San Francisco congressional candidate calls out-of-state house his primary home

<div class="content-grid article-content"><div class="Metadata_container__fxAzw"><div class="flex flex-row gap-x-md"></div><div class="Metadata_metadata__W_0LF"><span>By <a class="" href="https://sfstandard.com/author/josh-koehn/">Josh Koehn</a></span><time datetime="2025-11-21T14:00:00.000Z">Published Nov. 21, 2025 • 6:00am</time></div></div><div class="floats"><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Saikat Chakrabarti, a <u><a data-post-id="338955e8-25c7-4441-a88e-66729f621d89" href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/02/24/nancy-pelosi-challenger-saikat-chakrabarti-democrats-trump/">progressive tech millionaire</a></u> who is running to succeed Rep. Nancy Pelosi in Congress, has spent years claiming that a home in Maryland is his principal residence while actually living 2,800 miles away in San Francisco, The Standard has learned.</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Records show that when Chakrabarti bought a $1.6 million house in Gaithersburg, Maryland, in 2018, he signed a deed promising to make it his principal residence. Over the next seven years, he continued to identify the 4,555-square-foot home — located in <u><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/realestate/2014/10/09/c2718052-2a3e-11e4-86ca-6f03cbd15c1a_story.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Crown, a retail- and transit-oriented development<span class="sr-only"> (opens in new tab)</span></a></u> roughly 25 miles from Capitol Hill — as his principal residence in property tax filings.</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">In a phone interview with The Standard, Chakrabarti, 39, said he never intended to live in the Gaithersburg home and purchased it for his parents, who now reside in New Jersey. He said the deed, mortgage documents, and property tax filings he filed over the last seven years mistakenly identify it as his primary home.</p></div><div class="!p-0 !m-0"></div><div class="floats"><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">“I visit my family, so, like, I’ve been there,” Chakrabarti said. “Probably the longest I was ever there was maybe a couple months at some point, but never lived there.”</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">According to real estate experts, if Chakrabarti knew the filings were false, they could constitute fraud. Listing the home as a principal residence in loan documents and Maryland property filings could have given him special benefits, such as a lower interest rate or tax exemptions. <u><a href="https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/real-property/title-7/subtitle-4/section-7-401/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Maryland law<span class="sr-only"> (opens in new tab)</span></a></u> says it is a crime to knowingly make any “deliberate misstatement, misrepresentation, or omission” to influence the lending process, and <u><a href="https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/real-property/title-7/subtitle-4/section-7-407/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">penalties<span class="sr-only"> (opens in new tab)</span></a></u> can include a fine up to $5,000 and/or imprisonment up to 10 years.</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">A property deed from January 2018 notes that the home would be used as Chakrabarti’s primary residence and required him to sign under penalty of perjury. Chakrabarti said he had trusted his attorneys and real-estate people and had simply signed the forms put in front of him.</p></div><figure class="ImageBlock_ImageFigure__ZnquR inset-image mobile-grid-full mobile-grid-full" data-align="none"><div class="relative"><div><img alt="An exemption affidavit where Saikat Chakrabarti affirms under penalty of perjury to occupy the conveyed property as a principal residence for at least 7 months." class="block lazyloaded" data-nimg="1" decoding="async" height="1328" loading="lazy" sizes="(min-width: 1001px) 600px, (min-width: 768px) 700px, 100vw" src="https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_d9r4metma106r6ad6d9t5pi23h/-S3840x6675-FPNG" srcset="https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_d9r4metma106r6ad6d9t5pi23h/-S640x1112-FPNG 640w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_d9r4metma106r6ad6d9t5pi23h/-S750x1304-FPNG 750w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_d9r4metma106r6ad6d9t5pi23h/-S768x1335-FPNG 768w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_d9r4metma106r6ad6d9t5pi23h/-S828x1439-FPNG 828w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_d9r4metma106r6ad6d9t5pi23h/-S1024x1780-FPNG 1024w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_d9r4metma106r6ad6d9t5pi23h/-S1080x1877-FPNG 1080w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_d9r4metma106r6ad6d9t5pi23h/-S1200x2086-FPNG 1200w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_d9r4metma106r6ad6d9t5pi23h/-S1920x3337-FPNG 1920w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_d9r4metma106r6ad6d9t5pi23h/-S2048x3560-FPNG 2048w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_d9r4metma106r6ad6d9t5pi23h/-S3840x6675-FPNG 3840w" style="color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-image:url(&quot;data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' viewBox='0 0 764 1328'%3E%3Cfilter id='b' color-interpolation-filters='sRGB'%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'/%3E%3CfeColorMatrix values='1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 100 -1' result='s'/%3E%3CfeFlood x='0' y='0' width='100%25' height='100%25'/%3E%3CfeComposite operator='out' in='s'/%3E%3CfeComposite in2='SourceGraphic'/%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'/%3E%3C/filter%3E%3Cimage width='100%25' height='100%25' x='0' y='0' preserveAspectRatio='none' style='filter: url(%23b);' href='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw=='/%3E%3C/svg%3E&quot;)" width="764"/></div></div><figcaption class="basis-full mt-[10px] text-xs text-gray-550 font-inter leading-[18px]">Chakrabarti signed a form under penalty of perjury declaring that his home in Gaithersburg, Maryland, would be his principal residence.</figcaption></figure><div class="!p-0 !m-0"></div><div class="floats"><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">“I can say it was an honest mistake,” Chakrabarti said. “And if there is any money I owe, I will of course pay it back.”</p></div><div class="floats"><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">In follow-up conversations, Chakrabarti said he was taking steps to correct the filings, and he’s not sure if he received any financial benefit.</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Zillow estimates that the home has appreciated by 55% since its purchase. </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">The reporting of false information in mortgage and property records has become a hot-button political issue, with President Donald Trump’s administration backing Justice Department investigations and referrals targeting Democratic figures like Sen. Adam Schiff, Rep. Eric Swalwell, and New York Attorney General Letitia James. All three have accused Trump of weaponizing the justice system against his political opponents.</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Chakrabarti acknowledged that he’s had a circuitous path to becoming a political candidate, and he understands that his business dealings and personal holdings deserve scrutiny.</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">“I get it,” he said. “I wasn’t planning to run for office my entire life.”