London Breed

In the wake of the recent arson attack on a Waymo self-driving vehicle in Chinatown, The Standard asked four major mayoral candidates to share their responses to the violence. Mayor London Breed and nonprofit founder Daniel Lurie both agreed to participate; former Supervisor Mark Farrell declined; Supervisor Ahsha Safai did not respond.<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/17/san-francisco-lurie-burned-waymo/"> Read mayoral candidate Daniel Lurie&#8217;s response.</a>

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In the wake of the recent arson attack on a Waymo self-driving vehicle in Chinatown, The Standard asked four major mayoral candidates to share their responses to the violence. Mayor London Breed and nonprofit founder Daniel Lurie both agreed to participate; former Supervisor Mark Farrell declined; Supervisor Ahsha Safai did not respond.<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/17/san-francisco-lurie-burned-waymo/"> Read mayoral candidate Daniel Lurie's response.</a>

In the wake of the recent arson attack on a Waymo self-driving vehicle in Chinatown, The Standard asked four major mayoral candidates to share their responses to the violence. Mayor London Breed and nonprofit founder Daniel Lurie both agreed to participate; former Supervisor Mark Farrell declined; Supervisor Ahsha Safai did not respond.<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/17/san-francisco-lurie-burned-waymo/"> Read mayoral candidate Daniel Lurie&#8217;s response.</a>

Last Saturday was a beautiful day in San Francisco. During the first day of the Lunar New Year, our Chinatown community was bursting with thousands of people out in the streets and celebrations everywhere that represent the best of who we are as a city. I was proud to be out in Chinatown, seeing the families, seniors and our entire city come together to celebrate the hope for what lies ahead in the coming year.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Last Saturday was a beautiful day in San Francisco. During the first day of the Lunar New Year, our Chinatown community was bursting with thousands of people out in the streets and celebrations everywhere that represent the best of who we are as a city. I was proud to be out in Chinatown, seeing the families, seniors and our entire city come together to celebrate the hope for what lies ahead in the coming year.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

That night, in an isolated incident in the same area, a group of people <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/10/waymo-robotaxi-goes-up-in-flames-in-chinatown-after-crowd-attacks-vehicle/">burned and destroyed an autonomous vehicle</a>. It was a dangerous and destructive act of vandalism. Chinatown is one of the densest neighborhoods in San Francisco, and any fire could explode and spread among tightly packed buildings to endanger lives, homes and businesses. Thankfully, our fire department responded quickly, and the fire was contained.&nbsp;

Waymo robotaxi goes up in flames in Chinatown after crowd attacks vehicle

That night, in an isolated incident in the same area, a group of people <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/10/waymo-robotaxi-goes-up-in-flames-in-chinatown-after-crowd-attacks-vehicle/">burned and destroyed an autonomous vehicle</a>. It was a dangerous and destructive act of vandalism. Chinatown is one of the densest neighborhoods in San Francisco, and any fire could explode and spread among tightly packed buildings to endanger lives, homes and businesses. Thankfully, our fire department responded quickly, and the fire was contained.&nbsp;

Some have rushed, as they do, to try to turn this act of vandalism into something more than it is. Once again, some are trying to desperately resurrect the false doom loop narrative about our city. Enough. <a href="https://www.sf.gov/news/san-franciscos-public-safety-efforts-deliver-results-decline-crime-rates" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Crime in San Francisco is at its lowest point</a>, other than in 2020, in over a decade. Arson, which this clearly was, is down 36% to start this year. Anyone peddling the doom loop idea is just trying to hurt our city, instead of trying to join us in lifting it up.&nbsp;

Some have rushed, as they do, to try to turn this act of vandalism into something more than it is. Once again, some are trying to desperately resurrect the false doom loop narrative about our city. Enough. <a href="https://www.sf.gov/news/san-franciscos-public-safety-efforts-deliver-results-decline-crime-rates" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Crime in San Francisco is at its lowest point</a>, other than in 2020, in over a decade. Arson, which this clearly was, is down 36% to start this year. Anyone peddling the doom loop idea is just trying to hurt our city, instead of trying to join us in lifting it up.&nbsp;

Others have tried to tie this to an anti-autonomous vehicle sentiment. But this was not a political act. It was vandalism with no message or intent attached. When vandals burned a Muni bus after the 2012 Giants World Series victory, that wasn’t an act of anti-transit activism. It was another dumb and dangerous act that sadly happens in cities. Luckily no one was seriously injured then, and none was hurt this time.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Others have tried to tie this to an anti-autonomous vehicle sentiment. But this was not a political act. It was vandalism with no message or intent attached. When vandals burned a Muni bus after the 2012 Giants World Series victory, that wasn’t an act of anti-transit activism. It was another dumb and dangerous act that sadly happens in cities. Luckily no one was seriously injured then, and none was hurt this time.&nbsp;&nbsp;

So let’s focus on what’s important here.&nbsp;&nbsp;

So let’s focus on what’s important here.&nbsp;&nbsp;

