San Francisco’s District Attorney’s race has been in the news a lot lately – from the recall of D.A. Chesa Boudin in June to the appointment of Brooke Jenkins to the office by Mayor London Breed. But it didn’t end there. Soon after the appointment, it came to light that Jenkins, who was outspoken against Boudin, had received more than $100,000 in consulting fees from an organization with ties to recall efforts. The race is back in the news with the list of candidates attempting to win the support of voters in the upcoming November election. According to campaign reports, there are three opponents trying to unseat the appointed Jenkins, who is running for the first time.
As reported by the San Francisco Chronicle, recent financial filings show that Jenkins has raised about $126,500 through September 24th with $61,700 in the bank. Support has come from Mayor Breed, Police Officer Association President Tracy McCray, and a few lawyers from the D.A.’s office. John Hamasaki, who is considered a progressive and is a former Police Commissioner, has raised roughly $87,000 and has $54,800 on hand. His supporters include Supervisor Dean Preston, former state Senator Mark Leno and attorneys from the Public Defender’s Office. Joe Alioto Veronese, who has also filed to run in 2023, raised $56,472 in support of this November’s election and has about $45,600 in the bank. His supporters include his mother, former Supervisor Angela Alioto, along with philanthropist Dede Wilsey and Teamsters Union Local 665. Alioto Vernoese’s 2023 campaign committee has raised $183,225 and has $62,044 cash on hand as of the end of September. He can spend some of his 2023 campaign account on the 2022 race as long as it’s aligned with San Francisco’s campaign finance laws. The fourth candidate is Maurice Chenier. However, Chenier does not have any campaign finance reports on record with the City at this time.
This is bound to be a race to watch. Will S.F. voters veer back to a more progressive candidate for their next District Attorney, or will they stand with Jenkins who is seen more as a moderate?