</p></div><figure class="ImageBlock_ImageFigure__ZnquR inset-image mobile-grid-full mobile-grid-full" data-align="none"><div class="relative"><div><img alt="A woman in a black dress walks down a hallway, looking focused, surrounded by people. One man holds a camera, and framed pictures hang on the wall." class="block lazyloaded" data-nimg="1" decoding="async" height="3091" loading="lazy" sizes="(min-width: 1001px) 600px, (min-width: 768px) 700px, 100vw" src="https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_l63aqkoe213tf0vfpg5q48t02h/-S3840x3842-FPNG" srcset="https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_l63aqkoe213tf0vfpg5q48t02h/-S640x640-FPNG 640w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_l63aqkoe213tf0vfpg5q48t02h/-S750x750-FPNG 750w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_l63aqkoe213tf0vfpg5q48t02h/-S768x768-FPNG 768w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_l63aqkoe213tf0vfpg5q48t02h/-S828x829-FPNG 828w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_l63aqkoe213tf0vfpg5q48t02h/-S1024x1025-FPNG 1024w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_l63aqkoe213tf0vfpg5q48t02h/-S1080x1081-FPNG 1080w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_l63aqkoe213tf0vfpg5q48t02h/-S1200x1201-FPNG 1200w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_l63aqkoe213tf0vfpg5q48t02h/-S1920x1921-FPNG 1920w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_l63aqkoe213tf0vfpg5q48t02h/-S2048x2049-FPNG 2048w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_l63aqkoe213tf0vfpg5q48t02h/-S3840x3842-FPNG 3840w" style="color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-image:url(&quot;data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' viewBox='0 0 3089 3091'%3E%3Cfilter id='b' color-interpolation-filters='sRGB'%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'/%3E%3CfeColorMatrix values='1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 100 -1' result='s'/%3E%3CfeFlood x='0' y='0' width='100%25' height='100%25'/%3E%3CfeComposite operator='out' in='s'/%3E%3CfeComposite in2='SourceGraphic'/%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'/%3E%3C/filter%3E%3Cimage width='100%25' height='100%25' x='0' y='0' preserveAspectRatio='none' style='filter: url(%23b);' href='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw=='/%3E%3C/svg%3E&quot;)" width="3089"/></div></div><figcaption class="basis-full mt-[10px] text-xs text-gray-550 font-inter leading-[18px]">Chakrabarti served as a campaign manager and then chief of staff to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) before returning to San Francisco.<span class="image-caption-divider"> | </span><span class="image-credit"><span class="sr-only">Source: </span>Tom Williams/CQ Roll/Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><h2 class="heading-block article-body text-left">The road back to San Francisco</h2><div class="floats"><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Chakrabarti announced his candidacy in February, leaving many San Franciscans scratching their heads about a candidate who has left little mark since arriving in the city in 2009: <i>Saikat who?</i> </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">During the early 2010s, Chakrabarti was focused on hitting the tech lottery with his web design startup Mockingbird, while also working as one of the first engineers at digital payment company Stripe. He didn’t turn his focus to politics until 2015, when he began working on the presidential campaign of Sen. Bernie Sanders. He went on to embed himself in the national progressive scene by cofounding the political action committees Brand New Congress and Justice Democrats.</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Just weeks before taking over Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s campaign in February 2018 (and then becoming her chief of staff), he purchased the Gaithersburg home. Since that time — and even after declaring plans to challenge Pelosi, who announced this month that <a data-post-id="62e03207-8cd3-4bb6-8dbe-bce95f0c98da" href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/11/06/nancy-pelosi-retirement-wont-seek-reelection/">she will retire at the end of her term</a> — Chakrabarti has called the home his principal residence in filings with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation.</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">A spokesperson for the department confirmed that a person must live in a home at least seven months out of the year to call it a principal residence.</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">“That would be for the whole country,” officials wrote in an email. “Unless they are active duty military.”</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Chakrabarti, who has never served in the military, said he did not apply for tax exemptions on the property. Beyond tax records, Charkabarti’s mortgage filings for the property could be more problematic.</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">In March 2018, he and his wife, attorney Kamilka Malwatte, signed an $800,000 loan agreement claiming the home would be used as a primary residence “for at least one year.” A second rider on the home changed the terms of this agreement for use as a second home. The language still required it to be for the “Borrower’s exclusive use,” but it’s unclear how that would apply to his parents as occupants.</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Jonathan Layne, a real estate agent in Gaithersburg, noted that purchasing a principal residence has advantages when it comes to lenders.</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">“When you are applying for a loan, that interest rate is likely going to be higher for a second home or an investment property than if it’s your principal residence,” Layne said.</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Erik Mebust, a spokesperson for state Sen. Scott Wiener, who is also running for the District 11 congressional seat, said Chakrabarti’s property records raise questions about how long he has lived in San Francisco after having “no involvement in the community” before becoming a candidate. So far, Chakrabarti has spent $720,000 of his own money on the campaign.</p></div><figure class="ImageBlock_ImageFigure__ZnquR inset-image mobile-grid-full mobile-grid-full" data-align="none"><div class="relative"><div><img alt="A person with glasses is intensely focused on something, likely a computer screen, which is reflected in the glasses. The background is dark and blurred." class="block lazyloaded" data-nimg="1" decoding="async" height="2541" loading="lazy" sizes="(min-width: 1001px) 600px, (min-width: 768px) 700px, 100vw" src="https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_2rob76e1ud0vh3vnebc5aliu4j/-S3840x2710-FPNG" srcset="https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_2rob76e1ud0vh3vnebc5aliu4j/-S640x452-FPNG 640w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_2rob76e1ud0vh3vnebc5aliu4j/-S750x529-FPNG 750w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_2rob76e1ud0vh3vnebc5aliu4j/-S768x542-FPNG 768w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_2rob76e1ud0vh3vnebc5aliu4j/-S828x584-FPNG 828w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_2rob76e1ud0vh3vnebc5aliu4j/-S1024x723-FPNG 1024w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_2rob76e1ud0vh3vnebc5aliu4j/-S1080x762-FPNG 1080w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_2rob76e1ud0vh3vnebc5aliu4j/-S1200x847-FPNG 1200w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_2rob76e1ud0vh3vnebc5aliu4j/-S1920x1355-FPNG 1920w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_2rob76e1ud0vh3vnebc5aliu4j/-S2048x1446-FPNG 2048w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_2rob76e1ud0vh3vnebc5aliu4j/-S3840x2710-FPNG 3840w" style="color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-image:url(&quot;data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' viewBox='0 0 3600 2541'%3E%3Cfilter id='b' color-interpolation-filters='sRGB'%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'/%3E%3CfeColorMatrix values='1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 100 -1' result='s'/%3E%3CfeFlood x='0' y='0' width='100%25' height='100%25'/%3E%3CfeComposite operator='out' in='s'/%3E%3CfeComposite in2='SourceGraphic'/%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'/%3E%3C/filter%3E%3Cimage width='100%25' height='100%25' x='0' y='0' preserveAspectRatio='none' style='filter: url(%23b);' href='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw=='/%3E%3C/svg%3E&quot;)" width="3600"/></div></div><figcaption class="basis-full mt-[10px] text-xs text-gray-550 font-inter leading-[18px]">Chakrabarti made millions working in San Francisco tech before turning to politics.<span class="image-caption-divider"> | </span><span class="image-credit"><span class="sr-only">Source: </span>Mary F. Calvert/The Washington Post/Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><div class="floats"><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">“Lots of people try to buy their way into elected office, but this is particularly brazen,” Mebust said in a statement. “San Franciscans deserve a representative in Congress who cares deeply about our city and shows it by going to the mat for our community.”</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Chakrabarti, who lives in a two-bedroom apartment on Duboce Avenue that he owns, defended his time in the city, saying he has put down roots and frequently returned during his time working on campaigns elsewhere. (He also owns a one-bedroom apartment on Oak Street and an ADU.) Chakrabarti said he returned to San Francisco for good in 2019 to work full time at think tank New Consensus.</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">“I started a company when I first moved out here, I bought a home when I came out here, and I started a family out here,” Chakrabarti said. “I’ve lived the vast majority of my adult life here, so this is the city I call home. And it’s a city I would be proud to represent.”</p></div></div>

