San Francisco Supervisor Joel Engardio Recalled Over Great Highway Park Conversion

San Francisco, CA – District 4 Supervisor Joel Engardio was decisively recalled from office on September 16, 2025, with nearly 65% of voters in his district supporting the measure. The recall effort primarily stemmed from Engardio's strong advocacy for Proposition K, which permanently transformed a two-mile stretch of the Great Highway into the car-free Sunset Dunes park. Mayor Daniel Lurie is now tasked with appointing an interim supervisor to represent District 4 until a special election in June 2026.

The decision to close the Great Highway to vehicular traffic, while passing citywide, faced significant opposition within Engardio's Sunset District, where 64% of voters rejected the measure. Critics argued that the closure exacerbated traffic congestion on surrounding streets and failed to adequately address constituent concerns. Engardio, a moderate Democrat, had previously supported other high-profile recalls in the city, including those of school board members and District Attorney Chesa Boudin.

The recall marks a significant moment in San Francisco's political landscape, making Engardio the fifth elected official in the city to be ousted by voters in the past four years. This trend underscores a period of heightened voter activism and frustration with city governance. Following the recall, Engardio maintained his stance, stating, “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.”

Mayor Lurie acknowledged the outcome, noting, "I heard countless west side families say what San Franciscans have been feeling for years: that their government is doing things to them, not with them, and that government is not working to make their lives better." The incoming appointee will navigate a politically charged environment, with the future of the Sunset Dunes park and the broader implications of voter recalls remaining central issues in San Francisco politics.