San Francisco Mayoral Candidates Debate Key Issues Amid Audience Disruptions

The first major San Francisco mayoral debate for the upcoming election saw five candidates—incumbent Mayor London Breed, former mayor Mark Farrell, philanthropist Daniel Lurie, and supervisors Aaron Peskin and Ahsha Safaí—discuss critical issues like public safety, the fentanyl crisis, homelessness, and housing. Despite the seriousness of the topics, the debate was marked by significant audience disruptions, including boos and heckling, particularly when Breed addressed public safety. Each candidate outlined their strategies to tackle the fentanyl epidemic, with Peskin emphasizing law enforcement, Farrell advocating for a state of emergency, and Lurie criticizing current spending on behavioral health. Breed defended her record, stating that no other city is doing as much to combat these issues. The event underscored the challenges Breed faces as an incumbent and highlighted the differing visions of her challengers. The next debate is scheduled for June 17 at UC Law San Francisco.