San Francisco has elected a new mayor, Levi Strauss heir Daniel Lurie, ousting incumbent Mayor London Breed. Lurie, the founder of the San Francisco anti-poverty organization Tipping Point Community, won 56% of the vote, while Breed trailed with nearly 44%.
Lurie’s foundation focuses on fighting poverty and funding solutions to address it across the Bay Area. During his campaign, he centered on issues of public safety, including homelessness, crime and high housing costs, which he attributed to Breed’s failed policies.
“This mayor lost control of our streets,” Lurie said on the campaign trail. “There is a sense of disorder. There is a sense that you can come to San Francisco and get away with crime. And so, yes, the mayor is now throwing everything against the wall. But for this mayor, it’s too little, too late.”
Voters seemed to agree. San Franciscans face serious challenges, including an open-air drug market, empty storefronts, rising crime and inflation. Many residents say the city has been struggling and they are ready for change.
“Homelessness, drug problems downtown suffering the doom loop. So, it’s probably going to take time to turn it around. But, you know, San Francisco’s a great city. Eventually it’ll come back,” San Francisco resident Moneeb Mellem said.
In his first six months in office, Lurie vowed to secure 1,500 homeless shelter units. In his first three years, he aims to hire more than 400 police officers, KTVU reports.
Breed, who has served as mayor for six years, conceded to Lurie Thursday, promising a smooth transition of power.
“Ultimately, you know, what I have had as mayor of San Francisco is a real gift. And I appreciate that the people of the city have given me an opportunity to serve,” Breed said during her concession speech. “And it’s been the opportunity of my life. And so I’m grateful. But there have been other very challenging things that have occurred. And now is a time for us to really focus on moving our city forward.”
Lurie will take office in January.