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Nancy Pelosi won’t seek reelection, retiring after 38 years in Congress

<div class="content-grid article-content"><div class="Metadata_container__fxAzw"><div class="flex flex-row gap-x-md"></div><div class="Metadata_metadata__W_0LF"><span>By <a class="" href="https://sfstandard.com/author/josh-koehn/">Josh Koehn</a>, <a class="" href="https://sfstandard.com/author/george-kelly/">George Kelly</a>, and <a class="" href="https://sfstandard.com/author/michael-mclaughlin/">Michael McLaughlin</a></span><time datetime="2025-11-06T16:04:44.289Z">Updated Nov. 06, 2025 • 8:04am</time><time datetime="2025-11-06T14:17:49.919Z">Published Nov. 06, 2025 • 6:17am</time></div></div><div class="floats"><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi announced Thursday that she will not seek reelection after representing San Francisco for nearly four decades in Congress.</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">“With a grateful heart, I look forward to my final year of service as your proud representative,” Pelosi said in an emotional farewell <a href="https://x.com/teampelosi/status/1986433397921833435?s=46" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">video she posted to her social media account. <span class="sr-only"> (opens in new tab)</span></a></p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">The 85-year-old Democrat, arguably the most powerful woman in U.S. political history, addressed her constituents directly, reflecting on her legacy representing the “greatest city on Earth with the most extraordinary people on Earth and a place that I will always believe is heaven on Earth.”</p></div><div class="!p-0 !m-0"></div><div class="floats"><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">“I will not be seeking reelection to Congress,” Pelosi said. “I have truly loved serving as your voice in Congress.”</p></div><figure class="ImageBlock_ImageFigure__ZnquR inset-image mobile-grid-full mobile-grid-full" data-align="none"><div class="relative"><div><img alt="A smiling woman with light skin, wearing a pink beaded necklace and earrings, is seen through blurred, out-of-focus objects creating a soft, colorful frame." class="block lazyloaded" data-nimg="1" decoding="async" height="2334" loading="lazy" sizes="(min-width: 1001px) 600px, (min-width: 768px) 700px, 100vw" src="https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_drdhj8l2ml1krdp3423hijfu40/-S3840x2561-FPNG" srcset="https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_drdhj8l2ml1krdp3423hijfu40/-S640x427-FPNG 640w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_drdhj8l2ml1krdp3423hijfu40/-S750x500-FPNG 750w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_drdhj8l2ml1krdp3423hijfu40/-S768x512-FPNG 768w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_drdhj8l2ml1krdp3423hijfu40/-S828x552-FPNG 828w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_drdhj8l2ml1krdp3423hijfu40/-S1024x683-FPNG 1024w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_drdhj8l2ml1krdp3423hijfu40/-S1080x720-FPNG 1080w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_drdhj8l2ml1krdp3423hijfu40/-S1200x800-FPNG 1200w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_drdhj8l2ml1krdp3423hijfu40/-S1920x1280-FPNG 1920w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_drdhj8l2ml1krdp3423hijfu40/-S2048x1366-FPNG 2048w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_drdhj8l2ml1krdp3423hijfu40/-S3840x2561-FPNG 3840w" style="color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-image:url(&quot;data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' viewBox='0 0 3500 2334'%3E%3Cfilter id='b' color-interpolation-filters='sRGB'%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'/%3E%3CfeColorMatrix values='1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 100 -1' result='s'/%3E%3CfeFlood x='0' y='0' width='100%25' height='100%25'/%3E%3CfeComposite operator='out' in='s'/%3E%3CfeComposite in2='SourceGraphic'/%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'/%3E%3C/filter%3E%3Cimage width='100%25' height='100%25' x='0' y='0' preserveAspectRatio='none' style='filter: url(%23b);' href='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw=='/%3E%3C/svg%3E&quot;)" width="3500"/></div></div><figcaption class="basis-full mt-[10px] text-xs text-gray-550 font-inter leading-[18px]">Pelosi speaks to reporters Monday in San Francisco after an event in support of Proposition 50. <span class="image-caption-divider"> | </span><span class="image-credit"><span class="sr-only">Source: </span>Gabrielle Lurie/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><div class="floats"><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">The decision, announced two days after California voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition 50 — a redistricting measure Pelosi championed — touches off a succession battle in her heavily Democratic district and leaves open questions about who will inherit her influential role at the Capitol. </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">State Sen. Scott Wiener, a moderate Democrat who spent two years waiting for Pelosi’s retirement in order to run for the seat, <u><a data-post-id="25cd8b4d-6299-49fc-b9a2-b6ac2ed6d45a" href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/10/16/scott-wiener-running-congress-nancy-pelosi-campaign-2026/">launched his campaign</a></u> last month. <u><a data-post-id="338955e8-25c7-4441-a88e-66729f621d89" href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/02/24/nancy-pelosi-challenger-saikat-chakrabarti-democrats-trump/">Saikat Chakrabarti</a></u> — a progressive tech centimillionaire who served as New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s campaign manager and chief of staff — is another notable candidate. Pelosi’s announcement is likely to open the flood gates for more entries.  </p></div><div class="floats"><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">“In her years of public service, she made every day count and moved mountains for San Francisco and our nation,” Wiener said in a statement. “Her example is a guiding light to me and millions of others as we face the extreme challenges ahead.”</p></div><div class="!p-0 !m-0"></div><div class="floats"><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Pelosi will be a tough act to follow. A Democratic icon whose prolific fundraising chops have routinely won the party elections across the country, she led her caucus from 2002 to 2022. She served two stints as speaker, from 2007 to 2011 and 2019 to 2023, during which her strategic discipline earned her praise from allies — and grudging respect from <u><a href="https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2021/04/15/nancy-pelosi-alexandria-ocasio-cortez-481704" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">opponents both within the Democratic Party<span class="sr-only"> (opens in new tab)</span></a></u> and across the aisle.</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Pelosi’s ability to coalesce Democratic factions made her an indispensable leader during the Obama and Biden administrations. She shepherded landmark legislation like the Affordable Care Act, the Dodd-Frank financial reforms, and pandemic relief packages.</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">She championed the resistance to President Donald Trump’s policy agenda during his first term in office, when she led the House through two impeachment votes and defended democratic institutions in the aftermath of the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the Capitol. </p></div><figure class=""><div class="flex justify-center"></div></figure><div class="floats"><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">“Nancy Pelosi has inspired generations. Her courage and conviction to San Francisco, California, and our nation has set the standard for what public service should be. Her impact on this nation is unmatched,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said on<a href="https://x.com/GavinNewsom/status/1986444087331795222" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> social media<span class="sr-only"> (opens in new tab)</span></a>. “Thank you, Madam Speaker. Wishing you the best in this new chapter — you’ve more than earned it.”</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">The daughter of five-term congressman and Baltimore mayor Thomas D’Alesandro Jr., Pelosi got her start as a fundraiser and Democratic Party organizer after moving to San Francisco with her husband in the late 1960s. She quickly made connections and rose up the ranks to serve as California’s Democratic Party chair from 1981 to 1983. </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">After Rep. Sala Burton died in 1987, Pelosi won a special election for her seat and carved out a role in Washington as a leader on foreign policy, LGBTQ+ rights, and the AIDS crisis. Her career includes countless emblematic moments — from unfurling a banner criticizing China in Tiananmen Square in 1991 to shredding Trump’s 2020 State of the Union speech and donning a pair of shades in 2018 while strutting out of a combative Oval Office meeting with the president.</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Mayor Daniel Lurie, who was once an intern for Pelosi, called her the “greatest speaker our nation has ever seen,” citing her work on healthcare and transforming the Presidio into a park.</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">“While her work brought her to the highest levels of leadership, Speaker Emerita Pelosi never forgot who she served: San Franciscans,” Lurie said in a statement. “Her service has strengthened San Francisco, inspired generations of Americans, and motivated all of us to continue working for the city we love.”</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">But recent years have taken a toll on Pelosi. Though she has remained influential in behind-the-scenes political fights such as Prop. 50, Pelosi has otherwise <u><a data-post-id="0e76791f-f790-4362-bb90-f1b8a83cff84" href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/02/10/nancy-pelosi-donald-trump-elon-musk-democrats/">receded from the public spotlight</a></u> since stepping down from Democratic leadership in November 2022, when Republicans retook control of the House. </p></div><figure class="ImageBlock_ImageFigure__ZnquR inset-image mobile-grid-full mobile-grid-full" data-align="none"><div class="relative"><div><img alt="A woman in a pink dress holds up a wooden gavel, standing behind a podium with a microphone, with a large chair and American flag in the background." class="block lazyloaded" data-nimg="1" decoding="async" height="1704" loading="lazy" sizes="(min-width: 1001px) 600px, (min-width: 768px) 700px, 100vw" src="https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_tpue200ge50f7fdso6o3solo41/-S3840x2556-FPNG" srcset="https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_tpue200ge50f7fdso6o3solo41/-S640x426-FPNG 640w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_tpue200ge50f7fdso6o3solo41/-S750x499-FPNG 750w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_tpue200ge50f7fdso6o3solo41/-S768x511-FPNG 768w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_tpue200ge50f7fdso6o3solo41/-S828x551-FPNG 828w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_tpue200ge50f7fdso6o3solo41/-S1024x682-FPNG 1024w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_tpue200ge50f7fdso6o3solo41/-S1080x719-FPNG 1080w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_tpue200ge50f7fdso6o3solo41/-S1200x799-FPNG 1200w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_tpue200ge50f7fdso6o3solo41/-S1920x1278-FPNG 1920w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_tpue200ge50f7fdso6o3solo41/-S2048x1363-FPNG 2048w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_tpue200ge50f7fdso6o3solo41/-S3840x2556-FPNG 3840w" style="color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-image:url(&quot;data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' viewBox='0 0 2560 1704'%3E%3Cfilter id='b' color-interpolation-filters='sRGB'%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'/%3E%3CfeColorMatrix values='1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 100 -1' result='s'/%3E%3CfeFlood x='0' y='0' width='100%25' height='100%25'/%3E%3CfeComposite operator='out' in='s'/%3E%3CfeComposite in2='SourceGraphic'/%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'/%3E%3C/filter%3E%3Cimage width='100%25' height='100%25' x='0' y='0' preserveAspectRatio='none' style='filter: url(%23b);' href='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw=='/%3E%3C/svg%3E&quot;)" width="2560"/></div></div><figcaption class="basis-full mt-[10px] text-xs text-gray-550 font-inter leading-[18px]">Pelosi during the opening session of the 116th Congress on Jan. 3, 2019, as House speaker for the second time.<span class="image-caption-divider"> | </span><span class="image-credit"><span class="sr-only">Source: </span>AFP via Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><div class="floats"><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">The month before, a man consumed by right-wing conspiracy theories broke into her Pacific Heights home in an effort to kidnap the congresswoman and attacked her husband, Paul Pelosi, with a hammer. She has often referenced her family’s trauma related to that event, and the fact that her husband hasn’t fully recovered from the attack.</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Pelosi’s departure comes ahead of a crucial midterm election for Democrats.</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Republicans control both chambers of Congress and have effectively ceded their power of the purse while subordinating themselves to Trump on major policy decisions. They passed sweeping tax cuts this summer through Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” while scaling back healthcare benefits and other social services. </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">During a Prop. 50 rally Monday in San Francisco, Pelosi warned voters that the measure was their best chance to push back against Trump, whom she described in a CNN interview as a “<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2025/11/03/politics/video/nancy-pelosi-vile-creature-trump-elex-michaelson-vrtc" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">vile creature<span class="sr-only"> (opens in new tab)</span></a>, the worst thing on the face of the earth.”</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Though her final years in Congress have been defined by her battles with Trump, she reflected on her connection to San Francisco voters in her farewell message.</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">In the video, Pelosi traced her political journey from her first campaign slogan — “a voice that will be heard” — to her historic ascent as the first female speaker. </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">“It was you who made those words came true,” she said. “It was the faith that you had placed in me, and the latitude that you have given me that enabled me to shatter the marble ceiling and be the first woman speaker of the House, whose voice would certainly be heard.” </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">She highlighted her legislative accomplishments and emphasized investments in her district, from transportation infrastructure improvements to affordable housing initiatives and climate action.</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">“I say to my colleagues in the House all the time, no matter what title they had bestowed upon me — speaker, leader, whip — there has been no greater honor for me than to stand on the house floor and say, ‘I speak for the people of San Francisco,’” Pelosi said.</p></div></div>

