,” Jackson said. “It&#8217;s important that one of the moderate Democrats win.&#8221;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-farrell-lurie-stand-out">Farrell, Lurie stand out</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-farrell-lurie-stand-out">Farrell, Lurie stand out</h2>

Jackson, who co-founded the moderate-leaning <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/30/san-francisco-republican-party-briones-society-candidates-rccc/">Briones Society</a>, represents the centrist wing of his party. He told The Standard that he’s considering voting for Farrell and Lurie as his top two choices, saying Breed’s five years as mayor have been unimpressive.&nbsp;

This group of San Francisco Republicans wants to revive their party in 2024

Jackson, who co-founded the moderate-leaning <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/30/san-francisco-republican-party-briones-society-candidates-rccc/">Briones Society</a>, represents the centrist wing of his party. He told The Standard that he’s considering voting for Farrell and Lurie as his top two choices, saying Breed’s five years as mayor have been unimpressive.&nbsp;

Among the top five mayoral candidates, Farrell, Breed and Lurie are considered moderate Democrats, while Peskin is progressive. Safaí has taken moderate positions on some matters but has tacked <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/22/ahsha-safai-mayor-progressive/">progressive in his mayoral campaign</a>.

As center lane in mayor&#8217;s race gets crowded, one candidate tacks to the left

Among the top five mayoral candidates, Farrell, Breed and Lurie are considered moderate Democrats, while Peskin is progressive. Safaí has taken moderate positions on some matters but has tacked <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/22/ahsha-safai-mayor-progressive/">progressive in his mayoral campaign</a>.

Five mayoral candidates participate in the debate hosted by Manny Yekutiel and Heather Knight at Sydney Goldstein Theater in Hayes Valley in San Francisco, Calif. on Wednesday, June 12, 2024.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240613mayordebate6.jpg?w=2500" alt="Five people stand behind podiums on a stage, participating in what appears to be a debate or panel discussion." class="wp-image-283134"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">All five leading candidates for San Francisco mayor are Democrats, leaving Republicans to choose between a longshot conservative or a moderate Democrat. </figcaption></figure>

Other Republicans share Jackson&#8217;s strategy: Since there’s no viable Republican candidate, they’ll back a moderate Democrat in San Francisco to block “Mayor Peskin,” Jackson said.

Other Republicans share Jackson's strategy: Since there’s no viable Republican candidate, they’ll back a moderate Democrat in San Francisco to block “Mayor Peskin,” Jackson said.

Other Republicans share Jackson&#8217;s strategy: Since there’s no viable Republican candidate, they’ll back a moderate Democrat in San Francisco to block “Mayor Peskin,” Jackson said.

Nick Berg, a property management firm executive and a Briones Society member, is a former Democrat who switched parties over frustration with San Francisco’s crime, homelessness and drug crises. He said he plans to rank the three moderate Democrats on his ballot.

Nick Berg, a property management firm executive and a Briones Society member, is a former Democrat who switched parties over frustration with San Francisco’s crime, homelessness and drug crises. He said he plans to rank the three moderate Democrats on his ballot.

“I haven’t decided the order,” Berg said.

“I haven’t decided the order,” Berg said.

Jennifer Yan, a Briones Society member and the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/20/san-francisco-asian-american-republican-rccc/">top winner of the local Republican Party’s board election in March</a>, said she also preferred Farrell and Lurie. Yan said Farrell’s ideas, such as cracking down on crime and reopening Market Street to cars, are more &#8220;in touch&#8221; with&nbsp; moderate Chinese voters. Lurie has a friendly personality, she added.

San Francisco GOP&#8217;s last hope? Chinese Americans win big in party elections

Jennifer Yan, a Briones Society member and the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/20/san-francisco-asian-american-republican-rccc/">top winner of the local Republican Party’s board election in March</a>, said she also preferred Farrell and Lurie. Yan said Farrell’s ideas, such as cracking down on crime and reopening Market Street to cars, are more "in touch" with&nbsp; moderate Chinese voters. Lurie has a friendly personality, she added.

