These are challenging times for the Democratic Party as it grapples with significant electoral losses, including the recent defeat in Congress and the White House. In San Francisco, a city known for its progressive ideals, the party’s introspection is particularly pronounced, reflecting a broader struggle to reconnect with voters.
The shift in sentiment began well before Donald Trump reclaimed the presidency, highlighted by the 2022 recall of three progressive members of the school board. These officials faced backlash for prioritizing symbolic actions, such as renaming schools, over addressing educational outcomes. Additionally, the recall of District Attorney Chesa Boudin, criticized for his lenient approach to public safety, underscored a growing frustration among constituents.
In a notable political shift, San Francisco voters recently elected Daniel Lurie, a political newcomer and moderate, as mayor. His election was seen as a response to the city’s progressive leadership, which many felt had strayed from addressing the everyday concerns of residents. Lurie’s victory was complemented by a newly aligned Board of Supervisors, indicating a desire for more centrist governance.
The local Democratic Party has also taken steps toward moderation, electing a leader who acknowledges the need for change in light of Trump’s rising influence in the traditionally blue city. Nancy Tung, the new party chair, emphasized that much of the party’s recent political activity has been performative and disconnected from the needs of working people. She believes that the backlash Democrats are experiencing nationally reflects this disconnection.
Tung, who identifies as a centrist by San Francisco standards, advocates for a focus on practical issues that resonate with voters. She argues that local government should prioritize essential services like quality education and public safety, rather than engaging in distant global issues that may seem irrelevant to constituents.
Despite Trump’s increased support in San Francisco—he received 6,000 more votes than in the previous election—he still lost to Kamala Harris by a significant margin. This indicates that while there is some erosion of support for Democrats, the city remains predominantly liberal.
Tung’s own political journey began in response to Trump’s election in 2016, which spurred her activism. She has since become a prominent figure in local politics, leading a centrist faction that took control of the San Francisco Democratic Party in 2024. Her goal is to realign the party’s focus towards tangible community issues and away from abstract political debates.
As the Democratic Party faces a crucial moment of self-reflection, the need to connect with voters on practical matters has never been more urgent. Tung’s leadership may signal a new direction for the party, as it seeks to regain the trust of constituents by addressing their immediate concerns and demonstrating its value in their daily lives. The upcoming years will be pivotal as Democrats work to reclaim their influence in a landscape that has shifted beneath their feet.