Josh Koehn

The most important phone call of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=london%20breed">London Breed</a>’s career went to voicemail. So did the next call. And the next.&nbsp;

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The most important phone call of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=london%20breed">London Breed</a>’s career went to voicemail. So did the next call. And the next.&nbsp;

San Francisco police had already been dispatched to Breed’s apartment in the middle of the night when she finally picked up the phone and got an inkling of just how drastically her life was about to change. Earlier in the evening of Dec. 11, 2017, Mayor Ed Lee had suffered a heart attack while grocery shopping. As president of the Board of Supervisors, Breed was first in line to the throne.&nbsp;

San Francisco police had already been dispatched to Breed’s apartment in the middle of the night when she finally picked up the phone and got an inkling of just how drastically her life was about to change. Earlier in the evening of Dec. 11, 2017, Mayor Ed Lee had suffered a heart attack while grocery shopping. As president of the Board of Supervisors, Breed was first in line to the throne.&nbsp;

She arrived at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital in an ashen state, according to one of the many city officials who stood vigil that night. Doctors were struggling to keep Lee alive, but word was spreading that he would be severely incapacitated even if he survived. Breed joined the mayor’s chief of staff, Jason Elliott, and another advisor in a conference room as they waited for news. At 1:11 a.m, Lee’s heart took its last beat.

She arrived at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital in an ashen state, according to one of the many city officials who stood vigil that night. Doctors were struggling to keep Lee alive, but word was spreading that he would be severely incapacitated even if he survived. Breed joined the mayor’s chief of staff, Jason Elliott, and another advisor in a conference room as they waited for news. At 1:11 a.m, Lee’s heart took its last beat.

“I told her: ‘You’re the mayor now,’” Elliott recalled. “And that was the beginning.”

“I told her: ‘You’re the mayor now,’” Elliott recalled. “And that was the beginning.”

Breed showed grace under pressure in the role of acting mayor and rallied the city in the days to come. But in short order, Breed’s colleagues would turn against her, forcing her to mount a historic campaign to become San Francisco’s first elected Black woman mayor. She was propelled into office by a diverse but&nbsp;moderate-leaning coalition of voters, garnering strong support from women&nbsp;and people of color as well as real estate and business interests. But the honeymoon would be brief.

Breed showed grace under pressure in the role of acting mayor and rallied the city in the days to come. But in short order, Breed’s colleagues would turn against her, forcing her to mount a historic campaign to become San Francisco’s first elected Black woman mayor. She was propelled into office by a diverse but&nbsp;moderate-leaning coalition of voters, garnering strong support from women&nbsp;and people of color as well as real estate and business interests. But the honeymoon would be brief.

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<figure class="wp-block-video"><video autoplay controls loop muted src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/BreedProfile05312023_VIDEO_LEE_DEATH.mp4"></video><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">After the death of San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee on Dec. 12, 2017, London Breed addresses the media after assuming the role of acting mayor. | Courtesy SFGovTV</figcaption></figure>

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<div class="wp-block-column"><figure class="wp-block-video"><video autoplay controls loop muted src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/BreedProfile05312023_VIDEO_LEE_DEATH.mp4"></video><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">After the death of San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee on Dec. 12, 2017, London Breed addresses the media after assuming the role of acting mayor. | Courtesy SFGovTV</figcaption></figure></div>

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<div class="wp-block-columns"><div class="wp-block-column"><figure class="wp-block-video"><video autoplay controls loop muted src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/BreedProfile05312023_VIDEO_LEE_DEATH.mp4"></video><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">After the death of San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee on Dec. 12, 2017, London Breed addresses the media after assuming the role of acting mayor. | Courtesy SFGovTV</figcaption></figure></div></div>

Breed’s handling of Covid was widely praised, but the vulnerabilities of a local economy disproportionately dependent on tech would soon be exposed. For years, San Francisco’s tax coffers had been bursting at the seams, but a debt was coming due amid a new era of remote work. All the while, the widening gulf between haves and have-nots coupled with hopeless bureaucratic stonewalling had exacerbated issues around housing, homelessness, drug addiction and property crime.

Breed’s handling of Covid was widely praised, but the vulnerabilities of a local economy disproportionately dependent on tech would soon be exposed. For years, San Francisco’s tax coffers had been bursting at the seams, but a debt was coming due amid a new era of remote work. All the while, the widening gulf between haves and have-nots coupled with hopeless bureaucratic stonewalling had exacerbated issues around housing, homelessness, drug addiction and property crime.

Five and a half years after Lee’s death, Breed now stands at the helm of a city in turmoil.&nbsp;

Five and a half years after Lee’s death, Breed now stands at the helm of a city in turmoil.&nbsp;

San Francisco’s reputation as a bastion of innovation and liberalism has given way to narratives about wasted potential and American rot. The city is on pace for a record-setting 800 drug <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/man-dies-of-possible-drug-overdose-at-downtown-san-francisco-bart-station/">overdose deaths</a> this year; tents, discarded needles, artless graffiti, psychotic breakdowns and sidewalk scat are common even in some affluent neighborhoods. Property crime is rampant, and—despite <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/san-francisco-home-listings-way-down-as-mortgage-lock-in-scares-off-sellers/">a dip in the market</a>—the idea of owning a home in the city remains a pipe dream for most as median home prices hover at around $1.3 million.

San Francisco’s reputation as a bastion of innovation and liberalism has given way to narratives about wasted potential and American rot. The city is on pace for a record-setting 800 drug <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/man-dies-of-possible-drug-overdose-at-downtown-san-francisco-bart-station/">overdose deaths</a> this year; tents, discarded needles, artless graffiti, psychotic breakdowns and sidewalk scat are common even in some affluent neighborhoods. Property crime is rampant, and—despite <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/san-francisco-home-listings-way-down-as-mortgage-lock-in-scares-off-sellers/">a dip in the market</a>—the idea of owning a home in the city remains a pipe dream for most as median home prices hover at around $1.3 million.

