Endorsements for the March 2024 Primary Election
San Francisco Candidates
“Democrats for Change” for Democratic County Central Committee (“DCCC”)
The race for the DCCC—the leadership of the local Democratic party—is split into two districts across San Francisco (Assembly District 19 and Assembly District 17). SF residents will be able to vote in only one race, depending on where they live. Regardless of which race you vote in, we endorse the running together as the "Democrats for Change." These candidates share a commitment to fixing the city’s problems, with a focus on getting the basics right: public safety, affordable housing, quality public schools, and a vibrant economy. San Francisco needs to change, and these are the candidates to change it for the better.
If you’re a Democrat registered to vote in AD-17, these are the Democrats for Change on your ballot:
If you’re a Democrat registered to vote in AD-19, these are the Democrats for Change on your ballot:
Albert “Chip” Zecher for Superior Court Judge (Seat 1)
We endorse Chip Zecher, who is challenging a sitting incumbent. A long-time San Francisco resident who has worked near the Tenderloin, Mr. Zecher takes the city’s public safety issues seriously. We believe he has the judgment to reach fair and just decisions, including in cases involving fentanyl and other public safety risks.
Jean Myungjin Roland for Superior Court Judge (Seat 13)
We endorse Jean Myungjin Roland, who is challenging a sitting incumbent. Ms. Roland is a career public servant and prosecutor who has extensive experience working in San Francisco’s criminal justice system. She takes the fentanyl crisis and other public safety issues seriously, while also showing a respect for the rights of criminal defendants.
San Francisco Ballot Measures
Yes on Proposition A: Affordable Housing Bond
This authorizes a $300 million bond to fund affordable housing in San Francisco. It was put on the ballot with the unanimous support of the Mayor and the Board of Supervisors. Affordable housing is badly needed in San Francisco, and this measure will help.
No on Proposition B: Police Officer Staffing Levels Conditioned on Future Funding
This would require police staffing to be set at higher levels, but only if a new future tax is enacted to pay for additional police staffing. That future tax isn't included in the measure, so this measure wouldn't actually increase police staffing. What's more, an adequately staffed police department is a basic responsibility of city government, and should not depend on additional future taxes. This measure does not help and should be rejected.
Yes on Proposition C: Real Estate Transfer Tax Exemption and Office Space Allocation
This provides a temporary tax exemption to encourage the conversion of underused downtown office space to housing. San Francisco faces a housing shortage, and conversion of office space to housing would be a positive for the city.
Yes on Proposition D: Changes to Local Ethics Laws
This would make changes to improve the city’s ethics rules, harmonizing ethics training across departments and attempting to address problems highlighted by the Mohammed Nuru corruption scandal. The changes appear helpful overall.
Yes on Proposition E: Police Department Policies and Procedures
This enacts several reforms to limit bureaucracy affecting the police department by limiting the Police Commission's ability to unilaterally impose restrictions on the SFPD, reducing officers' paperwork requirements, allowing pursuit of fleeing suspects, and enabling police use of technology. These reforms are worth trying, and can be changed in the future if they cause problems.
Yes on Proposition F: Illegal Substance Dependence Screening and Treatment for Recipients of City Public Assistance
This would require substance abuse screening for single adults who apply for cash or other assistance from San Francisco. Individuals found to have a substance abuse problem would be required to participate in a free treatment program to receive city assistance, if treatment services are available at that time. We believe that encouraging drug abusers to enter treatment is compassionate, and that the city should not provide cash to people who will spend it to feed drug addiction.
Yes on Proposition G: Offering Algebra 1 to Eighth Graders
San Francisco's public schools previously offered Algebra 1 courses to students in eighth grade (like most other jurisdictions still do today). Several years ago, SF stripped Algebra 1 from middle school and began offering it only in high school. The change exacerbated inequality by making it impossible for students with fewer resources to learn algebra, unlike students in private school, or whose families can afford tutors.This measure will not directly bring eighth grade algebra back, but it will make it city policy to encourage the School District to offer Algebra 1. Voters should pass this measure.
California State Candidates
Scott Wiener for State Senate
We endorse Scott Wiener, who has been extraordinarily impactful in the Senate (especially when it comes to addressing the state’s housing shortage). Despite being just one of forty senators, Wiener has managed to personally move California law in a helpful and necessary direction. He has more than earned another term.
Catherine Stefani for California Assembly (AD-19)
We endorse Catherine Stefani, who has an impressive track record of legislating to make San Francisco better. In her current role as a city supervisor, Stefani has focused on improving public safety, housing, small business conditions, and government oversight. We look forward to seeing Supervisor Stefani continue building on that work in the Assembly.
California State Ballot Measures
Yes on Proposition 1: Behavioral Health Services Program and Bond Measure
This measure invests in mental health treatment facilities, drug treatment centers, and housing to target California’s problems with homelessness, mental health, and drug abuse. Those three crises are closely linked, and the measure properly seeks to address them with investments at the state level (rather than leaving cities to fend for themselves).