Board rejects Nancy Tung nomination; Jeffrey Creed withdraws amid protests for police reform

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors on a 10–1 vote on June 16 rejected Mayor London Breed’s nomination of Nancy Tung to the Police Commission, while another nominee, Jeffrey Gordon Creed, withdrew his name before a final vote.

The vote came after multiple supervisors said the moment required commissioners with clear records of leading police-reform efforts. Supervisor Ronan, who led the Rules Committee hearing that recommended rejection, said the city faces “a moment in history” and that the commission must be “rooted in the long term fight for systemic change.”

Supervisor Walton argued the choice mattered “especially at this time,” citing high-profile killings that have driven nationwide protests; he said the nominee’s prior statements and positions — including support for tasers and opposition to closing juvenile hall — placed her out of step with the reform movement. Supervisor Haney said the commission must be filled with people who have “a deep track record, commitment, and expertise on police accountability and reform.”

Mayor London Breed did not press to withdraw the nomination after the Rules Committee’s negative recommendation. Earlier in the meeting the mayor welcomed the board and discussed policing reform broadly, but she continued to defend her appointments and her record on reform. The board recorded 10 ayes to reject the nomination and one no (Supervisor Stephanie).

The rejection follows a seven‑hour Rules Committee hearing that drew more than 100 callers and extensive public comment. Supervisors who opposed the nomination said the Police Commission must accelerate implementation of Department of Justice recommendations and changes to use‑of‑force policy. Supporters of the mayor’s choice argued the mayor has a record of advancing reforms and that nominees should be judged on their capacity to work within the commission to implement change.

Action and vote record - Motion: Reject the mayoral nomination of Nancy Tung to the Police Commission for a four‑year term ending 04/30/2024. - Mover: Supervisor Ronan; second: recorded in committee proceedings. - Vote: 10 ayes, 1 no (Supervisor Stephanie); outcome: motion approved (nomination rejected). - Related: Jeffrey Gordon Creed withdrew his nomination prior to a vote; the board subsequently moved to table the withdrawn nomination.

Why it matters The Police Commission sets policy and oversees discipline for the San Francisco Police Department. Supervisors said placing commissioners with explicit records of reform leadership is critical as the city responds to protests over police violence and works to implement outstanding DOJ recommendations.

What’s next Supervisors called on the mayor to nominate candidates with demonstrated records on police accountability; several said they expect new nominees to be brought forward for consideration soon.

Provenance Topic start: transcript segment where item 13 was introduced and the Rules Committee recommendation is read (transcript excerpt: “Item 13 is a motion rejecting the mayor's nomination for the appointment of Nancy Tung to the police commission…”) (transcript index approx. s=2828–2839). Topic end: roll call and final vote on item 13 (transcript excerpt: “There are 10 ayes and 1 no with supervisor Stephanie in the dissent.”) (transcript index approx. s=5081–5094).