First, we always condemn acts of vandalism and work to hold these individuals accountable. Right now, our police department is investigating the incident, and I’m confident that any arrest will lead to an aggressive prosecution by our district attorney.&nbsp;

First, we always condemn acts of vandalism and work to hold these individuals accountable. Right now, our police department is investigating the incident, and I’m confident that any arrest will lead to an aggressive prosecution by our district attorney.&nbsp;

Second, let’s not lose sight of who we are as a city. We are a city that treasures celebrations like Lunar New Year that honor our cultural heritage and diverse communities. We are a city that is home to exciting, emerging technologies, like autonomous vehicles, that are changing the world. After all, we have led in transportation innovation before—150 years ago, the cable car was invented here. I will be meeting with the leaders of Waymo to talk about this incident and to assure them we will continue to work with them on how to make autonomous vehicles a part of our city with safety as our top priority.&nbsp;

Second, let’s not lose sight of who we are as a city. We are a city that treasures celebrations like Lunar New Year that honor our cultural heritage and diverse communities. We are a city that is home to exciting, emerging technologies, like autonomous vehicles, that are changing the world. After all, we have led in transportation innovation before—150 years ago, the cable car was invented here. I will be meeting with the leaders of Waymo to talk about this incident and to assure them we will continue to work with them on how to make autonomous vehicles a part of our city with safety as our top priority.&nbsp;

San Francisco is rich in culture, ideas and pride. We are not defined by a small, isolated incident by a reckless few. And we should not let those who are seeking to tie this to a larger, inaccurate narrative define us. We are a city filled with rich, vibrant communities, like the ones who came together Saturday in Chinatown to celebrate the best of who we are. That’s who we are.

San Francisco is rich in culture, ideas and pride. We are not defined by a small, isolated incident by a reckless few. And we should not let those who are seeking to tie this to a larger, inaccurate narrative define us. We are a city filled with rich, vibrant communities, like the ones who came together Saturday in Chinatown to celebrate the best of who we are. That’s who we are.

London Breed is the mayor of San Francisco.

London Breed is the mayor of San Francisco.

‘It was vandalism with no message or intent attached’—Mayor London Breed on the Waymo fire

Opinion: ‘It was vandalism with no message or intent attached’—Mayor London Breed on the Waymo fire

Gabe Greschler

It’s a topic most voters probably don’t think about too often—how many people live in San Francisco? What size will the future population be—and what should it be? Should city leaders be trying to attract families, tech workers, college kids–or all of the above?

It’s a topic most voters probably don’t think about too often—how many people live in San Francisco? What size will the future population be—and what should it be? Should city leaders be trying to attract families, tech workers, college kids–or all of the above?

We posed the question to all five mayoral contenders <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/20/san-francisco-election-mayor-2024/">as part of our project bringing reader</a> questions on the issues they care most about to candidates in the November election.&nbsp;

San Francisco, there’s an election coming up. Tell us what’s on your minds

We posed the question to all five mayoral contenders <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/20/san-francisco-election-mayor-2024/">as part of our project bringing reader</a> questions on the issues they care most about to candidates in the November election.&nbsp;

Reader Gregory Szorc asked: Relative to today, what should San Francisco’s population be in five, 15 and 25 years?

Reader Gregory Szorc asked: Relative to today, what should San Francisco’s population be in five, 15 and 25 years?

The question comes at a particularly important moment for San Francisco. The city’s population has dipped significantly in the last half-decade, falling from a high of 882,000 residents in 2019 to 808,000 San Franciscans in 2022 (<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/14/population-growth-san-francisco-2023-census/">though recent figures show a modest rebound)</a>. San Francisco, however, isn’t alone. The population in other U.S. cities, <a href="https://www.marketwatch.com/story/new-york-city-and-los-angeles-continued-to-lose-residents-last-year-but-its-not-all-bad-news-6b3eea67">like New York and Los Angeles</a>, has also declined.

California&#8217;s exodus continues, but San Francisco is growing again

The question comes at a particularly important moment for San Francisco. The city’s population has dipped significantly in the last half-decade, falling from a high of 882,000 residents in 2019 to 808,000 San Franciscans in 2022 (<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/14/population-growth-san-francisco-2023-census/">though recent figures show a modest rebound)</a>. San Francisco, however, isn’t alone. The population in other U.S. cities, <a href="https://www.marketwatch.com/story/new-york-city-and-los-angeles-continued-to-lose-residents-last-year-but-its-not-all-bad-news-6b3eea67">like New York and Los Angeles</a>, has also declined.

The trend speaks to a confluence of social and economic factors impacting San Francisco—work-from-home, high housing prices and cost-of-living, declining job prospects in the wake of tech layoffs, crime concerns, faltering schools and myriad other issues people weigh when choosing where to live. These topics have all become major themes in the November race.

