55% of D4 Voters Support Recall of Supervisor Joel Engardio Over Great Highway Closure, Poll Shows

San Francisco, CA – San Francisco District 4 Supervisor Joel Engardio faces a critical recall election on September 16, 2025, driven primarily by widespread discontent over his pivotal role in permanently closing a section of the Great Highway to vehicular traffic. A June survey revealed that 55% of likely District 4 voters support recalling Engardio, with the election appearing on ballots as Proposition A. The "Recall Engardio" campaign continues to urge constituents to vote, as highlighted by supporter Richard Correia on social media.

The recall effort stems from Supervisor Engardio's advocacy for Proposition K in July 2024, a citywide ballot measure that successfully converted a two-mile stretch of the Great Highway into a park, now known as Sunset Dunes. While Proposition K passed citywide with 55% approval, it was overwhelmingly rejected by 64% of voters within Engardio's own District 4, sparking significant backlash and prompting recall organizers to begin collecting signatures in January. Residents cited concerns over increased traffic on neighborhood streets and a perceived lack of community input.

Adding to the controversy, Engardio was recently found in violation of the city’s Sunshine Ordinance by the Sunshine Ordinance Task Force for failing to provide a full record of his official calendar. Richard Correia, a key figure in the recall campaign, alleged that a politically sensitive meeting regarding the Great Highway closure was omitted from a version of Engardio's calendar provided to him. Engardio's campaign attributed the omission to "human error."

Engardio's campaign, "Stop the Engardio Recall," has mounted a robust defense, raising approximately $820,000 and securing high-profile endorsements, including from House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi. Pelosi stated, "I strongly oppose this recall and stand with Joel Engardio as he continues his important work," urging voters to reject the recall. Despite these efforts, the San Francisco Democratic Party notably took no position on the recall, with an 11-11 tie vote among its members.

The outcome of the September 16 election will determine whether Engardio remains in office or if Mayor Daniel Lurie will appoint a successor until the next scheduled city election. The recall highlights a significant policy disagreement within the district and underscores the power of local activism in San Francisco politics.