Scott Wiener raises $730K on first day of campaign against Nancy Pelosi

<div class="content-grid article-content"><div class="Metadata_container__fxAzw"><div class="Metadata_metadata__W_0LF"><span>By <a class="" href="https://sfstandard.com/author/hannah-wiley/">Hannah Wiley</a></span><time datetime="2025-10-24T21:08:48.175Z">Published Oct. 24, 2025 • 2:08pm</time></div></div><div class="floats"><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">State Sen. Scott Wiener’s congressional campaign announced it had raised more than $730,000 in its first day after he kicked off his 2026 bid against Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi on Wednesday. </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">That’s roughly the same amount as the $720,000 another candidate, wealthy progressive Saikat Chakrabarti, loaned himself to <a data-post-id="8c1049bf-793d-4075-8893-0ecfa717fe6e" href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/07/30/saikat-chakrabarti-nancy-pelosi-zohran-mamdani-election/">launch his campaign this summer</a>. </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Both their stockpiles pale in comparison to what Pelosi, a prolific fundraiser whose political rise began with raising money for California Democrats, has typically amassed in her accounts. </p></div><div class="!p-0 !m-0"></div><div class="floats"><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Pelosi reported more than <u><a href="https://www.fec.gov/data/candidate/H8CA05035/?cycle=2022" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">$25 million<span class="sr-only"> (opens in new tab)</span></a></u> for her 2022 race, roughly <u><a href="https://www.fec.gov/data/candidate/H8CA05035/?cycle=2024" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">$10 million in 2024<span class="sr-only"> (opens in new tab)</span></a></u>, and <u><a href="https://www.fec.gov/data/candidate/H8CA05035/?cycle=2026" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">$2.1 million<span class="sr-only"> (opens in new tab)</span></a></u> so far this year. Because she has avoided tough reelection bids, Pelosi has traditionally used her fundraising prowess to support other Democratic candidates.  </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Wiener’s fundraising haul adds to the <u><a href="https://www.fec.gov/data/committee/C00909283/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">$1 million<span class="sr-only"> (opens in new tab)</span></a></u> he had raised since opening an exploratory committee for the seat two years ago, according to his most recent Federal Election Commission report. </p></div><div class="floats"><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">“I’m deeply humbled by the overwhelming support this campaign has received from the community since our launch. We’re off to a fantastic start thanks to the depth of that support, and I couldn’t be more grateful,” the 55-year-old Democrat said in a statement. </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Wiener’s <u><a data-post-id="25cd8b4d-6299-49fc-b9a2-b6ac2ed6d45a" href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/10/16/scott-wiener-running-congress-nancy-pelosi-campaign-2026/">entrance into the race</a></u> has turned what was already going to be an interesting competition into a must-watch contest next year. </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Wiener, who was elected to the statehouse in 2016 after serving as a city supervisor, had previously said he would never challenge Pelosi, a Democratic icon who has represented San Francisco in Congress since 1987. Pelosi has not yet said whether she’ll run for another term. </p></div><div class="!p-0 !m-0"></div><div class="floats"><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">He reneged on that promise with his foray into the race this week, saying that <u><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/22/us/pelosi-congress-scott-wiener.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">running in 2026 made sense for him<span class="sr-only"> (opens in new tab)</span></a></u> as President Donald Trump pushes what Wiener called an “extremist agenda.” </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Meanwhile, the campaign of 39-year-old <u><a data-post-id="338955e8-25c7-4441-a88e-66729f621d89" href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/02/24/nancy-pelosi-challenger-saikat-chakrabarti-democrats-trump/">progressive candidate Chakrabarti</a></u>, who earned a fortune as a top engineer at Stripe  before serving as New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s campaign manager and chief of staff, has gained momentum. That has put pressure on both Pelosi and Wiener to make their decisions — and, particularly for Wiener, to start fundraising.</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Chakrabarti has raised roughly <u><a href="https://www.fec.gov/data/candidate/H6CA11219/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">$950,000 so far<span class="sr-only"> (opens in new tab)</span></a></u>, according to his FEC filing, which includes the money he’s loaned to his campaign. </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">“Saikat hasn’t called a single big donor,” a campaign spokesperson said in a text message. “And he’s proud that without hardly asking, to date we’ve raised $240,340 from 7,025 donations with an average donation of $34.” </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Pelosi has declined to comment on the race or her challengers, saying that her focus is on passing Gov. Gavin Newsom’s redistricting ballot measure, <u><a data-post-id="f2321a17-8fb1-428a-9f48-7903eef63714" href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/08/21/newsom-prop-50-california-redistricting-maps-november-election/">Proposition 50</a></u>, in the Nov. 4 special election.</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">In her absence, Wiener and Chakrabarti have recently turned their attacks on each other. </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">In <u><a href="https://x.com/saikatc/status/1981511999667523848" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">social media posts<span class="sr-only"> (opens in new tab)</span></a></u>, Chakrabarti has dinged Wiener for not saying how he would vote on <u><a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3565" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">House Resolution 3565<span class="sr-only"> (opens in new tab)</span></a></u>, a bill to limit weapons to Israel.  </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Wiener, who is Jewish, has denounced Israel’s war in Gaza as “horrifying” and opposes selling weapons to the current Israeli government.</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">“It’s unfortunate that the race has only just begun and my opponent is already completely misrepresenting my position,” Wiener said in a statement. </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">The barbs preview a campaign centered not on traditional party lines as is most common in other parts of the country, but on San Francisco’s familiar progressive-versus-moderate divide. </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Though he’s considered a leading liberal in Sacramento, where he’s passed laws to strengthen LGBTQ+ protections and reform the criminal justice system, Wiener is more moderate by the city’s political standards. He’s one of California’s strongest YIMBYs, and is responsible for countless bills to spur housing construction, earning him the reputation as a developer- and business-friendly Democrat. </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">In his campaign announcement, Wiener pledged to “fight like hell for the most marginalized in our community” at a “scary time for our country.” </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">“This moment demands backbone and hard work that delivers results and makes people’s lives better,” he said. “That’s what I’ve brought to every fight in my decades of public service in San Francisco and Sacramento, and that’s what I’ll bring to Washington.”</p></div></div>