The trend speaks to a confluence of social and economic factors impacting San Francisco—work-from-home, high housing prices and cost-of-living, declining job prospects in the wake of tech layoffs, crime concerns, faltering schools and myriad other issues people weigh when choosing where to live. These topics have all become major themes in the November race.

San Francisco population, 2000 to 2023

sf-standard/datawrapper-chart

On the campaign trail, Mayor London Breed has been the most outspoken of the five candidates calling for more people to move to the city.&nbsp;

On the campaign trail, Mayor London Breed has been the most outspoken of the five candidates calling for more people to move to the city.&nbsp;

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/07/san-francisco-london-breed-state-of-the-city-2024/">In her State of the City speech in March</a>, Breed called for 30,000 new San Franciscans by 2030, bringing the population up to roughly 840,000. Her plan focuses on students, with proposals swirling around City Hall to remake the city’s beleaguered downtown into a university hub.

&#8216;Tired of the negativity&#8217;: Breed hits back at doubters in State of the City speech

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/07/san-francisco-london-breed-state-of-the-city-2024/">In her State of the City speech in March</a>, Breed called for 30,000 new San Franciscans by 2030, bringing the population up to roughly 840,000. Her plan focuses on students, with proposals swirling around City Hall to remake the city’s beleaguered downtown into a university hub.

The city’s incumbent <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/13/san-francisco-mayor-race-poll-london-breed/">is facing an uphill battle to convince voters</a> she should keep her job despite their concerns over homelessness, public safety and the post-Covid economic recovery. Breed has campaigned <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/23/san-francisco-crime-rate-down-mayors-race/">on falling crime figures</a> this year and a push to bring events downtown, like the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/29/civic-center-skrillex/">out-of-the-blue Skrillex concert</a> in front of City Hall last week.&nbsp;

Breed is unpopular—but could still win reelection, new poll shows

Crime is falling in San Francisco. Try telling that to voters

The great Skrillex mystery: How did SF pull off a 25,000-person show seemingly overnight?

The city’s incumbent <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/13/san-francisco-mayor-race-poll-london-breed/">is facing an uphill battle to convince voters</a> she should keep her job despite their concerns over homelessness, public safety and the post-Covid economic recovery. Breed has campaigned <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/23/san-francisco-crime-rate-down-mayors-race/">on falling crime figures</a> this year and a push to bring events downtown, like the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/29/civic-center-skrillex/">out-of-the-blue Skrillex concert</a> in front of City Hall last week.&nbsp;

In the next 15 and 25 years, Breed said she would like to see the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/01/23/what-to-know-about-sfs-plan-to-create-82000-new-homes/">82,000 new housing units mandated by the state’s housing plan</a> finished (due by 2031)—and major infrastructure projects completed, like a sea wall along the Embarcadero and a high-speed rail connection.

What to know about SF&#8217;s plan to create 82,000 new homes

In the next 15 and 25 years, Breed said she would like to see the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/01/23/what-to-know-about-sfs-plan-to-create-82000-new-homes/">82,000 new housing units mandated by the state’s housing plan</a> finished (due by 2031)—and major infrastructure projects completed, like a sea wall along the Embarcadero and a high-speed rail connection.

“In all these scenarios, I would imagine slight increases in our population,” she wrote in a statement. “But because of the topography and limited land mass of our beautiful city, San Francisco has, and always will be, smaller than other major metropolitan areas.” A follow-up question asking to specify “slight increases” went unanswered by Breed’s campaign.

“In all these scenarios, I would imagine slight increases in our population,” she wrote in a statement. “But because of the topography and limited land mass of our beautiful city, San Francisco has, and always will be, smaller than other major metropolitan areas.” A follow-up question asking to specify “slight increases” went unanswered by Breed’s campaign.

Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin suggested more people should call San Francisco home by 2030 than Breed calls for in her proposal.

Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin suggested more people should call San Francisco home by 2030 than Breed calls for in her proposal.

In five years, Peskin believes the city should have 856,000 people. He sees a San Francisco with 916,000 residents by 2039 and 980,000 by 2049. In a statement, he called for building more affordable housing to encourage more healthcare workers, educators, government employees, emergency responders, and service workers to become San Franciscans.

In five years, Peskin believes the city should have 856,000 people. He sees a San Francisco with 916,000 residents by 2039 and 980,000 by 2049. In a statement, he called for building more affordable housing to encourage more healthcare workers, educators, government employees, emergency responders, and service workers to become San Franciscans.

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Former supervisor and interim mayor Mark Farrell, who has taken a more conservative tack in his campaign messaging, criticized the mayor for overseeing a population decline and said, &#8220;cities that don’t grow or evolve face many more challenges.”

Former supervisor and interim mayor Mark Farrell, who has taken a more conservative tack in his campaign messaging, criticized the mayor for overseeing a population decline and said, "cities that don’t grow or evolve face many more challenges.”

Former supervisor and interim mayor Mark Farrell, who has taken a more conservative tack in his campaign messaging, criticized the mayor for overseeing a population decline and said, &#8220;cities that don’t grow or evolve face many more challenges.”

