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SAN FRANCISCO — The election of London Breed as San Francisco’s first Black woman mayor marked a significant moment, embodying the belief that in this progressive city, ambition knows no bounds for those from humble beginnings.
However, her initial triumph faced swift challenges as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the city’s economy, leading to store closures and a surge in homelessness and public drug usage. Now, Breed stands at a political crossroads, vying for a second term amid increasing scrutiny.
As a moderate Democrat, Breed is competing against four Democratic challengers in the upcoming election on November 5. Critics argue that her six-year tenure has led to a deterioration in city conditions, specifically citing her failure to effectively address homelessness and safety concerns. Detractors emphasize that chaos has overtaken San Francisco, with complaints of increasing crime and erratic public behavior overshadowing her leadership, despite businesses calling for assistance.
Among her prominent opponents are Mark Farrell, a former interim mayor and venture capitalist who has positioned himself as the most conservative candidate, and Daniel Lurie, a philanthropist known for his anti-poverty work who has invested heavily in his campaign—over $6 million of his own funds.
Other candidates include Aaron Peskin, the Board of Supervisors president who leans more liberal, and Ahsha Safaí, a city supervisor with a labor background.
While certain indicators reflect improvements—such as cleaner streets and a decline in visible homeless encampments—the recent daytime shooting of 49ers rookie Ricky Pearsall in a well-trafficked area has reignited public safety debates.
Political analyst David McCuan from Sonoma State University acknowledges that despite Breed’s apparent advantages, she is grappling with significant challenges that could impact her campaign.
This election unfolds in the broader context of national conversations around public safety and in the wake of recent decisions—such as a tough-on-crime proposition in California aimed at reclassifying certain petty crimes to felonies—which reflect rising concerns about crime across various urban centers.
The public has shown a willingness to make drastic changes in leadership over safety issues, as evidenced by the 2022 recall of progressive San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin. Similar sentiments are brewing across the Bay Area, illustrating a growing impatience among voters regarding crime and governance.
In a campaign interview, Breed expressed optimism, stating that her administration is helping San Francisco turn a corner, which she attributes to her leadership efforts. She has spearheaded public safety initiatives aimed at enhancing police authority and pushing for more comprehensive drug treatment options. Following a significant Supreme Court decision, she has also enforced crackdowns on homeless encampments, citing a reported decline in crime overall.
“We laid the groundwork for a resilient future,” Breed commented, emphasizing her commitment to infrastructure improvements and public safety measures that bolster citizen confidence.
In contrast, Farrell counters these claims by recalling his own tenure, during which he addressed homelessness more effectively. He advocates for a vision of San Francisco where law enforcement feels supported, and residents are assured safety without resorting to personal security measures in a city with a substantial budget.
Meanwhile, Lurie positions himself as a fresh alternative, capitalizing on his reputation as a political outsider. He emphasizes accountability as a key issue, arguing voters need someone who genuinely aims to reform what he describes as a corrupt bureaucratic system.
Despite their varying campaigns, all main candidates share strong connections to wealthy donors, with Lurie leading in fundraising efforts, having amassed over $13 million, including significant contributions from his family. Breed’s campaign has raised over $4.6 million, benefitting from prominent backers, while Farrell has brought in $3.5 million.
Yet, the three candidates face challenges within their campaigns. Breed is currently embroiled in a scandal linked to financial mismanagement within the Dream Keeper Initiative, a key program aimed at supporting Black communities in the city. Farrell is accused of circumventing campaign finance limits, which he staunchly denies, and Lurie faces skepticism regarding the replicability of his housing projects due to their unconventional methods.
San Francisco’s electoral system employs ranked choice voting, allowing for complex dynamics where candidates could gain from unconventional partnerships. In a recent strategic move, Farrell and Safaí encouraged their supporters to consider each other as their second-choice votes, highlighting the unique interactions fostered under this voting framework.
Breed was first elected mayor in June 2018 and reaffirmed her status in 2019 for a full term, which has now extended five years due to alignment with presidential election cycles.
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abcnews.go.com