Scott Wiener is done waiting on Nancy Pelosi. He’s running in 2026, sources say

<div class="content-grid article-content"><div class="Metadata_container__fxAzw"><div class="Metadata_metadata__W_0LF"><span>By <a class="" href="https://sfstandard.com/author/josh-koehn/">Josh Koehn</a></span><time datetime="2025-10-17T01:41:55.764Z">Published Oct. 16, 2025 • 6:41pm</time></div></div><div class="floats"><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">In a move destined to roil national Democrats and spark tensions among San Francisco’s political factions, state Sen. <u><a href="https://sfstandard.com/tag/scott-wiener/">Scott Wiener</a></u> is running for the congressional seat currently held by Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, The Standard has learned.</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">According to sources close to Wiener — one of California’s most prolific Democratic legislators and <u><a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/scott-wiener-right-wing-hatred-17880318.php" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">a lightning rod for the conservative right<span class="sr-only"> (opens in new tab)</span></a></u> — the former San Francisco supervisor has told political allies that he plans to throw his hat in the ring for the 2026 race. </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Though many in Democratic circles expected him to wait until Pelosi decided her own fate in the coming weeks, Wiener is said to be ready to accelerate that timeline. Two sources with knowledge of the campaign said a formal announcement from Wiener is expected next week.</p></div><div class="!p-0 !m-0"></div><div class="floats"><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Wiener previously said he would wait until Pelosi retired. But the two-time speaker of the House, who is widely regarded as one of the most powerful women in U.S. political history, has <u><a data-post-id="0e76791f-f790-4362-bb90-f1b8a83cff84" href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/02/10/nancy-pelosi-donald-trump-elon-musk-democrats/">receded from the spotlight</a></u> since she gave up the gavel, creating a potential window of opportunity for <u><a data-post-id="9a0b163b-18ba-4023-b724-39cf2f06281a" href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/02/26/nancy-pelosi-retirement-house-democrats-succession-plan/">challengers in the 2026 midterms</a></u>. </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Wiener’s revised plans may not ultimately break his pledge. Pelosi, 85, has yet to formally announce whether she will seek a 21st term in office.</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Officials for Wiener’s campaign declined to comment. In a text message Wednesday, Wiener wrote: “I’ve been preparing and raising money for whenever the race starts.”</p></div><figure class="ImageBlock_ImageFigure__ZnquR inset-image mobile-grid-full mobile-grid-full" data-align="none"><div class="relative"><div><img alt="A woman with short brown hair, wearing a beaded necklace and a textured jacket, stands in front of a blurred dome structure. Her expression is serious." class="block lazyloaded" data-nimg="1" decoding="async" height="2000" loading="lazy" sizes="(min-width: 1001px) 600px, (min-width: 768px) 700px, 100vw" src="https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_ccucjntra56nd4i5k4f20cgc4o/-S3840x2560-FPNG" srcset="https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_ccucjntra56nd4i5k4f20cgc4o/-S640x427-FPNG 640w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_ccucjntra56nd4i5k4f20cgc4o/-S750x500-FPNG 750w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_ccucjntra56nd4i5k4f20cgc4o/-S768x512-FPNG 768w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_ccucjntra56nd4i5k4f20cgc4o/-S828x552-FPNG 828w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_ccucjntra56nd4i5k4f20cgc4o/-S1024x683-FPNG 1024w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_ccucjntra56nd4i5k4f20cgc4o/-S1080x720-FPNG 1080w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_ccucjntra56nd4i5k4f20cgc4o/-S1200x800-FPNG 1200w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_ccucjntra56nd4i5k4f20cgc4o/-S1920x1280-FPNG 1920w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_ccucjntra56nd4i5k4f20cgc4o/-S2048x1365-FPNG 2048w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_ccucjntra56nd4i5k4f20cgc4o/-S3840x2560-FPNG 3840w" style="color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-image:url(&quot;data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' viewBox='0 0 3000 2000'%3E%3Cfilter id='b' color-interpolation-filters='sRGB'%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'/%3E%3CfeColorMatrix values='1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 100 -1' result='s'/%3E%3CfeFlood x='0' y='0' width='100%25' height='100%25'/%3E%3CfeComposite operator='out' in='s'/%3E%3CfeComposite in2='SourceGraphic'/%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'/%3E%3C/filter%3E%3Cimage width='100%25' height='100%25' x='0' y='0' preserveAspectRatio='none' style='filter: url(%23b);' href='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw=='/%3E%3C/svg%3E&quot;)" width="3000"/></div></div><figcaption class="basis-full mt-[10px] text-xs text-gray-550 font-inter leading-[18px]">Rep. Nancy Pelosi has won 20 terms to represent San Francisco in the House, but her reign may be coming to an end.<span class="image-caption-divider"> | </span><span class="image-credit"><span class="sr-only">Source: </span>Alex Wong/Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><div class="floats"><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Ian Krager, a spokesperson for Pelosi, issued a statement saying her attention is on California’s Nov. 4 special election to pass <u><a data-post-id="f2321a17-8fb1-428a-9f48-7903eef63714" href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/08/21/newsom-prop-50-california-redistricting-maps-november-election/">Proposition 50,</a></u> Gov. Gavin Newsom’s ballot measure to help Democrats add five House congressional seats to counter gerrymandering by President Donald Trump and Republicans in Texas.</p></div><div class="!p-0 !m-0"></div><div class="floats"><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">“Speaker Pelosi is fully focused on her mission to win the ‘Yes on 50' special election in California on the path to taking back the House for the Democrats,” Krager wrote. “She urges all Californians to join in that mission.”</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Sources close to Wiener told The Standard that the emergence of <u><a data-post-id="338955e8-25c7-4441-a88e-66729f621d89" href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/02/24/nancy-pelosi-challenger-saikat-chakrabarti-democrats-trump/">progressive candidate Saikat Chakrabarti</a></u> — a centimillionaire who worked in tech before serving as a campaign manager and chief of staff to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez — has been a motivating factor in Wiener’s decision to run.</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">In the last few months, Chakrabarti has<u><a data-post-id="8c1049bf-793d-4075-8893-0ecfa717fe6e" href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/07/30/saikat-chakrabarti-nancy-pelosi-zohran-mamdani-election/"> drawn hundreds of people to campaign kickoff events</a></u> across the city, and his campaign released a poll in September showing 65% of registered voters — including 51% of Pelosi’s supporters — believe the city needs new Congressional leadership. Chakrabarti also scored better than Pelosi in a head-to-head race after their bios were given to respondents.</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">“The Democratic Party needs a new kind of leader who is not a part of the establishment, because the establishment has failed us,” Chakrabarti said in a text message to The Standard. “That’s my campaign, regardless of who else is in the race.”</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">A source with knowledge of Wiener’s thinking said Chakrabarti’s poll was an eye-opener, suggesting that Pelosi is vulnerable. Jumping into the race now would give Wiener time to generate support and start fundraising for what will likely be an expensive campaign. His initial exploratory committee raised roughly $1 million.</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">“The majority of the electorate has no idea who [Chakrabarti] is, and momentum can build quickly,” the source said. “People are hungry for something different. There is a sense that the time has come for other candidates to run.”</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">A separate poll of 500 registered voters in San Francisco, conducted by EMC Research, confirmed that support for Pelosi has waned. Of those surveyed, 51% said they preferred to elect someone else to Congress. Wiener received the highest favorability rating, 61%, compared to other potential candidates. Progressive Supervisor Connie Chan earned a 28% favorability rate, while Chakrabarti earned 21% — the same percentage as Pelosi’s daughter, attorney and national Democratic Party member Christine Pelosi, who has long been rumored as a potential successor.</p></div><figure class="ImageBlock_ImageFigure__ZnquR inset-image mobile-grid-full mobile-grid-full" data-align="none"><div class="relative"><div><img alt="State Senator Scott Wiener leads with 61% favorability and a +24 net rating; Supervisor Connie Chan and Christine Pelosi show negative net favorability; Saikat Chakrabarti is neutral." class="block lazyloaded" data-nimg="1" decoding="async" height="1028" loading="lazy" sizes="(min-width: 1001px) 600px, (min-width: 768px) 700px, 100vw" src="https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_tfi287jtlt56b3sjqhglnp4t79/-S3840x2033-FPNG" srcset="https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_tfi287jtlt56b3sjqhglnp4t79/-S640x339-FPNG 640w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_tfi287jtlt56b3sjqhglnp4t79/-S750x397-FPNG 750w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_tfi287jtlt56b3sjqhglnp4t79/-S768x407-FPNG 768w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_tfi287jtlt56b3sjqhglnp4t79/-S828x438-FPNG 828w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_tfi287jtlt56b3sjqhglnp4t79/-S1024x542-FPNG 1024w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_tfi287jtlt56b3sjqhglnp4t79/-S1080x572-FPNG 1080w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_tfi287jtlt56b3sjqhglnp4t79/-S1200x635-FPNG 1200w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_tfi287jtlt56b3sjqhglnp4t79/-S1920x1016-FPNG 1920w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_tfi287jtlt56b3sjqhglnp4t79/-S2048x1084-FPNG 2048w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_tfi287jtlt56b3sjqhglnp4t79/-S3840x2033-FPNG 3840w" style="color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-image:url(&quot;data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' viewBox='0 0 1942 1028'%3E%3Cfilter id='b' color-interpolation-filters='sRGB'%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'/%3E%3CfeColorMatrix values='1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 100 -1' result='s'/%3E%3CfeFlood x='0' y='0' width='100%25' height='100%25'/%3E%3CfeComposite operator='out' in='s'/%3E%3CfeComposite in2='SourceGraphic'/%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'/%3E%3C/filter%3E%3Cimage width='100%25' height='100%25' x='0' y='0' preserveAspectRatio='none' style='filter: url(%23b);' href='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw=='/%3E%3C/svg%3E&quot;)" width="1942"/></div></div><figcaption class="basis-full mt-[10px] text-xs text-gray-550 font-inter leading-[18px]">A poll shows state Sen. Scott Wiener having the highest favorables in a hypothetical race for Congress next year.</figcaption></figure><div class="floats"><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Wiener, who is openly gay, has garnered a reputation in the city and statehouse as an accomplished legislator who has championed YIMBY-backed bills and other laws related to LGBGT+ rights and criminal justice reform. This year’s legislative session was one of his most successful since joining the state Senate in 2016, with Newsom signing his major  bills on<u><a data-post-id="18f95da4-5061-4efd-8f53-902a21d02efe" href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/10/10/newsom-sb-79-housing-transit/"> housing</a></u> and<u><a data-post-id="f92d768b-49f4-4f45-874c-2581bb65e462" href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/10/13/bay-area-transit-tax-ballot-measure-2026/"> transportation</a></u>, as well as a landmark <u><a data-post-id="61825d1f-75a5-4c64-8b3f-e49c11c1778c" href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/09/29/gavin-newsom-california-ai-legislation-law-technology/">AI measure</a></u>.</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">In a December 2024 <u><a data-post-id="9f472ded-e2a9-4d1b-b68b-8cee5a0ab649" href="https://sfstandard.com/opinion/2024/12/05/democrats-need-to-wake-up-and-build-real-solutions-to-californias-affordability-crisis/">op-ed for The Standard</a></u>, Wiener laid out a path for Democrats after crushing defeats in last year’s elections. He argued that Democratic-led cities and California, in particular, need to show that they can be governed well and address the affordability crisis.</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">“The success of the state depends on our ability to lower the most important costs facing households everywhere: child care, healthcare, energy, transportation, and, most of all, housing,” Wiener wrote. “Focusing like a laser on issues of affordability will provide a powerful contrast to Trump’s Republican Party, which continues to make costly — and largely impossible — promises rather than deal with the complexities of real-world problem-solving.”</p></div></div>