Major retailers such as <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/downtown-san-francisco-whole-foods-market-closing/">Whole Foods</a>, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/nordstrom-to-shutter-both-san-francisco-downtown-stores-citing-deteriorating-conditions-report/">Nordstrom</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/downtown-san-francisco-old-navy-flagship-store-closing-after-26-years/">Old Navy</a> have decided to shutter their flagship stores. Remote work has <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/downtown-san-francisco-vacancies-hit-record-high-as-city-nears-breaking-point/">emptied out almost a third of San Francisco’s office space</a>, contributing to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/san-franciscos-deficit-swells-to-780m-in-latest-sign-of-budget-distress/">a $780 million budget deficit</a> and leaving Downtown skyscrapers to sit like ghost towns with panoramic views of the bay.

Major retailers such as <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/downtown-san-francisco-whole-foods-market-closing/">Whole Foods</a>, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/nordstrom-to-shutter-both-san-francisco-downtown-stores-citing-deteriorating-conditions-report/">Nordstrom</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/downtown-san-francisco-old-navy-flagship-store-closing-after-26-years/">Old Navy</a> have decided to shutter their flagship stores. Remote work has <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/downtown-san-francisco-vacancies-hit-record-high-as-city-nears-breaking-point/">emptied out almost a third of San Francisco’s office space</a>, contributing to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/san-franciscos-deficit-swells-to-780m-in-latest-sign-of-budget-distress/">a $780 million budget deficit</a> and leaving Downtown skyscrapers to sit like ghost towns with panoramic views of the bay.

More than three-quarters of San Franciscans <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/heres-how-san-francisco-officials-are-doing-on-their-plan-to-save-downtown/">believe the city is on the wrong track</a>, a recent poll showed, and Breed’s approval numbers are plunging.&nbsp;

More than three-quarters of San Franciscans <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/heres-how-san-francisco-officials-are-doing-on-their-plan-to-save-downtown/">believe the city is on the wrong track</a>, a recent poll showed, and Breed’s approval numbers are plunging.&nbsp;

Breed’s tough talk on crime and blame game with “lefty” political opponents is wearing thin. Frustrated residents are questioning her vision for the city and turning a critical eye to her performance. Meanwhile, potential challengers are kicking the tires on campaigns to defeat her in 2024.&nbsp;

Breed’s tough talk on crime and blame game with “lefty” political opponents is wearing thin. Frustrated residents are questioning her vision for the city and turning a critical eye to her performance. Meanwhile, potential challengers are kicking the tires on campaigns to defeat her in 2024.&nbsp;

Over six months, The Standard interviewed more than 50 people close to Breed, from friends and neighbors in the Western Addition housing project where she grew up to associates and colleagues in City Hall. The portrait that emerged from these conversations is that of a sharp-tongued but sincere leader. Breed is charming, intuitive, community-driven and wickedly funny, a people person just as capable of connecting with minimum-wage <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/can-san-franciscos-new-welcome-ambassadors-uplift-the-citys-image/">street ambassadors</a> as high-society <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/elections/wealthy-san-franciscans-battle-it-out-november-ballot-measures/">power brokers</a>.

Over six months, The Standard interviewed more than 50 people close to Breed, from friends and neighbors in the Western Addition housing project where she grew up to associates and colleagues in City Hall. The portrait that emerged from these conversations is that of a sharp-tongued but sincere leader. Breed is charming, intuitive, community-driven and wickedly funny, a people person just as capable of connecting with minimum-wage <a href="https://sfstandard.com/public-health/can-san-franciscos-new-welcome-ambassadors-uplift-the-citys-image/">street ambassadors</a> as high-society <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/elections/wealthy-san-franciscans-battle-it-out-november-ballot-measures/">power brokers</a>.

However, behind closed doors, some of Breed’s strongest traits cut both ways. The 48-year-old mayor’s bluntness can complicate collaboration. Breed doesn’t micromanage, but some say she over-delegates leadership to overwhelmed department heads and staff who are running on fumes. Supporters praise her willingness to try new strategies to confront the generational crises plaguing San Francisco, though they admit the implementation can be scattershot.&nbsp;

However, behind closed doors, some of Breed’s strongest traits cut both ways. The 48-year-old mayor’s bluntness can complicate collaboration. Breed doesn’t micromanage, but some say she over-delegates leadership to overwhelmed department heads and staff who are running on fumes. Supporters praise her willingness to try new strategies to confront the generational crises plaguing San Francisco, though they admit the implementation can be scattershot.&nbsp;

Mayor London Breed speaks during a press conference about the state of smalls businesses in the SoMa district of San Francisco, on Wednesday, June 8, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/INLINED1_NEW_BreedProfile11142022.jpg" alt="Mayor London Breed speaks about the state of small businesses in the South of Market area of San Francisco on June 8, 2022" class="wp-image-171134"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed speaks about the state of small businesses in the South of Market area of San Francisco on June 8, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/INLINED1_NEW_BreedProfile11142022.jpg" alt="Mayor London Breed speaks about the state of small businesses in the South of Market area of San Francisco on June 8, 2022" class="wp-image-171134"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed speaks about the state of small businesses in the South of Market area of San Francisco on June 8, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

The mission of being mayor is deeply personal for Breed. Unlike most of the city’s politicians, her life was profoundly shaped by many of the same ills now roiling San Francisco: poverty, addiction, crime, mental illness and housing and economic instability.

The mission of being mayor is deeply personal for Breed. Unlike most of the city’s politicians, her life was profoundly shaped by many of the same ills now roiling San Francisco: poverty, addiction, crime, mental illness and housing and economic instability.

“You grow up a certain way, and you remember it like it was yesterday,” Breed said in an early June interview with The Standard. “The fact that I even graduated from high school and ended up in college and graduated from college—for me, it’s a big deal. And it also makes me live like I have nothing to lose.”

“You grow up a certain way, and you remember it like it was yesterday,” Breed said in an early June interview with The Standard. “The fact that I even graduated from high school and ended up in college and graduated from college—for me, it’s a big deal. And it also makes me live like I have nothing to lose.”

A ballot measure passed last year pushed the mayor’s race to 2024, extending the tightrope Breed must traverse to reelection. To secure a second term and become the longest-serving San Francisco mayor in almost a century, Breed will need to solve—or at least alleviate—the problems of a broken city that have been decades in the making.

