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.
Have a question for the candidates? Meet me on Wednesday, June 26, at 6 p.m. at NOOK, 1500 Hyde St. Email me at yujie@missionlocal.com.
Question this week: Can you explain to voters why they should care about the District 3 race? Why does it matter to their lives? Please be specific.
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
As District 3 goes, so will San Francisco. District 3 plays an outsized role in our city’s budget because we are the hub for tourism, hospitality, and business. District 3 contains parts of our city that are in most need of reimagination, from a slow-to-recover Financial District to a Union Square lined with empty storefronts.
This is a rare opportunity for new leadership in District 3. Not since 2008 has there been an election without an incumbent. As someone who is not backed by city hall, I’m proud to represent the new leadership we badly need in this district.
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
The District 3 Supervisor race is vital for all San Franciscans. Supervisors author legislation from zoning to business regulation. Legislation passed by the board of supervisors impacts the entire city. The board of supervisors also appoints commissioners to all essential departments, like police and fire, impacting community safety across the city. Engaging in all supervisor races ensures that city leadership reflects the public interest and helps shape San Francisco’s future.
Wendy Ha Chau
- Job: Attorney
- Age: 44
- Residency: Tenant in District 3 since 2009
- Transportation: Walking
- Education: J.D. from John F. Kennedy University
- Languages: English
I don’t blame them for not caring. Once the supervisor gets elected, they will deny access to the voters. The voters will not get access to anything, and transparency is nonexistent. Even lawsuits won’t get you complete transparency.
That all said, all voters in District 3 should care if I win.
I will be the only person attempting for a 100% transparent San Francisco. I will get all government employees to wear body cams while at work.
Imagine a government workplace with zero harassment, no workplace violence while all the corruption, nepotism and favoritism ends. Body cameras are some sort … read more here
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
President Obama said “Don’t Boo, Vote!”
Elections matter, and have consequences. Our next supervisor will vote to decide whether we appoint and confirm police commissioners that have our officers’ backs and improve the morale of the department, or whether we will be blinded by ideology when it comes to policing and public safety. This supervisor will decide whether we allow 25-story Fontana Towers on the waterfront or whether we build sensibly and fight to preserve and protect rent controlled housing.
As District 3’s supervisor, I understand that every decision made at city hall will affect the daily lives of residents … read more here
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’m running for District 3 Supervisor because I have the ability to deliver change on the local issues that matter most: Public safety, homelessness, economic recovery and housing.
Your supervisor has the power to set laws that affect day to day life from whether plastic straws are permitted to hours of your local bar, and can coordinate resources to address issues on your block. Supervisors also set citywide priorities like funding for affordable housing, public safety, and homelessness spending.
With my public, private and nonprofit track record, I’ll be balanced, accessible and effective as supervisor on day 1.
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)
Supervisors make and approve the laws of SF, directly shaping our community. Poor leadership can result in disastrous policies, increased crime, and the neglect of small businesses, undermining District 3’s unique character. Even lackluster leadership means missed opportunities to advance affordable housing, improve public safety, and support vibrant local economies. In contrast, with the right supervisor, we can lead on these issues, making D3 a beacon of progress and innovation that reinvigorates San Francisco and resonates nationally and internationally. Your vote is essential not only to prevent decline but to empower and push our community and city to achieve new breakthroughs.
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.
Not one candidate that I can vote for with anything like enthusiasm. The idea that someone might be elected who formerly worked for the WEF is frightening.