Key Political Blunders of 2024 in San Francisco
The Ethics Evader: Mark Farrell
Once a frontrunner in the mayoral race, Mark Farrell’s campaign was significantly hindered by a series of ethical controversies. The former supervisor’s candidacy suffered a severe blow when he and his campaign faced the largest ethics fine in San Francisco’s history right before the election. His most memorable moment came during a debate when he expressed that his favorite activity in the city was visiting Alcatraz, a rather unusual declaration.
The Flip-Floppers: Ben and Felicia Horowitz
Billionaires Ben and Felicia Horowitz sparked controversy when they abruptly shifted their political allegiance. Having been staunch supporters of Democratic candidates, their decision to endorse Donald Trump caught many off guard, especially given their past association with politicians like Kamala Harris. Following backlash, they reversed course just weeks later, reclaiming their allegiance to Harris but not without controversy.
The Diss Tracker: Garry Tan
Garry Tan, the CEO of Y Combinator, faced significant backlash after referencing a 2Pac diss track inappropriately, suggesting that certain San Francisco supervisors should “die slow.” The tweet drew severe criticism and led to threats against his targeted officials, prompting an immediate apology. However, Tan soon resumed a combative approach on social media.
The Garbage Collector: Joe Biden
President Biden’s gaffes included misidentifying Ukrainian President Zelensky during a NATO summit and, notably, referring to Trump supporters as “garbage” following a racist joke. These blunders reminded many of the repercussions faced by Hillary Clinton after her “basket of deplorables” comment in 2016, highlighting the potential pitfalls of careless political rhetoric.
The Highway to Hell: Joel Engardio
Joel Engardio’s proposal to transform part of the Great Highway into a park by banning cars was met with great opposition from residents in his district. This decision has led to calls for a recall election, reflecting a significant disconnect between Engardio and his constituents.
The Kearny Killer: London Breed
Mayor London Breed’s administration faced strong backlash after announcing plans for a sober-living center in Chinatown without adequate community consultation. This misstep has left a lasting impact on her relations with local voters, affecting her chances for re-election.
The Late Bloomer: Ahsha Safaí
In a highly competitive mayoral race, Supervisor Ahsha Safaí waited until mere weeks before the election to release his first campaign ad, a strategic error that significantly undermined his visibility and viability as a candidate.
The Balance Loser: Nancy Pelosi
Rep. Nancy Pelosi faced both personal and political challenges this year, notably a serious fall resulting in a hip injury. Politically, her late acknowledgment of President Biden’s inability to effectively run for a second term may have hindered the Democratic Party’s chances of preparing for the upcoming election.
The AI Assassin: Scott Wiener
State Senator Scott Wiener has faced increasing criticism and threats as he champions legislation aimed at regulating the AI industry. His struggles culminated in Governor Newsom’s veto of his proposed bill, suggesting that his conflicts with tech giants may have permanently damaged his political alliances.
