Background on Michael Moritz

Michael Moritz, a prominent Silicon Valley billionaire, has become an influential figure in San Francisco politics. He is known for his significant financial support of media outlets and political groups, such as the San Francisco Standard, Together SF, and Together SF Action. These groups have actively promoted moderate candidates while criticizing left-leaning influences in the city’s governance.

Previous Engagements

This recent opinion piece marks Moritz’s second foray into op-ed writing for the Times in a span of two years. In prior essays, he has called for changes in leadership at various levels, including urging President Biden to withdraw from the race. Additionally, he has expressed his discontent with the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, claiming it has contributed to various crises affecting the city, including homelessness and substance abuse problems.

Aim of the Latest Opinion Piece

As San Francisco approaches its mayoral election, Moritz’s latest essay takes a sharp aim at Aaron Peskin, who has yet to gain traction in the polls. Moritz articulates his belief that Peskin could potentially disrupt the election outcome through the city’s ranked-choice voting system, which he has previously criticized.

“If you want to understand how the city got to where it is today and why it is at the center of a struggle over its future, you should take a closer look at Mr. Peskin’s long career,” Moritz writes.

Political Dynamics

Together SF Action has publicly endorsed Mark Farrell, marking a decisive stance against progressive candidates like Peskin. According to internal documents from Together SF Action, there is a concerted effort to encourage voter disenchantment with progressive leadership.

Moritz’s recent piece seems particularly tailored to mitigate any potential gains by Peskin in the election, specifically appealing to those who read the New York Times to reconsider their ranked-choice selections.

Development Projects and Controversies

Moritz further discusses his involvement in ambitious development initiatives in San Francisco, framing them as solutions to housing shortages. However, there is criticism surrounding his affiliations with proposals for new developments in areas located far from the urban core, raising questions about sustainable growth practices.

His mention of his “ambitious plan” in the opinion piece has been interpreted as misrepresenting an earlier proposal in Solano County rather than any direct project within the city limits—a move perceived by some as strategic ambiguity.

Outlook for San Francisco’s Future

Throughout the opinion piece, Moritz emphasizes a vision for San Francisco that aligns with moderate Democratic ideals, contrasting sharply with Peskin’s progressive views. He opines that the upcoming election will be indicative of whether the city’s residents are ready to embrace a shift away from entrenched political paradigms.

“This November’s elections will show whether [San Francisco’s] citizens are ready to rebel against a coterie of longstanding political zealots,” Moritz notes.

The Wealth and Power Dynamic

Moritz’s piece does not delve into the implications of wealth on San Francisco’s political arena, where candidates like Mark Farrell and Daniel Lurie, both affluent individuals, aim to challenge the administration of the city’s first Black female mayor, who has received praise for her pandemic response. The layering of financial backing in this race raises further questions about equity and representation in city leadership.