Adam Lashinsky

When I win reelection this November — and it is a when, not an if — I’ll have a few people to thank for my incredible good fortune.&nbsp;

core/paragraph

When I win reelection this November — and it is a when, not an if — I’ll have a few people to thank for my incredible good fortune.&nbsp;

The first is someone nobody would ever guess: Supervisor Dean Preston. Yeah, the Democratic Socialist from my old stomping grounds in District 5. It was Preston who, in 2022,<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/07/12/mayor-breed-is-not-a-fan-of-supervisors-plan-to-change-citywide-elections/"> helped put a charter amendment on the ballot that would push out the mayor’s race to a presidential election year, </a>a move I opposed at the time. Now I see the genius of this “reform.” Had the mayoral election been held last year, I would have been toast. But not now!

Mayor Breed is not a fan of proposal to change citywide election dates

The first is someone nobody would ever guess: Supervisor Dean Preston. Yeah, the Democratic Socialist from my old stomping grounds in District 5. It was Preston who, in 2022,<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/07/12/mayor-breed-is-not-a-fan-of-supervisors-plan-to-change-citywide-elections/"> helped put a charter amendment on the ballot that would push out the mayor’s race to a presidential election year, </a>a move I opposed at the time. Now I see the genius of this “reform.” Had the mayoral election been held last year, I would have been toast. But not now!

Now I’m beginning to think I’ve got this.&nbsp;

Now I’m beginning to think I’ve got this.&nbsp;

I know the polls show me<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/14/breed-farrell-poll-san-francisco-mayors-race/"> running neck and neck</a> with Mark Farrell, my predecessor who held the job on an interim basis for six months. (He likes to<a href="https://www.markfarrell.com/?gad_source=1&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjww5u2BhDeARIsALBuLnOPpEFQMS-6RqlNiluZVr6JQdyGV7h7VAsbwHrcJQvCxiHu-DmBwQUaAozWEALw_wcB"> omit the “interim” bit</a>.) But that’s not the whole story. There are multiple reasons I think I’m going to pull this out — a far cry from what I thought even at the beginning of the year.

Breed, Farrell are neck-and-neck in mayor’s race, poll shows

I know the polls show me<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/14/breed-farrell-poll-san-francisco-mayors-race/"> running neck and neck</a> with Mark Farrell, my predecessor who held the job on an interim basis for six months. (He likes to<a href="https://www.markfarrell.com/?gad_source=1&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjww5u2BhDeARIsALBuLnOPpEFQMS-6RqlNiluZVr6JQdyGV7h7VAsbwHrcJQvCxiHu-DmBwQUaAozWEALw_wcB"> omit the “interim” bit</a>.) But that’s not the whole story. There are multiple reasons I think I’m going to pull this out — a far cry from what I thought even at the beginning of the year.

The No. 1&nbsp;reason I expect to prevail is that most people around town agree that things are finally getting better. I can’t prove this, of course. It’s just a vibe, a meme, like Kamala’s coconuts or Tim Walz’s flannel shirts. It’s not like vacancy rates downtown have improved.<a href="https://twitter.com/Lanier4SF/status/1819554813014573405/photo/1"> They haven’t.</a> Or that retail stores, restaurants, and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/05/x-officially-kills-its-san-francisco-headquarters-will-relocate-workers-to-south-bay/">corporations</a> aren’t still closing or moving out of town.

X officially kills its San Francisco headquarters, will relocate workers to South Bay

The No. 1&nbsp;reason I expect to prevail is that most people around town agree that things are finally getting better. I can’t prove this, of course. It’s just a vibe, a meme, like Kamala’s coconuts or Tim Walz’s flannel shirts. It’s not like vacancy rates downtown have improved.<a href="https://twitter.com/Lanier4SF/status/1819554813014573405/photo/1"> They haven’t.</a> Or that retail stores, restaurants, and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/05/x-officially-kills-its-san-francisco-headquarters-will-relocate-workers-to-south-bay/">corporations</a> aren’t still closing or moving out of town.

But there’s undeniably a feeling that the worst is behind us. (How could they have gotten worse?) The neighborhoods are thriving. Our outdoor concerts and night markets and street festivals have been <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/27/san-francisco-best-summer-ever/">electrifying</a>. The artificial intelligence bubble has dulled the talk of tech layoffs.&nbsp;

San Francisco&#8217;s revenge summer: An explosion of art and music stirs a comeback

But there’s undeniably a feeling that the worst is behind us. (How could they have gotten worse?) The neighborhoods are thriving. Our outdoor concerts and night markets and street festivals have been <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/27/san-francisco-best-summer-ever/">electrifying</a>. The artificial intelligence bubble has dulled the talk of tech layoffs.&nbsp;

Crime stats are debatable but<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/13/san-francisco-crime-rate-drops/"> clearly moving in the right</a> (my) direction. And I’m making sure people know to give me full credit for<a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/mayor-breed-police-spending-19484747.php"> funding and equipping the police</a>, no matter that<a href="https://abc7news.com/san-francisco-budget-announcement-defund-sfpd-the-police-london-breed-press-conference/6345069/"> I advocated for defunding them four years ago</a>. (The Police Officers Association got the message: They gave me their <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/22/sfpoa-endorsement-london-breed/">sole endorsement</a> last week.)

Not a typo: Crime in SF is now below pre-pandemic levels

Police union endorses Breed for mayor, but Farrell gets the deputies

Crime stats are debatable but<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/13/san-francisco-crime-rate-drops/"> clearly moving in the right</a> (my) direction. And I’m making sure people know to give me full credit for<a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/mayor-breed-police-spending-19484747.php"> funding and equipping the police</a>, no matter that<a href="https://abc7news.com/san-francisco-budget-announcement-defund-sfpd-the-police-london-breed-press-conference/6345069/"> I advocated for defunding them four years ago</a>. (The Police Officers Association got the message: They gave me their <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/22/sfpoa-endorsement-london-breed/">sole endorsement</a> last week.)

Similarly, on homelessness, I have struggled for years to get my hands around the largest and most intractable social issue in San Francisco. But then along came the Supreme Court ruling in Grants Pass, which gave me a free pass to<a href="https://sfstandard.com/opinion/2024/08/17/london-breed-ultimatum/"> start clearing encampments</a> just in time for Election Day. Yup, I guess I have Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito to thank for my resurgence as well!

London Breed: No more excuses, no more apologies. SF won&#8217;t tolerate encampments any longer

Similarly, on homelessness, I have struggled for years to get my hands around the largest and most intractable social issue in San Francisco. But then along came the Supreme Court ruling in Grants Pass, which gave me a free pass to<a href="https://sfstandard.com/opinion/2024/08/17/london-breed-ultimatum/"> start clearing encampments</a> just in time for Election Day. Yup, I guess I have Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito to thank for my resurgence as well!

