San Francisco, known for its liberal politics, is facing an intense mayoral race as incumbent London Breed, backed by tech elites, is embracing law-and-order policies to address the city’s growing homelessness crisis. The conservative Supreme Court ruling that allows cities to penalize unhoused individuals for sleeping on the streets has influenced Breed and other challengers to adopt tough measures. Venture capitalist Mark Farrell and Levi Strauss heir Daniel Lurie, among other candidates, are advocating for aggressive responses to addiction and homelessness, including increased policing and surveillance. The escalating mayoral race reflects a shift in local politics, with tech executives and investors influencing the debate and spending unprecedented amounts on campaigns.
Despite some progress in reducing the number of people sleeping outdoors, San Francisco continues to grapple with a complex web of issues exacerbated by the pandemic, including economic downturns and drug overdoses. As the election approaches with Breed seeking re-election, allegations of financial impropriety have surfaced against her and other candidates, casting a shadow over the race. The emergence of outsider candidates like Lurie, backed by substantial wealth, has added a new dynamic to the already contentious campaign. With ranked-choice voting in play, the outcome remains uncertain as voters weigh their options. The influence of tech donors and changing demographics in San Francisco are reshaping the political landscape, leading to intense debates over the city’s future direction.
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