Farrell said he would like to see “steady growth” of the population over the next five, 10 and 25 years in the “tens of thousands” and would focus on bringing more families and children into the city.&nbsp;

Farrell said he would like to see “steady growth” of the population over the next five, 10 and 25 years in the “tens of thousands” and would focus on bringing more families and children into the city.&nbsp;

“I want them to be a large part of our growth by making it easier to start and raise a family here,” he wrote.&nbsp;

“I want them to be a large part of our growth by making it easier to start and raise a family here,” he wrote.&nbsp;

Farrell’s family focus would seek to reverse a trend within a trend: According to city data, San Francisco’s child and young adult population declined between 2010 and 2020, even as the total number of residents grew, spurring the oft-heard joke that more dogs than kids call the city home.

Farrell’s family focus would seek to reverse a trend within a trend: According to city data, San Francisco’s child and young adult population declined between 2010 and 2020, even as the total number of residents grew, spurring the oft-heard joke that more dogs than kids call the city home.

Pedestrians transit Powell Street in San Francisco, on Friday, March 3, 2023. | Benjamin Fanjoy for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/population-immigration-24-scaled.jpg?w=2500" alt="The image shows a bustling city street with a steep hill in the background. People are crossing the street, cars and taxis are lined up, and a bus is on the right side." class="wp-image-161434"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco&#8217;s population has seen a decline over the last half-decade. | Benjamin Fanjoy for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/population-immigration-24-scaled.jpg?w=2500" alt="The image shows a bustling city street with a steep hill in the background. People are crossing the street, cars and taxis are lined up, and a bus is on the right side." class="wp-image-161434"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco's population has seen a decline over the last half-decade. | Benjamin Fanjoy for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/population-immigration-24-scaled.jpg?w=2500" alt="The image shows a bustling city street with a steep hill in the background. People are crossing the street, cars and taxis are lined up, and a bus is on the right side." class="wp-image-161434"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco&#8217;s population has seen a decline over the last half-decade. | Benjamin Fanjoy for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Two candidates didn’t offer exact growth targets but instead focused on housing affordability and making San Francisco an immigrant-friendly city.

Two candidates didn’t offer exact growth targets but instead focused on housing affordability and making San Francisco an immigrant-friendly city.

“San Francisco’s population can and must grow, and it is up to all of us to plan for a sustainable San Francisco of the future where no one gets left behind,” said Supervisor Ahsha Safaí, who is currently at the bottom of multiple polls.

“San Francisco’s population can and must grow, and it is up to all of us to plan for a sustainable San Francisco of the future where no one gets left behind,” said Supervisor Ahsha Safaí, who is currently at the bottom of multiple polls.

Nonprofit leader and Levi’s scion Daniel Lurie said he didn’t see population as an important marker for the city’s well-being.

Nonprofit leader and Levi’s scion Daniel Lurie said he didn’t see population as an important marker for the city’s well-being.

“Success is not measured by how many people live here, but by how many can do so safely and affordably,” said Lurie. “This requires building more housing at all levels, ensuring families can afford to live where they work, providing a world-class education for our children, and fostering a vibrant arts, culture and nightlife scene that attracts young people from across the country.”

“Success is not measured by how many people live here, but by how many can do so safely and affordably,” said Lurie. “This requires building more housing at all levels, ensuring families can afford to live where they work, providing a world-class education for our children, and fostering a vibrant arts, culture and nightlife scene that attracts young people from across the country.”

Correction: A previous version of this story misstated Board President Aaron Peskin&#8217;s population proposal.

Correction: A previous version of this story misstated Board President Aaron Peskin's population proposal.

Correction: A previous version of this story misstated Board President Aaron Peskin&#8217;s population proposal.

Which would-be mayor wants a population boom? You might be surprised

Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez

Results from the San Francisco mayor’s race show voters favoring a candidate who would break more than a century of political tradition at City Hall.

Results from the San Francisco mayor’s race show voters favoring a candidate who would break more than a century of political tradition at City Hall.

Nonprofit founder and Levi’s heir Daniel Lurie, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/29/san-francisco-mayor-daniel-lurie-wealth-campaign-expensive-levi-strauss/">who was essentially unknown to many San Franciscans just a year ago</a>, edged out Mayor London Breed in early returns Tuesday evening.

How Daniel Lurie&#8217;s family millions launched him to the front of the mayor&#8217;s race

Nonprofit founder and Levi’s heir Daniel Lurie, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/29/san-francisco-mayor-daniel-lurie-wealth-campaign-expensive-levi-strauss/">who was essentially unknown to many San Franciscans just a year ago</a>, edged out Mayor London Breed in early returns Tuesday evening.

Standing before an electric crowd at The Chapel in the Mission, Lurie said the initial tallies made him feel optimistic about his chances. 

Standing before an electric crowd at The Chapel in the Mission, Lurie said the initial tallies made him feel optimistic about his chances.

