San Francisco’s cautionary tale: Be wary of charismatic leaders like Zohran Mamdani
In the recent years, San Francisco has learned a hard lesson about the potential pitfalls of charismatic leaders like Zohran Mamdani. The City by the Bay once embraced captivating populists, only to see their once-thriving neighborhoods deteriorate.
Back in 2017, London Breed, a dynamic city supervisor with a compelling backstory, rose to power as acting mayor following the untimely death of Mayor Ed Lee. With grand promises of housing initiatives, downtown revitalization, and racial equity, as well as her charismatic charm, she won the hearts of the public and secured the mayoralty in a special election.
However, Breed’s tenure saw San Francisco spiral into chaos. Tent encampments proliferated across the city due to her lenient policies, while the financial district and retail centers withered away. As the city grappled with escalating violence and civil unrest, Breed’s leadership came into question.
Similarly, far-left public defender Chesa Boudin, known for his progressive stance, further exacerbated the city’s woes when he assumed the role of district attorney. Boudin’s initiatives, such as eliminating cash bail and focusing on law enforcement reform, only worsened the city’s drug epidemic and crime rates.
Jennifer Friedenbach, the outspoken executive director of the Coalition on Homelessness, pushed for a 2018 ballot proposition aimed at taxing the rich to fund affordable housing. Despite the proposition’s passage, it failed to address the escalating homelessness crisis and instead drove away high-net-worth companies, leading to economic decline.
San Francisco’s once vibrant streets became marred by crime, homelessness, and squalor. The police force dwindled, businesses fled, and tourism waned. The city became a national laughingstock, epitomized by an online “poop map” highlighting its filthy streets.
However, there is hope on the horizon. In 2022, voters ousted Boudin, electing a new district attorney focused on restoring law and order. In 2024, a new mayor, Daniel Lurie, took office, prioritizing public safety and urban renewal.
San Franciscans are cautiously optimistic about their city’s future, with signs of progress and renewal emerging. As New York City witnesses a similar political shift with leaders like Mamdani, San Franciscans offer a word of caution based on their own experience.
The lesson from San Francisco is clear: Beware of charismatic leaders promising easy solutions. The consequences of unchecked power can be dire, and the road to recovery long and arduous. Let us learn from their mistakes and ensure that our cities thrive under sound leadership.
Erica Sandberg is a freelance journalist and host of the San Francisco Beat.