A ballot measure passed last year pushed the mayor’s race to 2024, extending the tightrope Breed must traverse to reelection. To secure a second term and become the longest-serving San Francisco mayor in almost a century, Breed will need to solve—or at least alleviate—the problems of a broken city that have been decades in the making.

This is far from the only time Breed has faced extreme pressure. But even some of her most ardent supporters are uncertain if she’s capable of answering the call.

This is far from the only time Breed has faced extreme pressure. But even some of her most ardent supporters are uncertain if she’s capable of answering the call.

“Is there a feeling of vulnerability?” asked one of the mayor’s closest allies, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. “One hundred percent, yes.”

“Is there a feeling of vulnerability?” asked one of the mayor’s closest allies, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. “One hundred percent, yes.”

Chapter I: ‘You Can’t Mess With Her’

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chapter-i-you-can-t-mess-with-her">Chapter I: ‘You Can’t Mess With Her’</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chapter-i-you-can-t-mess-with-her">Chapter I: ‘You Can’t Mess With Her’</h2>

“The reason she doesn’t go into that is because it’s not just her story. It’s her mother’s story. It’s her family’s story.&#8221; 

 — Sheryl Davis, executive director of the San Francisco Human Rights Commission

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“The reason she doesn’t go into that is because it’s not just her story. It’s her mother’s story. It’s her family’s story." 

 — Sheryl Davis, executive director of the San Francisco Human Rights Commission
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“The reason she doesn’t go into that is because it’s not just her story. It’s her mother’s story. It’s her family’s story.&#8221; 

 — Sheryl Davis, executive director of the San Francisco Human Rights Commission
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The mayor is fiercely protective about telling her family’s story—in part due to the tragedies she endured, but also because she herself doesn’t have all the answers.

The mayor is fiercely protective about telling her family’s story—in part due to the tragedies she endured, but also because she herself doesn’t have all the answers.

Breed’s mother was absent much of her childhood and their relationship is complicated. The mayor does not know the identity of her father. She recently took a DNA test and learned she is half Jewish, a discovery she revealed privately to a group traveling with her on a <a href="https://sf.gov/news/mayor-breed-lead-mission-strengthen-relations-san-franciscos-sister-city-haifa#:~:text=Haifa%20has%20been%20a%20sister%20city%20of%20San%20Francisco%20since%201973.">Sister City trip to Haifa, Israel</a>, in May.

Breed’s mother was absent much of her childhood and their relationship is complicated. The mayor does not know the identity of her father. She recently took a DNA test and learned she is half Jewish, a discovery she revealed privately to a group traveling with her on a <a href="https://sf.gov/news/mayor-breed-lead-mission-strengthen-relations-san-franciscos-sister-city-haifa#:~:text=Haifa%20has%20been%20a%20sister%20city%20of%20San%20Francisco%20since%201973.">Sister City trip to Haifa, Israel</a>, in May.

“I don’t want to talk about my family in a way that throws them under the bus,” Breed told The Standard in the second of two sit-down interviews for this story. “The fact is, I don’t know my biological father, and I’ve recently made a discovery that I have not made public in any way.”

“I don’t want to talk about my family in a way that throws them under the bus,” Breed told The Standard in the second of two sit-down interviews for this story. “The fact is, I don’t know my biological father, and I’ve recently made a discovery that I have not made public in any way.”

Breed was born at Kaiser Hospital in San Francisco on Aug. 11, 1974, and spent her earliest years living with her grandmother, siblings and two aunts in a cramped apartment in Plaza East, one of the city’s toughest public housing projects and the epicenter of a murderous turf war between rival gangs.

Breed was born at Kaiser Hospital in San Francisco on Aug. 11, 1974, and spent her earliest years living with her grandmother, siblings and two aunts in a cramped apartment in Plaza East, one of the city’s toughest public housing projects and the epicenter of a murderous turf war between rival gangs.

A booklet entitled “The New Western Addition Is a Good Place to Live” published in 1971, outlines new housing developments, apartments and public spaces as part of the larger Western Addition redevelopment project. London Breed was raised in the Western Addition’s Yerba Buena Plaza East housing project. | Courtesy San Francisco Redevelopment Agency

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/INLINED2_NEW_BreedProfile11142022.jpg" alt="A booklet published in 1971 outlines new housing developments in the Western Addition. London Breed was raised in the neighborhood's Plaza East public housing project. | Courtesy San Francisco Redevelopment Agency" class="wp-image-171138"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A booklet published in 1971 outlines new housing developments in the Western Addition. London Breed was raised in the neighborhood&#8217;s Plaza East public housing project. | Courtesy San Francisco Redevelopment Agency</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/INLINED2_NEW_BreedProfile11142022.jpg" alt="A booklet published in 1971 outlines new housing developments in the Western Addition. London Breed was raised in the neighborhood's Plaza East public housing project. | Courtesy San Francisco Redevelopment Agency" class="wp-image-171138"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A booklet published in 1971 outlines new housing developments in the Western Addition. London Breed was raised in the neighborhood's Plaza East public housing project. | Courtesy San Francisco Redevelopment Agency</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/INLINED2_NEW_BreedProfile11142022.jpg" alt="A booklet published in 1971 outlines new housing developments in the Western Addition. London Breed was raised in the neighborhood's Plaza East public housing project. | Courtesy San Francisco Redevelopment Agency" class="wp-image-171138"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A booklet published in 1971 outlines new housing developments in the Western Addition. London Breed was raised in the neighborhood&#8217;s Plaza East public housing project. | Courtesy San Francisco Redevelopment Agency</figcaption></figure>

“If you were not Black or didn&#8217;t live there, you could not come to these projects,” Breed said. “You had to say a name. There was a name that had to be used—otherwise, you couldn&#8217;t walk through there at all. You would get robbed. You would get beat up, everything.”

“If you were not Black or didn't live there, you could not come to these projects,” Breed said. “You had to say a name. There was a name that had to be used—otherwise, you couldn't walk through there at all. You would get robbed. You would get beat up, everything.”

“If you were not Black or didn&#8217;t live there, you could not come to these projects,” Breed said. “You had to say a name. There was a name that had to be used—otherwise, you couldn&#8217;t walk through there at all. You would get robbed. You would get beat up, everything.”