This would’ve all gone so differently if I’d been up for election last November. All the doom-loop talk was kryptonite for an incumbent like me, who, despite my<a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/S-F-Mayor-Breed-was-praised-for-her-COVID-16291460.php"> smart moves</a> during the pandemic, was getting blamed for my city’s sorry state. I was failing on public safety, with the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/01/25/anti-asian-hate-crimes-spiked-in-sf-by-more-than-500-in-2021-but-just-1-man-accused-of-half-the-crimes/">entire Asian community</a> feeling like I wasn’t protecting them from attacks. The tech bros were even blaming me for<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/04/05/bob-lees-downtown-sf-killing-sparks-rage-at-lawless-city/"> Bob Lee’s murder</a>, which nobody but the people he partied with could have prevented.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Anti-Asian hate crimes spiked in SF by more than 500% in 2021, but just 1 man accused of half the crimes

Bob Lee’s downtown SF killing sparks rage at ‘lawless’ city

This would’ve all gone so differently if I’d been up for election last November. All the doom-loop talk was kryptonite for an incumbent like me, who, despite my<a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/S-F-Mayor-Breed-was-praised-for-her-COVID-16291460.php"> smart moves</a> during the pandemic, was getting blamed for my city’s sorry state. I was failing on public safety, with the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/01/25/anti-asian-hate-crimes-spiked-in-sf-by-more-than-500-in-2021-but-just-1-man-accused-of-half-the-crimes/">entire Asian community</a> feeling like I wasn’t protecting them from attacks. The tech bros were even blaming me for<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/04/05/bob-lees-downtown-sf-killing-sparks-rage-at-lawless-city/"> Bob Lee’s murder</a>, which nobody but the people he partied with could have prevented.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

But now? Now I’m the<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/24/san-francisco-democratic-party-london-breed-endorsement/"> sole candidate to be endorsed by the Democratic County Central Committee</a>. Whipping by my crew convinced a majority of the self-styled<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/san-francisco-election-2024-democratic-county-central-committee-dccc/"> “Dems for Change”</a> to back me, and only me. (Thankfully, change in City Hall isn’t the change they’re after.)

London Breed nabs SF’s most prized political endorsement

San Francisco moderates take control of Democratic Party leadership

But now? Now I’m the<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/24/san-francisco-democratic-party-london-breed-endorsement/"> sole candidate to be endorsed by the Democratic County Central Committee</a>. Whipping by my crew convinced a majority of the self-styled<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/05/san-francisco-election-2024-democratic-county-central-committee-dccc/"> “Dems for Change”</a> to back me, and only me. (Thankfully, change in City Hall isn’t the change they’re after.)

Consider: In a few weeks, when the DCCC unleashes its massive marketing effort of campaign mailers and social media, two names will be more prominent than any in their full-throated endorsements: Kamala Harris and me.

Consider: In a few weeks, when the DCCC unleashes its massive marketing effort of campaign mailers and social media, two names will be more prominent than any in their full-throated endorsements: Kamala Harris and me.

Which brings me to the last and most obvious person to thank for my one-woman vibe shift. I’m going to benefit from the enormous halo of Harris — our former district attorney, my mentor, the woman whose photos I had up in my office long before July — as she runs against Donald Trump to take the White House.&nbsp;

Which brings me to the last and most obvious person to thank for my one-woman vibe shift. I’m going to benefit from the enormous halo of Harris — our former district attorney, my mentor, the woman whose photos I had up in my office long before July — as she runs against Donald Trump to take the White House.&nbsp;

All sorts of San Francisco voters are going to be pumped to vote for the first woman of color to be president. You better believe they’re also going to connect one pioneering politician to another: the first Black woman to be mayor of San Francisco. And if, as everyone expects, voter turnout in San Francisco is off the charts in support of the Democratic ticket, that can only work to my advantage as the incumbent. I’m the name and face of the Dems locally, just as Kamala is nationally.&nbsp;

All sorts of San Francisco voters are going to be pumped to vote for the first woman of color to be president. You better believe they’re also going to connect one pioneering politician to another: the first Black woman to be mayor of San Francisco. And if, as everyone expects, voter turnout in San Francisco is off the charts in support of the Democratic ticket, that can only work to my advantage as the incumbent. I’m the name and face of the Dems locally, just as Kamala is nationally.&nbsp;

Am I worried about ranked-choice voting? OK, yes, that keeps me up a little. That game nearly did me in in 2018,<a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/sf-mayor-breed-election-19604405.php"> when my progressive opponents ganged up on me</a>. But I think it’ll work to my advantage this time, especially because, so far, the guys I’m running against haven’t cut any deals with one another. I’m going to be the No. 2 or No. 3 choice for most Farrell and Daniel Lurie voters, my political consultants tell me. And do you think Aaron Peskin’s small base of supporters is going to vote for the two rich, white guys (or<a href="https://www.ahshaformayor.com/"> that supervisor they’ve never heard of</a>) as their second choice?

Am I worried about ranked-choice voting? OK, yes, that keeps me up a little. That game nearly did me in in 2018,<a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/sf-mayor-breed-election-19604405.php"> when my progressive opponents ganged up on me</a>. But I think it’ll work to my advantage this time, especially because, so far, the guys I’m running against haven’t cut any deals with one another. I’m going to be the No. 2 or No. 3 choice for most Farrell and Daniel Lurie voters, my political consultants tell me. And do you think Aaron Peskin’s small base of supporters is going to vote for the two rich, white guys (or<a href="https://www.ahshaformayor.com/"> that supervisor they’ve never heard of</a>) as their second choice?

No, not as long as the other two moderates don’t make a pact in the next two months —&nbsp;and they sure seem to detest each other even more than they hate me. Peskin’s voters are going to go with the mayor whose name they know. (Don’t ask me, by the way, where those rumors started that Peskin and I are teaming up and that I’m going to name him as my chief of staff. Not going to happen.)

No, not as long as the other two moderates don’t make a pact in the next two months —&nbsp;and they sure seem to detest each other even more than they hate me. Peskin’s voters are going to go with the mayor whose name they know. (Don’t ask me, by the way, where those rumors started that Peskin and I are teaming up and that I’m going to name him as my chief of staff. Not going to happen.)

Have I got concerns? Plenty.&nbsp;

Let’s start with voters’ memories. They’re typically bad. (See above, regarding my attitudes about the police, homelessness, and so on.) But there’s always the chance my opponents do an effective job of reminding them about my association with all kinds of corrupt and questionable characters who’ve swirled around me for years, from<a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndca/pr/former-san-francisco-public-works-director-admits-string-briberies-and-corruption"> Mohammed Nuru</a>, my imprisoned former head of Department of Public Works (and a guy I used to date), to Harlan Kelly, my former Public Utilities head, who’s also in jail. These characters represent a can of worms I’d prefer people keep tightly closed.

Let’s start with voters’ memories. They’re typically bad. (See above, regarding my attitudes about the police, homelessness, and so on.) But there’s always the chance my opponents do an effective job of reminding them about my association with all kinds of corrupt and questionable characters who’ve swirled around me for years, from<a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndca/pr/former-san-francisco-public-works-director-admits-string-briberies-and-corruption"> Mohammed Nuru</a>, my imprisoned former head of Department of Public Works (and a guy I used to date), to Harlan Kelly, my former Public Utilities head, who’s also in jail. These characters represent a can of worms I’d prefer people keep tightly closed.

Then there’s the budget deficit,<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/17/san-francisco-budget-deficit-1-4-billion-cuts-london-breed/"> on its way to $1.4 billion by 2027</a> under my watch. Am I to blame for that? OK, maybe I am. I have proposed ever-increasing budgets and giving every city employee a raise. (This is the cost of running the City Family. They better turn out in droves to vote for me!)