“Turning around this city is not going to happen overnight,” said Lurie, who has financed his campaign <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/23/daniel-lurie-most-expensive-mayor-campaign/">with more than $8 million of his own money</a>. “We have extremely difficult challenges ahead. We know this. But here’s another truth: Our opportunities and advantages are more powerful.”

Daniel Lurie has spent $10 per SF resident on his mayoral bid

“Turning around this city is not going to happen overnight,” said Lurie, who has financed his campaign <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/23/daniel-lurie-most-expensive-mayor-campaign/">with more than $8 million of his own money</a>. “We have extremely difficult challenges ahead. We know this. But here’s another truth: Our opportunities and advantages are more powerful.”

Mayoral candidate Daniel Lurie speaks to his supporters at the Chapel at a watch party event at The Chapel in San Francisco on Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. The November 5th election included the highly contested San Francisco Mayoral race, a few local Supervisor races and the Presidential race between Vice President Kamala Harris and Former President Donald Trump.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/daniel-lurie-02.jpeg?w=2500" alt="A man in a suit speaks at a podium with &quot;LEADERSHIP&quot; visible on a nearby orange background. A smiling woman stands behind him." class="wp-image-329637"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Daniel Lurie, a nonprofit founder and heir to the Levi’s fortune, spent more than $8 million of his own money on the mayor’s race.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/daniel-lurie-02.jpeg?w=2500" alt="A man in a suit speaks at a podium with &quot;LEADERSHIP&quot; visible on a nearby orange background. A smiling woman stands behind him." class="wp-image-329637"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Daniel Lurie, a nonprofit founder and heir to the Levi’s fortune, spent more than $8 million of his own money on the mayor’s race.</figcaption></figure>

Lurie, who led the anti-poverty nonprofit Tipping Point for nearly two decades, said it was time to end the politics of “demonizing each other on every issue,” citing the moderate-versus-progressive divide.

Lurie, who led the anti-poverty nonprofit Tipping Point for nearly two decades, said it was time to end the politics of “demonizing each other on every issue,” citing the moderate-versus-progressive divide.

“We see ourselves as San Franciscans,” he said. “And it’s never been more clear to me that so many people love this city. And it’s time for us to start making people feel like the city loves them back.”

“We see ourselves as San Franciscans,” he said. “And it’s never been more clear to me that so many people love this city. And it’s time for us to start making people feel like the city loves them back.”

When asked how about election results as they stood Tuesday night, Breed struck a defiant tone at a watch party at Little Skillet restaurant. In her 2018 race against Mark Leno and Jane Kim, she was trailing in early returns, too.

When asked how about election results as they stood Tuesday night, Breed struck a defiant tone at a watch party at Little Skillet restaurant. In her 2018 race against Mark Leno and Jane Kim, she was trailing in early returns, too.

&#8220;And you see me standing here right now as mayor of San Francisco,&#8221; Breed said.

"And you see me standing here right now as mayor of San Francisco," Breed said.

&#8220;And you see me standing here right now as mayor of San Francisco,&#8221; Breed said.

Her tone sharpened, and revulsion rolled off her tongue, when The Standard asked about the mountain of money spent in the mayor&#8217;s race.

Her tone sharpened, and revulsion rolled off her tongue, when The Standard asked about the mountain of money spent in the mayor's race.

Her tone sharpened, and revulsion rolled off her tongue, when The Standard asked about the mountain of money spent in the mayor&#8217;s race.

Mayor

&#8220;It has a tremendous impact,&#8221; Breed said. &#8220;It&#8217;s been one of the most sad and horrible things that someone could take their personal wealth and buy this office. It&#8217;s disgusting.&#8221;

"It has a tremendous impact," Breed said. "It's been one of the most sad and horrible things that someone could take their personal wealth and buy this office. It's disgusting."

&#8220;It has a tremendous impact,&#8221; Breed said. &#8220;It&#8217;s been one of the most sad and horrible things that someone could take their personal wealth and buy this office. It&#8217;s disgusting.&#8221;

Meanwhile, Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin was in third place in first-ranked votes, while former Supervisor and interim Mayor Mark Farrell trailed in fourth.

Meanwhile, Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin was in third place in first-ranked votes, while former Supervisor and interim Mayor Mark Farrell trailed in fourth.

In many ways, this election marks a seminal moment.&nbsp;

In many ways, this election marks a seminal moment.&nbsp;

San Francisco voters have been overwhelmingly frustrated with the state of the city since the pandemic, placing much of the blame on Breed. Polls showed her approval ratings plummet amid concerns about crime, homelessness, and corruption at City Hall.

San Francisco voters have been overwhelmingly frustrated with the state of the city since the pandemic, placing much of the blame on Breed. Polls showed her approval ratings plummet amid concerns about crime, homelessness, and corruption at City Hall.

Should Breed lose the office, it will be the third time in recent city history that an incumbent mayor has been ousted due to voter dissatisfaction. 

Should Breed lose the office, it will be the third time in recent city history that an incumbent mayor has been ousted due to voter dissatisfaction.