At 12 years old, Breed saw the corpse of a person who had been shot in the head. In her 20s, one of her brothers took part in a deadly robbery and was sentenced to prison. In 2006, Breed lost a younger sister to a drug overdose, and one of her cousins was killed by police. Over the years, officers were routinely called to help with one of Breed’s aunts, who suffered from mental illness and explosive fits of rage.

At 12 years old, Breed saw the corpse of a person who had been shot in the head. In her 20s, one of her brothers took part in a deadly robbery and was sentenced to prison. In 2006, Breed lost a younger sister to a drug overdose, and one of her cousins was killed by police. Over the years, officers were routinely called to help with one of Breed’s aunts, who suffered from mental illness and explosive fits of rage.

The kindness shown by these officers, including a cop whom Breed’s aunt lovingly nicknamed “Beefcakes,” shaped the mayor’s nuanced views on policing. As a supervisor, Breed called for a federal investigation into the <a href="https://www.sfweekly.com/archives/supervisor-london-breed-calls-for-a-federal-investigation-into-the-sfpds-shooting-death-of-mario/article_f8b7d433-ce35-5ddb-b5bb-d2fb8d563379.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">police killing of Mario Woods</a>; as mayor, she has advocated for a crackdown on people using drugs on the streets, expanding police surveillance tools and hiring more officers.

The kindness shown by these officers, including a cop whom Breed’s aunt lovingly nicknamed “Beefcakes,” shaped the mayor’s nuanced views on policing. As a supervisor, Breed called for a federal investigation into the <a href="https://www.sfweekly.com/archives/supervisor-london-breed-calls-for-a-federal-investigation-into-the-sfpds-shooting-death-of-mario/article_f8b7d433-ce35-5ddb-b5bb-d2fb8d563379.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">police killing of Mario Woods</a>; as mayor, she has advocated for a crackdown on people using drugs on the streets, expanding police surveillance tools and hiring more officers.

“Folks don’t realize that, by and large, Black people are pretty conservative when it comes to what public safety looks like,” said Sheryl Davis, the head of the city’s Human Rights Commission. “They’re not always against the police. They just don&#8217;t want the police to be brutalizing them.”

“Folks don’t realize that, by and large, Black people are pretty conservative when it comes to what public safety looks like,” said Sheryl Davis, the head of the city’s Human Rights Commission. “They’re not always against the police. They just don't want the police to be brutalizing them.”

“Folks don’t realize that, by and large, Black people are pretty conservative when it comes to what public safety looks like,” said Sheryl Davis, the head of the city’s Human Rights Commission. “They’re not always against the police. They just don&#8217;t want the police to be brutalizing them.”

Breed’s grandmother, Comelia Brown, was a Baptist faithful to the good book. Miss Brown—as she was known throughout the neighborhood—served as the family rock, the guiding light and the hammer that forged Breed into the person she is today.

Breed’s grandmother, Comelia Brown, was a Baptist faithful to the good book. Miss Brown—as she was known throughout the neighborhood—served as the family rock, the guiding light and the hammer that forged Breed into the person she is today.

“She was a church lady,” said Rev. Arnold Townsend, who was present at Breed’s baptism and helped officiate the funerals of the mayor’s grandmother and sister. “And in the Black community, that means a certain thing—very, very stern and can be quite severe when necessary.”

“She was a church lady,” said Rev. Arnold Townsend, who was present at Breed’s baptism and helped officiate the funerals of the mayor’s grandmother and sister. “And in the Black community, that means a certain thing—very, very stern and can be quite severe when necessary.”

Under her grandmother’s watch, Breed and her siblings were required to cook and clean, make their beds and go to school, or get out of the house. Miss Brown handed out whoopings and flushed her grandson’s drugs down the toilet. She scolded Breed when she felt embarrassed about buying groceries with food stamps, telling her granddaughter to hold her head high and focus on survival until the next step.

Under her grandmother’s watch, Breed and her siblings were required to cook and clean, make their beds and go to school, or get out of the house. Miss Brown handed out whoopings and flushed her grandson’s drugs down the toilet. She scolded Breed when she felt embarrassed about buying groceries with food stamps, telling her granddaughter to hold her head high and focus on survival until the next step.

A composite image of London Breed as a toddler with her grandmother, Comelia Brown, left, and a portrait of London Breed as a baby, right, that was published in the 1992 Galileo High School yearbook. | Courtesy London Breed

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/INLINED3_BreedProfile11142022.jpg" alt="A composite image shows a picture of London Breed as a toddler with her grandmother, Comelia Brown, and a photo of London Breed as a baby that was published in the 1992 Galileo High School yearbook." class="wp-image-170713"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A composite image shows a picture of London Breed as a toddler with her grandmother, Comelia Brown, and a photo of London Breed as a baby that was published in the 1992 Galileo High School yearbook. | Courtesy London Breed</figcaption></figure>

“Miss Brown was everybody’s mother and everybody’s grandmother in the community,” said Shawn Richard, a neighbor of Breed’s in Plaza East and the city’s first Black cannabis dispensary owner. “We respected that, and [Breed] was raised with values. You know, they had to go to church on Sundays, and the rest of us would go to church with them because Miss Brown demanded that.”

“Miss Brown was everybody’s mother and everybody’s grandmother in the community,” said Shawn Richard, a neighbor of Breed’s in Plaza East and the city’s first Black cannabis dispensary owner. “We respected that, and [Breed] was raised with values. You know, they had to go to church on Sundays, and the rest of us would go to church with them because Miss Brown demanded that.”

These roots—and a community that saw something in Breed, insulated her and raised her like their own—kept her grounded.&nbsp;

These roots—and a community that saw something in Breed, insulated her and raised her like their own—kept her grounded.&nbsp;

“It was always like, ‘No, you can&#8217;t mess with her,’” Breed said about neighbors looking after her. “People in this community, when there was someone with potential, this community was very protective.”

“It was always like, ‘No, you can't mess with her,’” Breed said about neighbors looking after her. “People in this community, when there was someone with potential, this community was very protective.”

