Levi Strauss heir and political newcomer Daniel Lurie has been elected as San Francisco's new mayor, defeating incumbent London Breed. Lurie, 47, who has no prior government experience, campaigned on a platform of "change and accountability" amid public concerns over homelessness, housing costs, and safety.

Lurie’s win, a first for a candidate without prior government experience since 1911, underscores a shift in San Francisco’s political landscape.

The race, which saw record-breaking spending, concluded with Lurie pledging a pragmatic approach to the city's most pressing issues. "I’m deeply grateful to my family, campaign team, and everyone who voted for change," Lurie said in a statement after his win. "Together, we’re united for a safer, more affordable San Francisco."

Lurie, a longtime philanthropist, committed over $8 million of his own fortune to his campaign, while his mother, billionaire Mimi Haas, contributed an additional $1 million.

His platform resonated with voters who sought a different path for San Francisco—a city known for both wealth and persistent challenges, including an affordable housing crisis and a homeless population that has garnered national attention.

Lurie’s background includes 15 years as the head of the Tipping Point Foundation, a San Francisco-based nonprofit focusing on poverty alleviation and affordable housing.

His work there, Lurie argued, equipped him with the insight and compassion needed to address the city's challenges. As mayor, he has pledged to create 1,500 emergency shelter beds in his first six months and to find balanced, sustainable solutions to housing and homelessness.

The San Francisco Chronicle endorsed Lurie, highlighting his “balance of compassion and toughness” and suggesting that his lack of traditional political experience might bring fresh perspectives.

This endorsement, alongside dissatisfaction with Breed's handling of homelessness, crime, and rising costs, likely bolstered Lurie’s appeal. Breed, who had governed since 2018, came into the race as the city's first Black female mayor but faced criticism over her administration's strategies, including controversial "sweeps" of homeless encampments.

Though crime has decreased by 32% since 2019, the perception of lawlessness remains a concern among residents.

As Breed conceded the race, she congratulated Lurie, acknowledging the city's demand for new leadership. "At the end of the day, this job is bigger than any one person," Breed said in her statement, adding that she had spoken to Lurie to wish him well.

The city, one of the wealthiest in the nation, has wrestled with a complex mix of high median household incomes, housing shortages, and a visible homelessness crisis.

Breed’s administration had increasingly focused on clearing homeless encampments following a June Supreme Court decision affirming cities' ability to manage public spaces.

Yet, critics argued the policy was unsustainable without long-term solutions to homelessness.

Lurie’s campaign capitalized on a promise of deeper reforms, framing him as the change agent needed to steer San Francisco towards affordability and safety.

He assured residents that his work with the Tipping Point Foundation had prepared him to deliver real results for housing and other critical needs.

Lurie’s connections to the Levi Strauss legacy run deep. His mother, Mimi Haas, married into the family when Lurie was young, tying him to one of San Francisco’s most notable philanthropic families.

His father, Brian Lurie, a respected rabbi and former executive director of the Jewish Community Federation, further embedded Lurie in the city’s social fabric. In his role as mayor, Lurie is expected to draw on this background to bring San Francisco into a new era.

With a focus on affordable housing, public safety, and pragmatic governance, Lurie's tenure will be closely watched as the city continues to grapple with high living costs and calls for change.

As he prepares to take office, the city awaits to see whether Lurie’s promises translate into action and a better quality of life for its residents.