Top Lurie chief steered contract to tech firm with ties to mayor

Nonprofit tied to City Hall scandal eligible again for city funds; exec director to leave

<div class="content-grid article-content"><div class="Metadata_container__fxAzw"><div class="Metadata_metadata__W_0LF"><span>By <a class="" href="https://sfstandard.com/author/gabriel-greschler/">Gabe Greschler</a></span><time datetime="2025-10-09T21:05:52.601Z">Updated Oct. 09, 2025 • 2:05pm</time><time datetime="2025-10-09T15:07:19.399Z">Published Oct. 09, 2025 • 8:07am</time></div></div><div class="floats"><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">A San Francisco hearing officer on Wednesday ruled that Collective Impact, a Western Addition-based nonprofit that became <u><a data-post-id="a0ef132c-148d-48fb-b790-f342e5327de4" href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/08/19/san-francisco-nonprofit-scandal-dream-keeper-initiative-hearing/">embroiled in a major City Hall scandal last year</a></u>, can receive public funding again. City officials had suspended it earlier this year over allegations of financial misconduct.</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Hearing officer Andrea McGary issued the decision after holding <u><a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_DfKInR2mm2z6ko_b1vNly8Hqja7IsVm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">four debarment hearings<span class="sr-only"> (opens in new tab)</span></a></u> in August and September to consider whether the accusations disqualified the group from receiving the funds.</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">During the hearings, Collective Impact defended itself against allegations from the city attorney’s office that it helped a former city department head, Sheryl Davis, misuse city funds for personal use. </p></div><div class="!p-0 !m-0"></div><div class="floats"><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">In a statement on Thursday, Collective Impact’s board of directors said they were “deeply gratified” by the decision, “which acknowledges that the accusations against Collective Impact were speculative and unsupported by the evidence.”</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">They also announced that James Spingola, the organization’s executive director, would be stepping away from his role, citing “intense strain” from the past months that has impacted his health. </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">“Today’s decision brings mixed emotions,” the statement included. “While we are grateful to be vindicated, the process has taken a significant personal toll.”</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">The city attorney’s office said it would appeal the ruling. </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">“It is absurd anyone would think Collective Impact is a responsible contractor that can be trusted with public money when we have blatant evidence that Collective Impact paid for a City official’s personal endeavors and first-class travel, submitted false claims, and improperly spent taxpayer dollars meant to go to children,” spokesperson Jen Kwart wrote. “Not only was Collective Impact’s past misuse of City funds disqualifying, but its current leadership has taken no actions to ensure that City funds will not be misused again. This was a bizarre hearing process that led to an even more bizarre decision with no reasoning or analysis.”</p></div><div class="!p-0 !m-0"></div><div class="floats"><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">In her 25-page ruling, McGary said the city attorney did not meet the burden of proof to show that Collective Impact had acted with intent to support the charge of willful misconduct. The city was seeking to bar the nonprofit from funding until 2030.</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">“Appellant Collective Impact is strongly encouraged to review the terms of its grant contracts, seek the assistance of agency administrators for each grant to come into compliance, and maintain compliance with all terms and conditions required by the City of San Francisco, as well as seek the assistance [of the] Citywide Nonprofit Monitoring and Capacity Building Program,” she wrote.</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">The ruling is a major victory for the nonprofit, which grew from a modest after-school program to an $8 million-a-year organization providing services such as workforce development and literacy programs in one of San Francisco’s historically Black neighborhoods. The group had previously said it risked ceasing operations if it could not access the funding.</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">“With this outcome, we can once again focus on what matters most: empowering San Francisco’s low-income youth and families to reach their full potential and to meet the challenges facing their communities head-on,” the board wrote in its statement.</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">The scandal began in September 2024, when The Standard <u><a data-post-id="e00846f7-dc92-45dc-a8b6-a04c77c7d5d5" href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/12/san-francisco-dream-keeper-initiative-sheryl-davis-james-spingola-nonprofit/">reported</a></u> that Davis had signed off on at least $1.5 million in contracts to Spingola’s nonprofit while the two shared a home and car together. The money came from the Dream Keeper Initiative, former Mayor London Breed’s signature program to inject tens of millions of dollars into Black communities. Davis, head of the city’s Human Rights Commission at the time, was charged with overseeing those funds.</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Davis <u><a data-post-id="ff50e4a9-062d-4bac-abaa-6d265b213db1" href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/13/sheryl-davis-resigns-san-francisco-human-rights-commission/">resigned</a></u> shortly after her ties to Spingola became public and now <u><a data-post-id="17e9ce56-6e1a-4b2c-ab4a-70d02ae1a664" href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/08/25/san-francisco-sheryl-davis-dream-keeper-initiative-criminal-investigation/">faces</a></u> a criminal investigation by the district attorney’s office. She has denied any wrongdoing. </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">In March, the city attorney’s office blocked Collective Impact from receiving public money after investigators <u><a data-post-id="6985b8b3-eb2d-40d9-9822-7f4473714895" href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/03/20/san-francisco-nonprofit-scandal-human-rights-commission-sheryl-davis-collective-impact/">uncovered</a></u> new details alleging the nonprofit had paid for Davis’ son’s UCLA tuition and her podcast booking costs, among other expenses. </p></div><figure class="ImageBlock_ImageFigure__ZnquR inset-image mobile-grid-full mobile-grid-full" data-align="none"><div class="relative"><div><img alt="A smiling man in a black puffer jacket and jeans stands next to a smiling woman in a green coat in an ornately decorated room with arched doorways in the background." class="block lazyloaded" data-nimg="1" decoding="async" height="2334" loading="lazy" sizes="(min-width: 1001px) 600px, (min-width: 768px) 700px, 100vw" src="https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_iv8cotaqm114130fomg4261p00/-S3840x3840-FPNG" srcset="https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_iv8cotaqm114130fomg4261p00/-S640x640-FPNG 640w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_iv8cotaqm114130fomg4261p00/-S750x750-FPNG 750w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_iv8cotaqm114130fomg4261p00/-S768x768-FPNG 768w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_iv8cotaqm114130fomg4261p00/-S828x828-FPNG 828w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_iv8cotaqm114130fomg4261p00/-S1024x1024-FPNG 1024w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_iv8cotaqm114130fomg4261p00/-S1080x1080-FPNG 1080w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_iv8cotaqm114130fomg4261p00/-S1200x1200-FPNG 1200w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_iv8cotaqm114130fomg4261p00/-S1920x1920-FPNG 1920w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_iv8cotaqm114130fomg4261p00/-S2048x2048-FPNG 2048w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_iv8cotaqm114130fomg4261p00/-S3840x3840-FPNG 3840w" style="color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-image:url(&quot;data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' viewBox='0 0 2334 2334'%3E%3Cfilter id='b' color-interpolation-filters='sRGB'%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'/%3E%3CfeColorMatrix values='1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 100 -1' result='s'/%3E%3CfeFlood x='0' y='0' width='100%25' height='100%25'/%3E%3CfeComposite operator='out' in='s'/%3E%3CfeComposite in2='SourceGraphic'/%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'/%3E%3C/filter%3E%3Cimage width='100%25' height='100%25' x='0' y='0' preserveAspectRatio='none' style='filter: url(%23b);' href='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw=='/%3E%3C/svg%3E&quot;)" width="2334"/></div></div><figcaption class="basis-full mt-[10px] text-xs text-gray-550 font-inter leading-[18px]">City investigators accused Spingola’s Collective Impact of helping former city department head Sheryl Davis misuse public money.<span class="image-caption-divider"> | </span><span class="image-credit"><span class="sr-only">Source: </span>Courtesy Photo</span></figcaption></figure><div class="floats"><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">During this summer’s hearings, attorneys for Collective Impact challenged the city’s charges, calling them “factually flawed” and “legally unsupported.” </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">The group said that its closure would have an “injurious effect” on Western Addition youth and families. Since March, the nonprofit has relied on $2 million in private donations to cover programs previously financed by public funds.</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Last month, a joint audit by the city attorney and controller’s offices <u><a data-post-id="7177bd1f-e970-4576-bc1c-db758df2f786" href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/09/16/booze-luxury-hotel-retreat-city-department-misspent-4-6-million/">alleged</a></u> that Davis had improperly spent $4.6 million in public money over roughly half a decade. Some charges included $6,829 for a lecturer’s monthlong stay in a luxury hotel and $31,343 in alcohol. </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Another audit, reviewing Collective Impact’s solicitation processes and grant compliance, is expected in the coming months. The controller’s City Performance Division is also set to publish an assessment of the Dream Keeper Initiative’s funding and performance metrics.</p></div></div>

