San Francisco Supervisor Engardio concedes as preliminary results show recall succeeding
San Francisco District 4 Supervisor Joel Engardio conceded Tuesday in the recall election against him as preliminary results show it succeeding.
In an announcement posted on his website, Engardio said, "My time as a city supervisor will be shorter than expected. I accept the election results. But we can still celebrate. We are on the right side of history."
As of 10:35 p.m. Tuesday, preliminary results showed 10,625 votes in favor of the recall (64.64%), while 5,812 votes were against (35.36%). Turnout was at 32%, according to the Department of Elections.
In an update Wednesday morning, officials said there are approximately 3,500 ballots left to count. Officials said the next results update is set for 4 p.m. Thursday.
Mayor Daniel Lurie released a statement just before 9:30 p.m. regarding the special election.
"I want to thank Supervisor Joel Engardio for his years of service and commitment to San Francisco. And I want to thank all the District Four residents who made their voices heard and participated in today's special election," Lurie said. "As votes are still being counted and the election will be certified in the coming weeks, our team is evaluating next steps for the District Four supervisor seat."
The special election was called in May, after a recall petition against Engardio with 10,000 valid signatures was certified.
Engardio, who was elected in 2022, faced a growing backlash among residents over his support of Proposition K, which closed a two-mile stretch of the upper Great Highway to cars to create a park. While the measure passed citywide with 54% of the vote in last November's election, much of the opposition was centered in the Sunset and Richmond districts.
The roadway permanently closed to automobiles on March 14.
The Friends of Sunset Dunes' issued a statement on the election results.
"Joel Engardio had the courage to let San Franciscans decide the future of their coast. Sunset Dunes is already one of the city's most popular parks, bringing joy to tens of thousands of people every week – kids on bikes, people using wheelchairs, and everyone of all ages enjoying easier access to the coast. More voters in District 4 supported creating the park than voted to recall Joel. As Sunset residents, we know that Sunset Dunes is here to stay and will continue to grow in popularity as it evolves to reach its full potential."