Opinion: As an Asian American who grew up in San Francisco with Daniel Lurie, here’s why he’s the best mayoral candidate for our community

As a fifth-generation San Francisco-born Asian American and someone who has known Daniel

Lurie for almost all my life, I can speak firsthand to his character, integrity and selflessness.

We went to grammar school, middle school and high school together and over the years since, I’ve seen him consistently work to make a meaningful impact on the people around him. This is why every person I’ve introduced him to in San Francisco has walked away with a positive impression of him.

San Francisco is at a critical juncture: for the AAPI community, this is especially true. Lately, I’ve

witnessed growing divisions within our community, with personal interests often placed above

the collective good.

It’s even more troubling that not a single mainstream mayoral debate has focused on the issues facing the AAPI community, a group that makes up 37 percent of the city, leaving us feeling “othered” and distanced from the broader political conversation. These divides are holding us back from real progress.

Over the years, we’ve seen influential Asian Americans prioritize their own interests over the

broader community’s needs. This has been a recurring issue in San Francisco politics and it’s

why, despite making up 37 percent of the population, we remain the least represented and most

underpowered group in local politics.

We’ve had to organize massive rallies and petitions after multiple Asian elders were attacked in 2021 and 2022, in the face of silence from the mayor, the district supervisor in Chinatown, the district attorney and the police chief. We deserve better.

The consequences of this fragmentation are real and growing. If we are to move forward as a

city, we must address the root causes of these divisions—not just within our communities, but

across San Francisco as a whole.

My hope is that after November 5, we can come together and focus on what truly matters: building a stronger, more unified future for all San Franciscans.

To do this, we need a leader who not only understands the challenges but is also committed to

bridging divides and fostering collaboration. That leader is Daniel Lurie.

One example of Daniel’s dedication to San Francisco happened in November 2023, when

Chinatown was left hurting after the economic promises of APEC fell short. Daniel met with

community members, listened to their concerns and quietly invested over $100,000 through the

Civic Joy Fund to support the monthly BeChinatown Night Market for 11 months. He didn’t

publicize this investment—he just did the right thing.

Thanks to Daniel’s efforts, the BeChinatown Night Market now brings over 20,000 people into Chinatown every month, boosting the local economy and fostering a sense of community through shared cultural pride.

As Lily Lo, founder of BeChinatown, said: “Without the support of Daniel and the Civic Joy Fund, we would not be able to put on the BeChinatown Night Market, which drives thousands of

people to the area once a month and supports small businesses not only in Chinatown, but

throughout the northeast quadrant of San Francisco.”

Daniel also helped secure funding for the lanterns hanging over the streets of Chinatown, bringing much-needed lighting and safety to the neighborhood. His time spent getting to know key community stakeholders shows his deep commitment to understanding the unique challenges we face.

Daniel was the first and only mayoral candidate willing to run a full campaign focused on

activating the AAPI vote. He has set up an office in Chinatown and the Sunset, engaged with

community leaders in regular closed-door listening sessions and proposed policies that would

directly benefit the AAPI community’s voice and representation.

Daniel consistently incorporated AAPI issues and Stop Asian Hate into his public statements, even at events not focused on the Asian community while supporting AAPI events and initiatives.

Daniel was also one of the few candidates open to participating in a mayoral debate focused on AAPI issues, which would have raised tough questions that we need answers.

We’re at a point where San Francisco can’t afford to be stuck in the same cycle of division and

talk. What we need is action—and someone who can bring people together to make real

progress.

Daniel has shown me, time and again, that he’s ready to do just that. Throughout this

campaign, I’ve seen Daniel build a true grassroots movement—powered by everyday San

Franciscans, not insiders—and it has restored my faith in democracy.

Daniel has taken on the challenge of having less support from the existing establishment, including unions, public officials and city-funded organizations. The time for real change is now, because more than ever, we need a mayor who will listen, act and unite us in finding the solutions we need to move forward.

Daniel Lurie is that leader and I urge you to rank him #1 for mayor by November 5.

The opinions expressed in this op-ed are my own and do not reflect the views of any

organizations, coalitions, or groups with which I am affiliated. While I have worked closely with

various entities on issues important to our community, they may not fully agree with the

positions or statements I’ve made here. I am writing this as a private citizen and long-time

resident of San Francisco, sharing my personal perspective on what I believe is best for our

city’s future. My motivation comes from a deep desire to see a more unified, inclusive and

thriving San Francisco for all of us.

*Mark Young is a fifth-generation San Francisco-born Chinese American, co-founder of Stand With Asians (SWA) which is an organization formed during the COVID-19 pandemic and dedicated to strengthening the AAPI community nationwide through awareness campaigns, grassroots advocacy, and professional advisory services. He has also hosted multiple Bay Area film premieres and community screenings.