SAN FRANCISCO — Departing from the recent dominance of centrist Democrats, a progressive contender has entered the fray for San Francisco mayor.
Aaron Peskin, President of the Board of Supervisors, announced his candidacy on Wednesday night, challenging incumbent Mayor London Breed.
Peskin voiced discontent with Breed's perceived polarizing style and a shift towards more conservative public-safety measures, which he argued do not mirror the city's liberal ethos.
"The current political landscape is rife with blame-shifting and a lack of accountability. The ultimate responsibility lies with the mayor," Peskin stated in an interview. "It is time to introduce a mature, collaborative discourse that truly reflects the spirit of San Francisco."
Peskin's decision to run was confirmed by earlier reports from The San Francisco Standard.
He disclosed that his campaign would kick off with a rally in Chinatown on Saturday, an event expected to draw up to 900 supporters.
Responding swiftly, Joe Arellano, a spokesperson for Breed's campaign, criticized Peskin, accusing him of obstructing housing development in a city already facing a severe shortage. Arellano characterized Peskin as synonymous with "intimidation, obstruction, and dysfunction" in City Hall.
"He's like the Terminator," Arellano quipped in a statement.
"Aaron Peskin in the Mayor's Office would mean 'hasta la vista, baby' for our local economy, housing, and the future of our city."
Peskin's entry into the race marks a significant shift. Previously, Breed's main challengers were moderate Democrats like Daniel Lurie, a nonprofit executive and heir to the Levi Strauss fortune, and Mark Farrell, a former interim mayor and city supervisor.
The fifth candidate, Supervisor Ahsha Safai, though leaning moderate, has recently sought to appeal to progressives.
Breed, Lurie, and Farrell have each proposed differing approaches to increase law enforcement presence and compel more individuals into addiction treatment, signaling a shift away from the city’s progressive policies.
The mayor has increasingly embraced aggressive measures in response to the city's challenges with fentanyl addiction, homelessness, and theft. Last month, she successfully campaigned for ballot measures that significantly expand police powers and mandate drug screening for welfare recipients.