The Future of San Francisco Politics

By Jen Nossokoff

One of the first questions that I was asked after I filed to run for district supervisor was: “Are you a progressive or a moderate?”

This is a seemingly simple, benign question. It’s kind of like being asked “Are you a Democrat or a Republican?” Except that one is easy to answer (lifelong Democrat) because Democrats and Republicans have fundamentally different ideologies. The San Francisco progressive-moderate divide is a whole other beast. Democrats are the big tent party and San Francisco is a prime example of what that means. 

San Francisco has a beautiful political spectrum that represents our wonderfully diverse population. And when you sit down with more and more people and get to understand the issues that are most important to them and the solutions they want to see for the City, you see very quickly how most San Franciscans are moving targets on that spectrum, issue by issue. We need to recognize the value that the progressives, moderates and everyone in between bring to the table in order to navigate through challenges and deliver meaningful results for our City. 

We are incredibly lucky to live in a city where we’re not debating whether or not women should have a right to their bodies (they should), or if we should allow weapons of war freely on our streets (we shouldn’t), or if systemic inequalities have existed and still exist in policing today (they have and they do). We need to refocus our priorities on our shared common goals and remember that we are all people who want to see a city with a decrease in crime, cleaner and safer streets, thriving small businesses, healthy public schools, more abundant housing and robust public transit.  

In addition to these specific issues, bridging the political divide in San Francisco can foster a more transparent and accountable government. A healthy democracy thrives on dialogue and debate, but it also requires consensus and cooperation. Elected officials from both sides of the San Francisco political aisle should be willing to listen to their constituents, engage in constructive discussions and work together to find common ground.

Right now, our local political machine is stalled. The ongoing division is coming at a cost to all San Franciscans. It’s time for our political leaders to set aside their differences and prioritize the well-being of the City. A united front between progressives and moderates can provide the necessary checks and balances to ensure that policies are both forward-thinking and executable. 

San Francisco is a world leader on a number of issues – including social justice and environmental sustainability – due to our fast and hard hold on progressive values. I’m really, really proud to live here for that reason. But we also have a moderate sector working to maintain fiscal responsibility and practicality in application of those values. We need both factions to work in lock step with our values to demonstrate to the world what is possible everywhere. 

So, am I a progressive or a moderate? The answer is a little of both, with a lot of motivation to bring the two together for San Francisco. I’m deeply compassionate and also pragmatic. And I firmly believe that the two are not mutually exclusive. 

And now my challenge to you, as you have demonstrated a level of interest in San Francisco politics by reading this to the end, is to stay curious about your fellow neighbors and to remain engaged. If and when you feel powerless, focus on the things that you can do. Meet a new neighbor or strike up a conversation with an old one. Attend a community event. Pick up trash and pull weeds on your block, and chat with people as they walk by. Don’t expect to agree on everything but do anticipate and seek out areas where you align and build on that. Focus on the issues and remember that we are all people. Don’t underestimate the power of conversations as a means to positively shape the future of San Francisco politics; discourse is the oil that greases our political machines and that can start with you. We can begin to bridge the divide on a hyperlocal level, and we need to do it together.   

Jen Nossokoff is a district supervisor candidate and passionate advocate for District 1. She is an SFUSD parent and Board-Certified Physician Assistant. To learn more about Jen’s vision for the neighborhood, visit Jen2024.vote or email hello@jennossokoff.com to start a conversation.