San Francisco’s District 10 supervisor race, covering the historically underfunded Bayview‑Hunters Point and Sunnydale neighborhoods, has shifted from a collegial contest to a high‑stakes showdown. The change began on Sept. 5 when crypto entrepreneur Chris Larsen contributed $500,000 to a political action committee supporting frontrunner Theo Ellington. Larsen added another $40,000 on Sept. 29 to cover PAC expenses, bringing the total to $540,000.
Funding Raises Concerns, Fuels Opposition
The sizable gift has ignited criticism from Ellington’s opponents, former Young Community Developers CEO Dion‑Jay “DJ” Brookter and small‑business attorney J.R. Eppler. The two have teamed up on an “anti‑billionaire” campaign, urging voters to use ranked‑choice voting to block Ellington. Their slogan, “District 10 can’t be bought,” appears on campaign aprons and social‑media videos posted in Bayview and at City Hall.
Brookter and Eppler have secured the endorsement of former mayor and Potrero Hill resident Art Agnos, who appears in a joint video encouraging supporters to rank the other candidate second on the ballot. The strategy is designed to consolidate the anti‑Ellington vote, though political consultant Todd David cautions that such “anybody but the favorite” tactics have historically struggled to succeed.
Ellington’s Position and Endorsements
Ellington, a registered city lobbyist and director of the Ruth Williams Opera House, enjoys the endorsement of Mayor Daniel Lurie and former Mayor Willie Brown, who both praise his experience. He acknowledges the donation’s impact, calling it “more trouble than it’s worth,” and insists his policy decisions will not be swayed. “What speaks for me is my record,” he said, emphasizing his commitment to local issues such as stop‑sign safety, faster transit, and responsive constituent service.
Ellington also addressed concerns about his prior support for the city’s controversial Flock police‑surveillance system. While he was the only candidate initially favoring the technology, he now says he would not vote to renew the contract without strict data‑retention limits.
Financial Landscape of the Race
Ellington leads in fundraising, having raised nearly $488,000 in direct donations and public financing. Brookter’s campaign has raised slightly less than Eppler’s, but still trails Ellington by over $300,000. Despite the disparity, Brookter enjoys a larger progressive following and the backing of Supervisor Shamann Walton, whose aide Natalie Gee has posted videos condemning the billionaire contribution.
Legislative aide Tracy Gallardo described the race as a “free‑for‑all,” noting the uncertainty surrounding voter turnout. Historically low participation—only 58 % in the 2018 District 10 election—adds another layer of unpredictability.
Community Concerns and Future Outlook
Residents have voiced mixed reactions. Some see the billionaire’s investment as a sign of confidence in the neighborhood’s future, while others fear it could accelerate gentrification in a historically Black area already facing affordability pressures. Mayor Lurie’s brother, real‑estate investor Alexander Lurie, recently described Bayview‑Hunters Point as a “sleeper” investment opportunity, prompting further debate.
Ellington reassured voters that he will protect the community from displacement, saying, “I’m born here, so I understand the frustration.” He also highlighted his focus on everyday concerns—stop signs, speed bumps, and a responsive representative who will answer the phone.
As the election approaches, the district’s voters must weigh the influence of a billionaire donor against the promises of candidates who claim to stand for ordinary residents. Ranked‑choice voting offers a mechanism for voters to express nuanced preferences, but whether it will overturn the financial advantage Ellington enjoys remains to be seen.
Original reporting: Mission Local — read the source article.