“It was always like, ‘No, you can&#8217;t mess with her,’” Breed said about neighbors looking after her. “People in this community, when there was someone with potential, this community was very protective.”

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chapter-ii-a-raw-ball-of-talent">Chapter II: ‘A Raw Ball of Talent’</h2>

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“My political life had always been about seeking first-round draft choices. London, in that case, was a first-round draft choice. Period.” 
 — Willie Brown, former mayor of San Francisco
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“My political life had always been about seeking first-round draft choices. London, in that case, was a first-round draft choice. Period.” 
 — Willie Brown, former mayor of San Francisco
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“My political life had always been about seeking first-round draft choices. London, in that case, was a first-round draft choice. Period.” 
 — Willie Brown, former mayor of San Francisco
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From an early age, Breed caught the attention of mentors, including Gloria Davis, a political activist who championed low-income students of color, and Minyon McGriff, an administrator for the Family School, a Western Addition nonprofit that assists impoverished families.

From an early age, Breed caught the attention of mentors, including Gloria Davis, a political activist who championed low-income students of color, and Minyon McGriff, an administrator for the Family School, a Western Addition nonprofit that assists impoverished families.

Breed was rough around the edges but showed promise, excelling in school, playing in the band and participating in student government. She also had an innate ability to connect with people.

Breed was rough around the edges but showed promise, excelling in school, playing in the band and participating in student government. She also had an innate ability to connect with people.

“She has jokes. She’s funny,” Richard said. “Her second career would have been a professional comedian.”

“She has jokes. She’s funny,” Richard said. “Her second career would have been a professional comedian.”

At Galileo High, Breed served as the girls’ vice president of her senior class and was voted “most likely to succeed,” graduating with honors in 1992. One of her after-school haunts was Marcus Books on Fillmore Street—the <a href="https://www.foundsf.org/index.php?title=Marcus_Books,_the_Nation%E2%80%99s_Oldest_Black_Bookstore" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oldest Black bookstore in the country</a> until its closure in 2014—but Breed wasn’t just a bookworm.

At Galileo High, Breed served as the girls’ vice president of her senior class and was voted “most likely to succeed,” graduating with honors in 1992. One of her after-school haunts was Marcus Books on Fillmore Street—the <a href="https://www.foundsf.org/index.php?title=Marcus_Books,_the_Nation%E2%80%99s_Oldest_Black_Bookstore" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oldest Black bookstore in the country</a> until its closure in 2014—but Breed wasn’t just a bookworm.

“I stayed out late and got in trouble,” she said with a laugh. “But I didn&#8217;t do anything that crossed the line.”

“I stayed out late and got in trouble,” she said with a laugh. “But I didn't do anything that crossed the line.”

“I stayed out late and got in trouble,” she said with a laugh. “But I didn&#8217;t do anything that crossed the line.”

She considered attending Spelman College, a historic Black women’s college in Atlanta, but chose to enroll at the University of California, Davis to stay close to her ailing grandmother, who had dementia in her later years. Breed initially majored in chemistry but switched to political science after two summer internships at the Lawrence Livermore National Lab.

She considered attending Spelman College, a historic Black women’s college in Atlanta, but chose to enroll at the University of California, Davis to stay close to her ailing grandmother, who had dementia in her later years. Breed initially majored in chemistry but switched to political science after two summer internships at the Lawrence Livermore National Lab.

“I would never imagine her being a scientist, to be honest,” said Bettie Grinnell, a secretary at Galileo High for the last 50 years. “I mean, she just seemed to have too much energy and people skills for that.”&nbsp;

“I would never imagine her being a scientist, to be honest,” said Bettie Grinnell, a secretary at Galileo High for the last 50 years. “I mean, she just seemed to have too much energy and people skills for that.”&nbsp;

A composite image of photos of London Breed as a graduating Senior from published in 1992 Galileo High School yearbook. | The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-style-default"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/INLINED4_BreedProfile11142022.jpg" alt="A composite image shows photos of London Breed in her senior year in the 1992 Galileo High School yearbook." class="wp-image-170716"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A composite image shows photos of London Breed in her senior year in the 1992 Galileo High School yearbook. | The Standard</figcaption></figure>

While still in college, Breed worked on Willie Brown’s 1995 campaign for mayor, helping the former speaker of the California Assembly—no relation to her grandmother—edge out incumbent Frank Jordan. She later interned in the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Neighborhood Services, getting her first taste for power by giving marching orders to departments under the authority of the Mayor’s Office, such as when a pothole needed fixing.

While still in college, Breed worked on Willie Brown’s 1995 campaign for mayor, helping the former speaker of the California Assembly—no relation to her grandmother—edge out incumbent Frank Jordan. She later interned in the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Neighborhood Services, getting her first taste for power by giving marching orders to departments under the authority of the Mayor’s Office, such as when a pothole needed fixing.

Breed babysat and cleaned houses throughout her time at UC Davis. She planned to head back to San Francisco after college but hadn&#8217;t yet mapped out a career.

Breed babysat and cleaned houses throughout her time at UC Davis. She planned to head back to San Francisco after college but hadn't yet mapped out a career.

Breed babysat and cleaned houses throughout her time at UC Davis. She planned to head back to San Francisco after college but hadn&#8217;t yet mapped out a career.

“I just didn’t want to be poor,” Breed said about her ambitions after college. “And I felt frustrated that my grandmother had to struggle so much.”

“I just didn’t want to be poor,” Breed said about her ambitions after college. “And I felt frustrated that my grandmother had to struggle so much.”

In 1999, two years after Breed graduated from UC Davis—whose business school now teaches a leadership course on her life and career—Brown helped place her in a job with the Treasure Island Development Authority.

In 1999, two years after Breed graduated from UC Davis—whose business school now teaches a leadership course on her life and career—Brown helped place her in a job with the Treasure Island Development Authority.

“I was interviewing some assistants, and a young London Breed came bounding through the door with that 1,000-watt smile,” said Annemarie Conroy, a former San Francisco supervisor who now works as a federal attorney. “She was a raw ball of talent.”