Jennifer Yan, a Briones Society member and the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/20/san-francisco-asian-american-republican-rccc/">top winner of the local Republican Party’s board election in March</a>, said she also preferred Farrell and Lurie. Yan said Farrell’s ideas, such as cracking down on crime and reopening Market Street to cars, are more &#8220;in touch&#8221; with&nbsp; moderate Chinese voters. Lurie has a friendly personality, she added.

Rodney Leong, a vice-chair of the Republican party, said he voted for Breed before but this time Lurie and Farrell may be his top two choices. He also said it&#8217;s not unusual for San Francisco Republicans to vote for Democrats.

Rodney Leong, a vice-chair of the Republican party, said he voted for Breed before but this time Lurie and Farrell may be his top two choices. He also said it's not unusual for San Francisco Republicans to vote for Democrats.

Rodney Leong, a vice-chair of the Republican party, said he voted for Breed before but this time Lurie and Farrell may be his top two choices. He also said it&#8217;s not unusual for San Francisco Republicans to vote for Democrats.

&#8220;It&#8217;s a non-partisan office, so we can endorse anyone we want,&#8221; Leong said. &#8220;It&#8217;s about what the candidate brings to the table.&#8221;

"It's a non-partisan office, so we can endorse anyone we want," Leong said. "It's about what the candidate brings to the table."

&#8220;It&#8217;s a non-partisan office, so we can endorse anyone we want,&#8221; Leong said. &#8220;It&#8217;s about what the candidate brings to the table.&#8221;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-awkward-dance-with-republican-voters">An awkward dance with Republican voters</h2>

Jason McDaniel, an associate professor of political science at San Francisco State University, said that both Lurie and Farrell may have some selling points for Republicans.

Jason McDaniel, an associate professor of political science at San Francisco State University, said that both Lurie and Farrell may have some selling points for Republicans.

For example, Lurie, who has framed himself as a City Hall “outsider,” could appeal to some long-marginalized Republicans. Farrell’s image as a tough-on-crime businessman could make him an acceptable choice by some Republicans, too.

For example, Lurie, who has framed himself as a City Hall “outsider,” could appeal to some long-marginalized Republicans. Farrell’s image as a tough-on-crime businessman could make him an acceptable choice by some Republicans, too.

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

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240613mayordebate20.jpg?w=2500" alt="Two people, a man in a suit and tie, and a woman in a blue outfit, are standing behind podiums on a stage, speaking, against a black background." class="wp-image-283139"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed and Daniel Lurie are both considered moderate Democrats.</figcaption></figure>

Mayoral candidate Mark Farrell addresses the crowd at the second mayoral debate, held at UC Law in San Francisco on Monday, June 17th, 2024.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240614-secondmayoraldebate-ac-461.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a dark suit and white shirt is giving a speech, gesturing with one hand up. A flag is seen in the background, and a presentation slide is partially visible." class="wp-image-284212"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayoral candidate Mark Farrell, a tough-on-crime businessman, may hold appeal for local Republican voters.</figcaption></figure>

McDaniel added that in a close race, the city’s Republican voters could have an influence on the eventual winner. However, turnout in November is likely to be high and he expects campaigns to focus largely on liberal or left-leaning voters.

McDaniel added that in a close race, the city’s Republican voters could have an influence on the eventual winner. However, turnout in November is likely to be high and he expects campaigns to focus largely on liberal or left-leaning voters.

“If any of the campaigns are targeting [Republican] voters, that&#8217;s probably not a waste of money,” McDaniel said, “but it&#8217;s a relatively low cost-benefit ratio.”

“If any of the campaigns are targeting [Republican] voters, that's probably not a waste of money,” McDaniel said, “but it's a relatively low cost-benefit ratio.”

“If any of the campaigns are targeting [Republican] voters, that&#8217;s probably not a waste of money,” McDaniel said, “but it&#8217;s a relatively low cost-benefit ratio.”

