The efforts to recall San Francisco Supervisor Joel Engardio are intensifying, as he finds himself in a precarious position with significant implications for his political future.
Despite the backing of a moderate faction within the San Francisco Democratic Party, Engardio may not receive the necessary endorsement ahead of the recall election that looms over his District 4 seat.
A recent analysis by Mission Local underscores the uphill battle Engardio faces, despite his campaign’s considerable financial resources.
In a recall election, an elected official needs to secure over 50% of the vote to remain in office.
For Engardio, who secured his supervisor position by a narrow margin of 469 votes out of nearly 27,000 cast, the stakes are particularly high.
His political fortunes have been complicated by his controversial stance on issues such as the Great Highway closures, as well as his previous role in orchestrating recalls against Chesa Boudin and members of the San Francisco school board.
Mission Local highlights disappointing news for Engardio from the local Democratic Party, which has historically supported him.
Despite having moderate officials in control, the party has decided against endorsing Engardio or providing the campaign resources typically associated with endorsements such as free advertising.
According to Mission Local, the Democratic Party called off a special July meeting intended to address the recall due to a lack of consensus, leaving the endorsement vote postponed until late August.
This delay poses a significant risk for Engardio, as voting in the recall initiation will commence two weeks before the party reconvenes.
The Democratic Party’s hesitance raises questions about its members’ support for Engardio, with speculation that more members may be inclined to support the recall than previously anticipated.
When reviewing the July 25 meeting, party chair Lily Ho’s remarks avoided mentioning “recall” or “Engardio,” suggesting a careful distancing from a burning issue that could impact their standing in District 4.
The approach seemed to portray the delay in endorsement as a standard procedural matter, even though early voting will already be underway by the time the party decides its position.
If any assistance is coming for Engardio from the party, it appears it will arrive too late, potentially depriving him of valuable campaign resources when he needs them most.
Moreover, Mission Local notes that a significant number of pro-recall speakers overtook the public comment section of the meeting, reinforcing a challenging atmosphere for Engardio’s supporters.
Concerned District 4 resident Max Leung expressed frustration at the party’s focus on parks, indicating a disconnect between party priorities and community concerns, noting that most of those attending the meeting did not reside in District 4.
In addition to political tensions, the timing of the recall is exacerbated by logistical challenges facing District 4 residents.
Recall ballots are scheduled to be mailed to voters on August 18, coinciding with the Outside Lands festival, which will induce additional road closures and traffic disruptions across the region.
Engardio’s position is further complicated by the fact that these closures have already begun, with many lasting until August 20, which raises the likelihood of voter frustration as they contend with travel difficulties during the recall voting period.
Consequently, the combination of internal party hesitance, community discontent, and the logistical challenges of the ongoing festival creates a seriously challenging environment for Supervisor Joel Engardio as he approaches a crucial election.
As the recall effort gains momentum, Engardio’s political future hangs in the balance, with the outcome likely impacting the broader landscape of San Francisco politics.
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