San Francisco Mayor Touts City's Progress in Speech to California Democrats

Daniel Lurie says the approach he's taken to governing could have larger takeaways for the party nationwide.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie spoke at the California Democratic Party convention at Moscone Center, telling state party leaders that the approach he's taken to governing his city could have larger takeaways for the party. Lurie, a moderate Democrat, detailed some of the ways he is trying to make San Francisco function better, including his PermitSF initiative to cut red tape and overhaul the city's permitting system. Lurie encouraged Democrats to take note, saying "When we govern well and focus on the things that make people's lives better, we win."

Why it matters

Lurie's remarks underscored a widening divide among Democrats about the best way to regain power and popularity during the second term of President Donald Trump. While some in the party have taken a combative stance toward Trump, others - including Lurie - have sought to avoid direct conflict with the president, believing that essentially ignoring him and proving that Democratic policies work is the best antidote to Trumpism.

The details

Lurie, a moderate who has rarely deviated from a limited set of local policy priorities since he took office last year, detailed some of the ways he is trying to make San Francisco function better. He highlighted his PermitSF initiative to cut red tape and overhaul the city's notoriously complicated permitting system, an 'almost radical' effort he said had 'doubled down on common sense.' Lurie has also avoided even uttering Trump's name in public and has rarely waded into political debates and controversies outside the agenda he's trying to implement in San Francisco.

  • Lurie became mayor of San Francisco in January 2025.
  • Lurie gave his speech at the California Democratic Party convention on Saturday.

The players

Daniel Lurie

The mayor of San Francisco, a moderate Democrat who has sought to avoid direct conflict with President Donald Trump.

Gavin Newsom

The governor of California and an expected 2028 presidential candidate, who has taken a more combative stance toward Trump.

Matt Mahan

The mayor of San Jose, who has also espoused a back-to-basics message focused on delivering results on issues that matter to everyday residents.

Andy Beshear

The governor of Kentucky and a potential Democratic candidate in 2028, who has indicated he takes a similar view as Lurie and Mahan, aiming to bring people together rather than engage in the same tactics as Trump.

Mara

A Democratic delegate who attended the state party convention and praised Lurie's speech, saying it was "great to hear the progress that's been happening in the city."

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What they’re saying

“Here is what I want every Democrat in this room to hear: When we govern well and focus on the things that make people's lives better, we win. Not just at the ballot box — at the kitchen table, in the conversations our neighbors are having about whether or not Democrats care about their everyday lives. San Francisco can be the proof point this country desperately needs right now — a city that works.”

— Daniel Lurie, Mayor of San Francisco (San Francisco Chronicle)

“If somebody is looking for a Democratic version of Trump, that's not me. My goal is to bring people together. My goal is to heal the country. And you can't do that if you're engaged in the same tactics that he is. And if that's what the American people are looking for, I'm not their guy.”

— Andy Beshear, Governor of Kentucky (CNN)

“We definitely need to make models of effective government and make our cities and states run for the better of all of our communities. But it is also beneficial to have people out there who are pushing the envelope and making sure that what is happening, what progress is being made, is actually being communicated out to the people who need to hear it.”

— Mara, Democratic delegate (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.