Manny Yekutiel, the owner of Manny’s on Valencia Street, has formally announced his candidacy for the District 8 Supervisor seat currently held by Rafael Mandelman.
This announcement comes as San Francisco gears up for an election scheduled for November 2024, although the political landscape is already beginning to shift with several potential challengers emerging.
Yekutiel’s move is significant as he has garnered the endorsement of Mandelman, setting him up as a likely successor in the eyes of many.
In addition to Yekutiel, other contenders are already contemplating runs for the coveted seat. Among them is Gary McCoy, a former aide to prominent figures such as Supervisor Scott Wiener and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi.
Moreover, Tom Temprano, who has served as president of the Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club and is a former aide to Mandelman, is also considering launching a campaign.
In a campaign video, Yekutiel articulated his motivation for running, stating, “I’ve decided to run for supervisor in District 8, because it’s a critical time in the city’s resurrection story, and I know we can finish the job.”
His platform emphasizes revitalizing storefronts, maintaining clean streets, and addressing housing concerns.
Aside from his business ventures, Yekutiel has previously been involved in high-profile political campaigns, working on Obama’s 2012 campaign and Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign.
However, there has been speculation regarding his political acumen, especially considering his short tenure on the SFMTA board and a previous interest in challenging the mayor.
Yekutiel previously collaborated with Mayor Daniel Lurie on initiatives like the Civic Joy Fund, which sponsors events such as Downtown First Thursdays.
Despite their earlier collaborations, tensions arose when Yekutiel expressed interest in running for mayor, leading to a potentially strained relationship between him and Lurie.
As the election approaches, the dynamics of support may significantly affect Yekutiel’s candidacy, and influence could come into play from various political figures in the city.
Yekutiel’s profile as an openly gay, pro-business candidate aligns with the historical preferences of District 8 voters, who have supported similar candidates like Bevan Dufty, Scott Wiener, and Rafael Mandelman
However, the emergence of Gary McCoy could introduce new debates regarding drug policy, as McCoy advocates for harm reduction strategies, which might be facing a shift in public sentiment at this time.
Moreover, campaign dynamics could change drastically if Tom Temprano decides to officially run, complicating the race further as a potential three-way contest develops.
The race is expected to attract significant attention as candidates prepare to articulate their visions for San Francisco in the coming months.
image source from：sfist