In a city where Republicans haven’t won any major races for decades, top Democrats appear to have little interest in building cross-party support. In San Francisco politics, association with Republicans is a common line of attack.&nbsp;

In a city where Republicans haven’t won any major races for decades, top Democrats appear to have little interest in building cross-party support. In San Francisco politics, association with Republicans is a common line of attack.&nbsp;

Asked whether they would seek the Republican Party’s endorsement, Breed, Lurie and Farrell responded similarly, saying they wouldn’t seek the endorsement while leaving room to entertain support from voters across the political spectrum.&nbsp;

Asked whether they would seek the Republican Party’s endorsement, Breed, Lurie and Farrell responded similarly, saying they wouldn’t seek the endorsement while leaving room to entertain support from voters across the political spectrum.&nbsp;

Breed’s campaign said she “can find common ground and work with anyone,” while Farrell’s campaign said he will “be a mayor that represents all San Franciscans and our shared values.” Lurie’s campaign said he “has always been about bringing people into the fold, not pushing them away.”

Breed’s campaign said she “can find common ground and work with anyone,” while Farrell’s campaign said he will “be a mayor that represents all San Franciscans and our shared values.” Lurie’s campaign said he “has always been about bringing people into the fold, not pushing them away.”

Peskin’s campaign said he won’t seek Republican support. Safaí’s campaign didn’t respond by press time.

Peskin’s campaign said he won’t seek Republican support. Safaí’s campaign didn’t respond by press time.

Although the Briones Society may recommend one or several Democrats for mayor— likely Farrell or Lurie as top choices—it’s less likely that the San Francisco Republican Party will officially endorse a Democrat for mayor. Briones Society <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/san-francisco-election-republican-county-central-committee/">swept the March election</a> for the Republican County Central Committee, but they will take office in 2025.

San Francisco Republicans elect new party leadership

Although the Briones Society may recommend one or several Democrats for mayor— likely Farrell or Lurie as top choices—it’s less likely that the San Francisco Republican Party will officially endorse a Democrat for mayor. Briones Society <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/san-francisco-election-republican-county-central-committee/">swept the March election</a> for the Republican County Central Committee, but they will take office in 2025.

John Dennis, the party’s current chair, said he hasn&#8217;t made up his mind yet but doubted that the group will endorse a Democrat. He predicted the party will endorse no one, not even a Republican candidate.

John Dennis, the party’s current chair, said he hasn't made up his mind yet but doubted that the group will endorse a Democrat. He predicted the party will endorse no one, not even a Republican candidate.

John Dennis, the party’s current chair, said he hasn&#8217;t made up his mind yet but doubted that the group will endorse a Democrat. He predicted the party will endorse no one, not even a Republican candidate.

Both the local Republican Party and Briones Society will start their endorsement process in July or August.

Both the local Republican Party and Briones Society will start their endorsement process in July or August.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-loyal-to-the-party">Loyal to the party</h2>

Although moderate-leaning Republicans may back Democrats, some of the city’s right-wing loyalists are staying with the party lines.

Although moderate-leaning Republicans may back Democrats, some of the city’s right-wing loyalists are staying with the party lines.

Currently, among 13 qualified candidates, the only Republican with some level of name recognition is Ellen Lee Zhou, a far-right Trump supporter.

Currently, among 13 qualified candidates, the only Republican with some level of name recognition is Ellen Lee Zhou, a far-right Trump supporter.

Zhou, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/11/this-far-right-maga-style-mayoral-candidate-is-back/">a potential wild card in the race</a>, won 24,667 first-choice votes in 2019 when she ran for mayor, about 14% of the total. She hasn&#8217;t decided who will be her second and third choices, but said Lurie may be better at reforming City Hall and cast the others as career politicians.

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

Zhou, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/11/this-far-right-maga-style-mayoral-candidate-is-back/">a potential wild card in the race</a>, won 24,667 first-choice votes in 2019 when she ran for mayor, about 14% of the total. She hasn't decided who will be her second and third choices, but said Lurie may be better at reforming City Hall and cast the others as career politicians.

