San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee Statement of Accountability and Apology Regarding the District 8 Endorsement Process from Chair Nancy Tung

​In 2024, the San Francisco Democratic Party set out with a clear, urgent purpose: to build a responsive, survivor-centered policy framework for victims of sexual misconduct. This followed an intense public discussion of how the Party should respond to allegations of sexual misconduct, resulting in the decision for the Party to take the lead to make our political spaces safe, accountable, and transparent.

We engaged in an extensive process involving key community organizations, club leaders, advocates, and party members, incorporating direct feedback from survivors. With hope and commitment, we officially launched a first-of-its-kind Code of Conduct and Policies for Sexual Assault and Harassment in December 2024.

This policy faced its first major test during the recent District 8 Supervisor endorsement process, and regrettably, our framework broke down and did not protect survivors. Manny Yekutiel has now stepped down from his campaign for Supervisor due to allegations of sexual misconduct, and the survivors who came forward deserve support for what they have endured from Yekutiel and this failed policy.

Most importantly, this policy failed the first survivor to come forward, Brad Chapin, who took the courageous and painful step not only to file a formal complaint, but to stand up and speak directly before our committee during the District 8 endorsement hearing. What has become clear is that attempting to rely on strict jurisdictional boundaries hindered, rather than helped, our ability to evaluate candidates on their fitness for office, public leadership, and survivor safety. 

​I publicly and sincerely apologize to Mr. Chapin for how our process treated his complaint and for an endorsement decision that caused him further harm. As Party Chair, I also apologize for how this endorsement hurt Ryan Clark, his partner, and others.

Many dedicated individuals contributed to crafting and implementing our policy. However, intentions do not erase impact. I have called for a Special Meeting on October 11, 2026, to reconsider the Party’s endorsement in District 8. I have personally endorsed Gary McCoy and will be advocating for the Party to endorse his candidacy. At the same meeting, we will begin the work of reexamining and improving our Code of Conduct and Policies for Sexual Assault and Harassment. I ask all meeting participants to help us outline the next steps required to revise our policy to protect survivors in the future.