The race for San Francisco’s District 5 supervisor is heating up as mayoral candidates show an increasing interest in the election. Mayor London Breed has endorsed Bilal Mahmood, while former Supervisor Mark Farrell announced his support for newcomer Scotty Jacobs, who is challenging incumbent Dean Preston.
Farrell’s endorsement of Jacobs comes as no surprise given that Preston has long enjoyed the backing of Supervisor Aaron Peskin, who appeared at a campaign event for Preston before launching his own mayoral candidacy. Interestingly, Breed and Farrell have not made similar endorsements in the other five supervisor races currently underway, despite Breed having previously endorsed various candidates across the city in 2020.
District 5’s supervisor race is particularly noteworthy as it encompasses a diverse range of neighborhoods from Haight-Ashbury to the Tenderloin, with candidates raising nearly $1 million collectively. Additionally, outside organizations are working to unseat Preston, known as the city’s most progressive elected official.
Analysts express skepticism regarding the impact of mayoral endorsements on the District 5 candidates. They suggest the endorsements may actually benefit the mayoral candidates more than the supervisors. Farrell, for instance, has limited recognition in the progressive District 5, and his conservative past, including his co-sponsorship of a measure to limit tents on sidewalks, has not been favorably received by local residents.
Political consultant Jim Stearns commented that Farrell’s endorsement of Jacobs could be aimed at appealing to potential voters rather than reciprocating support. Jacobs, who is campaigning vigorously throughout the district, supports Farrell’s mayoral bid and advocates for stringent approaches to public safety, including deporting drug dealers.
Jacobs expressed gratitude for Farrell’s endorsement, praising his blend of public and private sector experience. He described District 5 as a crucial point in the evolving political landscape of San Francisco and highlighted shared policy goals with Farrell, such as enhancing police presence and implementing measures like Proposition F, which proposes drug testing for welfare recipients.
Another observer noted that Farrell may be using the District 5 race to differentiate himself from Breed and attract potential supporters. Endorsing Jacobs could signal to others, particularly those who appreciate a shift to more conservative policies in the city’s politics.
While Breed’s endorsement of Mahmood could play to her advantage as she maintains connections with wealthier supporters, there are concerns that her unpopularity may negatively affect Mahmood’s chances. Despite recent improvements in her approval ratings, some voters might hesitate to elect a supervisor perceived as aligned too closely with the mayor.
Both Jacobs and Mahmood have expressed intentions to work collaboratively with the mayor if elected. Breed acknowledged her careful consideration before endorsing, while Farrell highlighted Jacobs’ potential to bring necessary change to the district.