“I was interviewing some assistants, and a young London Breed came bounding through the door with that 1,000-watt smile,” said Annemarie Conroy, a former San Francisco supervisor who now works as a federal attorney. “She was a raw ball of talent.”

Breed was soon promoted to secretary of the Treasure Island authority, which helped her form stronger connections at City Hall. In 2002, as Brown was in his second term as mayor, he orchestrated Breed’s takeover of the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/black-organizations-making-change-san-francisco/">African American Art and Culture Complex</a>, a nonprofit in the Western Addition.

Breed was soon promoted to secretary of the Treasure Island authority, which helped her form stronger connections at City Hall. In 2002, as Brown was in his second term as mayor, he orchestrated Breed’s takeover of the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/black-organizations-making-change-san-francisco/">African American Art and Culture Complex</a>, a nonprofit in the Western Addition.

With no expectation of seeking elected office again, Brown shifted some of his leftover campaign money to the nonprofit to give Breed a running start. By all accounts, she took the baton and never looked back.

With no expectation of seeking elected office again, Brown shifted some of his leftover campaign money to the nonprofit to give Breed a running start. By all accounts, she took the baton and never looked back.

Over the next decade, Breed not only rescued the African American Art and Culture Complex—renovating the facility and establishing <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/mayor-breeds-former-nonprofit-gets-millions-from-city-while-flouting-state-law/">a pipeline of funding from City Hall</a>—but she also came up with numerous programs to keep kids busy and safe. She paid teenagers so they wouldn’t resort to street crimes—an idea that would later be <a href="https://www.kcentv.com/article/entertainment/300-to-be-a-good-citizen-san-francisco/500-04e06261-c889-4455-ae0a-9c47e6553b73">replicated at City Hall</a> during Breed’s time as mayor—and one summer, she forced the boys to learn how to ballroom dance.&nbsp;

Over the next decade, Breed not only rescued the African American Art and Culture Complex—renovating the facility and establishing <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/mayor-breeds-former-nonprofit-gets-millions-from-city-while-flouting-state-law/">a pipeline of funding from City Hall</a>—but she also came up with numerous programs to keep kids busy and safe. She paid teenagers so they wouldn’t resort to street crimes—an idea that would later be <a href="https://www.kcentv.com/article/entertainment/300-to-be-a-good-citizen-san-francisco/500-04e06261-c889-4455-ae0a-9c47e6553b73">replicated at City Hall</a> during Breed’s time as mayor—and one summer, she forced the boys to learn how to ballroom dance.&nbsp;

San Francisco Mayor London Breed, left, and former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown, right, share a laugh after Breed delivered the State of the City Address in San Francisco, on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/INLINED5_BreedProfile11142022.jpg" alt="San Francisco Mayor London Breed, left, and former Mayor Willie Brown share a laugh after Breed delivered her State of the City address in San Francisco on Jan. 30, 2019. " class="wp-image-170719"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco Mayor London Breed, left, and former Mayor Willie Brown share a laugh after Breed delivered her State of the City address in San Francisco on Jan. 30, 2019. | Jeff Chiu/AP Photo</figcaption></figure>

It’s hardly an exaggeration to say Breed can’t walk more than two blocks in San Francisco without bumping into someone she knows.

It’s hardly an exaggeration to say Breed can’t walk more than two blocks in San Francisco without bumping into someone she knows.

“All these people were instrumental in giving her the support she needed from a bureaucratic space,” Sheryl Davis said. “But she knew the community.”

“All these people were instrumental in giving her the support she needed from a bureaucratic space,” Sheryl Davis said. “But she knew the community.”

Chapter III: ‘They Don’t Fucking Control Me’

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chapter-iii-they-don-t-fucking-control-me">Chapter III: ‘They Don’t Fucking Control Me’</h2>

“Willie Brown didn’t wipe my ass when I was a baby —&nbsp;my grandmother took care of me. … I don’t do what no motherfucking body tells me to do.” 
 — London Breed, mayor

<div class="quote-container">
“Willie Brown didn’t wipe my ass when I was a baby —&nbsp;my grandmother took care of me. … I don’t do what no motherfucking body tells me to do.” 
 — London Breed, mayor
</div>

By the beginning of 2012, Breed felt her time had arrived to make the leap into political office. She had paid her dues, serving on the Redevelopment Agency commission and receiving an appointment from then-Mayor Gavin Newsom to serve on the Fire Commission. She’d also gone back to school to earn a master’s degree in public administration from the University of San Francisco.

By the beginning of 2012, Breed felt her time had arrived to make the leap into political office. She had paid her dues, serving on the Redevelopment Agency commission and receiving an appointment from then-Mayor Gavin Newsom to serve on the Fire Commission. She’d also gone back to school to earn a master’s degree in public administration from the University of San Francisco.

But when it came time for Lee to appoint a replacement on the Board of Supervisors for Ross Mirkarimi, who had been elected sheriff, he bypassed Breed for Christina Olague, the preferred choice of Chinatown organizer Rose Pak. Breed was incredulous and decided to run anyway, emphasizing her decade-plus in the community fighting the demolition of public housing, mentoring young people and working with police to improve public safety.&nbsp;

But when it came time for Lee to appoint a replacement on the Board of Supervisors for Ross Mirkarimi, who had been elected sheriff, he bypassed Breed for Christina Olague, the preferred choice of Chinatown organizer Rose Pak. Breed was incredulous and decided to run anyway, emphasizing her decade-plus in the community fighting the demolition of public housing, mentoring young people and working with police to improve public safety.&nbsp;

Even though Willie Brown did not endorse her, some of his close associates donated to Breed’s campaign. Chatter about Breed was growing louder: She was “Willie’s girl.”

Even though Willie Brown did not endorse her, some of his close associates donated to Breed’s campaign. Chatter about Breed was growing louder: She was “Willie’s girl.”