In 1991, Mayor Art Agnos suffered voters’ frustrations over homeless encampments, with one in front of City Hall dubbed “Camp Agnos.” His replacement, Mayor Frank Jordan, lost to Willie Brown in 1995 as the electorate bemoaned a police department in disarray.&nbsp;

In 1991, Mayor Art Agnos suffered voters’ frustrations over homeless encampments, with one in front of City Hall dubbed “Camp Agnos.” His replacement, Mayor Frank Jordan, lost to Willie Brown in 1995 as the electorate bemoaned a police department in disarray.&nbsp;

Mayor London Breed speaks to reporters at   post-election party at Victory Hall in San Francisco on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Before Breed arrived at the party, polls showed her trailing behind her opponent, Daniel Lurie.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1668" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/w2a7926.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman in a blue blazer stands speaking at a press conference with multiple microphones labeled by various news outlets in front of her." class="wp-image-329664"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed struck a defiant tone on election night.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/w2a7926.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman in a blue blazer stands speaking at a press conference with multiple microphones labeled by various news outlets in front of her." class="wp-image-329664"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed struck a defiant tone on election night.</figcaption></figure>

Lurie’s message capitalized on similar frustrations, arguing that crime, homelessness, and a fentanyl crisis killing people in record numbers require new leadership to solve.

Lurie’s message capitalized on similar frustrations, arguing that crime, homelessness, and a fentanyl crisis killing people in record numbers require new leadership to solve.

But his opponents pointed to Lurie’s thin record and lack of government experience. If elected, <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/daniel-lurie-mayor-experience-19841692.php">he would be the first mayor since 1911</a> to step into the role without prior government service.

But his opponents pointed to Lurie’s thin record and lack of government experience. If elected, <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/daniel-lurie-mayor-experience-19841692.php">he would be the first mayor since 1911</a> to step into the role without prior government service.

Lurie’s campaign party on Tuesday night was full of excited supporters — including his mother, Mimi Haas, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/30/daniel-lurie-mom-spends-million-dollars-san-francisco-mayor-race/">who donated $1 million to an independent expenditure committee supporting her son</a>. Alexander Lurie, the candidate’s brother, was also present, along with other relatives.

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

Lurie’s campaign party on Tuesday night was full of excited supporters — including his mother, Mimi Haas, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/30/daniel-lurie-mom-spends-million-dollars-san-francisco-mayor-race/">who donated $1 million to an independent expenditure committee supporting her son</a>. Alexander Lurie, the candidate’s brother, was also present, along with other relatives.

Erika Atkinson, who previously voted for Breed, said she was ready for someone different, and Lurie seems to fit the bill.

Erika Atkinson, who previously voted for Breed, said she was ready for someone different, and Lurie seems to fit the bill.

“He stands up to what he knows he can do,” she said. “And I believe him when he says he will come through.”&nbsp;

“He stands up to what he knows he can do,” she said. “And I believe him when he says he will come through.”&nbsp;

The vibes at Breed’s election night party were not nearly so chipper.&nbsp;

The vibes at Breed’s election night party were not nearly so chipper.&nbsp;

At Victory Hall &amp; Parlor by the ballpark, festive yellow-and-blue balloons clung to the ceiling. The bar was packed with faces glued to their phones, the glow of election returns illuminating their grim expressions. 

At Victory Hall &amp; Parlor by the ballpark, festive yellow-and-blue balloons clung to the ceiling. The bar was packed with faces glued to their phones, the glow of election returns illuminating their grim expressions.

“It doesn’t feel good,” Breed supporter Jalik Davis said, hanging his head in his hands.

“It doesn’t feel good,” Breed supporter Jalik Davis said, hanging his head in his hands.

A San Francisco native raised in the historically Black Bayview neighborhood, Davis praised Breed for leading the city through the pandemic and rising fears of crime.&nbsp;

A San Francisco native raised in the historically Black Bayview neighborhood, Davis praised Breed for leading the city through the pandemic and rising fears of crime.&nbsp;

Sitting at a table with Davis was Ayofemi Shannon, another San Francisco native with roots in Hunter’s Point and the Western Addition, where Breed was raised.

Sitting at a table with Davis was Ayofemi Shannon, another San Francisco native with roots in Hunter’s Point and the Western Addition, where Breed was raised.

Shannon praised Breed for funding the Dream Keeper Initiative, which helped Black first-time homebuyers and funded other community programs for people of color. The program comprising a network of nonprofits was also mired in scandal — and potentially hurt Breed’s chances of landing another term. Shannon blasted Lurie as out of touch due to his wealth.

Shannon praised Breed for funding the Dream Keeper Initiative, which helped Black first-time homebuyers and funded other community programs for people of color. The program comprising a network of nonprofits was also mired in scandal — and potentially hurt Breed’s chances of landing another term. Shannon blasted Lurie as out of touch due to his wealth.

