In a surprising twist in San Francisco politics, the campaign to recall District 4 Supervisor Joel Engardio has emerged amid a rare coalition of the city’s Republican Party and progressive Democrats.
This unusual alliance reflects the heightened political polarization present in the city today.
Former progressive staffers lead the recall effort, aiming to unseat Engardio as discontent rises over his stance on local issues, particularly the recently implemented Proposition K.
On the eve of a rally to kick off the recall campaign, the San Francisco Republican Party openly encouraged its members to engage in grassroots efforts, urging them to promote the recall ahead of the September 16 election.
The party has criticized Engardio’s support for Prop. K, stating, “Engardio is waging a war on cars,” emphasizing the backlash from District 4 residents who feel neglected by the changes.
Prop. K, which restricts vehicle access on portions of the Great Highway to create park space, was approved citywide, garnering nearly 55% of votes in favor.
However, in stark contrast, 64% of constituents from Engardio’s own district voted against it, reflecting a significant disconnect between the Supervisor and his constituents.
The area, now known as Sunset Dunes, has recently opened as a pedestrian-friendly park, generating delight among visitors, but also protests from local residents unhappy with the decision, evidenced by a caravan of cars honking in disapproval.
Political consultant Eric Jaye, echoing sentiments shared by Jim Ross, noted that the blending of perspectives among political factions in this recall is not unprecedented.
He stated, “You can be a progressive, a moderate, or a conservative, and want your elected officials to side with you. The core issue at stake is not ideological.”
However, the recall supporters are facing challenges as they utilize this campaign to address broader grievances against Engardio, including a history of supporting other recall efforts, such as the notable removals of progressive figures like District Attorney Chesa Boudin in 2022.
“This is karma,” wrote Otto Pippenger, a field organizer for the recall campaign, in a submission to the Department of Elections, criticizing Engardio’s apparent immunity in his current role.
The paid staff leading the recall campaign—Jamie Hughes, Otto Pippenger, and Forrest Cameron—all previously worked on Aaron Peskin’s mayoral campaign, demonstrating a solid progressive involvement in the recall effort.
In counteraction, the Stand With Joel campaign is gaining traction, backed by contributors linked to TogetherSF, a recently rebranded moderate political advocacy group.
This opposing campaign has raised significant funds, exceeding $667,000 as of July 7, benefiting from substantial contributions from influential figures such as Chris Larsen, CEO of the cryptocurrency company Ripple.
Engardio and his supporters, including State Senator Scott Wiener, have labeled the recall as a manifestation of a “conservative backlash,” arguing that it jeopardizes the affordability and livability of San Francisco.
Though recall proponents cite various grievances pertaining to garbage collection rate hikes and other local concerns, Prop. K remains the focal point of criticism against Engardio.
As the August 16 recall date looms closer, speculation begins regarding potential outcomes if the effort succeeds.
Should Engardio be recalled, Mayor Daniel Lurie is charged with appointing a successor.
With the district’s political leanings favoring moderate to conservative policies, it’s likely that any appointee will reflect this trend.
Hughes pointed out that a successful recall often opens up political landscapes by providing future candidates a better chance against incumbents, particularly those facing opposition from within their own ranks.
“If you don’t recall Joel Engardio, then he’s the incumbent supervisor running for reelection in 2026,” she warned, citing the challenges that established incumbents face when defending their positions in subsequent elections.
Since the return of district-wide elections in 2000, history shows that defeating incumbents has been a rare occurrence; the notable exception being Engardio’s victory over Gordon Mar in 2022.
While San Francisco attracts attention as one of America’s most liberal cities, District 4 continues to demonstrate a more complex political landscape, where around 9,000 residents voted for President Donald Trump in the last election.
Despite initial hesitance, the support of the local Republican Party may provide a unique advantage for the recall campaign in the current political climate—one that has seen rapid infrastructural changes impacting long-time residents.
Additionally, Lurie’s prior endorsement from the local Republican Party could foreshadow a similar model for success in the upcoming recall election.
image source from：missionlocal
