This weekend, our Political Action/Endorsement Committee interviewed San Francisco Mayoral and Board of Supervisor candidates for the November 5, 2024 election. After giving candidates and representatives an opportunity to share their thoughts and meet with the committee, we are excited to to provide our PAC recommendations below.
We also invite you to vote from July 30 – August 1, should you be an eligible member. If you have not received an electronic ballot via email by noon on Tuesday July 30 and believe you are an eligible member, please contact our Membership Chair at membership@sfwpc.org
For our thoughts, please read our statements below these PAC recommendations.
Mayor (ranked choice)
#1 London Breed
#2 Aaron Peskin
Board of Supervisors (ranked choice)
District 1
#1 Connie Chan
#2 Jen Nossokoff
District 3
#1 Sharon Lai
#2 Danny Sauter
District 5
SOLE Bilal Mahmood
District 7
SOLE Myrna Melgar
District 9
#1 Jackie Fielder
#2 Trevor Chandler
District 11
#1 Chyanne Chen
#2 Ernest “EJ” Jones
#3 Adlah Chisti
SFWPC Statements on our PAC Recommendations
The general election in November is set to be historic and we believe that we will elect a record breaking number of women into office up-and-down the ticket. Although POLITICO California Playbook dubbed 2024 ‘The Year of the Man?’, the SFWPC PAC committee believes 2024 will close as the ‘Year of the Woman.’ And our first set of PAC recommendations for November 2024 reflect our commitment to seeing gender equity in elected representation here in San Francisco.
Only four of the 11 Supervisor districts in San Francisco are currently led by women. Our sincere wish this cycle is to see gender parity increase on the Board of Supervisors. Our endorsement recommendations reflect this desire.
Our framework for evaluating candidates for the PAC recommendation included their:
- Preparedness and responses in their PAC interview
- Responses to the SFWPC questionnaire submitted pre-interview
- Alignment with SFWPC’s mission, values, and policy agenda per both their interview and questionnaire
- Involvement, engagement, and impact on our work to fight sexual violence in SF politics
- Whether they identify as a woman or non-binary person
- Engagement with and track record with SFWPC
We appreciate all the candidates who made time to complete our questionnaire and speak to us during their interviews this past weekend.
Warning Against Toxicity in Campaigning
Reducing toxicity in San Francisco politics is essential to supporting our work combating abuse, harassment, assault, and all forms of violence. Especially in this moment when we have seen political violence escalate to life or death situations here in the U.S..
Candidates should campaign on 1) what makes them the best candidate for their race and on 2) actual policy and strongly discourage the use of ad hominem attacks from the campaign and/or its supporters.
Although all candidates and campaigns should comply, our expectations regarding this are most applicable to and should be taken seriously by the candidates we have recommended for endorsement.
Legitimate Male Allyship Has Measurable Outcomes
We are frustrated that there is a need to reiterate the following feedback after initially providing it in our March 2024 election PAC recommendation write-up.
Multiple male candidates told us how they are surrounded by powerful women – their mothers, sisters, daughters, wives, coworkers, etc. – when asked about how they support women and how they’re uniquely positioned to receive the endorsement of SFWPC. Male allyship and mentoring women is more than speaking about the women in your life.
Identifying the women in your life and telling us about how great they are is not allyship, nor does it mean that you will prioritize and work towards the policy change required to combat the most pressing issues women and non-binary people are facing, including gender-based violence and harassment, pay equity, access to childcare, affordable housing, etc.
Allyship is a verb, not a noun and candidates seeking SFWPC’s endorsement recommendation must demonstrate concrete actions they have taken, and speak to the policies they plan to champion and support in order to earn our endorsement recommendation.
Mayor
#1: London Breed
SFWPC enthusiastically recommends Mayor London Breed as your first ranked choice for Mayor.
Not only has Mayor Breed led San Francisco through the incredibly turbulent COVID pandemic, where her swift and decisive actions saved tens of thousands of lives, but she has been a groundbreaking leader on women’s and equity issues. Mayor Breed is a lifelong resident of San Francisco, rose to become our first Black woman Mayor from public housing in the Western Addition, and has a deep love of San Francisco. She brings personal, academic and learned experience to bear in policy proposals and discussions.
The Mayor’s first full term has included significant work on securing reproductive freedom and rights locally, specifically emergency funding for abortion services after the 2022 Dobbs decision, establishing the Bay Area Abortion Rights Coalition, introducing the San Francisco Reproductive Freedom Act, and committing funds to the Abundant Birth Project which aims to address racial disparities in maternal health and outcomes.