San Francisco in a &#8216;tough spot&#8217; as $1.4B budget deficit looms

Then there’s the budget deficit,<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/17/san-francisco-budget-deficit-1-4-billion-cuts-london-breed/"> on its way to $1.4 billion by 2027</a> under my watch. Am I to blame for that? OK, maybe I am. I have proposed ever-increasing budgets and giving every city employee a raise. (This is the cost of running the City Family. They better turn out in droves to vote for me!)

There’s also a pesky effort to reform the city’s charter by taking an ax to the commission structure. I might have liked that idea at one time, because it would strengthen the mayor’s office. But it also would cut back on mayoral patronage, what with all those commissioners<a href="https://sfstandard.com/opinion/2024/03/18/san-francisco-ommission-addiction/"> who get city health benefits along with their unnecessary volunteer positions</a>.

The city needs to toss its pointless, do-nothing commissions. Start with this one first

There’s also a pesky effort to reform the city’s charter by taking an ax to the commission structure. I might have liked that idea at one time, because it would strengthen the mayor’s office. But it also would cut back on mayoral patronage, what with all those commissioners<a href="https://sfstandard.com/opinion/2024/03/18/san-francisco-ommission-addiction/"> who get city health benefits along with their unnecessary volunteer positions</a>.

And so I tried to maneuver around Proposition D (written by TogetherSF Action, which has received funding from Michael Moritz, the chairman of The Standard) and around Prop. E (written by Peskin, who says he wants to “study” commissions, that artful dodger) by issuing an<a href="https://www.sf.gov/news/mayor-london-breed-issues-executive-directive-comprehensive-charter-reform"> executive directive</a> to take two extra years to study commissions. Take that, Aaron. I too know a thing or two about bureaucratically kicking the can down the road, my friend.

And so I tried to maneuver around Proposition D (written by TogetherSF Action, which has received funding from Michael Moritz, the chairman of The Standard) and around Prop. E (written by Peskin, who says he wants to “study” commissions, that artful dodger) by issuing an<a href="https://www.sf.gov/news/mayor-london-breed-issues-executive-directive-comprehensive-charter-reform"> executive directive</a> to take two extra years to study commissions. Take that, Aaron. I too know a thing or two about bureaucratically kicking the can down the road, my friend.

Because I&#8217;ve got to be honest about something — at least with myself. I’m not all that interested in reforming city government. The government has been my professional home in one way or another for nearly my whole adult life. What I’m most interested in is getting reelected. And I think it’s going to happen.

Because I've got to be honest about something — at least with myself. I’m not all that interested in reforming city government. The government has been my professional home in one way or another for nearly my whole adult life. What I’m most interested in is getting reelected. And I think it’s going to happen.

Because I&#8217;ve got to be honest about something — at least with myself. I’m not all that interested in reforming city government. The government has been my professional home in one way or another for nearly my whole adult life. What I’m most interested in is getting reelected. And I think it’s going to happen.

**The author of this column is not an actual mind-reader. But he is a student of the late, great columnist<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/28/us/28safire.html"> William Safire</a>, who employed the “mind reading” technique to great effect over a 33-year career and whose biography the author is currently writing.

**The author of this column is not an actual mind-reader. But he is a student of the late, great columnist<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/28/us/28safire.html"> William Safire</a>, who employed the “mind reading” technique to great effect over a 33-year career and whose biography the author is currently writing.

Mind reading London Breed: What SF’s embattled mayor is probably thinking right now

Opinion: Mind reading London Breed: What SF’s embattled mayor is probably thinking right now

Two emotions describe how I feel about Election Day finally arriving: Existential dread at the national level. Exhaustion at the local level.

Two emotions describe how I feel about Election Day finally arriving: Existential dread at the national level. Exhaustion at the local level.

For anyone who hasn’t yet made up their mind about our presidential race, well, I can’t help you. But for the local races and measures, I can empathize with your indecision — or your apathy. It’s hard to get fired up about ballot initiatives on “general obligation bonds” (Prop. B) or credit purchases for public pensions (Prop. I). It’s also difficult to distinguish among mayoral candidates who essentially agree on 98% of the issues, despite acting like they’re foreign adversaries locked in an ideological deathmatch.  

For anyone who hasn’t yet made up their mind about our presidential race, well, I can’t help you. But for the local races and measures, I can empathize with your indecision — or your apathy. It’s hard to get fired up about ballot initiatives on “general obligation bonds” (Prop. B) or credit purchases for public pensions (Prop. I). It’s also difficult to distinguish among mayoral candidates who essentially agree on 98% of the issues, despite acting like they’re foreign adversaries locked in an ideological deathmatch.

Many local organizations and individuals have published comprehensive voter guides in recent weeks. This isn’t one of them. What follows is a sort of last-second voter’s guide to the ballot featuring only the races that I actually care about. These include the mayor’s race, a couple of California voter initiatives, and several San Francisco measures.&nbsp;

Many local organizations and individuals have published comprehensive voter guides in recent weeks. This isn’t one of them. What follows is a sort of last-second voter’s guide to the ballot featuring only the races that I actually care about. These include the mayor’s race, a couple of California voter initiatives, and several San Francisco measures.&nbsp;

You’ll see that there are numerous propositions I am not addressing, either because I haven’t given them much thought or because their passage isn’t in doubt. The truth is, I hate ballot initiatives. This year, there are 10 for the state, the ones with numbers, and 15 for San Francisco, which bear letters. Each, in its own way, is a perversion of how representative democracy is supposed to work.

You’ll see that there are numerous propositions I am not addressing, either because I haven’t given them much thought or because their passage isn’t in doubt. The truth is, I hate ballot initiatives. This year, there are 10 for the state, the ones with numbers, and 15 for San Francisco, which bear letters. Each, in its own way, is a perversion of how representative democracy is supposed to work.

Our elected officials should be deliberating on these measures, most of which normal voters will never read and aren’t qualified to understand anyway. We have dishonored our Progressive Era legacy, the one that attempted to take power from plutocrats and give it to the people, by embracing a confusing system that is gamed by special interests of various stripes.

Our elected officials should be deliberating on these measures, most of which normal voters will never read and aren’t qualified to understand anyway. We have dishonored our Progressive Era legacy, the one that attempted to take power from plutocrats and give it to the people, by embracing a confusing system that is gamed by special interests of various stripes.

Many organizations and individuals have published comprehensive voter guides in recent weeks. <a href="https://www.openballot.app/ballot-items">The Open Ballot site</a> does a good job of compiling all the meaningful endorsements in one place. If you want guidance on how to vote on all the props, go there.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Many organizations and individuals have published comprehensive voter guides in recent weeks. <a href="https://www.openballot.app/ballot-items">The Open Ballot site</a> does a good job of compiling all the meaningful endorsements in one place. If you want guidance on how to vote on all the props, go there.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Enough about how I’d like things to work. Here’s how I’m voting on matters at hand.

Enough about how I’d like things to work. Here’s how I’m voting on matters at hand.

President: Kamala Harris The presidential race is the only tight one this year in which I have absolute certainty. I am voting for Harris less because of my esteem for her work as a senator, attorney general, or district attorney and more because I can’t bear Trump. The thought of a foul-mouthed insurrectionist, con man, and criminal polluting our body politic for four more years makes me nauseous.&nbsp;

President: Kamala Harris The presidential race is the only tight one this year in which I have absolute certainty. I am voting for Harris less because of my esteem for her work as a senator, attorney general, or district attorney and more because I can’t bear Trump. The thought of a foul-mouthed insurrectionist, con man, and criminal polluting our body politic for four more years makes me nauseous.&nbsp;

My views on the rest of the races this year involve one of two body parts: I’m going with my gut, or I’m holding my nose.