San Francisco voters grew tired of the machine politics that proliferated during Brown’s tenure and embraced multiple changes to weaken the city’s “strong mayor” system, adopting district races for supervisor, public campaign financing and supervisorial appointments for commissions. By the 2012 supervisors race, any hint that Brown—eight years removed from office—might still be pulling strings from afar was met with fierce resistance.&nbsp;

San Francisco voters grew tired of the machine politics that proliferated during Brown’s tenure and embraced multiple changes to weaken the city’s “strong mayor” system, adopting district races for supervisor, public campaign financing and supervisorial appointments for commissions. By the 2012 supervisors race, any hint that Brown—eight years removed from office—might still be pulling strings from afar was met with fierce resistance.&nbsp;

Following a candidate forum at the Harvey Milk Democratic Club, a local reporter asked Breed about her support from Brown’s friends. She hit back.&nbsp;

Following a candidate forum at the Harvey Milk Democratic Club, a local reporter asked Breed about her support from Brown’s friends. She hit back.&nbsp;

“You think I give a fuck about a Willie Brown at the end of the day when it comes to my community and the shit that people like Rose Pak and Willie Brown continue to do and try to control things,” <a href="http://www.fogcityjournal.com/wordpress/4988/overheard-in-fog-city-breed-tells-it-like-it-is-avalos-to-campaign-for-davis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Breed said in the now-infamous interview</a>. “They don’t fucking control me.”

“You think I give a fuck about a Willie Brown at the end of the day when it comes to my community and the shit that people like Rose Pak and Willie Brown continue to do and try to control things,” <a href="http://www.fogcityjournal.com/wordpress/4988/overheard-in-fog-city-breed-tells-it-like-it-is-avalos-to-campaign-for-davis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Breed said in the now-infamous interview</a>. “They don’t fucking control me.”

Afterward, Sen. Dianne Feinstein—who, like Breed, unexpectedly became the city’s top official in 1978 after the <a href="https://abc7news.com/harvey-milk-assassination-movie-george-moscone-sf-city-hall-murders/11866475/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">assassinations of Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk</a>—yanked her endorsement. Breed called Brown’s spokesperson, thinking she had just flushed her candidacy down the drain.

Afterward, Sen. Dianne Feinstein—who, like Breed, unexpectedly became the city’s top official in 1978 after the <a href="https://abc7news.com/harvey-milk-assassination-movie-george-moscone-sf-city-hall-murders/11866475/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">assassinations of Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk</a>—yanked her endorsement. Breed called Brown’s spokesperson, thinking she had just flushed her candidacy down the drain.

“I laughed my ass off,” Brown said when recalling Breed’s statements. “But I knew she was going to have to live with it. And that’s a great punishment!”

“I laughed my ass off,” Brown said when recalling Breed’s statements. “But I knew she was going to have to live with it. And that’s a great punishment!”

If anything, Breed’s words solidified her reputation as a brash public figure who wasn’t for sale. Three months later, Breed trounced Olague and six other candidates to take the District 5 supervisor seat.&nbsp;

If anything, Breed’s words solidified her reputation as a brash public figure who wasn’t for sale. Three months later, Breed trounced Olague and six other candidates to take the District 5 supervisor seat.&nbsp;

“I think the best part of that was she grew and she matured,” said John Konstin Sr., a close friend of Breed’s and the owner of John’s Grill. “She realized what politics is all about, and she came out a champion.”

“I think the best part of that was she grew and she matured,” said John Konstin Sr., a close friend of Breed’s and the owner of John’s Grill. “She realized what politics is all about, and she came out a champion.”

David Campos, left, London Breed, center, and David Chiu, right, take oath of office during the Supervisors swearing-in ceremony at City Hall in San Francisco, on Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2013. | Paul Chinn/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/INLINED6_BreedProfile11142022.jpg" alt="David Campos, London Breed and David Chiu (from left to right) take the oath of office during the supervisors' swearing-in ceremony at San Francisco City Hall on Jan. 8, 2013." class="wp-image-170722"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">David Campos, London Breed and David Chiu (from left to right) take the oath of office during the supervisors&#8217; swearing-in ceremony at San Francisco City Hall on Jan. 8, 2013. | Paul Chinn/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/INLINED6_BreedProfile11142022.jpg" alt="David Campos, London Breed and David Chiu (from left to right) take the oath of office during the supervisors' swearing-in ceremony at San Francisco City Hall on Jan. 8, 2013." class="wp-image-170722"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">David Campos, London Breed and David Chiu (from left to right) take the oath of office during the supervisors' swearing-in ceremony at San Francisco City Hall on Jan. 8, 2013. | Paul Chinn/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/INLINED6_BreedProfile11142022.jpg" alt="David Campos, London Breed and David Chiu (from left to right) take the oath of office during the supervisors' swearing-in ceremony at San Francisco City Hall on Jan. 8, 2013." class="wp-image-170722"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">David Campos, London Breed and David Chiu (from left to right) take the oath of office during the supervisors&#8217; swearing-in ceremony at San Francisco City Hall on Jan. 8, 2013. | Paul Chinn/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

Breed retained her street-fighter edge as a supervisor—she notably took a three-year break from <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/london-breed-deletes-her-twitter-account-4828273.php">Twitter</a> after butting heads with cyclists and critical constituents who dared to step into her replies—but by 2015, she had won the trust of her colleagues and was elected president of the Board of Supervisors.&nbsp;

Breed retained her street-fighter edge as a supervisor—she notably took a three-year break from <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/london-breed-deletes-her-twitter-account-4828273.php">Twitter</a> after butting heads with cyclists and critical constituents who dared to step into her replies—but by 2015, she had won the trust of her colleagues and was elected president of the Board of Supervisors.&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chapter-iv-knives-out">Chapter IV: Knives Out</h2>

“I hate to say it. I wish it weren’t so, but those white men are so enthusiastically supporting your candidacy, London Breed.”
 — Hillary Ronen, District 9 supervisor

<div class="quote-container">
“I hate to say it. I wish it weren’t so, but those white men are so enthusiastically supporting your candidacy, London Breed.”
 — Hillary Ronen, District 9 supervisor 
</div>

Seven weeks after Lee’s death, the Board of Supervisors held a vote on Jan. 23, 2018, to determine who should serve as interim mayor until a special election in the summer.

Seven weeks after Lee’s death, the Board of Supervisors held a vote on Jan. 23, 2018, to determine who should serve as interim mayor until a special election in the summer.