Mayor Breed has also led on gender parity in City leadership roles, and 54% of Mayor Breed’s Commission appointees as well as 58% of City Department Heads identify as women. Mayor Breed has steadfastly committed to retaining the San Francisco Commission on the Status of Women, a leader in oversight on gender equity issues, and one of the longest-running women’s commissions in the nation.
Mayor Breed has also focused on eliminating barriers to economic success, creating the Economic Recovery Task Force, launching workforce training programs for women, proposing the 30×30 initiative to help reinvigorate downtown, and launching community events that fill public spaces with cultural activities to support local business corridors.
During our PAC interview, we had a productive conversation with the Mayor regarding specific issues where our organization and the Mayor do not align on policy. We appreciate the Mayor’s perspective and her commitment to centering impacted communities in policies.
Mayor Breed is our joyful and unequivocal first choice recommendation for Mayor. We look forward to continue working with her to advance policies that create gender equity.
#2: Supervisor Aaron Peskin
As our second ranked choice recommendation, Supervisor Peskin stood out for his steadfast support of policies that align with SFWPC’s goals and policy objectives and for his depth of practical knowledge regarding how the city functions and policy implementation.
Supervisor Peskin iterated strong support for anti-violence policies, the necessity of building affordable housing across the city, a commitment to funding education and childcare priorities, and has a proven track record of engaging and supporting marginalized communities in San Francisco. We also appreciate that Supervisor Peskin was the first elected official in San Francisco to sign on to our call to action asking for reform of the Statewide Workplace Conduct Unit.
Additionally, SFWPC would like to acknowledge Supervisor Peskin’s willingness to sit down and meet with us, as well as his willingness to publicly discuss his history of problematic behavior in advance of, and during, our endorsement meeting. Supervisor Peskin modeled much of the accountability behavior we expect from those who seek to be leaders in a San Francisco that is free from all forms of harassment. We appreciate his vulnerability and the transparent way he has worked to address past harms and to prevent future incidents, including apologizing publicly for specific actions and taking accountability for the impact of his words and deeds. We know transforming behavior is a journey, and will ensure we hold Supervisor Peksin – and all elected officials – to their word on ending harassment, sexual violence, and all other forms of violence in political spaces.
We also discussed some policy areas on which we disagree. We appreciated Supervisor Peskin’s candor and while some differences remain, we appreciate the dialogue and willingness to continue to work together on concerns ranging from gender-based violence to housing inequity.
Board of Supervisors, District 1
The SFWPC PAC committee recommends Connie Chan for first ranked choice and Jen Nossokoff for second ranked choice.
Much has happened in D1 since 2020’s close Supervisor election. The district has emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic and the district demographics have changed as a result of 2022 redistricting. Candidates in 2024 deeply diverge on their approaches to public safety and the extent to which police can solve very real neighborhood concerns of small business development, AAPI hate crimes, and pedestrian safety.
As a champion of women’s issues at City Hall, Supervisor Chan is our 1st ranked choice recommendation. Her unique emphasis on cultural competence and language access for services shows a deep understanding of the community and a dedication to survivors. Supervisor Chan also brings much-needed representation to the Board, as the only Chinese-American, with a strong attachment to working families, tenants, immigrants, and LGBTQ communities. We look forward to working with Supervisor Chan and advancing our shared values together if she wins.
We recommend Jen Nossokoff as our second choice. As a healthcare professional, she brings valuable insight into health equity and access, especially important since the 2022 Dobbs decision. Nossokoff understands the health support needs of women, caregivers, and families in the city. She has actively engaged with SFWPC in supporting survivors of sexual violence in SF politics and advocates for survivor-centered anti-violence policies. Nossokoff also demonstrates a commitment to the diversity of communities in D1 through her holistic approach to community safety, including gun control measures and restorative justice.
We also appreciate Marjan Philhour’s candidacy, including her extensive work in the district supporting women-owned small businesses and opportunities for immigrants. Philhour’s support of anti-violence policies at the DCCC and engagement with SFWPC have been meaningful. However, SFWPC’s goals and policy objectives have not aligned in key areas like approaches to public safety and police presence in schools.
Board of Supervisors, District 3
The SFWPC PAC committee recommends Sharon Lai for first ranked choice and Danny Sauter for second ranked choice.
A former SFTMA Commissioner, urban planning professional, homeless housing nonprofit leader, and activist with deep and personal ties to America’s oldest Chinatown, Lai has the right combination of government expertise, professional knowhow, and unique personal perspective to lead District 3.
