The race for District 5 supervisor in San Francisco is heating up, with mayoral candidates taking a keen interest. Mayor London Breed and former Supervisor Mark Farrell have both endorsed their preferred candidates—Breed supporting Bilal Mahmood and Farrell backing newcomer Scotty Jacobs—who are challenging incumbent Dean Preston.
Jacobs proudly announced Farrell’s endorsement today, while Breed endorsed Mahmood earlier this month. Preston, on the other hand, has the backing of Supervisor Aaron Peskin, who has appeared at events for Preston’s re-election campaign while gearing up for his own mayoral bid.
Interest in District 5 is notably higher than in other supervisor races, with Jacobs and Mahmood raising nearly $1 million combined through contributions and public financing. Various outside groups have also mobilized efforts to unseat Preston, who holds a reputation as the city’s most progressive politician.
Political analysts suggest that the endorsements may ultimately benefit the mayoral candidates more than the District 5 hopefuls. Observers note that Farrell is not widely known in the district, which leans progressive, and his previous conservative policies have not resonated with local residents.
According to Jim Stearns, a consultant for Peskin, Farrell’s motive for endorsing Jacobs may be more about garnering future support rather than providing mutual backing. Jacobs has launched a campaign focusing on strict public safety measures, including proposals on drug dealers and treatment solutions, and noted that he supports Farrell’s mayoral campaign.
“I’m honored to have Mark’s sole endorsement. With Mark’s pragmatism and blend of experience, we will do great things to get San Francisco back on track,” Jacobs stated, having previously left his brand manager position to enter politics.
Jacobs described District 5 as a pivotal area in the city’s shifting political dynamics, highlighting shared positions with Farrell on issues such as policing and drug testing for welfare recipients. Observers speculate that Farrell may be attempting to differentiate himself from Breed for potential traction, while also signaling to distinct voter blocs through his endorsement of Jacobs.
Breed, who previously oversaw District 5 as supervisor, may also have ulterior motives for endorsing Mahmood, according to political insiders. Her tension with Preston could be influencing her support for candidates like Mahmood, who has garnered attention and endorsements from major tech figures, including investors who previously backed Breed.
However, some analysts caution that Breed’s low popularity may negatively impact Mahmood’s campaign, noting that voters could be hesitant to choose a supervisor perceived as a mere extension of an unpopular mayor.
As both candidates seek victory, they appear to anticipate a collaborative relationship with their endorsed candidates. “I need a supervisor of my home neighborhood that actually wants to work with me,” Breed explained during Mahmood’s campaign launch. Farrell also expressed his alignment with Jacobs, referencing their shared focus on the pressing issues facing the district and suggesting a fresh direction for San Francisco.