My views on the rest of the races this year involve one of two body parts: I’m going with my gut, or I’m holding my nose.

Mayor: Daniel Lurie, Mark Farrell, London Breed, in that order My gut — and my eyes, for that matter — tell me London Breed doesn’t deserve another term. That’s not to say there’s no merit to her tenure. She handled the pandemic well, has begun to empower a beleaguered police department, and has been hobbled by an often recalcitrant Board of Supervisors. But the city still looks like hell, especially downtown. The mayor has been too reactive: Her belated response to the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/opinion/2024/10/21/new-sfusd-superintendent-maria-su/">public schools crisis</a> is an example. It’s time to give someone else a shot.&nbsp;

San Francisco tries to fix schools the hard way — with magical thinking

Mayor: Daniel Lurie, Mark Farrell, London Breed, in that order My gut — and my eyes, for that matter — tell me London Breed doesn’t deserve another term. That’s not to say there’s no merit to her tenure. She handled the pandemic well, has begun to empower a beleaguered police department, and has been hobbled by an often recalcitrant Board of Supervisors. But the city still looks like hell, especially downtown. The mayor has been too reactive: Her belated response to the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/opinion/2024/10/21/new-sfusd-superintendent-maria-su/">public schools crisis</a> is an example. It’s time to give someone else a shot.&nbsp;

For me, that someone is Daniel Lurie, who also represents a gut (and heart) vote. So you know, Lurie has been a friend of mine since before he was a mayoral candidate, when I was mostly writing about business and not local government. My hunch — and due to his lack of governing experience, it is only a hunch — is that he’ll be a force for good in City Hall. Putting aside his obvious financial advantages (<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/29/san-francisco-mayor-daniel-lurie-wealth-campaign-expensive-levi-strauss/">his mother is a billionaire</a> who has donated prodigiously to his campaign), Lurie has waged a clever battle for mayor. I’m in the camp that believes fresh blood will make a difference at the top. The City Family, which even a critic like me believes is full of competent, well-meaning professionals, would benefit from a new style of leadership at the top. Lurie can be that leader.&nbsp;

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

For me, that someone is Daniel Lurie, who also represents a gut (and heart) vote. So you know, Lurie has been a friend of mine since before he was a mayoral candidate, when I was mostly writing about business and not local government. My hunch — and due to his lack of governing experience, it is only a hunch — is that he’ll be a force for good in City Hall. Putting aside his obvious financial advantages (<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/29/san-francisco-mayor-daniel-lurie-wealth-campaign-expensive-levi-strauss/">his mother is a billionaire</a> who has donated prodigiously to his campaign), Lurie has waged a clever battle for mayor. I’m in the camp that believes fresh blood will make a difference at the top. The City Family, which even a critic like me believes is full of competent, well-meaning professionals, would benefit from a new style of leadership at the top. Lurie can be that leader.&nbsp;

As for the rest of my ranked-choice ballot, while I like a lot of what Mark Farrell stands for and his experience, he can’t seem to oversee a clean campaign, making me wonder how he’d do running the city. Aaron Peskin, hands down the ablest candidate in terms of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/opinion/2024/07/08/what-would-it-look-like-if-aaron-peskin-became-mayor-ask-bobs-donuts/">pulling the levers of local government</a>, doesn’t suit me ideologically. So my votes, in this order, are Lurie, Farrell, Breed. (By the way, if you’re still confused by ranked-choice voting, this <a href="https://sfstandard.com/opinion/2024/10/16/how-to-be-a-tactical-ranked-choice-voter/">great, explanatory essay</a> by RCV evangelist John Palmer is a must-read. It offers smart strategies for ranking your votes, no matter your preferences.)&nbsp;

What would it look like for Aaron Peskin to be mayor? Ask Bob’s Donuts

Baffled by the mayor&#8217;s race? Here&#8217;s how to be a tactical ranked-choice voter

As for the rest of my ranked-choice ballot, while I like a lot of what Mark Farrell stands for and his experience, he can’t seem to oversee a clean campaign, making me wonder how he’d do running the city. Aaron Peskin, hands down the ablest candidate in terms of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/opinion/2024/07/08/what-would-it-look-like-if-aaron-peskin-became-mayor-ask-bobs-donuts/">pulling the levers of local government</a>, doesn’t suit me ideologically. So my votes, in this order, are Lurie, Farrell, Breed. (By the way, if you’re still confused by ranked-choice voting, this <a href="https://sfstandard.com/opinion/2024/10/16/how-to-be-a-tactical-ranked-choice-voter/">great, explanatory essay</a> by RCV evangelist John Palmer is a must-read. It offers smart strategies for ranking your votes, no matter your preferences.)&nbsp;

Prop. 33: No I have no quibble with all the TV ads lamenting that “the rent is too damn high.” Rent control isn’t the answer, though; building housing is.

Prop. 33: No I have no quibble with all the TV ads lamenting that “the rent is too damn high.” Rent control isn’t the answer, though; building housing is.

Prop. 36: Yes I asked a liberal-minded friend the other day how he was voting on 36. He said, “Is that the lock-’em-up measure?” In fact, it is. This measure, pushed by district attorneys around the state, is designed to amend the decade-old Prop. 47, which raised the threshold for prosecuting shoplifters and the like. If enacted, prosecutors could more easily throw criminals in jail, notably repeat offenders. Like so many ballot initiatives, <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/editorials/article/prop-36-crime-california-19845073.php">it is imperfect</a>. It purports to steer drug addicts into treatment but doesn’t fund the treatment programs. This is another gut call, though: Permissive laws encourage lawlessness. The pendulum needs to swing.

Prop. 36: Yes I asked a liberal-minded friend the other day how he was voting on 36. He said, “Is that the lock-’em-up measure?” In fact, it is. This measure, pushed by district attorneys around the state, is designed to amend the decade-old Prop. 47, which raised the threshold for prosecuting shoplifters and the like. If enacted, prosecutors could more easily throw criminals in jail, notably repeat offenders. Like so many ballot initiatives, <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/editorials/article/prop-36-crime-california-19845073.php">it is imperfect</a>. It purports to steer drug addicts into treatment but doesn’t fund the treatment programs. This is another gut call, though: Permissive laws encourage lawlessness. The pendulum needs to swing.

Prop A.: A hold-my-nose yes Will the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/opinion/2024/10/21/new-sfusd-superintendent-maria-su/">beleaguered San Francisco Unified School District district</a> spend this $790 million infrastructure bond wisely? That’s questionable. But a vote against it is a vote against kids. I choose to vote for them.

Prop A.: A hold-my-nose yes Will the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/opinion/2024/10/21/new-sfusd-superintendent-maria-su/">beleaguered San Francisco Unified School District district</a> spend this $790 million infrastructure bond wisely? That’s questionable. But a vote against it is a vote against kids. I choose to vote for them.

