Between now and the November election, Mission Local is asking 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.
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.
Question this week: What makes you love D3? And when did you begin living in D3?
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
District 3 represents urban living at its best. It’s where the pulse of the city beats the strongest. From the bustling markets of Chinatown to the cozy cafes of North Beach, every street and alleyway has a story to tell.
D3 is a slice of San Francisco where world famous innovation meets world class tradition. We are proud to be home to not only San Francisco’s oldest bar but also the newest startups. The vibrancy, the people, and the sense of belonging make District 3 the best place to live and work.
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
(1) Diverse historic neighborhoods
District 3 has the oldest and most vibrant Chinatown in the country, the vitality found in North Beach and Polk Street, vistas from Nob, Russian and Telegraph Hills, our amazing waterfront from the Barbary Coast to Fisherman’s Wharf and the beautiful architecture of Lower Nob Hill and Downtown. That’s why I’ve volunteered for numerous neighborhood organizations to help renters and homeowners protect these treasures.
(2) Amazing small and legacy businesses
Walk any part of D3 and you’ll find amazing cafes, bars, restaurants and our critically important neighborhood-serving businesses that represent the true lifeblood of the City.
Endorsed by: San Francisco Tenants Union, Teamsters Joint Council 7, Retired Assistant Police Chief Garrett Tom, Board President Aaron Peskin … read more here
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
I love the intertwined histories between District 3 and my Chinese ancestry. I feel close to my heritage. Like early immigrants, I have made a life here. It’s dense and convenient, much like Hong Kong, where I’m from. I live next to my kids’ favorite dog park and school. We ride the cable car for groceries, take the bus for appointments, and walk to family dinners in our neighborhood.
It’s a slice of history, the city’s front door, and cultural epicenter. I’m humbled by its beauty and proud to be running to honor its history and shape its inclusive resilient future.
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)
- Diverse neighborhoods: From North Beach’s flavors to Chinatown’s vibrancy.
- Living history: Stories embedded into landmarks and the imperial grid.
- Local commerce: Cafés, markets, and eateries enriching the local scene.
- Scenic beauty: Captivating views and hills that inspire.
- Unique sloping streets: Defying engineering and parking.
- Unique ever-changing weather: Dress like an onion for wonderfully cold summers.
- Strong sense of identity: The unique San Franciscan character that binds all of us residents together and makes D3 home.
- And opportunity: I see so much more possible; from street beautification to rekindled fraternity, brightening our city´s ❤️ as beacon & safe-harbor to the world.
JConr B. Ortega
- Job: Self-described formerly homeless, leatherman, boxer
What I love about District 3 is we boast the best of what SF has to offer. Most specifically, our district is evenly divided by neighborhood cultures. I love the sharp contrast between the cultural neighborhoods. Walk along Broadway and see the two distinctive Chinese and Italian cultures. Walk down Montgomery and see the two distinctive shopping and financial cultures. Walk Columbus to Fisherman’s Wharf and the Embarcadero, and see the Golden Gate Bridge and Sea Lions in the Bay. Walk up and down Hyde (or ride the cable car) to see the neighborhoods of Russian/Nob Hill. We are iconic.
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 love District 3 because of the people and the neighborhoods which show the magic that can occur when people live in a walkable, urban setting with schools, parks, small businesses, and dense housing right outside their door. District 3 is where people want to live, want to visit and want to shop, precisely because of this setting. Our neighborhoods, from Chinatown to North Beach, have a storied history and represent the best of San Francisco and the incredible diversity of people who make it the world’s greatest city.
Endorsed by: Nor Cal Carpenters Union, Senator Scott Wiener, Sheriff Paul Miyamoto, Operating Engineers Local 3 … 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.
Illustrations for the series by Neil Ballard.
You can register to vote via the sf.gov website.
