San Francisco Mayor London Breed concedes election to Democrat outsider, heir to Levi Strauss, Daniel Lurie

On Thursday, San Francisco Democratic Mayor London Breed conceded the race to Democrat outsider and Levi Strauss heir Daniel Lurie during a phone call and congratulated him on his victory. Lurie was holding with 56.20 percent of the vote when Breed conceded, trailing at 43.80 percent in the 14th round of counting. 

Breed also posted on social media, "Today, I called Daniel Lurie and congratulated him on his victory in this election. Over the coming weeks, my staff and I will work to ensure a smooth transition as he takes on the honor of serving as Mayor of San Francisco," adding that serving as mayor has been the greatest honor of her life. 

Lurie also beat 13 other candidates, including former interim Mayor Mark Farrell and city supervisors in the race where San Francisco voters were able to rank 10 candidates. San Francisco's director of elections said 25,000 votes were counted on Thursday with 143,000 votes left to be counted. Lurie will take office in January. 

Lurie, CEO of an anti-poverty nonprofit called Tipping Point, landed the San Francisco Chronicle editorial board’s endorsement for his balance between "compassion and toughness." Lurie focused on the city’s homeless crisis, the high cost of living, and crime as his main issues and slammed City Hall insiders for not getting more housing built. He also ran on public safety and to fully fund and staff the police and sheriff's departments.

"I’m deeply grateful to my incredible family, campaign team, and every San Franciscan who voted for accountability, service, and change. No matter who you supported in this election, we stand united in the fight for San Francisco’s future and a safer, more affordable city for all," he said in a post.

In 2021, Breed reallocated police funds to other social initiatives after pledging to defund $120 from the police in June 2020, following the death of George Floyd's in Minneapolis, Minn. In the time since and especially in the lead-up to the election, Breed has attempted to undo that move by shifting money back to the police as crime skyrocketed. Critics also slammed her for flaunting her own COVID restrictions during the pandemic

"We launched this campaign 13 months ago with the strong belief that it’s time for accountable leadership in City Hall. After years of record-high budgets, worse outcomes, and more excuses, San Franciscans are ready for change," Lurie said on X. "Over the past 13 months, I’ve had the great experience of meeting with San Franciscans in every corner of our city. I heard your frustrations but also your hope and desire to write our next chapter. After 260 meet and greets, more than 100 merchant walks, over 120,000 doors knocked, and countless conversations with San Franciscans, I am proud to report that hope is alive and well in our city!

"This hope is powered by our love for the city we call home. But hope alone is not enough. Strong values are not enough. They have to be drivers of action and results. Now we must show how the government can deliver: Clean and safe streets for all. Tackling our drug and behavioral health crisis. Shaking up the corrupt and ineffective bureaucracy. Building enough housing to turn around our affordability crisis. Breathing life back into our downtown, and ensuring our small businesses are thriving. Here’s the truth: Turning around this city is not going to happen overnight. No matter who wins this election, we have extremely difficult challenges ahead. But here’s another truth: our opportunities and advantages are more powerful. This moment calls for leadership rooted in true public service, one that puts the people of San Francisco above all else. To tackle these issues, we need to work together and turn the page on the politics of demonizing each other on every issue. Our supporters poured their whole selves into this campaign. Now, I am asking you to pour that same passion and energy into turning our city around. It’s time for us to roll up our sleeves and work together—no matter the outcome of this election. 

"Thank you to everyone who has stood with me. I am deeply grateful to my wife Becca, our children, my family, friends, supporters, and my campaign team. Above all, I’m grateful to every San Franciscan who loves this city. Every San Franciscan who is fighting for a city that works, and for a city that loves them back. The campaign is over, but the work continues."