Prop. D: Yes One of the most consequential ballots in this year’s race, Prop. D would take a hatchet to the city’s roughly 130 commissions and advisory boards (by allowing a maximum of 65), give far more power to the mayor, and strip the Police Commission of its policymaking power. Good-government types don’t like this measure because of how it got on the ballot, and neither do I.&nbsp;

Prop. D: Yes One of the most consequential ballots in this year’s race, Prop. D would take a hatchet to the city’s roughly 130 commissions and advisory boards (by allowing a maximum of 65), give far more power to the mayor, and strip the Police Commission of its policymaking power. Good-government types don’t like this measure because of how it got on the ballot, and neither do I.&nbsp;

It is funded by TogetherSF Action, an advocacy group funded by Michael Moritz, chairman of The Standard. It’d be better if an initiative that rewrites vast sections of the city charter was blessed and vetted by the elected Board of Supervisors. That’s what Prop. E purports to do, but I’ll vote no on that because it’s a kick-the-can-down-the-road measure at best.&nbsp;

It is funded by TogetherSF Action, an advocacy group funded by Michael Moritz, chairman of The Standard. It’d be better if an initiative that rewrites vast sections of the city charter was blessed and vetted by the elected Board of Supervisors. That’s what Prop. E purports to do, but I’ll vote no on that because it’s a kick-the-can-down-the-road measure at best.&nbsp;

For its part, D acknowledges that San Francisco’s bloated commissions are a governing distraction. It removes a slew of unneeded advisory bodies, placing their administrative functions under the mayor’s control, but gives the Supes the ability to add some back, so long as the total stays under 65. That’s an arbitrary number, but fine by me. It’s almost certain, for instance, that the Sanitation and Streets Commission — which, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/opinion/2024/03/18/san-francisco-ommission-addiction/">as I’ve written</a>, is a commission that oversees a department that doesn’t exist anymore — will go away. State-mandated commissions will stay. This process is ugly, but it represents progress.

For its part, D acknowledges that San Francisco’s bloated commissions are a governing distraction. It removes a slew of unneeded advisory bodies, placing their administrative functions under the mayor’s control, but gives the Supes the ability to add some back, so long as the total stays under 65. That’s an arbitrary number, but fine by me. It’s almost certain, for instance, that the Sanitation and Streets Commission — which, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/opinion/2024/03/18/san-francisco-ommission-addiction/">as I’ve written</a>, is a commission that oversees a department that doesn’t exist anymore — will go away. State-mandated commissions will stay. This process is ugly, but it represents progress.

Prop. E: No See the explanation above.

Prop. E: No See the explanation above.

Prop. H: No The beloved San Francisco firefighters have gamed the system to improve their pensions, setting aside a hard-won compromise of more than a decade ago. They’ll likely get their way. <a href="https://sfstandard.com/opinion/2024/07/22/everybody-loves-firefighters-but-their-pension-shenanigans-dont-deserve-voters-respect/">They shouldn’t.</a>&nbsp;

Firefighters are demanding the city&#8217;s most lavish perks — and politicians are carrying their water

Prop. H: No The beloved San Francisco firefighters have gamed the system to improve their pensions, setting aside a hard-won compromise of more than a decade ago. They’ll likely get their way. <a href="https://sfstandard.com/opinion/2024/07/22/everybody-loves-firefighters-but-their-pension-shenanigans-dont-deserve-voters-respect/">They shouldn’t.</a>&nbsp;

Prop. K: Yes This may be the single most divisive measure on the ballot. It’s a proposal to permanently close a stretch of the Great Highway — the part between Lincoln and Sloat that is currently closed to cars on weekends — to potentially build a park there. K’s passionate supporters, like <a href="https://braitsch.substack.com/p/parks-are-awesome-for-local-businesses?utm_source=post-email-title&amp;publication_id=1664832&amp;post_id=150961266&amp;utm_campaign=email-post-title&amp;isFreemail=true&amp;r=awgqj&amp;triedRedirect=true&amp;utm_medium=email">urbanist Stephen Braitsch</a>, and its <a href="https://sfstandard.com/opinion/2024/10/31/the-great-mistruths-behind-great-highway-proposal/">opponents</a>, in particular people who live in the Sunset District, can tell you many facts that explain their positions.&nbsp;

The great mistruths of the Great Highway proposal

Prop. K: Yes This may be the single most divisive measure on the ballot. It’s a proposal to permanently close a stretch of the Great Highway — the part between Lincoln and Sloat that is currently closed to cars on weekends — to potentially build a park there. K’s passionate supporters, like <a href="https://braitsch.substack.com/p/parks-are-awesome-for-local-businesses?utm_source=post-email-title&amp;publication_id=1664832&amp;post_id=150961266&amp;utm_campaign=email-post-title&amp;isFreemail=true&amp;r=awgqj&amp;triedRedirect=true&amp;utm_medium=email">urbanist Stephen Braitsch</a>, and its <a href="https://sfstandard.com/opinion/2024/10/31/the-great-mistruths-behind-great-highway-proposal/">opponents</a>, in particular people who live in the Sunset District, can tell you many facts that explain their positions.&nbsp;

I was won over, though, on a recent gorgeous Saturday when I sat on a bench with Supervisor Joel Engardio, a <a href="https://engardio.com/blog/great-highway-future">passionate supporter</a> of the measure, who envisioned what this spot could be. “Look at all these people,” he said. Passion, not facts, is what will guide votes on K. I’m more passionate about an oceanfront park, even one that isn’t funded yet, than getting around conveniently in my car. That said, I respect people who passionately disagree on this one.

I was won over, though, on a recent gorgeous Saturday when I sat on a bench with Supervisor Joel Engardio, a <a href="https://engardio.com/blog/great-highway-future">passionate supporter</a> of the measure, who envisioned what this spot could be. “Look at all these people,” he said. Passion, not facts, is what will guide votes on K. I’m more passionate about an oceanfront park, even one that isn’t funded yet, than getting around conveniently in my car. That said, I respect people who passionately disagree on this one.

Prop. L: A hold-my-nose no I’m against a measure to impose a new fee on rideshare companies for the simple reason that imposing new, arbitrary taxes is a bad idea when the city is trying to attract, not repel, business. I have no sympathy for Uber and Lyft, which throw their weight around when it comes to legislation they don’t like. But this is an arbitrary tax. It is designed to funnel a badly needed $25 million to Muni. If we want to fund Muni, we should dig further into the city’s general fund and enforce rider fares, not impose yet another tax on private business.

Prop. L: A hold-my-nose no I’m against a measure to impose a new fee on rideshare companies for the simple reason that imposing new, arbitrary taxes is a bad idea when the city is trying to attract, not repel, business. I have no sympathy for Uber and Lyft, which throw their weight around when it comes to legislation they don’t like. But this is an arbitrary tax. It is designed to funnel a badly needed $25 million to Muni. If we want to fund Muni, we should dig further into the city’s general fund and enforce rider fares, not impose yet another tax on private business.

Supervisors: No recommendations, one observation My district supervisor (D10’s Shamann Walton) isn’t up for reelection this year, so I have no vote. But consider what the Board of Supervisors could look like next year. It’s possible that Connie Chan (D1), Dean Preston (D5), and Myrna Melgar (D7) all lose their seats. If they were to depart City Hall alongside Catherine Stefani (D2), a shoo-in for the Assembly, and termed-out Hillary Ronen (D9) and Peskin (D3), we’d be left with one of the least experienced boards in recent memory. Should we also have a mayor holding his first elective office, it’d be a remarkable moment of discovery — or on-the-job training, if you’re less optimistic — for San Francisco.

