Aaron Peskin Shifts Focus to Uniting Progressives in Local Politics
Supervisor Aaron Peskin may not have secured the mayoral seat, but his political journey in San Francisco is far from over. As he prepares to exit the Board of Supervisors due to term limits, Peskin is mobilizing progressive groups in the city to counter the significant financial influence of wealthy donors in local elections.
Opportunities for Progressive Coordination
Peskin asserts that San Francisco does not require new organizations but rather improved coordination among existing ones. “This is a ripe opportunity to bring them all together,” he stated. Rather than pursue roles such as chief of staff for the newly elected mayor Daniel Lurie, Peskin aims to act as a unifying force among various progressive organizations, including neighborhood coalitions and labor unions, to resist the sway of affluent power brokers.
Impact of Wealthy Donors on Local Politics
During the recent election cycle, a cadre of affluent individuals contributed millions to political action groups such as TogetherSF and Neighbors for a Better San Francisco. Notable donors included:
- Michael Moritz – $3.1 million
- Bill Oberndorf – $1.1 million
- Michael Bloomberg – $1.4 million
- Chris Larsen – approximately $1 million
- Ron Conway – $438,000
- Daniel Lurie – self-funding his campaign with $8 million
The outcomes of this financial investment were mixed, with several high-profile initiatives failing to achieve their intended goals. For instance, Proposition D, designed to reduce the number of city commissions and increase mayoral authority, did not pass.
The Response from Progressive Advocates
For Peskin and his allies, the election results signify a rejection of what he termed “the billionaires and their vitriolic organizations.” He vowed to maintain efforts to keep these financial influences in check. Meanwhile, Moritz described the affiliated moderate groups as having shifted the political landscape towards a more centrist approach. He expressed concern that extreme progressive policies had marginalized many voters in San Francisco.
Future of Progressive Politics in San Francisco
Progressive ballot measures championed by Peskin, including Propositions C, E, and G, saw success in the latest election, indicating ongoing support for these initiatives among voters. Proposition C aims to establish an inspector general to investigate city corruption, while Proposition G focuses on affordable housing.
David Campos, Vice Chair of the California Democratic Party, believes Peskin has the necessary skills to unify progressive factions in San Francisco. “He has the experience, acumen, and skills needed to herd the progressive cats,” Campos noted, illustrating Peskin’s potential role in navigating the city’s political terrain.
Conclusion: A Continued Commitment to Progressive Values
The ongoing dialogue among San Francisco’s political factions illustrates a dynamic environment where ideas flourish through debate. Despite past challenges, Peskin is determined to ensure that progressive values remain central to the city’s identity. His commitment to fostering unity among these groups will be crucial as San Francisco navigates the complexities of local governance amidst substantial financial interests.
