Former SF Mayor Appointed Bloomberg Ally to Seat in Job Bid

Sources say London Breed hoped to land a job through Michael Bloomberg's connections after losing reelection.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Former San Francisco Mayor London Breed appointed a protégé of Michael Bloomberg to a coveted seat on the city's Board of Supervisors in the hopes of securing a job through the finance titan's connections, according to sources. Breed was reportedly worried about her job prospects after losing her reelection bid and wanted to use the appointment to leverage Bloomberg's network, despite warnings from advisors that it could violate anti-bribery laws.

Why it matters

The allegations raise questions about the ethics of political appointments and the potential for abuse of power. As a former mayor, Breed's actions could be seen as an attempt to leverage her position for personal gain, which could undermine public trust in government.

The details

In the final days of her term, Breed appointed Stephen Sherrill, a little-known associate of Bloomberg, to a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Sources say Breed was desperate to find a job after being booted from office at age 50 and openly told advisors that she felt she needed to appoint Sherrill to secure a gig through Bloomberg's connections. Breed's advisors reportedly warned her that the appointment could run afoul of anti-bribery laws, but she was advised by a lawyer that it was legal.

  • In the final days of her term, Breed appointed Stephen Sherrill to the Board of Supervisors.
  • On December 3, Breed's former campaign advisor, Conor Johnston, was spotted heading to her City Hall office, where he and another advisor reportedly planned to confront her about the appointment.

The players

London Breed

The former mayor of San Francisco who lost her reelection bid and was reportedly desperate to find a job after leaving office.

Stephen Sherrill

A little-known associate of Michael Bloomberg who Breed appointed to a coveted seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.

Michael Bloomberg

The former mayor of New York City and a billionaire who has a friendly relationship with Breed and has funded civic programs in San Francisco through his charity, Bloomberg Philanthropies.

Daniel Lurie

The Levi Strauss heir who defeated Breed in the 2024 mayoral election.

Conor Johnston

Breed's former campaign advisor who reportedly planned to confront her about the Sherrill appointment.

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What they’re saying

“The implication that I would make a decision based on personal employment prospects is not only incorrect, it is offensive and deeply disrespectful to the work I have done and the leadership record I built over many years in public service.”

— London Breed, Former Mayor of San Francisco (The New York Post)

“I don't think there was anything about the process that biased any single candidate.”

— Stephen Sherrill (The New York Post)

What’s next

It is unclear if Breed's actions violated any laws, but the allegations raise ethical concerns that may be further investigated.

The takeaway

This case highlights the potential for abuse of power and the need for greater transparency and accountability in the political appointment process, especially when it involves personal connections and job prospects.