As Mayor London Breed's term draws close, speculation mounts over her pick for the District 2 Supervisor seat vacated by Catherine Stefani, who has ascended to the state Assembly. Among the candidates, Conor Johnston, a former aide and advisor to Breed, is a standout name that has City Hall buzzing, as reported by The San Francisco Standard.
Johnston's potential appointment is stirring up concern over what may be perceived as a divisive move, especially since he has previously directed ire at mayor-elect Daniel Lurie. For instance, during the campaign, he publicly mocked Lurie and was dubbed by SF Weekly as the "biggest mayoral race troll" of 2018. According to comments obtained by the San Francisco Chronicle, Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin views the potential appointment as "a vindictive parting shot by the mayor."
City Hall insiders have voiced their observations, suggesting that Breed’s choice may not align with interests of collaboration and unity. Supervisor Connie Chan, who would become Johnston's colleague if appointed, expressed, "District 2 residents deserve a supervisor who is committed to represent them and serve in their best interest and not in the interest of petty politics or political payback," as mentioned in a statement relayed by the San Francisco Chronicle.
Johnston's reputation precedes him as a combative force, capable of levying sharp criticism and taunting remarks towards Breed's opponents, even equipping Lurie with the nickname "Malibu Dan". Reflecting on Breed's possible pick, Supervisor Myrna Melgar noted to the San Francisco Chronicle, "Whoever she picks will set the tone for the beginning of Daniel Lurie’s administration, and that is really significant."
Moving away from the sharp political dialogues punctuating his history, Johnston has recently erased his social media presence on X, in what some view as a preparation for greater responsibility in city governance. Crucially, the City Attorney's Office has clarified that any appointee only needs to reside in the district by the time they’re sworn into office, which could pave the way for Johnston's transition regardless of his current District 8 residency status. As matters stand, Breed's decision is anticipated to be announced before the upcoming inauguration of Lurie on January 8, with Stefani’s seat becoming vacant on December 2, as confirmed by the San Francisco Chronicle.