Zhou, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/11/this-far-right-maga-style-mayoral-candidate-is-back/">a potential wild card in the race</a>, won 24,667 first-choice votes in 2019 when she ran for mayor, about 14% of the total. She hasn&#8217;t decided who will be her second and third choices, but said Lurie may be better at reforming City Hall and cast the others as career politicians.

Ellen Lee Zhou announces her bid for SF Mayor 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/feeatured_20240411-ellenleezhoumayor.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person in a white suit and red cap stands in a festive room full of people wearing similar caps, facing a stage with a speaker." class="wp-image-266148"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ellen Lee Zhou, a MAGA Republican, has little chance of winning but could play spoiler in the mayor&#8217;s race.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/feeatured_20240411-ellenleezhoumayor.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person in a white suit and red cap stands in a festive room full of people wearing similar caps, facing a stage with a speaker." class="wp-image-266148"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ellen Lee Zhou, a MAGA Republican, has little chance of winning but could play spoiler in the mayor's race.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/feeatured_20240411-ellenleezhoumayor.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person in a white suit and red cap stands in a festive room full of people wearing similar caps, facing a stage with a speaker." class="wp-image-266148"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ellen Lee Zhou, a MAGA Republican, has little chance of winning but could play spoiler in the mayor&#8217;s race.</figcaption></figure>

Arjun Sodhani brought a hat his friend made to a San Francisco Young Republicans event held at Trinity Bar in San Francisco on Thursday, May 30, 2024. 

San Francisco Young Republicans gather after former President Donald J. Trump, and presumptive 2024 Republican nominee, was convicted on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in a case stemming from a payment that silenced a porn star.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/20240530-youngrepublicantrump-5.jpg?w=2500" alt="The image shows a red baseball cap with &quot;TRUMP&quot; in white letters, followed by &quot;Agenda 47 * Ask me about it&quot; embroidered underneath." class="wp-image-279861"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Republicans make up less than 8% of registered voters in San Francisco.</figcaption></figure>

Grace (Iok) Tse, a Chinese immigrant Republican voter and Sunset District resident, told The Standard that she’s voting for Zhou and won’t rank any Democrats.

Grace (Iok) Tse, a Chinese immigrant Republican voter and Sunset District resident, told The Standard that she’s voting for Zhou and won’t rank any Democrats.

“I won’t consider any Democrats,” she said in Cantonese. “It doesn’t matter if Zhou can win or not. We try our best.”

“I won’t consider any Democrats,” she said in Cantonese. “It doesn’t matter if Zhou can win or not. We try our best.”

Tse said that she used to support moderate Democrats but grew disillusioned, describing the differences among them as “old wine in a new bottle.”

Tse said that she used to support moderate Democrats but grew disillusioned, describing the differences among them as “old wine in a new bottle.”

Monika Rothenbuhler, the vice chair of the San Francisco Republican Party, described the five leading mayoral candidates as &#8220;the gang of five.&#8221;

Monika Rothenbuhler, the vice chair of the San Francisco Republican Party, described the five leading mayoral candidates as "the gang of five."

Monika Rothenbuhler, the vice chair of the San Francisco Republican Party, described the five leading mayoral candidates as &#8220;the gang of five.&#8221;

The Republican Party of San Francisco logo.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/final-21_MG_6586.jpg?w=2500" alt="The image shows the logo of the Republican Party of San Francisco. It features a red elephant with three white stars on a blue background, encircled by text." class="wp-image-205863"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Republican Party of San Francisco may end up endorsing no one in the mayor&#8217;s race.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/final-21_MG_6586.jpg?w=2500" alt="The image shows the logo of the Republican Party of San Francisco. It features a red elephant with three white stars on a blue background, encircled by text." class="wp-image-205863"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Republican Party of San Francisco may end up endorsing no one in the mayor's race.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/final-21_MG_6586.jpg?w=2500" alt="The image shows the logo of the Republican Party of San Francisco. It features a red elephant with three white stars on a blue background, encircled by text." class="wp-image-205863"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Republican Party of San Francisco may end up endorsing no one in the mayor&#8217;s race.</figcaption></figure>

&#8220;I will not vote for a Democrat,&#8221; Rothenbuhler said. &#8220;I will vote for Ellen.&#8221;

"I will not vote for a Democrat," Rothenbuhler said. "I will vote for Ellen."

