SF Supervisor Jackie Fielder on Leave Due to Mental Health Condition

Her staff will take over district responsibilities while she focuses on recovery.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 5:10am by Ben Kaplan

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San Francisco Supervisor Jackie Fielder has taken a leave of absence to focus on her mental health, her office announced. Fielder represents the Bernal Heights, Portola, and Mission neighborhoods, which have faced challenges with open drug use and homelessness. Her staff will continue to serve constituents and advocate for the district while she is away.

Why it matters

Supervisor Fielder's mental health leave highlights the intense demands and pressures that come with public office, especially in districts facing complex social issues. Her absence raises questions about how the district will be represented and whether her recovery timeline will impact upcoming legislative decisions.

The details

Fielder's office said she is taking time to 'regain stable health' and 'thoughtfully and responsibly consider her options' after rumors of a potential resignation. Documents show Fielder has been absent from several Board of Supervisors meetings in recent weeks. There is no set timeline for her return, as medical leaves can last up to 3 months according to City Hall insider Phil Matier.

  • Fielder has been absent from the March 17 and March 24 Board of Supervisors meetings.
  • Fielder's office requested excusals for a Board of Supervisors meeting and a committee meeting two weeks ago.

The players

Jackie Fielder

San Francisco Supervisor representing the Bernal Heights, Portola, and Mission neighborhoods.

Susana Rojas

Executive Director of Calle 24, a community organization in the Mission District.

Phil Matier

ABC7 Eyewitness News insider and City Hall reporter.

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What they’re saying

“All we want right now is for her to take the time to heal and to get the support that she needs.”

— Susana Rojas, Executive Director, Calle 24

“Especially if it's a medical situation. In the past, supervisors have taken up to 3 months in dealing with medical situations. It's sort of a sensitive area.”

— Phil Matier, ABC7 Eyewitness News Insider

What’s next

The Clerk of the Board of Supervisors has not received an official letter requesting a medical leave of absence, so the timeline and process for Fielder's return remain unclear.

The takeaway

Supervisor Fielder's mental health leave underscores the immense challenges and pressures that come with public office, especially in districts facing complex social issues. Her absence raises questions about how the district will be represented and whether her recovery timeline will impact upcoming legislative decisions.