NEWS

Candidates in Jinshan held a rally to call on voters to vote. Hundreds of people shouted, -Beard guy, it will be great!-

During a recent gathering on October 26, San Francisco mayoral candidate and city supervisor Aaron Peskin rallied supporters in the face of a shifting polling landscape. With the crowd chanting in unison, “Beard Guy, for sure!” he urged attendees to prioritize voting and support local measures and candidates. Peskin emphasized the importance of standing up against the attacks funded by wealthy Super PACs, stating, “Together, we will move San Francisco forward.”

The event saw a strong turnout of candidates, including San Francisco’s first Chinese-American supervisor, Connie Chan, third district hopefuls Sharon Lai and Moe Jamil, 11th district candidate Chyanne Chen, and those seeking re-election, such as Dean Preston and Alan Wong, chairman of the city college board.

Connie Chan highlighted the unity present at the gathering, noting that it was vital for the voices of the people, rather than the wealthy elite, to be heard by the city government. “Our residents, especially low-income seniors, are stepping up. They may be dismissed as bought, but they are wise and will turn out, rain or shine, because they believe in Peskin as a representative of all.”

Chan led the crowd in chants, reigniting enthusiasm within the group.

Peskin spoke candidly about the violent clashes among billionaires competing for control of the city, underscoring that democracy is reflected in voting. He is committed to fighting for housing rights and supporting business development in San Francisco.

“I’m campaigning for mayor with a clear stance on expanding rent control. Most of my opponents either stay silent or oppose it. They focus solely on luxury housing, while we’re advocating for affordable homes that everyone can access—especially for teachers, nurses, artists, and musicians. We’re fighting for the soul of our city, prioritizing the economy of all communities and small businesses, not just downtown.”

With recent polling showing him in a tie for first place with a rival, Peskin feels the message of inclusivity and community resonates with voters. “We are building a grassroots movement rooted in the community, while others spend millions on TV ads.”

He also shared a personal connection with Chinatown, reflecting on the emotional moment when he was elected a decade ago to represent the district that includes it. Over the past 25 years, Peskin has worked closely with the Chinatown community, investing in housing, education, and public safety. “I have collaborated with the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association and community organizations, showing my deep commitment to the well-being of Chinatown and the Asian community. I want to be a mayor who does not take the support of the Asian community for granted. There are many stereotypes about Chinatown, suggesting they don’t deserve government attention; I completely disagree.”