Rafael Mandelmann unanimously elected president of San Francisco Board of Supervisors

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors on Jan. 8 unanimously elected Supervisor Rafael Mandelmann president of the board, with all 11 members voting in favor. Supervisor Dorsey placed Mandelmann’s name in nomination; following brief public comment and a roll-call vote, the board declared Mandelmann president by an 11-0 tally.

The vote came at the board’s inaugural meeting, which included the ceremonial oath of office for newly elected and re-elected members and a short set of public remarks from Mayor Lurie. The clerk of the board reported receipt of election certificates from the office of the clerk and the controller’s official certification that surety-bond requirements had been met for newly elected and appointed members prior to noon the same day.

Supervisor Dorsey opened nominations, saying it was “my distinct honor to place the name of Rafael Mandelmann into nomination” and citing Mandelmann’s long service and leadership on transit, housing, behavioral-health and homelessness issues. Supervisor Connie Chan voiced her support as well, saying Mandelmann treats colleagues “respectfully” and can “lead us in unity.” After nominations closed, members cast their votes in alphabetical order; each member called their preference aloud when called by the clerk.

Mandelmann, upon being announced president, invited colleagues to escort him to the dais and later thanked the chamber, quipping in his remarks, “on behalf of occasionally weepy people everywhere,” before offering brief remarks about serving in the role. Mayor Lurie, who attended the inauguration earlier in the day, addressed the chamber and said, “I see a bright future for our city because the 11 of you put aside your differences.”

Public comment preceding the vote included both endorsements and concerns. Former Supervisor Mabel Tang and several neighborhood and nonprofit representatives congratulated the new board and said they look forward to cooperation on housing, public safety, and cultural programs. One public speaker said they did not believe the nominee would end homelessness for transgender people, citing a past vote; the statement was presented as public comment and not a board finding.

Votes at a glance: Rafael Mandelmann — Election for board president; mover: Supervisor Dorsey; second: not specified on record; vote: 11 yes, 0 no, 0 abstain. Yes votes recorded from Supervisors Connie Chan; Cheyenne Chen; Supervisor Dorsey; Supervisor Engadio; Jackie Fielder; Bilal Mahmood; Rafael Mandelmann; Mirna Melgar; Danny Sauter; Steven Sherrill; and Shamone Walton.

The board also conducted the ceremonial oath of office for members earlier in the session; presiding Judge Rochelle C. East administered the oath that members repeated on the record. The clerk noted that all members who stood for election or appointment had their oaths processed prior to 12 noon. President Mandelmann said the board will seek to work with the mayor and city departments to address the city’s challenges, including an acknowledged budget shortfall and service delivery issues.

The new president and the board did not take additional binding policy votes at the inaugural meeting; members used their remarks to outline priorities for their terms, including housing production, public safety, transit funding, homelessness and behavioral-health initiatives, and support for neighborhood small businesses. Mandelmann said he would rely on staff and department leaders to advise on implementation and legal constraints as the board begins its legislative work.