Latinx communities play a vital role in shaping San Francisco’s cultural and economic future. Yet district and citywide policies disproportionately impact working-class and vulnerable residents, from those in low-wage jobs to those facing homelessness.
Here’s how these issues are playing out across key Latinx communities:
Living in San Francisco
Latinx residents, though only 15% of San Francisco’s population, are essential stakeholders in neighborhoods like the Mission (26.2%), Bayview (14.5%), and Excelsior (21.1%), according to the city’s 2022 redistricting map. Despite their presence, these communities face increasing displacement pressures as the cost of living and development surge.
Working in San Francisco
Latinx people are overrepresented in low-wage sectors such as service, construction, and gig work, as well as informal labor economies like street vending. In November, District 9 Supervisor Hilary Ronen’s 90-day street vending ban sidelined nearly 140 permitted vendors—most from working-class Latinx families—who lost a critical income source, with some now facing heightened risks of homelessness.
Experiencing homelessness in San Francisco
According to the latest Point-in-Time count, 34% of those experiencing homelessness in San Francisco identified as Hispanic or Latino, up from 30% in 2022. Limited shelter beds and housing options have left 90% of homeless Latinx families sleeping in vehicles, with others on the streets or split across shelters.
As highlighted by El Tecolote’s ongoing coverage of Latinx RV communities, vehicle living has surged by 37% since 2022, with nearly 1,500 people now relying on vehicles for shelter. Among them, the number of families has nearly doubled, reaching 130.
For Latinx communities facing these challenges, the stakes in November’s election couldn’t be higher. Here’s what District 9 candidates had to say about why they deserve Latinx support:
JULIAN BERMUDEZ
I believe the Latinx community should support me primarily because of representation—real representation from someone who grew up in this community. I went to school down the street at Saint Peter’s and Archbishop Riordan. I’ve been part of this community my whole life. Kids often ask me, “What’s the point of going to school if someone bigger and better always comes in and takes what you feel is yours?” And I tell them, you have to fight for it. You need to be visible and take your shot. Even if you miss, at least you know you tried. You won’t spend your life wondering “what if” or thinking about what you could have done. Whatever happens in this campaign, I know I won’t have any “what ifs” because I gave it my best to do something for my community.
H. BROWN
I’m a hard-working visionary. I spend one to two hours a day with my dog, picking up trash, glass, and anything else in the streets, trying to stay humble—but I can’t help it, I’m brilliant. I know everything: from your roof to the sewers below, from military strategy to medicine. I’m the best representative you could ask for. But honestly, don’t vote for me—I’m still figuring it all out. I’m looking at the other candidates, crossing them off left and right. But I’m serious about this campaign, and I appreciate your vote.
TREVOR CHANDLER
The reason my message is resonating with the Latino community is because I’m addressing what everyone is thinking about: safety. The first meeting I attended was at the Presbyterian Church, where three-quarters of the attendees were monolingual Spanish speakers. They told me they don’t feel safe anymore, especially when coming home late at night from work. I’m the only candidate making safety a priority in this campaign. The Latino community is focused on ensuring we have an accountable, responsive, and fully staffed police department. While I may not look like them, as I’ve been told while knocking on doors on 24th, Mission, and Valencia, they appreciate that I’m thinking like them—and that’s what matters.
JACKIE FIELDER
I’m the proud daughter of a single, working Latina mom who raised me on her secretary’s income, and the proud granddaughter of Native American and Mexican grandparents. I’ve fought against Wall Street banks that invest in private prisons, detention centers, and pipelines. At 25, I was teaching “Race, Women, and Class” at SF State. In 2020, I challenged the most real estate-backed politician in California, and now I’m fighting against the same forces—greed and apathy—that have led to displacement, criminalization, and abandonment of our most vulnerable community members. My mom taught me to stand up for those with little power, and I continue to be a politician who is not bought or sold.
JAIME GUTIERREZ
The Latinx community should support me because I’m part of it. I was born into it. I’m a native San Franciscan who grew up going to church here. My first language was Spanish, and I learned English at school. I know this community well. I have many friends who have lived here for generations, and I’m one of them.
ROBERTO HERNANDEZ
Born and raised in District 9, I’ve spent my entire life here. I was trained by Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta at a very young age, and I’ve been organizing for social justice and services for our Latinx community ever since.
STEPHEN TORRES
I don’t expect automatic support just because I’m a member of the Latinx/Latine/Latino community. I know that support has to be earned. That’s why I’m out there knocking on doors and talking to people in the neighborhood and across the district. I hope to earn their trust and support.
MICHEAL PETRELIS
Declined interview.
Video for this story was edited and produced by Mariana Duran, Pablo Unzueta, Cami Dominguez and Erika Carlos.