Supervisors: No recommendations, one observation My district supervisor (D10’s Shamann Walton) isn’t up for reelection this year, so I have no vote. But consider what the Board of Supervisors could look like next year. It’s possible that Connie Chan (D1), Dean Preston (D5), and Myrna Melgar (D7) all lose their seats. If they were to depart City Hall alongside Catherine Stefani (D2), a shoo-in for the Assembly, and termed-out Hillary Ronen (D9) and Peskin (D3), we’d be left with one of the least experienced boards in recent memory. Should we also have a mayor holding his first elective office, it’d be a remarkable moment of discovery — or on-the-job training, if you’re less optimistic — for San Francisco.

A new, predominantly moderate team of elected officials overseeing San Francisco would mean a fresh start for a much-criticized city. If that’s appealing, you should vote for moderate challengers in Districts 1, 5, and 7. But if you prefer more experienced hands on the Board, stick with the incumbents. My two cents: Change is good.

A new, predominantly moderate team of elected officials overseeing San Francisco would mean a fresh start for a much-criticized city. If that’s appealing, you should vote for moderate challengers in Districts 1, 5, and 7. But if you prefer more experienced hands on the Board, stick with the incumbents. My two cents: Change is good.

Harris, Lurie, Prop D, the Great Highway: Why I’m voting for change at every level

Opinion: Harris, Lurie, Prop D, the Great Highway: Why I’m voting for change at every level

Mike Ege

Next year will be a critical election cycle—not only for the nation, but also for San Francisco.&nbsp;

Next year will be a critical election cycle—not only for the nation, but also for San Francisco.&nbsp;

In 2024, voters will have a chance to weigh in on some of the city’s most contentious issues, such as the role of police and strategies to combat drug misuse. San Franciscans could also elect a new mayor and tilt the balance of power at City Hall, decisions that could have long-lasting consequences for the city.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In 2024, voters will have a chance to weigh in on some of the city’s most contentious issues, such as the role of police and strategies to combat drug misuse. San Franciscans could also elect a new mayor and tilt the balance of power at City Hall, decisions that could have long-lasting consequences for the city.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Voters will be filling out ballots in both March and November. The March ballot will feature the national presidential primary, <a href="https://calmatters.org/health/mental-health/2023/09/gavin-newsom-mental-health-2024-election/">one state ballot initiative</a> and a host of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/14/san-francisco-march-2024-election-primary-ballot/">local ballot initiatives</a>, as well as races for <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/03/san-francisco-moderate-democrats-fight-dccc-march-2024/">local political party committees</a> and San Francisco <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/09/san-francisco-lawmaker-denounces-judicial-challengers/">Superior Court judgeships</a>. In November, voters will choose a president and many <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/08/sf-supervisor-catherine-stefani-is-running-for-state-assembly/">state offices</a>, as well as a mayor and new members of the Board of Supervisors.&nbsp;

Here&#8217;s what San Francisco voters will consider in the March 2024 election

Fight brewing among San Francisco Democrats for control of powerful board

San Francisco judges denounce tough-on-crime challengers

SF Supervisor Catherine Stefani is running for state assembly

Voters will be filling out ballots in both March and November. The March ballot will feature the national presidential primary, <a href="https://calmatters.org/health/mental-health/2023/09/gavin-newsom-mental-health-2024-election/">one state ballot initiative</a> and a host of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/14/san-francisco-march-2024-election-primary-ballot/">local ballot initiatives</a>, as well as races for <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/03/san-francisco-moderate-democrats-fight-dccc-march-2024/">local political party committees</a> and San Francisco <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/09/san-francisco-lawmaker-denounces-judicial-challengers/">Superior Court judgeships</a>. In November, voters will choose a president and many <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/08/sf-supervisor-catherine-stefani-is-running-for-state-assembly/">state offices</a>, as well as a mayor and new members of the Board of Supervisors.&nbsp;

March Ballot Measures: A Referendum on Breed?

March Ballot Measures: A Referendum on Breed?

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

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1668" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/unplazaopening11092023-439.jpeg?w=2500" alt="San Francisco Mayor London Breed, with a serious expression, looks towards the sky at an event at United Nations Plaza on Wednesday, November 8, 2023. Breed is the sponsor of multiple ballot measures for the March 2024 election. " class="wp-image-219504"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco Mayor London Breed is the sponsor of multiple ballot measures for the March 2024 election.</figcaption></figure>

core/image

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/unplazaopening11092023-439.jpeg?w=2500" alt="San Francisco Mayor London Breed, with a serious expression, looks towards the sky at an event at United Nations Plaza on Wednesday, November 8, 2023. Breed is the sponsor of multiple ballot measures for the March 2024 election. " class="wp-image-219504"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco Mayor London Breed is the sponsor of multiple ballot measures for the March 2024 election.</figcaption></figure>

At least two of the seven local ballot measures in the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/14/san-francisco-march-2024-election-primary-ballot/">March election</a>, if passed, could be viewed as a mandate for Mayor London Breed’s approach to the drug crisis and public safety.&nbsp;&nbsp;

At least two of the seven local ballot measures in the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/14/san-francisco-march-2024-election-primary-ballot/">March election</a>, if passed, could be viewed as a mandate for Mayor London Breed’s approach to the drug crisis and public safety.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Proposition E would <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/27/san-francisco-mayor-breed-march-2024-ballot-measure-explainer/">give police a freer hand</a> in using surveillance technology, pursuits of suspects and other areas. It would also compel the Police Commission to seek more public input when making new police rules. Proposition F would tie cash welfare benefits <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/17/san-francisco-mayor-london-breed-drug-test-welfare-benefits-ballot-measure/">to drug screening—and, if necessary, treatment</a>—for some recipients.&nbsp;

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

San Francisco voters to decide on plan to screen welfare recipients for drugs

Proposition E would <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/27/san-francisco-mayor-breed-march-2024-ballot-measure-explainer/">give police a freer hand</a> in using surveillance technology, pursuits of suspects and other areas. It would also compel the Police Commission to seek more public input when making new police rules. Proposition F would tie cash welfare benefits <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/17/san-francisco-mayor-london-breed-drug-test-welfare-benefits-ballot-measure/">to drug screening—and, if necessary, treatment</a>—for some recipients.&nbsp;

Both measures are a reflection of Breed’s oppositional relationship with the city’s left-leaning progressives, who have nominal control over the Board of Supervisors and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/01/10/sf-police-commissioners-reappointment-solidifies-progressive-control/">the Police Commission</a>. They also give Breed, who faces a steep road to reelection in November, a chance to align herself with public opinion. A <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/18/san-francisco-drugs-welfare-poll-march-2024-election/">recent poll of 500 likely voters</a> by EMC Research showed 66% support for the drug-screening policy, which was condemned outright by supervisors when Breed <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/26/san-francisco-mayors-sober-dole-plan-splits-lawmakers/">presented the plan in September</a>.

