In 2024, the political dynamics of San Francisco were reshaped by a coalition of influential groups and donors who spent nearly $40 million on various ballot measures and candidates. Despite their substantial financial muscle, these organizations faced mixed results in the November election, marking it as the city’s most expensive electoral contest to date. The new mayor-elect, Daniel Lurie, was not the top choice for these groups, leading to uncertain relations with the incoming administration. While some view this as a setback, others see it as an opportunity to reassess strategies and refocus efforts on future elections and charter reforms.

The Aftermath of the Election: Realigning Priorities

The post-election period has seen a recalibration among the major players in San Francisco's political scene. With Mayor-elect Lurie not being the preferred candidate, the relationship between the new administration and these powerful groups is tenuous. The business community acknowledges its missteps in focusing too heavily on the mayoral race rather than other critical races. Leaders of the four prominent groups—GrowSF, TogetherSF, Neighbors for a Better San Francisco, and the Abundance Network—are now emphasizing collaboration and long-term strategy over short-term victories.

The coalition's leaders are taking stock of the lessons learned from the recent election. They recognize that their focus on the mayoral race detracted from more strategic battles, such as the Board of Supervisors races and charter reform. Crypto billionaire Chris Larsen candidly admitted, "We focused on the wrong thing." He emphasized the need for a more balanced approach in future campaigns. Meanwhile, Zack Rosen, founder of the Abundance Network, highlighted the importance of improving their game to maintain a majority on the Board of Supervisors. The groups remain committed to their agenda but are now more cautious and methodical in their approach.

Charting the Future: Long-Term Strategies and Charter Reform

Looking ahead, the coalition is setting its sights on long-term goals, particularly charter reform. The failure of Prop. D, which aimed to expand mayoral power, underscores the need for a more nuanced and piecemeal approach. These groups are exploring simpler, more digestible reforms that can gain broader public support. They also plan to oppose the recall of Joel Engardio in District 4, viewing his potential ouster as a deterrent to future progressive changes.

The next few years will see increased efforts to reshape the Board of Supervisors and push for structural changes in city governance. Jay Cheng of Neighbors for a Better San Francisco noted, "A lot of what we set out to do has been accomplished," pointing to victories like a changed Board of Supervisors and a moderate-leaning school board. The coalition aims to build on these successes while maintaining a steady presence in elections. Steven Buss Bacio of GrowSF emphasized the need for a collaborative spirit and nonpartisan studies to guide future reforms. The groups are also preparing for the 2026 supervisor races, where they hope to secure a supermajority and further align the city's politics with their vision.