&#8220;I will not vote for a Democrat,&#8221; Rothenbuhler said. &#8220;I will vote for Ellen.&#8221;

Rothenbuhler said she respects some of her fellow Republicans&#8217; choices to vote for the &#8220;least offensive&#8221; Democrats, and understands that the city&#8217;s ranked-choice voting allows her to vote for multiple choices, but isn’t making compromises on her partisan preference.

Rothenbuhler said she respects some of her fellow Republicans' choices to vote for the "least offensive" Democrats, and understands that the city's ranked-choice voting allows her to vote for multiple choices, but isn’t making compromises on her partisan preference.

Rothenbuhler said she respects some of her fellow Republicans&#8217; choices to vote for the &#8220;least offensive&#8221; Democrats, and understands that the city&#8217;s ranked-choice voting allows her to vote for multiple choices, but isn’t making compromises on her partisan preference.

Jacob Spangler, a 23-year-old San Francisco State University student and a leader of the campus Republican group, said he plans to vote for Zhou and is disappointed with the city’s divisive politics.

Jacob Spangler, a 23-year-old San Francisco State University student and a leader of the campus Republican group, said he plans to vote for Zhou and is disappointed with the city’s divisive politics.

&#8220;There&#8217;s not enough bipartisanship in the city,&#8221; Spangler said. &#8220;I understand some of our left-leaning members. However, why are we the ones to compromise?&#8221;

"There's not enough bipartisanship in the city," Spangler said. "I understand some of our left-leaning members. However, why are we the ones to compromise?"

&#8220;There&#8217;s not enough bipartisanship in the city,&#8221; Spangler said. &#8220;I understand some of our left-leaning members. However, why are we the ones to compromise?&#8221;

It&#8217;s nearly impossible that Democratic Party candidates will reach out to Zhou for a ranked-choice strategy, but Zhou extended an olive branch anyway.

It's nearly impossible that Democratic Party candidates will reach out to Zhou for a ranked-choice strategy, but Zhou extended an olive branch anyway.

It&#8217;s nearly impossible that Democratic Party candidates will reach out to Zhou for a ranked-choice strategy, but Zhou extended an olive branch anyway.

&#8220;If I win,&#8221; Zhou said, &#8220;I will hire all of them.&#8221;

"If I win," Zhou said, "I will hire all of them."

&#8220;If I win,&#8221; Zhou said, &#8220;I will hire all of them.&#8221;

Lurie and Farrell capture mayor’s race in one key demo: Republicans 

In the latest twist in an&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/16/london-breed-dream-keeper-scandal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ongoing scandal enveloping City Hall</a>, Mayor London Breed says she was aware of her department head’s “very close” relationship with a nonprofit executive that&#8217;s raised major questions about the mayor&#8217;s flagship program supporting the Black community.

Breed has dodged scandals before. This one might actually stick

In the latest twist in an&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/16/london-breed-dream-keeper-scandal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ongoing scandal enveloping City Hall</a>, Mayor London Breed says she was aware of her department head’s “very close” relationship with a nonprofit executive that's raised major questions about the mayor's flagship program supporting the Black community.

In the latest twist in an&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/16/london-breed-dream-keeper-scandal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ongoing scandal enveloping City Hall</a>, Mayor London Breed says she was aware of her department head’s “very close” relationship with a nonprofit executive that&#8217;s raised major questions about the mayor&#8217;s flagship program supporting the Black community.