Many expected Breed’s confirmation to be a formality. During her time as a supervisor, Breed had proven to be an effective voice for her community, such as when she successfully argued for neighborhood residents to receive <a href="https://sfbayview.com/2016/09/london-breed-san-francisco-victorious-in-the-fight-for-landmark-affordable-housing-policies/">preference on federally funded public housing</a>. She had served as board president for nearly three years before Lee’s death elevated her to acting mayor.&nbsp;

Many expected Breed’s confirmation to be a formality. During her time as a supervisor, Breed had proven to be an effective voice for her community, such as when she successfully argued for neighborhood residents to receive <a href="https://sfbayview.com/2016/09/london-breed-san-francisco-victorious-in-the-fight-for-landmark-affordable-housing-policies/">preference on federally funded public housing</a>. She had served as board president for nearly three years before Lee’s death elevated her to acting mayor.&nbsp;

Supervisor Hillary Ronen, a white progressive representing the Mission, had other plans.&nbsp;

Supervisor Hillary Ronen, a white progressive representing the Mission, had other plans.&nbsp;

During the board’s discussion, Ronen delivered a theatrical speech and suggested Breed was under the control of venture capitalist Ron Conway and other “white, rich men, billionaires” who were supporting her. Breed was forced to leave the board chambers as her colleagues deliberated. By the time she returned, seven supervisors had voted to appoint Mark Farrell—a rich, white man representing the Marina, and a venture capitalist no less—with no acknowledgment of the irony in Ronen’s tearful performance.

During the board’s discussion, Ronen delivered a theatrical speech and suggested Breed was under the control of venture capitalist Ron Conway and other “white, rich men, billionaires” who were supporting her. Breed was forced to leave the board chambers as her colleagues deliberated. By the time she returned, seven supervisors had voted to appoint Mark Farrell—a rich, white man representing the Marina, and a venture capitalist no less—with no acknowledgment of the irony in Ronen’s tearful performance.

<figure class="wp-block-video"><video autoplay controls loop muted src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/BreedProfile05312023_VIDEO_RONEN_COMMENTS.mp4"></video><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Hillary Ronen addresses the Board of Supervisors to oppose London Breed's appointment to become interim mayor on Jan. 23, 2018. | Courtesy SFGovTV</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-video"><video autoplay controls loop muted src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/BreedProfile05312023_VIDEO_RONEN_COMMENTS.mp4"></video><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Hillary Ronen addresses the Board of Supervisors to oppose London Breed&#8217;s appointment to become interim mayor on Jan. 23, 2018. | Courtesy SFGovTV</figcaption></figure>

Boos rained down from members of the Black community sitting in the gallery and the meeting was forced to recess amid shouts.

Boos rained down from members of the Black community sitting in the gallery and the meeting was forced to recess amid shouts.

“I think this is what probably bothers me the most about some elected leaders,” Breed said. “They want to talk about diversity. They want to talk about poor people. They want to talk about the challenges that people are facing and all these needs. And they have never lived like I&#8217;ve lived.”

“I think this is what probably bothers me the most about some elected leaders,” Breed said. “They want to talk about diversity. They want to talk about poor people. They want to talk about the challenges that people are facing and all these needs. And they have never lived like I've lived.”

“I think this is what probably bothers me the most about some elected leaders,” Breed said. “They want to talk about diversity. They want to talk about poor people. They want to talk about the challenges that people are facing and all these needs. And they have never lived like I&#8217;ve lived.”

Breed knuckled up after the public embarrassment, reframing the snub into a powerful talking point on what happens when a Black woman challenges the status quo. In several months, she built a campaign for mayor that brought together a moderate coalition to defeat two opponents, former Supervisor Jane Kim and Mark Leno, a former supervisor and state legislator.

Breed knuckled up after the public embarrassment, reframing the snub into a powerful talking point on what happens when a Black woman challenges the status quo. In several months, she built a campaign for mayor that brought together a moderate coalition to defeat two opponents, former Supervisor Jane Kim and Mark Leno, a former supervisor and state legislator.

“It was in that moment—that grace under fire, that strength that she showed [during the board vote], that got her elected mayor,” said Conor Johnston, a former Breed staffer.

“It was in that moment—that grace under fire, that strength that she showed [during the board vote], that got her elected mayor,” said Conor Johnston, a former Breed staffer.

Breed has carved out a lane as a centrist in the city’s overwhelmingly liberal political landscape, backing business interests while taking up the mantle of social justice causes. She also talks tough on the need to prosecute drug dealers, place users in treatment or behind bars and force people with severe mental illness into conservatorships.

Breed has carved out a lane as a centrist in the city’s overwhelmingly liberal political landscape, backing business interests while taking up the mantle of social justice causes. She also talks tough on the need to prosecute drug dealers, place users in treatment or behind bars and force people with severe mental illness into conservatorships.

It’s a balancing act, and the mayor bristles at accusations about not caring for low-income communities of color, especially from <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/san-francisco-mayor-defends-drug-arrests-in-testy-exchange-with-lawmaker/">white progressives</a> like Ronen and Supervisor Dean Preston, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/property-stock-crypto-sf-mayor-supervisors/">one of the wealthiest members</a> of the Board of Supervisors. Preston, who did not respond to a request for comment for this story, has been a frequent Breed critic after challenging and losing to her in a 2016 supervisor race.

It’s a balancing act, and the mayor bristles at accusations about not caring for low-income communities of color, especially from <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/san-francisco-mayor-defends-drug-arrests-in-testy-exchange-with-lawmaker/">white progressives</a> like Ronen and Supervisor Dean Preston, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/property-stock-crypto-sf-mayor-supervisors/">one of the wealthiest members</a> of the Board of Supervisors. Preston, who did not respond to a request for comment for this story, has been a frequent Breed critic after challenging and losing to her in a 2016 supervisor race.

“I wish [Preston] would spend more time focusing on taking care of the residents of his district who are constantly frustrated over various situations, so they turn to me and have no relationship with their supervisor,” Breed said. “It’s sad.”

“I wish [Preston] would spend more time focusing on taking care of the residents of his district who are constantly frustrated over various situations, so they turn to me and have no relationship with their supervisor,” Breed said. “It’s sad.”

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London Breed saved herself. Can she save San Francisco?