Engardio Overwhelmingly Recalled by Sunset District Voters

SAN FRANCISCO (Sept. 17, 2025) - San Francisco Supervisor Joel Engardio was removed from office after 64.65% of District 4 voters approved his recall in early returns Wednesday night, citing backlash over his role in closing the Great Highway to cars and creating Sunset Dunes park.

Nut Graf The special recall election, triggered by residents who felt betrayed by Engardio’s support for Proposition K last year, underscores deep divisions in the Sunset District over urban land use and transportation policy. The decisive outcome highlights local frustration with perceived “decisions about us without us” and sets the stage for Mayor Daniel Lurie to appoint a successor.

Key Details

• Recall results: 64.65% “Yes” votes to 35.35% “No,” based on approximately 30% turnout of 50,000 registered voters in D4.
• Concession: Engardio accepted the results, stating his tenure “will be shorter than expected” but hailed Sunset Dunes as a success for community and environment.
• Recall origin: Residents launched the effort after Engardio joined four supervisors to place a permanent vehicle ban on the Upper Great Highway, approved citywide in 2024 but rejected by 64% of his own district.

Impact and Next Steps Mayor Lurie will appoint an interim supervisor to serve until a June 2026 special election, following the certification of results in the coming weeks. Engardio’s ouster is the first successful recall of a supervisor in city history and amplifies tensions over housing upzoning and “war on cars” debates ahead of fall Board of Supervisors votes. The recall also signals to other elected officials the potency of grassroots mobilization on local land-use issues.