On Friday, Human Rights Commission leader Sheryl Davis <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/13/sheryl-davis-resigns-san-francisco-human-rights-commission/">resigned</a> after The Standard <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/12/san-francisco-dream-keeper-initiative-sheryl-davis-james-spingola-nonprofit/">revealed she shared a house and car</a> with nonprofit leader James Spingola of Collective Impact. Davis had signed off on $1.5 million in contracts directed toward Spingola, but had failed to disclose her connection to him to the city.&nbsp;Separately, a <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/marthas-vinyard-rental-questions-spending-19743302.php">Chronicle report</a> raised questions about a trip to Martha&#8217;s Vineyard that Davis may have inappropriately billed to the city.

Top official resigns in nonprofit scandal; Breed plays defense

City official on leave after signing off on $1.5M in grants to man she shared home with

On Friday, Human Rights Commission leader Sheryl Davis <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/13/sheryl-davis-resigns-san-francisco-human-rights-commission/">resigned</a> after The Standard <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/12/san-francisco-dream-keeper-initiative-sheryl-davis-james-spingola-nonprofit/">revealed she shared a house and car</a> with nonprofit leader James Spingola of Collective Impact. Davis had signed off on $1.5 million in contracts directed toward Spingola, but had failed to disclose her connection to him to the city.&nbsp;Separately, a <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/marthas-vinyard-rental-questions-spending-19743302.php">Chronicle report</a> raised questions about a trip to Martha's Vineyard that Davis may have inappropriately billed to the city.

On Friday, Human Rights Commission leader Sheryl Davis <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/13/sheryl-davis-resigns-san-francisco-human-rights-commission/">resigned</a> after The Standard <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/12/san-francisco-dream-keeper-initiative-sheryl-davis-james-spingola-nonprofit/">revealed she shared a house and car</a> with nonprofit leader James Spingola of Collective Impact. Davis had signed off on $1.5 million in contracts directed toward Spingola, but had failed to disclose her connection to him to the city.&nbsp;Separately, a <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/marthas-vinyard-rental-questions-spending-19743302.php">Chronicle report</a> raised questions about a trip to Martha&#8217;s Vineyard that Davis may have inappropriately billed to the city.

The money for Collective Impact came out of the Dream Keeper Initiative, a pool of funds established in the wake of the murder of George Floyd in 2020 intended to support San Francisco’s underserved Black communities. Nearly $300 million has been budgeted for the program since 2021, and Collective Impact has received $7.5 million — the second-highest allocation to any of the initiative&#8217;s grantees.

The money for Collective Impact came out of the Dream Keeper Initiative, a pool of funds established in the wake of the murder of George Floyd in 2020 intended to support San Francisco’s underserved Black communities. Nearly $300 million has been budgeted for the program since 2021, and Collective Impact has received $7.5 million — the second-highest allocation to any of the initiative's grantees.

The money for Collective Impact came out of the Dream Keeper Initiative, a pool of funds established in the wake of the murder of George Floyd in 2020 intended to support San Francisco’s underserved Black communities. Nearly $300 million has been budgeted for the program since 2021, and Collective Impact has received $7.5 million — the second-highest allocation to any of the initiative&#8217;s grantees.

Sheryl Davis and James Spingola attended the SF Human Rights Commission Reception on October 6th, 2023, at San Francisco City Hall in San Francisco, CA.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/1101-humanrights-231006-edited.jpg?w=2500" alt="A smiling man and woman stand together against a vibrant, colorful flower wall. The woman wears a red sleeveless top, and the man wears a blue shirt with white leaf prints." class="wp-image-311070"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sheryl Davis directed $1.5 million toward James Spingola&#8217;s nonprofit, Collective Impact, while they shared a personal relationship.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/1101-humanrights-231006-edited.jpg?w=2500" alt="A smiling man and woman stand together against a vibrant, colorful flower wall. The woman wears a red sleeveless top, and the man wears a blue shirt with white leaf prints." class="wp-image-311070"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sheryl Davis directed $1.5 million toward James Spingola's nonprofit, Collective Impact, while they shared a personal relationship.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/1101-humanrights-231006-edited.jpg?w=2500" alt="A smiling man and woman stand together against a vibrant, colorful flower wall. The woman wears a red sleeveless top, and the man wears a blue shirt with white leaf prints." class="wp-image-311070"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sheryl Davis directed $1.5 million toward James Spingola&#8217;s nonprofit, Collective Impact, while they shared a personal relationship.</figcaption></figure>

