San Francisco voters have approved a ballot measure to guarantee tenants facing eviction a right to counsel. San Francisco becomes the first city in California to create a universal right to counsel for tenants. This was the nation’s first ballot measure on the issue.  

“This will stop more evictions in San Francisco than any measure since the City passed rent control,” said Dean Preston, the author and official proponent of the measure. “It will help thousands of San Franciscans stay in their homes and prevent homelessness.”

Prop F was powered by neighbors and activists ready to turn the tide on the displacement crisis. An outside-the-establishment campaign from the start, Prop. F gathered over 20,000 signatures (double the number required) to qualify the measure, hit over 60,000 doors and tens of thousands of phones, and raised campaign funds from over 500 donors. The campaign inspired hundreds of new volunteers and earned endorsements across the political spectrum.

The SF chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America played a prominent role in the campaign. DSA leader Jen Snyder was the Proposition F Campaign Manager. “I’m so proud of DSA SF for playing such an indispensable role in winning this measure,” said Snyder. DSA teamed up with the SF Tenants Union to lead the successful campaign, overcoming opposition from the landlord and realtors associations, the SF Chronicle, and the SF Republican Party. Other key supporters included the Housing Rights Committee of San Francisco, Causa Justa :: Just Cause, the Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club, California Nurses Association, United Educators of San Francisco.

Final votes are still being tallied. Currently, the measure is leading by a decisive margin of 56 % - 44%.