In San Francisco’s “strong mayor” system, the mayor wields significant powers — from proposing budgets to appointing city officials and vetoing legislation. But many key decisions require approval from the Board of Supervisors, making a collaborative relationship between the mayor and supervisors essential for effective governance. With the election fast approaching, the elected District 9 candidate will need to work with the mayor to address issues crucial to the Mission’s Latinx communities.

Lea esta historia en español.

In July, El Tecolote invited readers to share their top priorities for District 9 candidates. Public safety, affordable housing, homelessness, and strengthening cultural districts emerged as central concerns — issues that also affect Latinx communities across the city, including in neighborhoods like the Tenderloin and Excelsior.

Rodrigo Lopez, president of the Mission Street Vendors Association, praised Mayor London Breed’s visible presence in the Mission, especially her engagement on safety issues. “[She] was the only one who really showed up to the Mission, walked through the streets, talked to people,” Lopez said. “I want to see more candidates walk these streets, see the issues firsthand. It’s totally different when someone’s behind a desk, far from the ‘war zone.’ Candidates who care about the city should walk these streets and see the real issues.”

Lopez added that Breed’s support was crucial for launching a pilot program allowing permitted street vendors to sell goods along 23rd and 24th streets. The program’s future, he says, depends on the results of the mayoral election. While Breed backs the program, Lopez voiced concern over candidate Mark Farrell, who has suggested he would “sweep the city” of street vendors.

In addition to Breed’s presence, Aaron Peskin has gained notable support among District 9 candidates and San Francisco’s progressive base, who point to his experience in city government and his strong advocacy for tenant protections and affordable housing. At the Latino Mayoral Candidate Forum, hosted by the San Francisco Latino Party and Equity Coalition on September 28, Peskin, along with Supervisor Asha Safai, highlighted affordable housing initiatives they have led and ways to expand them if elected mayor. Peskin’s supporters appreciate his understanding of the city’s structures, as well as his dedication to protecting immigrant families and communities vulnerable to displacement.

Daniel Lurie, by far one of the wealthiest people to run for San Francisco mayor, has heavily self-funded his campaign, contributing over $8 million of his own money. Lurie cited delays within City Hall as a primary barrier to affordable housing, stating, “That’s why the Latino community does not have affordable housing.” Notably, Mark Farrell did not attend the forum.

For many Latinx voters in both the District 9 and mayoral races, electing candidates committed to addressing their community’s needs is a top priority. “We’re [Latinx], not a monolith. We work in different fields, have different identities, and care about different issues,” said Alondra Esquivel Garcia, president of the San Francisco Women’s Political Committee. “It’s crucial to recognize that we’re spread across the city, not just in one area.”

Given the stakes for Latinx communities, here’s how District 9 candidates responded to the question: Who are you voting for mayor?

H Brown, a District 9 supervisorial hopeful, sits for a portrait inside Acción Latina’s office in San Francisco, Calif., on July 24, 2024. Photo: Pablo Unzueta for El Tecolote/CatchLight Local

h. brown

Oh, Peskin. Who will I vote for as mayor? Four of them are knuckle-draggers. Lurie, though, he’s a decent guy. I see him all the time when I’m out with my dog cleaning up around our building. The Levi’s factory nearby is now a Quaker school, and his kids go there, so I see him, his wife, and their dog regularly. He’s a surprisingly down-to-earth guy for a billionaire. I’m all in for Peskin, and I’d encourage everyone to vote for Lurie second and Safai third, because second place is likely to win this election. But my main message is this: elect a police chief.

Jackie Fielder

This is one of the most important questions, I think, this year because we have a strong-mayor city. All the reactionary billionaires want to convince the city that the mayor has no power and that the Board of Supervisors is the problem. The thing is, there are 11 supervisors, and we have one mayor who’s in charge of appointing most of the people on the commissions. They are the head of every single department. Every single department answers to them. So, when it comes to the budget, they can line-item veto things and go back and forth with the supervisors, having way more outsized power than most city mayors. For me, it’s unacceptable to have no answer to this question. I may not agree with Mr. Aaron Peskin all the time, but I think he is the most unbiased and values-aligned when it comes to protecting renters and immigrant families. He has done so much for families in Chinatown, District Three, and across San Francisco. He’s a strong advocate of renter protection, and that’s why I’m supporting him.

Jaime Gutierrez, a District 9 supervisorial hopeful, sits for a portrait inside Accion Latina’s office in San Francisco, Calif., on July 13, 2024. Photo: Pablo Unzueta for El Tecolote/CatchLight Local

Jaime Gutierrez

It’s interesting because, to be honest, I haven’t fully decided who I want as mayor. But as a supervisor, I need someone I can work with—someone I see eye-to-eye with on important issues. If we don’t agree, I want to be able to have an open dialogue with them. I’m looking for someone who cares about San Francisco, the city I grew up in, which feels very different now. I want a mayor who’s committed to restoring San Francisco as a world-class city, a cultural hub, and an artistic epicenter.

Julian Bermudez, a District 9 supervisorial hopeful, sits for a portrait inside Accion Latina’s office in San Francisco, Calif., on July 9, 2024. Photo: Pablo Unzueta for El Tecolote/CatchLight Local

Julian Bermudez

I’m voting for Daniel Lurie because everyone else has already had their chance at City Hall. There’s a saying: ‘Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.’ Lurie himself pointed out that we’ve had nearly 40 years of experience in City Hall, yet we’re stuck in the same cycle we’ve been in for the last 20 years. I believe we need something fresh and new. Yes, it’s true he’s a wealthy millionaire, but he’s showing that money is necessary in San Francisco politics. He’s not buying his ticket—that’s simply what it costs to run here. I think his campaign makes a statement about the realities of our political system.

Roberto Hernandez

I have not made up my mind as to who I will vote for mayor.

Stephen Torres

My endorsement for mayor is for Supervisor Aaron Peskin. I will be voting for him because, in my experience working alongside him and having lived in the city pretty much as long as he’s served on the Board of Supervisors, I feel he truly understands how the structures of the city work. He has cultivated relationships with department heads and rank-and-file staff in City Hall. I think this is an important component because if you don’t understand City Hall, it’s just overwhelming, you know? I think he is an expert in this regard. He also is very strongly tied to the community, and as a supervisor, he has always centered his district and the everyday residents in San Francisco. I think that’s an important component here.

Trevor Chandler

I’m staying out of the mayor’s race. I feel that District Nine, over many years—not just with our current supervisor and current mayor but over decades—has tended to have an adversarial relationship with the mayor. I want to start off on a positive foot, no matter who is mayor, and be the best advocate for D9. So, when I decided to run for this seat, I knew there were some issues bigger than me that I might have an opinion on, but that I would stay out of because I want what’s best for District Nine. Whether we have a Mayor Breed, Peskin, Larry Farrell, or Safai, I want to be able to go up to that person and say, “All right, the campaign is over; we didn’t work against each other, so let’s get to work on behalf of District Nine.” That’s my focus.

Cami (they/them) is currently a journalism student at San Francisco State University and is interested in elevating community voices through reporting.