Tashrima Hossain addresses Daniel Lurie supporters ahead of results at Daniel Lurie’s watch party event at The Chapel in San Francisco on Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. The November 5th election included the highly contested San Francisco Mayoral race, a few local Supervisor races and the Presidential race between Vice President Kamala Harris and Former President Donald Trump.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/9p3a5596.jpeg?w=2500" alt="A woman in a gold dress is speaking at a podium with a microphone. Behind her is an orange sign with the word &quot;LEADERS&quot; in white text." class="wp-image-329596"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Tashrima Hossain, a volunteer for Lurie&#8217;s campaign, announces the promising early results to a jubilant crowd.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/9p3a5596.jpeg?w=2500" alt="A woman in a gold dress is speaking at a podium with a microphone. Behind her is an orange sign with the word &quot;LEADERS&quot; in white text." class="wp-image-329596"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Tashrima Hossain, a volunteer for Lurie's campaign, announces the promising early results to a jubilant crowd.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/9p3a5596.jpeg?w=2500" alt="A woman in a gold dress is speaking at a podium with a microphone. Behind her is an orange sign with the word &quot;LEADERS&quot; in white text." class="wp-image-329596"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Tashrima Hossain, a volunteer for Lurie&#8217;s campaign, announces the promising early results to a jubilant crowd.</figcaption></figure>

“It’s upsetting,” Shannon said. “He never lived in these communities to know how people suffered, to know what they went through.”

“It’s upsetting,” Shannon said. “He never lived in these communities to know how people suffered, to know what they went through.”

San Francisco may not know who its next leader is for a while.

San Francisco may not know who its next leader is for a while.

Wednesday won’t see any updates to the mayor’s race. Instead, the city’s Department of Elections will publish a report containing the approximate number of ballots still to be counted. On Thursday, the city will begin releasing results every day at 4 p.m. in a report that tallies vote-by-mail ballots received after Election Day.

Wednesday won’t see any updates to the mayor’s race. Instead, the city’s Department of Elections will publish a report containing the approximate number of ballots still to be counted. On Thursday, the city will begin releasing results every day at 4 p.m. in a report that tallies vote-by-mail ballots received after Election Day.

So, it will likely take several days to reveal Breed’s fate — and the direction of the city.

So, it will likely take several days to reveal Breed’s fate — and the direction of the city.

Daniel Lurie celebrates as London Breed cautions ‘this is not over’ in historic mayoral race

Josh Koehn

San Francisco <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/20/london-breed-mayor-san-francisco-drugs-homelessness-crime-economy-election/">Mayor London Breed</a> is facing one of the most daunting reelection fights in recent memory, and obstacles to winning a second full term are stacking up.

London Breed saved herself. Can she save San Francisco?

San Francisco <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/20/london-breed-mayor-san-francisco-drugs-homelessness-crime-economy-election/">Mayor London Breed</a> is facing one of the most daunting reelection fights in recent memory, and obstacles to winning a second full term are stacking up.

Breed’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/10/12/sf-voters-turn-on-breed-as-confidence-in-city-hall-slumps-further/">approval ratings</a> plummeted coming out of the pandemic, and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/31/san-francisco-mayor-race-breed-lurie-poll/">new polling</a> from the campaign of nonprofit founder Daniel Lurie suggests the mayor would lose badly in a head-to-head. Meanwhile, the city’s projected budget deficit is ballooning and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/16/will-san-francisco-unions-go-on-strike-labor-fight-could-upend-mayors-race/">a looming battle over labor negotiations</a> could lead to a backslide in city services if things go sideways.

SF voters turn on Breed as confidence in City Hall slumps further

Bad news for Mayor London Breed in new poll

San Francisco mayor faces tough union talks ahead of November election

Breed’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/10/12/sf-voters-turn-on-breed-as-confidence-in-city-hall-slumps-further/">approval ratings</a> plummeted coming out of the pandemic, and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/31/san-francisco-mayor-race-breed-lurie-poll/">new polling</a> from the campaign of nonprofit founder Daniel Lurie suggests the mayor would lose badly in a head-to-head. Meanwhile, the city’s projected budget deficit is ballooning and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/16/will-san-francisco-unions-go-on-strike-labor-fight-could-upend-mayors-race/">a looming battle over labor negotiations</a> could lead to a backslide in city services if things go sideways.

The mayor’s path to victory will become even more complicated in the next two weeks, as another moderate challenger—former San Francisco Mayor and Supervisor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/02/former-san-francisco-mayor-mark-farrell-will-challege-london-breed/">Mark Farrell</a>—is expected to announce his candidacy, making it a four-person race with <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/26/ahsha-safai-raises-149k-in-sf-mayor-race/">Supervisor Ahsha Safaí</a> announcing his candidacy last year. A more progressive candidate also seems likely to emerge.

