Welcome back to our weekly “Meet the Candidates” series, where District 1 supervisorial candidates who have filed to run respond to a question in 100 words or fewer.
Answers are published each week, but we are also archiving each answer on this page for District 1, to make it easier for voters to browse.
On May 23 at 10 a.m., I will be at Simple Pleasures Cafe at 3434 Balboa St. Drop by and share your thoughts. Can’t make that meeting? I’ll be somewhere in the district every week. Check back here to find out where.
Over 41 percent of the voting-age population in District 1 is Asian, one of the highest rates across the city, according to the 2022 Redistricting Task Force data. While the incumbent supervisor Connie Chan speaks Cantonese and Mandarin, none of her challengers speak any language other than English on a daily basis.
This week, we ask District 1 candidates: How will you reach the Asian community in District 1?
Marjan Philhour
- Job: Business owner, former advisor and fundraiser to London Breed
- Age: 49
- Residency: Homeowner, born in District 1 and moved back in 2006
- Transportation: Biking, walking, driving and public transportation
- Education: Bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley
- Languages: English
In recent local elections, Asian residents in our community have clearly communicated their exhaustion with being categorized as a monolith and are tired of elected officials who purport to embody their community values.
As with the entire Richmond District community, we must meet, hear, and engage Asian American neighbors where they are. That means communicating in language (whether in writing or with translation) while knocking on doors, writing postcards, making phone calls, and in the press and social media.
It is important to do the hard and meaningful work of communicating directly with our Asian community about issues like public … read more here
Endorsed by: San Francisco Police Officers Association … read more here
Jeremiah Boehner
- Job: Marketing specialist and U.S. Army veteran
- Age: 39
- Residency: Tenant, living in District 1 since 2006
- Transportation: Driving
- Education: University of San Francisco
- Languages: English
It started three years ago when I joined American Legion Cathay Post 384. I worked on both recalls [the Chesa Boudin recall and the school board recall] and started making connections with leaders in the Chinese American community. I’ll run ads in Cantonese and Mandarin, and update my website so there is a Chinese language option.
Connie Chan
- Job: Incumbent District 1 Supervisor
- Age: 45
- Residency: Homeowner, living in District 1 since 2011
- Transportation: Driving and walking
- Education: Bachelor’s degree, University of California, Davis
- Languages: English, Cantonese, Mandarin
When I first took office in 2021, I became the second bilingual and biliterate Chinese-speaking supervisor since Mabel Teng three decades ago. I have been able to talk directly with many of District 1 Chinese-speaking residents and merchants about their issues and address their concerns. I have worked to support the community through different cultural events and celebrations, resources for safer streets and assistance to small businesses.
As the only Asian American member on the Board, I know the Asian American community is not a monolith. So it is critical we are able to communicate with them directly to make sure … read more here
Endorsed by: San Francisco Labor Council, Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club, Local 21, Service Employees International Union 1021 … read more here
Sherman D’Silva
- Job: Owner of a laundromat on Geary Boulevard
- Age: 51
- Residency: Homeowner, living in District 1 since 1973
- Transportation: Driving
- Education: Bachelor’s degrees from San Francisco State University
- Languages: English
Issues we need to address in District 1 are universal and affect all of us, regardless of ethnicity. I would not see any difference in reaching first and second-generation individuals, as they are facing many of the same issues everyone else is dealing with.
I do understand the need to meet with community representatives that serve the different Asian groups within the district to be sure we are addressing any issues that arise. To that end, I will seek to have staff members in the district office who are members of each of the ethnic groups represented within our neighborhood.
Jen Nossokoff
- Job: Vice president of a healthcare company and physician assistant
- Age: 38
- Residency: Homeowner, living in District 1 since 2020
- Transportation: Walking, biking
- Education: Bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University and master’s degree from Samuel Merritt University
- Languages: English
Engaging with the Upper West Side’s diverse Asian community is a daily privilege. Growing up in a predominantly white city, I deeply appreciate our rich cultural mix. Many of my Asian neighbors were among the first to support my candidacy, reflecting our shared values and aspirations. They honored me with the name 高素贞 (Gāo Sù Zhēn), symbolizing our inclusive and connected campaign. This name serves as a bridge, enhancing mutual understanding and cooperation, and underscoring my commitment to represent and advocate for all community members.
Money raised and spent in District 1 supervisor race
For
Money spent
Against
Marjan Philhour
$63,735
$136,064
Connie Chan
$11,806
$101,585
$5,360
$72,021
Jen Nossokoff
$11,653
$3,573
Jeremiah Boehner
$0
Sherman D’Silva
$0
$0
$50,000
$100,000
$150,000
$200,000
For
Money spent
Against
Marjan Philhour
$63,735
$136,064
Connie Chan
$11,806
$101,585
$5,360
$72,021
Jen Nossokoff
$11,653
$3,573
Jeremiah Boehner
$0
Sherman D’Silva
$0
$0
$50K
$100K
$150K
$200K
Source: San Francisco Ethics Commission, as of April 3, 2024. Chart by Junyao Yang.
Candidates are ordered alphabetically and rotated each week. Answers may be lightly edited for formatting, spelling, and grammar. If you have questions for the candidates, please let us know at junyao@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.