In a statement on Tuesday, Breed weighed in on the relationship between Davis and Spingola for the first time, saying she was “appalled” by the news last week and that “any misuse” of taxpayer money is “unacceptable.”

In a statement on Tuesday, Breed weighed in on the relationship between Davis and Spingola for the first time, saying she was “appalled” by the news last week and that “any misuse” of taxpayer money is “unacceptable.”

“I was aware that Sheryl Davis and James Spingola were very close friends,” Breed told The Standard. “That’s why I made it clear to former Director Davis on multiple occasions that she needed to wall herself off from all decisions related to Collective Impact. While protective measures were put in place, they weren’t implemented soon enough or to the extent necessary. As mayor, I take full responsibility because the buck stops with me.”

“I was aware that Sheryl Davis and James Spingola were very close friends,” Breed told The Standard. “That’s why I made it clear to former Director Davis on multiple occasions that she needed to wall herself off from all decisions related to Collective Impact. While protective measures were put in place, they weren’t implemented soon enough or to the extent necessary. As mayor, I take full responsibility because the buck stops with me.”

Breed said that she asked Davis to resign because of the revelations and that all Dream Keeper Initiative money has been frozen &#8220;until further notice.&#8221; Additionally, the controller&#8217;s office is undertaking a complete audit of the initiative &#8220;to preserve the integrity of the program.&#8221;

Breed said that she asked Davis to resign because of the revelations and that all Dream Keeper Initiative money has been frozen "until further notice." Additionally, the controller's office is undertaking a complete audit of the initiative "to preserve the integrity of the program."

Breed said that she asked Davis to resign because of the revelations and that all Dream Keeper Initiative money has been frozen &#8220;until further notice.&#8221; Additionally, the controller&#8217;s office is undertaking a complete audit of the initiative &#8220;to preserve the integrity of the program.&#8221;

Davis, who joined the Human Rights Commission in 2016, is a former executive director of Spingola&#8217;s Collective Impact.

Davis, who joined the Human Rights Commission in 2016, is a former executive director of Spingola's Collective Impact.

Davis, who joined the Human Rights Commission in 2016, is a former executive director of Spingola&#8217;s Collective Impact.

After signing off on three six-figure contracts for Collective Impact in 2021 and 2022, Davis informed the city that she was no longer going to be overseeing money being directed toward the nonprofit, citing her past employment there. However, Davis did not mention her relationship with Spingola in the disclosure form.

After signing off on three six-figure contracts for Collective Impact in 2021 and 2022, Davis informed the city that she was no longer going to be overseeing money being directed toward the nonprofit, citing her past employment there. However, Davis did not mention her relationship with Spingola in the disclosure form.

Candidates in the mayoral race running against Breed, including former Supervisor Mark Farrell and Board President Aaron Peskin, have called for federal investigations into the Human Rights Commission and Dream Keeper Initiative.

Candidates in the mayoral race running against Breed, including former Supervisor Mark Farrell and Board President Aaron Peskin, have called for federal investigations into the Human Rights Commission and Dream Keeper Initiative.

“Everything tells me this goes all the way to the top — to London Breed herself. And I don’t say that lightly,” Peskin said last week after Davis resigned.

“Everything tells me this goes all the way to the top — to London Breed herself. And I don’t say that lightly,” Peskin said last week after Davis resigned.

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Salesforce co-founder worth $600M gives big to mayor candidate Daniel Lurie

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Breed ‘appalled’ as crisis unfolds at her signature program

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