Even in the liberal stronghold of San Francisco, Donald Trump’s presidential victory has sent shockwaves through the city’s political landscape, Bloomberg reports.
While San Francisco remains a Democratic bastion, the election results point to a growing sentiment of discontent with the status quo and a potential opening for Republicans to gain traction in the city.
Trump garnered over 15% of the vote in San Francisco, a significant increase from his 2016 performance and the highest share for a Republican presidential candidate in 20 years. This shift, mirroring national trends, has emboldened local GOP leaders who see an opportunity to re-engage a wealthy donor class that had largely abandoned the city’s Republican Party.
The city’s struggles with homelessness, crime, and a decline in office occupancy have fueled a sense of frustration among residents. This discontent, coupled with the success of moderate Democrat Daniel Lurie, who unseated incumbent Mayor London Breed, has further fueled the perception of a growing dissatisfaction with the city’s political establishment.
Across California, voters signaled a similar shift. A ballot measure increasing penalties for repeated theft and drug offenses passed with overwhelming support, while progressive District Attorneys in Los Angeles and Oakland faced setbacks.
Republican lawyer Harmeet Dhillon, a key figure in the Trump campaign, believes this shift is a direct result of the city’s growing crime concerns.
The election results have also sparked a debate about the role of Silicon Valley in San Francisco’s political landscape. While some tech leaders openly supported Trump, it remains unclear if this support will translate into greater engagement in local politics. However, some Republicans believe that the growing dissatisfaction with the city’s direction could provide fertile ground for a more conservative voice in San Francisco politics.
The city’s Latino and Asian communities also saw a shift towards Trump, particularly in neighborhoods like Outer Mission and Visitacion Valley.
Despite the signs of a potential shift, experts remain skeptical about the immediate prospects of a Republican victory in San Francisco.
