San Francisco District 4 Supervisor Joel Engardio is set to face a recall election on September 16, 2025, following the validation of signatures for a campaign largely fueled by his support for Proposition K. The ballot measure, approved citywide, permanently closed a two-mile section of the Great Highway to vehicular traffic, transforming it into a park known as Sunset Dunes. The recall effort gained momentum despite citywide approval of Prop K, as voters in Engardio's own district largely opposed the measure.
Recall organizers, including the "Recall Engardio" campaign, officially launched their effort in December 2024, with the petition approved for circulation in January 2025. They argue that Engardio "betrayed voters" by failing to adequately engage with constituents and address concerns regarding public safety, increased traffic in surrounding neighborhoods, and broader issues like crime and small business struggles. Richie Greenberg, a vocal proponent of the recall, stated in a tweet, > "Voting YES to toss embattled San Francisco supervisor Joel Engardio out of office for his multiple ongoing transgressions is ALSO a vote AGAINST Scott Wiener, YIMBY and Stoppelman/Larsen influence. September 16 , champagne corks will be flyin’."
Supervisor Engardio's anti-recall campaign, "Stop the Recall, Stand with Joel Engardio," has characterized the effort as "political retaliation over a single issue." Engardio maintains that he is delivering for his district on various fronts, including making neighborhoods safer and supporting local businesses. He has also asserted that a recall election will not reverse the decision to close the Great Highway.
The recall marks the third significant attempt to remove an elected official in San Francisco in recent years, following successful campaigns against school board members and the District Attorney in 2022. Financial disclosures show Engardio's anti-recall campaign has significantly outspent the recall effort, raising over $407,000 compared to the recall campaign's approximately $105,000 as of April. The involvement of the Chinese-American community, a key demographic in past successful recalls, has been noted as a factor in the current campaign's viability.
The upcoming election highlights the ongoing debate within San Francisco over urban land use and the balance between citywide initiatives and local district concerns. The outcome will be closely watched for its implications on future political dynamics and policy decisions in the city.