SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE -- “It’s an important symbol of possible division between the progressive faction of the board,” said Jason McDaniel, a Political Science professor at San Francisco State University. “It’s some indication that they may have to scale back some of their priorities if they don’t have a consensus approach within their faction.”
While distinction between San Francisco’s progressives and moderates has grown increasingly blurry over the past few years, the differences generally come down to specific issues: Progressive politicians tend to push for more affordable housing, more restrictions on tech companies and higher taxes. Moderates, on the other hand, tend to be pro-development and more business friendly.
“When you don’t have political parties, like in San Francisco, being able to maintain a coalition is harder,” McDaniel said. “On one hand, that could be a good thing ... but ideology is not a reliable way to keep a coalition together.”