San Francisco’s mayoral race just took a dramatic turn, as Daniel Lurie, the heir to the Levi Strauss fortune and a political newcomer, is set to take the reins of one of the most iconic cities in the U.S. This marks a pivotal moment for the city, with Lurie’s victory coming after Mayor London Breed, the city’s first Black woman mayor, conceded her race for re-election. This shift in leadership isn’t just a local event—it has all the makings of a broader national narrative, one where outsiders with deep pockets and ambitious reform agendas are making waves in American politics. If this story sounds familiar, that’s because, in many ways, Lurie’s campaign mirrors the rise of Donald Trump in 2016. Both men, outsiders with no political experience, used their wealth and outsider status as tools to challenge the status quo.
While Donald Trump’s focus was primarily on immigration, Lurie’s main issue is something that’s rocked San Francisco to its core—the homelessness crisis. Like Trump, Lurie’s wealth has played a pivotal role in his campaign strategy, yet there are key differences. Trump was a Republican with a history of controversy, while Lurie is a Democrat who, so far, has avoided the political scandals that have often plagued other public figures.
The stage was set for Lurie’s rise after Breed, who took office back in 2018 following the death of Mayor Ed Lee, decided not to run for re-election. Despite her best efforts to steer San Francisco through the challenging pandemic years, Breed became associated with the worsening homelessness crisis, the city’s high cost of living, and a surge in crime. By the time the election season rolled around, it was clear that voters were looking for someone who could turn the city’s fortunes around, and Lurie’s outsider status, bolstered by his substantial personal wealth, gave him a significant edge.
During the past six years under Breed’s leadership, San Francisco’s challenges have only intensified. While the city faced major issues like skyrocketing homelessness, rising crime, and unaffordable housing before the pandemic, the COVID-19 crisis exacerbated these problems. With offices and businesses shutting down during lockdowns, crime surged in downtown areas, and the city's downtown became eerily empty. As workers fled, the effects of the pandemic left a once-thriving metropolis bruised and battered. The most noticeable problem: homelessness.
Recent statistics from the San Francisco Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing show a worrying rise in the number of homeless individuals in the city, with more than 8,300 people experiencing homelessness in 2024, a noticeable jump from 7,754 in 2022. Of those, more than half—around 4,350—are unsheltered, highlighting the severity of the situation.
This dire crisis has become Lurie’s focal point. Through his nonprofit, Tipping Point Community, Lurie has dedicated himself to helping the homeless. The organization has made strides in offering temporary shelters, providing permanent subsidized housing, and helping over 6,000 people transition from homelessness to stable living conditions. Lurie’s track record with Tipping Point gives him a strong foundation to tackle the city’s larger homelessness problem. While some critics argue that the strategies and costs involved in his nonprofit work cannot be easily replicated on a citywide scale, Lurie remains confident that he can bring about change, promising to create 1,500 new shelter beds within just six months of taking office.
But Lurie’s message isn’t just about addressing homelessness. It’s about fixing the political system that he believes has failed the city. His campaign slogan has been clear: “Bring San Francisco Back.” Much like Trump, Lurie has positioned himself as a champion of change, promising to restore the city to its former glory. With big promises to help small businesses thrive, hire more police officers to combat the growing crime wave, and ensure safety for the city’s Chinese American residents—who have been increasingly targeted by anti-Asian attacks—Lurie’s vision for San Francisco aims to address a multitude of issues.
His wealth has been a central factor in his political rise. Like Trump, Lurie has invested heavily in his campaign, using at least $8.6 million of his own money, along with a $1 million donation from his mother. This massive spending has raised eyebrows and sparked debate. Critics, including outgoing Mayor Breed, have accused Lurie of “buying” the mayor’s office with his immense financial resources. Breed, who has worked tirelessly over the past six years to steer the city through turbulent times, expressed her disappointment at the use of personal wealth to secure political power. In an emotional concession speech, she expressed regret that the race had turned into one where money seemed to be the deciding factor.
Despite the criticism, Lurie’s supporters see his wealth as an advantage, not a flaw. In a political climate where candidates are often beholden to special interests and outside donors, Lurie’s self-financing gives him independence and a sense of freedom to make bold decisions without being influenced by political elites or large donors. His approach is reminiscent of Trump’s 2016 campaign, where his financial autonomy allowed him to control his message and strategy.
Lurie’s victory marks the end of Breed’s tenure as mayor, but it also signals a shifting political landscape in San Francisco. Once a bastion of progressive politics, the city is now wrestling with tough questions about how to balance social justice and economic policy, particularly as its cost of living skyrockets and crime increases. With Lurie promising to tackle these issues head-on, the real test will come when he assumes office in January.
In his victory speech, Lurie thanked his supporters, family, and campaign team, making a public vow to bring accountability and service back to City Hall. “I’m deeply grateful to my incredible family, campaign team, and every San Franciscan who voted for change,” Lurie said, striking a tone of unity and hope for the future.
Meanwhile, Breed, who has spent much of her political career advocating for social justice and equality, offered a measured response. In a statement delivered after conceding, she promised a smooth transition of power, acknowledging the importance of keeping the city moving forward. Despite the election outcome, Breed stressed that the challenges facing San Francisco were bigger than any one individual and that it was crucial for leaders to continue working together for the city’s future.
As Lurie prepares to take office, San Francisco finds itself at a crossroads. Will he succeed in tackling the city’s pressing issues and bring about the sweeping changes he promised, or will the challenges prove to be too great, even for a mayor with the financial backing and political drive to make a difference? Time will tell, but for now, the city is in for a period of major transition and transformation. And with Lurie’s win, the dynamics of San Francisco politics have certainly changed. The question remains—how will this outsider govern a city known for its deep political roots and progressive ideals? The journey ahead will be one to watch.
Login