SF police commissioner’s reappointment solidifies progressive control

Controversial plan to screen welfare recipients for drugs is backed by voters, poll says

San Francisco mayor wants to test welfare recipients for drug addiction

Both measures are a reflection of Breed’s oppositional relationship with the city’s left-leaning progressives, who have nominal control over the Board of Supervisors and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/01/10/sf-police-commissioners-reappointment-solidifies-progressive-control/">the Police Commission</a>. They also give Breed, who faces a steep road to reelection in November, a chance to align herself with public opinion. A <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/18/san-francisco-drugs-welfare-poll-march-2024-election/">recent poll of 500 likely voters</a> by EMC Research showed 66% support for the drug-screening policy, which was condemned outright by supervisors when Breed <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/26/san-francisco-mayors-sober-dole-plan-splits-lawmakers/">presented the plan in September</a>.

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/13/california-math-wars-san-franciscans-demand-8th-grade-algebra/">Proposition G</a> is a nonbinding statement urging the San Francisco Unified School District to return algebra classes to middle school. The measure could help bring out education-minded voters who drove the recalls of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/03/18/how-to-fight-a-recall-ahead-of-junes-referendum-on-chesa-boudin-school-board-recall-founders-offer-advice-to-the-embattled-da/">three members of the Board of Education</a> in 2022. That could have repercussions up and down the ballot.&nbsp;

California math wars: San Franciscans demand return of 8th grade algebra

How to fight a recall: School board recall founders offer advice to embattled DA Chesa Boudin

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/13/california-math-wars-san-franciscans-demand-8th-grade-algebra/">Proposition G</a> is a nonbinding statement urging the San Francisco Unified School District to return algebra classes to middle school. The measure could help bring out education-minded voters who drove the recalls of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/03/18/how-to-fight-a-recall-ahead-of-junes-referendum-on-chesa-boudin-school-board-recall-founders-offer-advice-to-the-embattled-da/">three members of the Board of Education</a> in 2022. That could have repercussions up and down the ballot.&nbsp;

A Battle for Control of the Local Democratic Party

A Battle for Control of the Local Democratic Party

Nancy Tung and entrepreneur Michael Lai, pictured in the foreground at a campaign event, are running for Democratic County Central Committee as part of the Democrats for Change slate. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/laitiung1.jpg?w=2500" alt="A group of moderate Democrats, holding signs, smile against a brick wall at a launch party for a moderate slate." class="wp-image-227174"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Nancy Tung and entrepreneur Michael Lai, pictured in the foreground at a campaign event, are running for Democratic County Central Committee as part of the Democrats for Change slate. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/laitiung1.jpg?w=2500" alt="A group of moderate Democrats, holding signs, smile against a brick wall at a launch party for a moderate slate." class="wp-image-227174"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Nancy Tung and entrepreneur Michael Lai, pictured in the foreground at a campaign event, are running for Democratic County Central Committee as part of the Democrats for Change slate. </figcaption></figure>

Another body that condemned Breed’s drug screening plan was the Democratic County Central Committee, which governs the local Democratic Party.&nbsp;

Another body that condemned Breed’s drug screening plan was the Democratic County Central Committee, which governs the local Democratic Party.&nbsp;

The committee, which is currently dominated by progressive-leaning members, is no stranger to election power struggles. But in 2024, candidates from opposing slates will run <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/03/san-francisco-moderate-democrats-fight-dccc-march-2024/">high-profile outreach campaigns</a> to get otherwise disinterested Democratic voters to notice the down-ballot, inside-baseball contest. Twenty-four candidates are running on a <a href="https://www.sfdemocratsforchange.org/">moderate “reform” slate</a>; progressives have also fielded a <a href="https://www.laborandworkingfamilies.com/">slate of 24 candidates</a>.

The committee, which is currently dominated by progressive-leaning members, is no stranger to election power struggles. But in 2024, candidates from opposing slates will run <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/03/san-francisco-moderate-democrats-fight-dccc-march-2024/">high-profile outreach campaigns</a> to get otherwise disinterested Democratic voters to notice the down-ballot, inside-baseball contest. Twenty-four candidates are running on a <a href="https://www.sfdemocratsforchange.org/">moderate “reform” slate</a>; progressives have also fielded a <a href="https://www.laborandworkingfamilies.com/">slate of 24 candidates</a>.

The goal is <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/16/san-francisco-moderate-democrats-party-dccc/">to secure a majority of committee seats.</a>&nbsp; The committee’s most sought-after power is the ability to make endorsements that carry the official San Francisco Democratic Party stamp of approval.&nbsp;

San Francisco moderate Democrats want a clean sweep of local party

The goal is <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/16/san-francisco-moderate-democrats-party-dccc/">to secure a majority of committee seats.</a>&nbsp; The committee’s most sought-after power is the ability to make endorsements that carry the official San Francisco Democratic Party stamp of approval.&nbsp;

Political insiders believe the official Democratic Party endorsement can swing races. So with the Mayor’s Office and six Board of Supervisors seats up for grabs in November, it’s no wonder the DCCC race is getting extra attention.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Political insiders believe the official Democratic Party endorsement can swing races. So with the Mayor’s Office and six Board of Supervisors seats up for grabs in November, it’s no wonder the DCCC race is getting extra attention.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Stirrings of change have also captured San Francisco’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/27/how-san-francisco-republican-party-died/">usually sleepy Republican party</a>, where a reform slate <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/30/san-francisco-republican-party-briones-society-candidates-rccc/">is also in the running</a>.&nbsp;

How the San Francisco Republican Party died

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

Stirrings of change have also captured San Francisco’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/27/how-san-francisco-republican-party-died/">usually sleepy Republican party</a>, where a reform slate <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/30/san-francisco-republican-party-briones-society-candidates-rccc/">is also in the running</a>.&nbsp;

November Elections: The Balance of Power at City Hall

November Elections: The Balance of Power at City Hall

District Supervisors Connie Chan, left, and Dean Preston, right, listen during a hearing about resignation letters at City Hall in San Francisco on Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2022.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/INLINED05_DCCCBattle092923.jpg?w=2500" alt="Supervisors Connie Chan and Dean Preston listen during a hearing at City Hall in San Francisco." class="wp-image-210831"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Progessive Supervisors Connie Chan, left, and Dean Preston, right, face reelection next November. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/INLINED05_DCCCBattle092923.jpg?w=2500" alt="Supervisors Connie Chan and Dean Preston listen during a hearing at City Hall in San Francisco." class="wp-image-210831"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Progessive Supervisors Connie Chan, left, and Dean Preston, right, face reelection next November. </figcaption></figure>

In November, San Francisco’s elections for mayor, district attorney, sheriff, city attorney and treasurer will <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/07/12/mayor-breed-is-not-a-fan-of-supervisors-plan-to-change-citywide-elections/">coincide with a presidential election</a>, ensuring a high turnout in these local contests. That’s by design, as voters chose to consolidate those elections <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/07/12/mayor-breed-is-not-a-fan-of-supervisors-plan-to-change-citywide-elections/">last year</a>. The November election will also include contests for the odd-numbered seats on the Board of Supervisors.

In November, San Francisco’s elections for mayor, district attorney, sheriff, city attorney and treasurer will <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/07/12/mayor-breed-is-not-a-fan-of-supervisors-plan-to-change-citywide-elections/">coincide with a presidential election</a>, ensuring a high turnout in these local contests. That’s by design, as voters chose to consolidate those elections <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/07/12/mayor-breed-is-not-a-fan-of-supervisors-plan-to-change-citywide-elections/">last year</a>. The November election will also include contests for the odd-numbered seats on the Board of Supervisors.