Theo Ellington has ‘skin in the game’ in D10 supervisor race. But can he win?

‘Too many cooks’: How SF spends millions ineffectively on homelessness commissions

<div class="content-grid article-content"><div class="Metadata_container__fxAzw"><div class="Metadata_metadata__W_0LF"><span>By <a class="" href="https://sfstandard.com/author/david-sjostedt/">David Sjostedt</a></span><time datetime="2025-10-08T13:00:00.000Z">Published Oct. 08, 2025 • 6:00am</time></div></div><div class="floats"><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">In a blistering review of how government dollars are being spent, a team of city officials is recommending culling five homelessness oversight commissions that collectively cost taxpayers $2 million annually to operate.  </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">The report Friday from five senior staffers at the city administrator and controller’s offices suggested eliminating some of the oversight bodies or condensing them into one, alleging they perform duplicative duties that have slowed efforts to curb the homelessness crisis. </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Their recommendations were sent for consideration to the Commission Streamlining Task Force, a five-member panel that was created via <u><a href="https://www.sf.gov/information--proposition-e-creating-task-force-recommend-changing-eliminating-or-combining-city" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Proposition E<span class="sr-only"> (opens in new tab)</span></a></u>. The November 2024 ballot measure was crafted to study the city’s roughly 130 boards, commissions, and advisory bodies and make recommendations on which should be changed, eliminated, or consolidated in efforts to reduce government bloat. The task force will consider the report’s recommendations at an Oct. 15 meeting. </p></div><div class="!p-0 !m-0"></div><div class="floats"><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">The report describes a “patchwork of bodies” that it claims have failed to catch corruption while creating unnecessary bureaucracy around one of the city’s most visible emergencies. The report notes that the commissions, which are collectively overseen by 52 politically appointed commissioners, failed to catch “<u><a data-post-id="1d75c939-2034-47e1-8bab-eabe68dba603" href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/10/05/city-pulls-out-of-drug-rehab-contract-as-nonprofits-beg-for-a-bailout/">several</a></u> <u><a data-post-id="0c4ee125-e76e-48bf-8c26-095303f10618" href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/11/22/sf-homeless-nonprofit-status-revoked-fbi/">recent</a></u> high-profile <u><a data-post-id="fd432eb8-778d-4681-b880-fec49b3bd38b" href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/02/san-francisco-homeless-nonprofit-homerise-report/">cases</a></u>” in which homelessness nonprofits “either misused funds or mismanaged service delivery.”</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">“It’s not clear that having multiple public bodies overseeing homelessness is making the city’s homelessness work more effective,” the report says. </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">The report suggests either eliminating some of the commissions or combining their responsibilities into the Homelessness Oversight Commission, which oversees the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing. The department’s 2026 budget is $786 million, with which it funds nearly 4,000 shelter beds and more than 17,500 permanent housing units through an array of nonprofit contracts. </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">The recommended changes target the Local Homeless Coordinating Board; the Our City, Our Home Oversight Committee; the Shelter Grievance Advisory Committee; and the Shelter Monitoring Committee. Those bodies are tasked with touring city-run facilities, processing allegations of abuse at shelters, and keeping tabs on hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars.</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">The Homelessness Oversight Commission, which has seven members and oversees contracts while acting as a liaison between the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing and the public, has an annual operating budget of $1.1 million, making it the most expensive of the five bodies. </p></div><div class="!p-0 !m-0"></div><figure class="ImageBlock_ImageFigure__ZnquR inset-image mobile-grid-full mobile-grid-full" data-align="none"><div class="relative"><div><img alt="People are gathered outside a building at 1001 Polk St. One rides a bike holding a bag, two are talking, and another sits playing guitar. A person is seen inside." class="block lazyloaded" data-nimg="1" decoding="async" height="2001" loading="lazy" sizes="(min-width: 1001px) 600px, (min-width: 768px) 700px, 100vw" src="https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_13utmo34fl03dfsi2c2794at0v/-S3840x2561-FPNG" srcset="https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_13utmo34fl03dfsi2c2794at0v/-S640x427-FPNG 640w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_13utmo34fl03dfsi2c2794at0v/-S750x500-FPNG 750w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_13utmo34fl03dfsi2c2794at0v/-S768x512-FPNG 768w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_13utmo34fl03dfsi2c2794at0v/-S828x552-FPNG 828w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_13utmo34fl03dfsi2c2794at0v/-S1024x683-FPNG 1024w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_13utmo34fl03dfsi2c2794at0v/-S1080x720-FPNG 1080w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_13utmo34fl03dfsi2c2794at0v/-S1200x800-FPNG 1200w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_13utmo34fl03dfsi2c2794at0v/-S1920x1281-FPNG 1920w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_13utmo34fl03dfsi2c2794at0v/-S2048x1366-FPNG 2048w, https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_13utmo34fl03dfsi2c2794at0v/-S3840x2561-FPNG 3840w" style="color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-image:url(&quot;data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' viewBox='0 0 3000 2001'%3E%3Cfilter id='b' color-interpolation-filters='sRGB'%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'/%3E%3CfeColorMatrix values='1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 100 -1' result='s'/%3E%3CfeFlood x='0' y='0' width='100%25' height='100%25'/%3E%3CfeComposite operator='out' in='s'/%3E%3CfeComposite in2='SourceGraphic'/%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'/%3E%3C/filter%3E%3Cimage width='100%25' height='100%25' x='0' y='0' preserveAspectRatio='none' style='filter: url(%23b);' href='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw=='/%3E%3C/svg%3E&quot;)" width="3000"/></div></div><figcaption class="basis-full mt-[10px] text-xs text-gray-550 font-inter leading-[18px]">A shelter on Polk Street.<span class="image-caption-divider"> | </span><span class="image-credit"><span class="sr-only">Source: </span>Jason Henry for The Standard</span></figcaption></figure><div class="floats"><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Some members of the Homelessness Oversight Commission questioned its ability to handle more responsibilities — and whether the additional workload would come at the expense of homeless people, taxpayers, and government accountability. </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">“The amount of grievances that come to those bodies, it wouldn’t be realistic for one commission to take those on,” said Whit Guerrero, a member of the commission. “That’s way too much for one body.” </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">San Francisco’s numerous commissions and task forces have <u><a data-post-id="29e8860b-90ab-4d8a-b092-664fea9d4ee4" href="https://sfstandard.com/opinion/2025/09/08/prop-e-commission-task-force-lauren-post/">generated criticism of bureaucratic bloat</a></u> and inefficiency. But supporters contend that they increase oversight of government functions. </p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">The task force’s report suggests that because homelessness is a top priority for Mayor Daniel Lurie, there is no need for so many commissions.</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">“One of the key purposes of having a governance body overseeing a department is to provide additional oversight at a level of detail that the mayor cannot provide to all departments,” the report says. “In this case however, the mayor and his staff are deeply involved in focusing on and directing homelessness policy.”</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">Del Seymour, a member of the Local Homeless Coordinating Board, said he would embrace the task force’s recommendations. He argued that a single commission would prove more effective and receive more input from the public.</p><p class="paragraph-block article-body undefined text-left">“It would be taking my position away, but I’m willing to sacrifice that for efficiency,” Seymour said. “One board is more powerful than five boards. There’s too many cooks in the kitchen.”</p></div></div>

