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2w ago

San Francisco Democrats Deadlock, Stay Neutral on Engardio Recall

The decision deprives the District 4 supervisor of the party label in a fast-moving, mostly vote-by-mail election.

Residents gathered at Ruth Williams Bayview Opera House to weigh in on the San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee’s vote on its endorsement on the recall of Joel Engardio. Photo by Junyao Yang on Aug. 27, 2025.
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San Francisco District 4 Supervisor Joel Engardio speaks during the grand opening of the Sunset Dunes Park along the former Upper Great Highway in San Francisco, Saturday, April 12, 2025. The Democratic Party took no position on the Sept. 16 recall election, dealing a blow to Engardio.

Overview

  • The San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee split 11–11 after a tense meeting, leaving the party with no position on the Sept. 16 recall of Supervisor Joel Engardio.
  • Six members abstained or were absent, and key non-participation by Bilal Mahmood, Michela Alioto-Pier and Matt Haney helped produce the stalemate, according to meeting reports.
  • More than 7,000 ballots have already been returned in an election expected to draw 18,000 to 20,000 voters, limiting the potential impact of any late-party guidance.
  • The recall effort centers on Engardio’s support for Proposition K, which closed the upper Great Highway to cars and created the Sunset Dunes park, a move popular citywide but rejected in much of District 4.
  • If Engardio is removed, Mayor Daniel Lurie would appoint an interim supervisor until June 2026, and some observers say he could face pressure to choose a moderate or conservative Chinese American open to revisiting the highway policy.