London Breed San Francisco re-election/ San Francisco mayor race 2024/ public safety in San Francisco election/ Daniel Lurie/ Mark Farrell/ homelessness crisis SF/ Newslooks/ SAN FRANCISCO/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ London Breed San Francisco re-election, San Francisco mayor race 2024, public safety in San Francisco election, Daniel Lurie, Mark Farrell, homelessness crisis SF/ Newslooks/ San Francisco Mayor London Breed, the city’s first Black female leader, is fighting for re-election amid criticism over homelessness, crime, and drug use. Despite improvements in some areas, Breed faces four challengers, including former interim Mayor Mark Farrell and nonprofit leader Daniel Lurie. While Breed touts her achievements, her opponents argue that she has not done enough to address the city’s pressing issues. The Nov. 5 election is seen as a test of voter sentiment on public safety and leadership in the progressive city.
London Breed Faces a Tough Re-Election Battle in San Francisco Quick Looks
- Historic mayor under pressure: London Breed, the first Black woman mayor of San Francisco, is battling for a second term against four challengers.
- City’s challenges: Homelessness, public safety, and drug use have plagued Breed’s time in office, with critics claiming she hasn’t done enough.
- Top opponents: Her leading rivals include former interim Mayor Mark Farrell and nonprofit leader Daniel Lurie, with the election set for Nov. 5.
- Voter dissatisfaction: Rising concerns over crime and city services have led to growing frustrations among residents and unions, putting Breed’s future in doubt.
San Francisco’s 1st Black Female Mayor Fights for Re-Election Amid Rising Criticism
Deep Look
When London Breed was elected as San Francisco’s first Black woman mayor, it was a watershed moment for the city. Coming from a humble background in public housing, Breed’s story symbolized the possibilities available in a progressive, equitable San Francisco. However, the reality of leading the city through a global pandemic, homelessness crises, and rising public safety concerns has proven to be a difficult challenge.
As Breed seeks a second term, she finds herself fighting against four challengers in what has become an expensive and hotly contested race. The November 5 election will test whether voters believe she’s done enough to address the city’s pressing issues or if a change in leadership is needed.
A City in Crisis
San Francisco, once heralded as a beacon of innovation and opportunity, has been grappling with serious issues during Breed’s time in office. The pandemic exacerbated existing problems, such as homelessness, and led to surging drug use and erratic behavior on the streets. Storefronts shuttered, and public safety became a central concern.
While Breed has pointed to improvements in some areas—such as a reduction in homeless encampments and a renewed focus on public safety—her opponents argue that she has failed to adequately address the city’s challenges. This dissatisfaction has attracted a diverse field of candidates eager to replace her.
Breed’s Leading Rivals
Mark Farrell, a former interim mayor who served for six months in 2018, has positioned himself as Breed’s most conservative challenger. A venture capitalist, Farrell claims that Breed’s leadership has left the city’s streets in chaos and that he could restore order. He frequently touts his previous work clearing homeless encampments and blames Breed for not maintaining those efforts.
Another major contender is Daniel Lurie, founder of the anti-poverty nonprofit Tipping Point Community. Lurie, an heir to the Levi Strauss fortune, has spent over $6 million of his own money on his campaign, positioning himself as a political outsider who can bring much-needed accountability to City Hall. Lurie argues that, as someone unconnected to the city’s political establishment, he is better suited to reform San Francisco’s troubled bureaucracy.
Both Farrell and Lurie come with strong financial backing from wealthy business interests, but they’re not the only ones challenging Breed. Aaron Peskin, president of the Board of Supervisors, is running as the most liberal candidate, while Ahsha Safaí, a former labor organizer, rounds out the field of contenders.
Public Safety and the Election
Public safety has emerged as a defining issue in the race. San Francisco voters, who ousted progressive prosecutor Chesa Boudin in a recall last year, are once again grappling with concerns about crime and disorder. A daytime shooting in the city’s central shopping district in September reignited fears about safety, adding further pressure on Breed’s campaign.
Breed has sought to show that her administration has made significant progress, pointing to reduced crime rates and new initiatives aimed at tackling drug abuse and homelessness. She has championed several public safety measures, including expanding police powers and using technology to combat crime. But her critics argue these efforts have been insufficient.
“We laid the groundwork, and now people are reaping the benefits,” Breed said in a recent interview. “Voters know that someone’s in charge and making it happen.”
Money and Influence
Breed is far from the only candidate with deep-pocketed supporters. Lurie leads the pack in fundraising, having amassed over $13 million, including $1 million from his mother, businesswoman Miriam Haas. Breed has raised more than $4.6 million, including a significant donation from former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, while Farrell has garnered $3.5 million.
However, all three leading candidates face criticism. Breed’s racial equity initiative, The Dream Keeper Initiative, has come under scrutiny for alleged financial mismanagement. Farrell has been accused of circumventing campaign finance laws by sharing resources with a ballot measure committee, while Lurie’s affordable housing projects have faced criticism for relying on construction methods opposed by local labor unions.
Ranked-Choice Voting and Unusual Alliances
San Francisco’s use of ranked-choice voting could lead to unexpected outcomes in the mayoral race. This system allows voters to rank their top choices, and the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated in successive rounds until someone garners a majority. This dynamic has prompted Farrell and Safaí to form a strategic alliance, asking their supporters to rank the other as their second choice in an effort to boost both of their chances.
Breed first won office in 2018 after serving as interim mayor following the death of Mayor Ed Lee. Her second term has lasted five years, due to the city aligning its mayoral election calendar with presidential contests.
As the election approaches, Breed’s future—and the future of San Francisco—will depend on whether voters believe she can continue leading the city out of its crises or if it’s time for someone else to take the reins.
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