Mayoral candidates in San Francisco are increasingly focusing on District 5, as both Mayor London Breed and former Supervisor Mark Farrell endorse candidates competing against incumbent Dean Preston.
Scotty Jacobs, a newcomer to the political scene, announced today that he has received Farrell’s endorsement. Earlier this month, Breed backed Bilal Mahmood, another relatively new candidate. Meanwhile, Preston continues to enjoy support from Supervisor Aaron Peskin, who recently participated in Preston’s re-election campaign event prior to declaring his own candidacy for mayor.
In contrast to the attention District 5 is receiving, other districts have not experienced the same level of endorsement activity from the mayoral candidates. Farrell has yet to endorse any candidates in the other five supervisor races, and Daniel Lurie has made no endorsements at all. Breed and Peskin have offered sporadic endorsements throughout the city.
The race for District 5 stands out as a key contest this election, drawing significant attention. Candidates from the diverse area, which includes Haight-Ashbury and the Tenderloin, have collectively raised nearly $1 million, with additional funds from outside groups aimed at unseating Preston, who is regarded as the city’s most progressive elected official.
Peskin’s support for Preston aligns with their history as colleagues and shared political values. It is anticipated that progressive voters in District 5 will back both Preston for supervisor and Peskin for mayor.
Political analysts, however, express skepticism about how much impact these endorsements will have on the District 5 race. They suggest that the real beneficiaries may be the mayoral candidates themselves. For instance, Farrell is not well-known in this progressive district, and his previous conservative policies have been rejected by local residents.
According to Jim Stearns, a consultant for Peskin, Farrell’s endorsement of Jacobs may be more about attracting votes than providing support. Farrell might be looking to Jacobs to convey a message that aligns with his own campaign.
Jacobs, who advocates for stricter public safety measures, including deporting drug dealers and forced treatment, has confirmed his support for Farrell’s mayoral run. As of June 30, Jacobs had raised $23,355 for his campaign.
“I’m honored to have Mark’s sole endorsement. With his blend of public and private sector experience, I’m confident we will make significant progress to rejuvenate San Francisco,” Jacobs stated, emphasizing his belief that District 5 is at the forefront of San Francisco’s political changes.
Another political observer remarked that Farrell’s involvement in the District 5 race could help him distinguish himself from Breed and attract a broader range of supporters.
While Mahmood has adopted a more progressive stance to appeal to District 5 voters, Jacobs has taken a more conservative approach, marking a shift in city politics.
Breed, who has previously expressed her frustrations with Preston, may also have her motives for endorsing Mahmood. Support from influential tech figures for Mahmood, alongside Breed’s need to maintain support from her backers, could drive her decision.
However, Stearns highlighted that Breed’s unpopularity might hinder Mahmood’s campaign. Being associated with an unpopular mayor could potentially dissuade voters from backing a candidate perceived as a mere extension of Breed’s administration.
Both candidates anticipate collaboration with those they endorse. “I need a supervisor from my neighborhood who is willing to work with me,” Breed stated during Mahmood’s campaign kickoff event, acknowledging the time it took her to decide on an endorsement.
Farrell expressed empathy for Jacobs, calling him the much-needed change in District 5. He described Jacobs as essential for representing the future of San Francisco.
This article has been updated to indicate that Breed has made endorsements in other districts.