A daily MUNI rider who experienced sexual violence on Muni, Lai deeply understands the need for safety policies that provide women equal access to the public infrastructure on which we all depend. Her experience as an immigrant and mother living in District 3 would provide a unique perspective on the board from a Chinese-American majority district who has not had AAPI district representation since 2014. Lai is the whole package and we enthusiastically recommend her as our #1 endorsement
SFWPC is pleased to recommend Danny Sauter as our second ranked choice for District 3 Supervisor. A long time supporter of SFWPC, we appreciate Sauter’s proactive and public support of survivors of sexual violence, his significant community organization and small business support work in District 3, and the understanding that the challenges that D3 neighborhoods face today are different than those of 20 years ago. We also appreciate his commitment to centering cultural competency in a district with a majority AAPI population and his collaboration with diverse stakeholders in District 3.
Board of Supervisors, District 5
The SFWPC PAC committee values the work Supervisor Preston has done on tenants’ rights issues, particularly on ballot measures that protect tenants citywide. If reelected, we would be pleased to work with him on issues impacting women in District 5.
We also appreciate Autumn Loojen’s candidacy and look forward to working with her in the future on projects where we are more organizationally aligned.
However, the PAC committee is solely recommending Bilal Mahmood for the District 5 Supervisors seat, based on the strength of his collaboration with our organization / his unwavering and multi- year public advocacy in supporting survivors of sexual assault, including within District 5.
If elected, we will look to Mahmood to continue his organizational advocacy for women’s safety in political spaces, and feel confident that they will have a partner in the District 5 office.
Board of Supervisors, District 7
We are recommending incumbent Supervisor Myrna Melgar as our sole endorsed candidate in District 7. A longtime supporter of SFWPC, Supervisor Melgar has consistently demonstrated an unwavering support for gender equality, legislating policies that promote women’s rights, equal pay, reproductive health, and combating gender-based violence.
Her work to expand early child care in San Francisco recognizes the critical role child care plays in supporting families, empowering caregivers, especially women.
As the Land Use Committee Chair and Vice Chair of the San Francisco County Transportation Authority, she has improved access to public transportation across San Francisco and is ensuring San Francisco meets its housing element goals.
Once re-elected, we hope to continue our partnership with Supervisor Melgar and look forward to her collaborative approach to addressing the most pressing issues facing many San Franciscans.
Board of Supervisors, District 9
The SFWPC PAC committee recommends Jackie Fielder for first ranked choice and Trevor Chandler for second ranked choice.
As a woman of color who aligns closely with our organizational values and has shown a deep commitment to them throughout her career, Jackie Fielder is our first ranked choice recommendation. Women in D9 are disproportionately impacted by domestic violence, housing insecurity, income inequality, and immigration-related issues. We are encouraged by her commitment to addressing these issues through community partnerships, support, and investments in anti-domestic violence programs, affordable housing, and education. Fielder would be the first-ever elected Indigenous Supervisor and Latina to represent District 9.
We recommend Trevor Chandler as our second choice in acknowledgement of his collaboration with SFWPC as a member of the DCCC. His commitment to anti-sexual harassment policies, demonstrated commitment to holding allies accountable, as well as his work in LGBTQ+ civil rights, means that we will continue to have a partner who will push on this important work in the District 9 Supervisors office.
Board of Supervisors, District 11
The SFWPC PAC recommends (in ranked choice order) Chyanne Chen, Ernest “EJ” Jones, and Adlah Chisti for District 11 Supervisor.
As a mother, woman of color, and someone who closely aligns with SFWPC’s values we are elated to have Chyanne Chen for our first ranked choice recommendation. Chen shows a deep commitment to her community through her work as a labor organizer with United Health Workers (UHW) and Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and through her leadership on multiple mutual aid efforts during the pandemic throughout District 11. Chen would be the first woman in 26 years elected to represent District 11.
For our second ranked choice, we recommend Ernest “EJ” Jones. Jones is a longtime District 11 resident and advocate working in City Hall as a legislative aid for many years to fight for his community. Prior to his role as a legislative aid, Jones founded The City Eats, an organization working to distribute free meals to those in need. Jones has been committed to his community at every point of his career and we are excited to have him as our #2 recommendation.
Adlah Chisti is our third ranked choice recommendation for District 11. Chisti has actively engaged with SFWPC as a general member and committee member over the years. Chisti is also a woman of color, longtime resident, political organizer and activist, and educator in District 11, and is raising her family in the same neighborhood she grew up in. We are committed to continuing to support her as she fights for her community.
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