The 2024 election is over. What will San Franciscos big-money groups do next?

The 2024 election in San Francisco saw a coalition of affluent groups and donors invest nearly $20 million in an attempt to reshape the political landscape, particularly targeting progressive politicians. However, the election turned out to be the most expensive in the city's history, yet the results were mixed, with the coalition failing to endorse Mayor-elect Daniel Lurie as their top candidate. While they ultimately succeeded in ousting progressive supervisor Dean Preston, their overall performance in other races was disappointing, losing four out of six supervisor positions. Leaders expressed a willingness to work with Lurie, despite initial tensions, as they aim to further their agenda in future elections. Plans are already underway for better-coordinated campaigns to amend the city charter and remove remaining progressives from the Board of Supervisors.

High-profile donors like Chris Larsen admitted that their focus on the mayoral race detracted from more pressing local governance issues. This reflection highlights a critical shift in strategy for the coalition moving forward. As they regroup, the business community recognizes the need for a more concentrated effort on local issues in order to achieve their long-term goals.