Because Supervisor Aaron Peskin terms out next January, six candidates have filed to run for the seat to lead District 3, which includes North Beach, Chinatown, Union Square, the Financial District, Russian Hill and Nob Hill.
Between now and the November election, Mission Local will ask each District 3 candidate one question per week, and candidates will get 100 words to respond. We will compile all responses to the 40-odd questions on a “Meet the Candidates” page, so that voters can get a full picture of their stances.
Question this week: What have you done to support District 3 so far?
Sharon Lai
- Job: Economic recovery leader at the World Economic Forum, former board member at the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency
- Age: 41
- Residency: Tenant and owner, living in District 3 since 2023, first moved to SF in 2005
- Transportation: Walk and Muni when solo, drive when with kids
- Education: Bachelor’s degree from University of California, Berkeley, development studies and city and regional planning; master’s degree in public administration, Harvard Kennedy School
- Languages: English, Mandarin, Cantonese
As SFMTA commissioner, I tripled the public safety budget, helping District 3 transit riders stay safe. I helped redesign Broadway for pedestrian safety, and advocated for lower speed limits. I reintroduced bus line 8-Bayshore, oversaw the completion of Van Ness BRT and the Central Subway, and advocated for free Muni and parking for Chinese New Year.
As DignityMoves’ founding ED, I opened a tiny homes village, expanding housing for the homeless citywide.
Most recently, I took a leading role in passing Prop. A, which will provide affordable homes for 4,500 working San Franciscans and fund D3 affordable housing projects.
Endorsed by: Community Tenants Association, Teamsters Joint Council 7, 7 of the current Board of Supervisors … read more here
Eduard Navarro
- Job: Tech startup founder
- Age: 44
- Residency: Tenant in District 3 since December 2021
- Transportation: Walking, public transportation
- Education: CFA Institute: Chartered Financial Analyst, passed level 1. Master’s degree from Columbia University, architecture, concentration in urban design. Master’s degree from Columbia University, real estate development, concentrating in finance. Ecole d’Architecture de La Villette. Bachelor’s degree in architecture from Georgia Institute of Technology.
- Languages: Spanish, French, German, English, Valèncian (Catalan)
I have presented my candidacy to supervisor of District 3. This role demands leadership and specialized knowledge, and cannot be a reward for past service nor a step in a political career. My diverse experiences and achievements position me to serve our district with dedication and insight. Choosing this path means setting aside other opportunities, a true testament to my dedication to our community. In these uncertain times, District 3, the heart of our city, needs a voice that can unite and take us forward. I am committed to being that unifying leader. Join our movement at Navarro.vote.
JConr B. Ortega
- Job: Self-described formerly homeless, leatherman, boxer
What I have done for the district is to stand up to represent the neighborhood. When the board of supervisors pushed for legislation that will harm our community, I stood up to put a stop to it. When the police commission proposed new orders that hampered the SFPD, I stood up to kill the orders. When the SFPD needed someone to defend them, I stood up for our officers. Those who threatened our Jewish community, I stood against thousands so say “Never again.” Our district needs someone who will stand up for them no matter who they’re up against.
Danny Sauter
- Job: Executive Director, Neighborhood Centers Together
- Age: 35
- Residency: Tenant in District 3 since 2014
- Transportation: Public transportation
- Education: Bachelor’s degree from Miami University
- Languages: English, Cantonese
I’m proud of my record supporting District 3 over the last 10 years:
- Support thousands of low-income youth and seniors in District 3 through my work with Cameron House in Chinatown and TEL HI Neighborhood Center in North Beach
- Started the North Beach Farmers Market
- Organized donors to fund and open a new computer lab in Chinatown
- Supported 40+ District 3 restaurants with a free delivery service during the pandemic
Led efforts to make it easier and more flexible to open small businesses in District 3.
Endorsed by: Nor Cal Carpenters Union, Senator Scott Wiener, Sheriff Paul Miyamoto, Operating Engineers Local 3 … read more here
Matthew Susk
- Job: Former lead with Divvy Homes
- Age: 32
- Residency: TIC owner, first moved to District 3 in 2007. 2007-2009 while in high school, 2014-2016 after college, 2023-present with his wife.
- Transportation: Walking
- Education: Bachelor’s degree from St. Lawrence University, master’s in business from Georgetown University
- Languages: English
Safety is my No. 1 priority, so I am very invested in supporting my community. I am extremely proud of my experience in the SFPD Community Police Academy and my position as Safety Chair for my neighborhood association, Russian Hill Neighbors.
The SFPD Community Police Academy was an amazing opportunity for me to deeply understand the police department. I learned directly from officers about emergency communications, vehicle operations, bias training and crisis intervention.
While I think that safety starts with the police, it doesn’t end there. As Safety Chair, I am also responsible for emergency preparedness and street infrastructure safety.
Moe Jamil
- Job: Deputy city attorney, San Francisco City Attorney’s Office
- Age: 46
- Residency: Owner-occupied condo owner, living in District 3 since May 2014
- Transportation: Walking
- Education: University of California, Berkeley, and law school at Santa Clara University, K-12 public school
- Languages: English, Cantonese
I’ve spent over a decade championing issues facing District 3. In that time, I have:
- Organized Polk Street neighbors and property owners to create the Discover Polk Community Benefit District with permanent funding for clean and safe streets, business development, & special events
- Recruited Bi-Rite market, Russian Hill’s newest grocery store
- Secured a permanent home for The Jug Shop, a 50+ year Polk Street Legacy Business
- Championed opposition of an X-Ray center in North Beach, leading to the creation of Luke’s Local Market
- As Deputy City Attorney*, fought to ensure corporations with large commercial properties pay their fair share of taxes
(* Identification purposes only. All posts and comments are Moe Jamil’s own and do not represent his work in an official capacity.)
Endorsed by: San Francisco Tenants Union, Teamsters Joint Council 7, Retired Assistant Police Chief Garrett Tom, Board President Aaron Peskin … read more here
Money raised and spent in the District 3 supervisor race
Money spent
Money raised
Sharon Lai
$9,493
$86,241
Danny Sauter
$7,904
$74,566
Moe Jamil
$16,015
$71,672
JConr B. Ortega
$0
Matthew Susk
$0
Eduard Navarro
$0
$0
$50,000
$100,000
$150,000
$200,000
Money raised
Money spent
Sharon Lai
$9,493
$86,241
Danny Sauter
$7,904
$74,566
Moe Jamil
$16,015
$71,672
JConr B. Ortega
$0
Matthew Susk
$0
Eduard Navarro
$0
$0
$50K
$100K
$150K
$200K
Source: San Francisco Ethics Commission, as of April 3, 2024. Chart by Junyao Yang.
Answers may be lightly edited for formatting, spelling, and grammar. If you have questions for the candidates, please let us know at yujie@missionlocal.com.
Read the rest of the series here. Illustrations for the series by Neil Ballard.
You can register to vote via the sf.gov website.
At first I was excited I could vote for a Chinese American woman for Supervisor. But I read online that Sharon Lai moved here just to run for office. I read her statements here and it feel so disingenuous. It feels like she is dodging the question bc she does not have a connection to our community. I am so tired of politicians who go to different areas trying to get elected, then moving to another when when they fail.
I think most important question to ask these candidates is–What will you do after the election if you are not elected?
And if their answer is NOT to stay in the community and continue to serve its people, then they have no business running for elected office here.
Also, why is Wendy Chau not on this list?