Asian Art Museum

Office of the City Administrator

Adult Probation Department

Airport

Arts Commission

Office of the Assessor-Recorder

Board of Appeals

Office of the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors

Office of the City Attorney

Department of Children, Youth and Their Families

Controller's Office

Planning Department

Civil Service Commission

District Attorney's Office

Department of Building Inspection

Department of Early Childhood

Department of Emergency Management

Department of Police Accountability

Department of Public Health

Department of Public Works

Office of Economic and Workforce Development

Environment Department

Ethics Commission

Fine Arts Museums

Fire Department

Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing

Human Rights Commission

Department of Human Resources

Human Services Agency

Health Service System

Juvenile Probation Department

Public Library

Municipal Transportation Agency

Office of the Mayor

Public Defender's Office

Police Department

Port

Public Utilities Commission

Recreation and Park Department

Department of Elections

Retirement System

Rent Board

Sheriff's Department Office of Inspector General

Sheriff's Department

Department of Technology

Office of the Treasurer & Tax Collector

War Memorial

Department on the Status of Women

General City Responsibilities

General Administration & Finance

Culture & Recreation

Community Health

Human Welfare & Neighborhood Development

Public Works, Transportation & Commerce

Public Protection

SF Civil Grand Jury

The Abatement Appeals Board provides a final review process for City permitting decisions. It ensures fair and efficient adjudication of permit-related disputes before an impartial panel. The board holds authority to make binding decisions on appeals concerning notices of abatement.

Abatement Appeals Board

Abatement Appeals Board Commissioner 1

Abatement Appeals Board Commissioner 2

Abatement Appeals Board Commissioner 3

Abatement Appeals Board Commissioner 4

Abatement Appeals Board Commissioner 5

Abatement Appeals Board Commissioner 6

Abatement Appeals Board Commissioner 7

The Access Appeals Commission provides final reviews for a wide range of City permitting decisions. It ensures an efficient, fair, and expeditious permit issuance process through an impartial panel. The commission holds authority to make binding decisions on appeals related to City permits.

Access Appeals Commission

Access Appeals Commission Commissioner 1

Access Appeals Commission Commissioner 2

Access Appeals Commission Commissioner 3

Access Appeals Commission Commissioner 4

Access Appeals Commission Commissioner 5

The Adult Day Health Care Planning Council advises on the development and improvement of adult day health care services. It provides expertise in healthcare planning, policy recommendations, and program evaluation. Key responsibilities include assessing community needs and advising on service delivery enhancements.

Adult Day Health Care Planning Council

Adult Probation Department supervises individuals on probation and facilitates their reintegration into the community. It provides reentry and rehabilitative services, including victim restitution and financial assistance for crime victims. The department values public safety, offender rehabilitation, and community partnerships.

Cristel Tullock

The Advisory Committee of Street Artists and Crafts Examiners evaluates arts and crafts applicants and monitors program compliance. It conducts studio visits and public screenings to ensure adherence to established criteria. Members also revise program criteria and undertake additional tasks as needed.

Advisory Committee of Street Artists and Crafts Examiners

The Advisory Council on Human Rights advises on anti-discrimination laws and racial equity initiatives. It provides expertise on reparations and public policy impacts on Black communities. It guides efforts to establish partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities in San Francisco.

Advisory Council on Human Rights

San Francisco Airport manages air traffic operations and ensures safe aircraft movement. It provides parking facilities and maintains airport infrastructure to accommodate travelers and staff. The department oversees ground transportation and coordinates with airlines for efficient passenger services.

Mike Nakornkhet

The Airport Commission oversees policy and strategic planning for San Francisco International Airport. It makes key decisions on airport development projects and financial management. It ensures compliance with regulations and collaborates on initiatives like terminal naming.

Airport Commission

Airport Commission Commissioner 1

Malcolm Yeung

Jose F. Almanza

Mark Buell

Susan Leal

Airport Director

Animal Care and Control Department manages animal sheltering, adoption, and emergency response services. It enforces animal-related laws and regulations, ensuring the humane treatment and safety of animals. The department also provides public education on responsible pet ownership and animal welfare.

Animal Care and Control Department

Virginia Donohue

Animal Care and Control Department, Director

The San Francisco Arts Commission oversees the integration of arts into city life and ensures public access to cultural experiences. It makes decisions on public art programs and allocates grants to support local artists and performances. The commission actively shapes policies affecting the arts ecosystem in San Francisco.

Arts Commission Commissioner 1

Arts Commission Commissioner 2

Arts Commission Commissioner 3

Arts Commission Commissioner 4

Debra Walker

Suzanne Ferras

Jessica Rothschild

Seth Brenzel

JD Beltran

Marcus Shelby

J Riccardo Benavides

Nabiel Musleh

Charles (Chuck) Collins

Lydia So

Arts Commission Commissioner 15

San Francisco Arts Commission invests in a vibrant arts community and shapes cultural policy. It enlivens the urban environment through public art programs and supports diverse artistic expressions. The commission facilitates meetings and discussions to engage the community in cultural development.

Ralph Remington

Arts Commission, Director of Cultural Affairs

The Asian Art Commission determines policy and administers the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. It oversees museum operations and collaborates with the Asian Art Museum Foundation on fundraising efforts. Commissioners ensure the museum's strategic direction and financial sustainability.

Asian Art Commission

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 1

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 2

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 3

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 4

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 5

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 6

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 7

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 8

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 9

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 10

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 11

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 12

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 13

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 14

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 15

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 16

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 17

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 18

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 19

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 20

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 21

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 22

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 23

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 24

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 25

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 26

Asian Art Commission Commissioner 27

Asian Art Museum showcases Asian art and culture through exhibitions and educational programs. It offers diverse collections and hosts special events to engage the community. The museum fosters cultural appreciation and understanding by providing access to its extensive art collections.

Dr. Soyoung Lee

Asian Art Museum, Director

The Assessment Appeals Board #1 hears property tax assessment appeals in San Francisco. It evaluates evidence presented by taxpayers and the Assessor to determine property values. The Board has the authority to make final decisions on assessments regardless of property type or value.

Assessment Appeals Board #1

Assessment Appeals Board #1 Commissioner 1

Assessment Appeals Board #1 Commissioner 2

Richard Lee

Stephen Wasserman

Adena Gilbert

Paul Bellar

Quirina Mitchell

Hilary Winslow

The Assessment Appeals Board #2 adjudicates property tax assessment appeals for San Francisco taxpayers. It evaluates evidence presented by taxpayers and the Assessor to determine accurate property values. The Board exercises authority to render final decisions on residential properties and specific real estate assessments.

Assessment Appeals Board #2

Assessment Appeals Board #2 Commissioner 1

Assessment Appeals Board #2 Commissioner 2

Assessment Appeals Board #2 Commissioner 3

Claire Ervin Lee

Louisa Mendoza

Joyce Lewis

Nicholas Goldman

Michelle Domingo

The Assessment Appeals Board #3 provides a platform for San Francisco taxpayers to contest property tax assessments. It conducts hearings where evidence from both taxpayers and the Assessor is evaluated. The Board makes binding decisions on property assessments based on presented evidence.

Assessment Appeals Board #3

Assessment Appeals Board #3 Commissioner 1

Assessment Appeals Board #3 Commissioner 2

Assessment Appeals Board #3 Commissioner 3

Marc Dickow

Assessment Appeals Board #3 Commissioner 5

Assessment Appeals Board #3 Commissioner 6

Assessment Appeals Board #3 Commissioner 7

Assessment Appeals Board #3 Commissioner 8

Assesses property, applies exemptions, collects transfer taxes, and records official documents.

Assessor-Recorder

Joaquín Torres

The Ballot Simplification Committee ensures voter materials are clear and understandable. It reviews and revises ballot language to accurately reflect propositions and measures. The committee advises on simplifying complex legal and technical terms for voter comprehension.

Ballot Simplification Committee

The Bayview Hunters Point Citizens Advisory Committee provides policy advice on planning and land use matters in Zone 2 of Bayview Hunter's Point. It offers expertise in land use policies, zoning issues, and urban development. The committee advises the Board of Supervisors, City Boards, and commissions on relevant projects and initiatives.

Bayview Hunters Point Citizens Advisory Committee

The Behavioral Health Commission advises on mental health policy implementation and quality service delivery. It reviews and advocates for effective mental health services, ensuring policies meet community needs. It educates stakeholders to integrate mental health considerations into broader health strategies.

Behavioral Health Commission

The Bicycle Advisory Committee advises on making bicycling safer and more accessible in San Francisco. It provides recommendations to city agencies to address traffic violence and climate change. The committee advocates for cyclists and addresses biking-related complaints.

Bicycle Advisory Committee