Breed is at risk of losing her reelection bid, with <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/04/26/san-francisco-mayor-polls-london-breed-challengers-election-2024/">multiple polls</a> showing low approval of the mayor’s performance. But the Board of Supervisors also has poor numbers. Recent polls show <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/19/new-poll-growsf-san-francisco-crimes-go-unreported/">support for the tough-on-crime policies Breed endorses</a>, but the big question is whether the public believes she can effectively implement them.&nbsp;

Who wants to run San Francisco? Mystery polls lay out London Breed&#8217;s potential challengers

Drug crackdowns strongly supported by San Francisco residents, poll finds

Breed is at risk of losing her reelection bid, with <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/04/26/san-francisco-mayor-polls-london-breed-challengers-election-2024/">multiple polls</a> showing low approval of the mayor’s performance. But the Board of Supervisors also has poor numbers. Recent polls show <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/19/new-poll-growsf-san-francisco-crimes-go-unreported/">support for the tough-on-crime policies Breed endorses</a>, but the big question is whether the public believes she can effectively implement them.&nbsp;

Her two main opponents—Supervisor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/08/san-francisco-supervisor-files-paperwork-to-run-against-mayor-london-breed/">Ahsha Safaí</a> and philanthropist <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/26/qa-daniel-lurie-cites-crisis-of-leadership-in-run-for-san-francisco-mayor/">Daniel Lurie</a>— have lower name recognition, but others could still enter the race. Board President Aaron Peskin said <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/03/san-francisco-supervisor-aaron-peskin-says-people-want-him-to-run-for-mayor/">supporters have urged him to run</a>, and there’s also a movement to draft <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/29/mark-farrell-san-francisco-mayor-race-london-breed-2024/">former supervisor and interim Mayor Mark Farrell</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mayor London Breed gets a reelection challenger

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

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

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

Her two main opponents—Supervisor <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/08/san-francisco-supervisor-files-paperwork-to-run-against-mayor-london-breed/">Ahsha Safaí</a> and philanthropist <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/26/qa-daniel-lurie-cites-crisis-of-leadership-in-run-for-san-francisco-mayor/">Daniel Lurie</a>— have lower name recognition, but others could still enter the race. Board President Aaron Peskin said <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/03/san-francisco-supervisor-aaron-peskin-says-people-want-him-to-run-for-mayor/">supporters have urged him to run</a>, and there’s also a movement to draft <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/29/mark-farrell-san-francisco-mayor-race-london-breed-2024/">former supervisor and interim Mayor Mark Farrell</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Six of 11 seats on the Board of Supervisors are also up for grabs in November. Supervisors Peskin, Safaí and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/12/san-francisco-politician-apologizes-for-accidentally-helping-gang-member/">Hillary Ronen</a> are termed out, so their seats are open.&nbsp;

San Francisco politician apologizes to homicide victim&#8217;s mom after accidentally helping the killer

Six of 11 seats on the Board of Supervisors are also up for grabs in November. Supervisors Peskin, Safaí and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/12/san-francisco-politician-apologizes-for-accidentally-helping-gang-member/">Hillary Ronen</a> are termed out, so their seats are open.&nbsp;

Supervisor Connie Chan, a progressive and frequent foe of Breed’s, is facing a challenge from <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/01/marjan-philhour-campaign-richmond-supervisor-san-francisco-november-2024-election/">Marjan Philhour</a>. With concerns <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/29/san-francisco-shopkeeper-brain-dead-after-attack/">over crime</a> running high, Chan is viewed as vulnerable; <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/05/18/redistricting-drama-continues-as-elections-commissioner-resigns-in-wake-of-turmoil/">last year’s redistricting</a> may have brought more moderate voters into her district as well.

Third time’s the charm? Marjan Philhour runs for Richmond supervisor again

San Francisco shopkeeper dies after brutal attack, family says

&#8216;Really disturbed&#8217;: Elections commissioner calls it quits, citing redistricting turmoil

Supervisor Connie Chan, a progressive and frequent foe of Breed’s, is facing a challenge from <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/01/marjan-philhour-campaign-richmond-supervisor-san-francisco-november-2024-election/">Marjan Philhour</a>. With concerns <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/29/san-francisco-shopkeeper-brain-dead-after-attack/">over crime</a> running high, Chan is viewed as vulnerable; <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/05/18/redistricting-drama-continues-as-elections-commissioner-resigns-in-wake-of-turmoil/">last year’s redistricting</a> may have brought more moderate voters into her district as well.

Supervisor Dean Preston, who’s arguably the leading voice of board progressives, is also up for reelection and a prime target of moderate political groups <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/31/dump-dean-preston-pac-growsf-declares-war-sf-supervisor-election/">like GrowSF</a>. The movement to unseat Preston, a Democratic Socialist, has even gained the notice <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/22/elon-musk-pledges-100k-to-defeat-san-francisco-elected-official-dean-preston/">of Elon Musk</a>.&nbsp; But that kind of attention may only serve to galvanize Preston’s base.&nbsp;

‘Dump Dean PAC’ declares war on San Francisco’s Democratic Socialist Supervisor Dean Preston

Elon Musk pledges $100K to defeat this San Francisco elected official

Supervisor Dean Preston, who’s arguably the leading voice of board progressives, is also up for reelection and a prime target of moderate political groups <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/31/dump-dean-preston-pac-growsf-declares-war-sf-supervisor-election/">like GrowSF</a>. The movement to unseat Preston, a Democratic Socialist, has even gained the notice <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/22/elon-musk-pledges-100k-to-defeat-san-francisco-elected-official-dean-preston/">of Elon Musk</a>.&nbsp; But that kind of attention may only serve to galvanize Preston’s base.&nbsp;

Last year’s elections gave moderates like Supervisors <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/11/29/joel-engardio-power-sf-supervisors-london-breed/">Joel Engardio</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/11/08/matt-dorsey-leads-honey-mahogany-by-wide-margin-as-first-results-roll-in/">Matt Dorsey</a> a larger foothold on the board. If more moderates win in November, the foothold could become a majority. And if Breed survives her reelection battle, it could mean less gridlock at City Hall.

Will Joel Engardio change the balance of power in SF politics?

Matt Dorsey leads Honey Mahogany by wide margin

Last year’s elections gave moderates like Supervisors <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/11/29/joel-engardio-power-sf-supervisors-london-breed/">Joel Engardio</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/11/08/matt-dorsey-leads-honey-mahogany-by-wide-margin-as-first-results-roll-in/">Matt Dorsey</a> a larger foothold on the board. If more moderates win in November, the foothold could become a majority. And if Breed survives her reelection battle, it could mean less gridlock at City Hall.

Opinion: Mind reading London Breed: What SF’s embattled mayor is probably thinking right now

Opinion: Harris, Lurie, Prop D, the Great Highway: Why I’m voting for change at every level

Voters could remake San Francisco City Hall in 2024. Here’s how

Who’s spending what: Homelessness commission makes strange bedfellows

San Francisco moderate Democrats want a clean sweep of local party

Search Results for: togethersf

Opinion: Mind reading London Breed: What SF’s embattled mayor is probably thinking right now

Opinion: Harris, Lurie, Prop D, the Great Highway: Why I’m voting for change at every level

Voters could remake San Francisco City Hall in 2024. Here’s how

Who’s spending what: Homelessness commission makes strange bedfellows

San Francisco moderate Democrats want a clean sweep of local party