Mark Farrell will run to be San Francisco’s mayor again, sources say

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

The mayor’s path to victory will become even more complicated in the next two weeks, as another moderate challenger—former San Francisco Mayor and Supervisor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/02/former-san-francisco-mayor-mark-farrell-will-challege-london-breed/">Mark Farrell</a>—is expected to announce his candidacy, making it a four-person race with <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/26/ahsha-safai-raises-149k-in-sf-mayor-race/">Supervisor Ahsha Safaí</a> announcing his candidacy last year. A more progressive candidate also seems likely to emerge.

But aside from polling, deficits and a crowded field, one of the biggest issues Breed’s reelection campaign faces between now and November could come down to something as simple as dollars and cents. At the moment, the mayor is looking a bit short on both. And her challengers appear poised to kick off a fundraising arms race unlike anything San Francisco has ever seen.&nbsp;

But aside from polling, deficits and a crowded field, one of the biggest issues Breed’s reelection campaign faces between now and November could come down to something as simple as dollars and cents. At the moment, the mayor is looking a bit short on both. And her challengers appear poised to kick off a fundraising arms race unlike anything San Francisco has ever seen.&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breed-falls-behind-on-fundraising">Breed Falls Behind on Fundraising</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breed-falls-behind-on-fundraising">Breed Falls Behind on Fundraising</h2>

Following the unexpected death of Mayor Ed Lee, Breed won the 2018 special election for mayor, which also turned out to be the <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/Money-spent-on-San-Francisco-s-elections-13715699.php">most expensive mayoral race in San Francisco history</a> with more than $8.4 million spent.

Following the unexpected death of Mayor Ed Lee, Breed won the 2018 special election for mayor, which also turned out to be the <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/Money-spent-on-San-Francisco-s-elections-13715699.php">most expensive mayoral race in San Francisco history</a> with more than $8.4 million spent.

Still nine months out to this November’s election, mayoral campaigns and committees supporting 2024 candidates have already raised more than $4.8 million. And much of that money is not going toward San Francisco’s current mayor.

Still nine months out to this November’s election, mayoral campaigns and committees supporting 2024 candidates have already raised more than $4.8 million. And much of that money is not going toward San Francisco’s current mayor.

Breed’s personal reelection campaign raised almost $408,000 last year and an independent committee supporting Breed raised more than $265,120, according to filings with the San Francisco Ethics Commission. Combined, those totals are about a sixth of what Lurie’s campaign and a committee supporting his run for mayor have raised since late September.

Breed’s personal reelection campaign raised almost $408,000 last year and an independent committee supporting Breed raised more than $265,120, according to filings with the San Francisco Ethics Commission. Combined, those totals are about a sixth of what Lurie’s campaign and a committee supporting his run for mayor have raised since late September.

A closer look at the independent committee supporting the mayor’s reelection shows that <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/30/michael-bloomberg-breed-san-francisco-mayor-campaign/">$200,000 came from former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg</a>, which might have been a little payback for Breed’s endorsement of his ill-fated presidential run. The remaining $65,000 to the pro-Breed committee came mostly from real estate interests, which also supported a local firefighters committee backing Breed in 2018.

Billionaire ex-mayor of NYC drops big money into San Francisco mayoral race

A closer look at the independent committee supporting the mayor’s reelection shows that <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/30/michael-bloomberg-breed-san-francisco-mayor-campaign/">$200,000 came from former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg</a>, which might have been a little payback for Breed’s endorsement of his ill-fated presidential run. The remaining $65,000 to the pro-Breed committee came mostly from real estate interests, which also supported a local firefighters committee backing Breed in 2018.

San Francisco Mayor London Breed addresses the media at City Hall in San Francisco on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023 during a press conference about the upcoming APEC summit.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/1APECGraton10242023-12.jpg?w=2072" alt="San Francisco Mayor London Breed, dressed in a purple speaks to the media during a press conference in City Hall. She sands behind a podium that reads &quot;APEC 2023 UNITED STATES&quot; in a wood paneled room." class="wp-image-214726"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco Mayor London Breed placed three measures on the March ballot to address housing, public safety and the drug crisis.</figcaption></figure>

The mayor also put forward Propositions C, E and F on the March ballot to reform policies on housing, public safety and the drug crisis, respectively. The measures—with almost $1.07 million in combined support, including big chunks from billionaires Chris Larsen and Ron Conway—are designed to shape city policy and can’t mention Breed’s reelection campaign. In reality, though, they should be seen as vehicles to solidify the mayor’s messaging ahead of November, potentially giving her momentum if at least two out of three propositions pass.&nbsp;

The mayor also put forward Propositions C, E and F on the March ballot to reform policies on housing, public safety and the drug crisis, respectively. The measures—with almost $1.07 million in combined support, including big chunks from billionaires Chris Larsen and Ron Conway—are designed to shape city policy and can’t mention Breed’s reelection campaign. In reality, though, they should be seen as vehicles to solidify the mayor’s messaging ahead of November, potentially giving her momentum if at least two out of three propositions pass.&nbsp;

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Daniel Lurie celebrates as London Breed cautions ‘this is not over’ in historic mayoral race

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