With the June 6 election a mere three weeks away, endorsements for San Francisco’s Democratic Country Central Committee (DCCC) race have almost all been made. Since the DCCC decides what stance the Democratic Party will take in local elections on both candidates and ballot measures, the race is a defining one for the city’s political landscape. The Party’s slate card in particular often has an effect on November elections, as San Franciscans often ‘vote Democrat.’ Here’s a break down of who’s endorsing whom this year in the race for the DCCC.
Endorsements often make a big difference for DCCC candidates, especially since many often have low name recognition and run budget campaigns. This year on the East side, 23 candidates are fighting it out for 12 seats. Since many of those seats already appear locked down by incumbents, endorsements become even more important as a wide field fights for limited spots and struggles for voter identification.
While a wide variety of groups make endorsements for the DCCC, only a small group of them usually have an affect on the vote outcome. This analysis will only mention these groups.
First up, the incumbents. Only two East side DCCC members decided not to seek re-election – Catherine Dodd and Clem Clarke, the latter of which stepped down just before election season. DCCC chair Leslie Katz appointed Laura Spanjian to take Clarke’s seat, and Spanjian must now run for election.
A number of these incumbents stand little chance at being voted out. Former Supervisor and Planning Commissioner Sue Bierman probably tops the list, with widespread name recognition and a host of endorsements sewn up. Bierman has the progressive Tenant’s Union (TU), Milk Club and Labor Council along with the more moderate Tolkas Club, City Democrats and Young Democrats. If there’s one sure bet on the ballot, Bierman’s it.
Labor leader Robert Haaland, queer rights and housing activist Michael Goldstein, and Police Commissioner David Campos also managed to land on just about every endorsement list, including the TU, Milk, Toklas, Labor Council and Young Demos.
Katz, legislative aide Bill Barnes, neighborhood activist Gerry Crowley, and educator Joe Julian also nailed a slew of endorsements. Katz took the Labor Council, Toklas, Plan C and the Young Demos; Barnes took the TU, Toklas, and Young Demos; Crowley the TU and Milk, and Julian the TU, Milk and Toklas.
Incumbent Holli Thier earned both the TU and the Labor Council, and with a mailer already out to voters, seems ready to reclaim her seat.
Some thought the recently appointed Spanjian and attorney Scott Weiner, who barely won election last time around, were the most vulnerable of the pack of incumbents. If endorsements are any indicator, however, this appears somewhat unlikely. Spanjian earned nods from the TU, Milk, Plan C, Toklas and Young Demos, while Weiner took Milk, Plan C, Toklas, Young Demos and City Demos. Spanjian’s approval by both the pro-tenant TU and the pro-landlord Plan C is curious, as both groups often stand at polar opposites on housing issues.
While there could certainly be an upset, the current landscape looks like there won’t be much fresh blood on the DCCC next year. There will, however, be at least one new face no matter what. There’s a long list of contenders.
Of the thirteen newcomers, there are some that didn’t make any endorsement lists. These candidates include Rodney Hauge, David Villalobos, Maria Martinez, G. Bruce Windrem, and Gilbert F. Criswell. And while Eva Royale received the endorsement of the Labor Council, she didn’t receive any other support. While these candidates still have a chance at victory, they face an uphill battle.
The remaining five are primarily split between those who’ve worked to gain the endorsements of the East side’s more conservative forces versus those who’ve gained the support of more progressive groups.
As progressive as the East side is, those that have only received endorsements from conservative forces may not benefit a tremendous amount from this support. Regardless, these candidates include James ‘Jimmer’ Cassiol, the Mayor’s liaison to the LGBTQ community, and Small Business Commissioner Jordanna Thigpen, both of whom have Plan C, City Democrats and the Young Demos.
Those who have received more progressive support include organizer and activist Rick Galbreath, who secured the TU, Milk, and Labor Council; and labor leader Tim Paulson, who nabbed the Labor Council and the TU.
Rafael Mandelman appears to be the lone exception amongst the newcomers, earning broad support. Mandelman took the TU, Labor Council, Milk, Toklas, Young Demos, and City Demos.
Only time will tell how important all these endorsements end up being.
