Editor's note: This story was updated Tuesday afternoon.
Jackie Fielder declared victory November 7 in her race for the District 9 seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Fielder, a queer Latina, will join three gay men when she takes office in January, making a record number of out board members.
Fielder will become the board's first Native American member. Her win also marks the first time in 28 years that an out female has been elected to a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Over that time an out woman was appointed to fill a vacancy but went on to lose her election to keep the seat.
Based on the latest unofficial returns Tuesday, November 12, from the elections department, Fielder won with 59.30% of the vote. Her closest competitor, Trevor Chandler, a gay man, was at 40.70%.
District 9 includes the Mission, Bernal Heights, and Portola. Current Supervisor Hillary Ronen is termed out and dual-endorsed Fielder and queer candidate Stephen Torres, who was eliminated in round four of ranked choice voting.
Fielder commented about her victory on X Thursday afternoon.
"To every single supporter, every neighbor, every small dollar donor, every person who put up a sign, every volunteer: I am honored and humbled to represent you," she stated. "This isn't just my victory — it's our victory."
Chandler conceded in an email to supporters Sunday morning.
"After taking time to respect the process and ensure as many votes were counted as possible, today I called Jackie Fielder to congratulate her on winning the race for D9 supervisor," he stated.
"As for what's next, I'm not going anywhere," Chandler added. "I remain honored to be an elected leader of the San Francisco Democratic Party and to be at the forefront of making the change necessary for the future of our city, state, and country. Now more than ever we need voices communicating Democratic Party values in a way that resonates with all San Franciscans, Californians, and Americans, not just the ideological fringes."
Fielder, a progressive, will see more moderate colleagues on the new board as they made gains over progressive incumbents or challengers. District 5 Supervisor Dean Preston, a democratic socialist, conceded Sunday evening to moderate Bilal Mahmood. Preliminary returns released Tuesday showed Mahmood with 52.84%, followed by Preston at 47.16%. District 5 includes the Haight, Alamo Square, Western Addition, and the Tenderloin.
"We've spent a lifetime fighting for underdogs, often against the odds. I wouldn't change a minute of it. We can't win every battle, but we'll continue the fight," Preston stated.
He wasn't specific on his future, but stated, "We have big plans coming which we will announce soon."
Mahmood claimed victory November 12.
"I launched this campaign because of a profound belief that despite the division and challenges our district faces, there is a path forward rooted in our values, unity, and results for residents — a path of pragmatic progressivism that can deliver a safe and vibrant District 5 for all," he stated. "Today, it's clear residents are ready for that better tomorrow. I have reached out to Supervisor Preston to ensure a smooth transition towards that future."
After being tied last week, progressive District 1 Supervisor Connie Chan has defeated moderate opponent, Marjan Philhour. District 1 includes the Richmond, Lone Mountain, Golden Gate Park, Lincoln Park, and the University of San Francisco. Returns released Tuesday showed Chan at 51.79%, followed by Philhour at 48.21%. It was Philhour's third bid for the seat.
There are still approximately 18,200 ballots left to count, according to the elections department. Additional returns are expected Wednesday afternoon.
Moderate D3 candidate Danny Sauter has won with 55.32% of the vote. Progressive candidate Sharon Lai finished second with 44.68% and conceded Friday afternoon.
In District 7, incumbent Supervisor Myrna Melgar has fended off a tougher than expected challenge from Matt Boschetto. Melgar had 52.89% of the vote Tuesday, with Boschetto at 47.11%.
And in District 11, which includes the Excelsior, Oceanview, and Outer Mission, Chyanne Chen has taken the lead at 50.45%. Newcomer Michael Lai (no relation to Sharon Lai) had been leading last week but dropped to second place with 49.55% as of Tuesday. Current Supervisor Ahsha Safaí is termed out of office. He ran unsuccessfully for mayor.
Updated, 11/8/24: This article has been updated with new numbers as of Friday.
Updated, 11/10/24: This article has been updated with new numbers as of Sunday.
Updated, 11/11/24: This article has been updated with new numbers as of Monday.
Updated, 11/12/24: This article has been updated with new numbers as of Tuesday.
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