San Francisco Supervisor Jackie Fielder Takes Medical Leave for Mental Health | KQED

Jen Snyder, a progressive political strategist with Red Bridge Strategies, said District 9 voters are likely to reject the moderate supervisor if Fielder resigns and Lurie has a chance to fill his seat.

“District 9 is progressive. And there is an army of volunteers and neighbors who will ensure that it will continue to work regardless of what Jackie chooses to do,” said Snyder. “I’m sure a big part of Jackie’s leave will be considering what’s best for her district, which she cares deeply about. But just a reminder that it wasn’t just Jackie who won. It was her unapologetically progressive platform that won the overwhelming majority of votes.”

Former Supervisor Aaron Peskin said he hoped Fielder would get the help and support he needed, and ultimately he chose to stay.

“But I respect all the decisions he made. And I have every confidence that the progressive voters of District 9 will eventually, because it has been for several decades, will vote for a progressive supervisor no matter who the mayor has to appoint,” said Peskin.

Over the weekend, remarks poured in from community groups and political leaders across the city.

“The indigenous community sends you prayers as you heal. We hope you return to work soon to lead and protect our families in our community,” read a statement from the American Indian Cultural Center.

“We stand unequivocally with Supervisor Fielder and offer her our full support. We hold her in our hearts and surround her with strength, care and deep respect, and we call on the community to do the same,” said the Latino Task Force in a statement. “We encourage him to prioritize his health and not feel pressured to make decisions about his role during an acute health crisis.”

Fielder’s colleagues on the Board of Supervisors also wish him well over the weekend.

“Supervisor Fielder has been a strong leader on civil rights, immigration and for working people, and I appreciate the opportunity to work with him and learn from his leadership on those issues,” Supervisor Bilal Mahmood said in a statement. “Whatever path he chooses, I know he will continue to be a fierce advocate for the community.”

Supervisor Connie Chan, a progressive board member who is also running to represent San Francisco in Congress, said in a statement, “We will support Supervisor Fielder and his team during this time to make the best decisions for the health of Supervisor Fielder and the people he represents.”

“It’s a tough world, in terms of the political world, and it’s intense, it’s spirited, and there’s everything, but at the end of the day, there’s a real human being behind this decision,” Supervisor Danny Sauter told KQED on Monday. “Supervisor Fielder is a good person who cares about his community, and I want him to take time to heal.”

Fielder’s staff said they will continue to meet with constituents during his medical leave.

“In regards to his personal health, we respectfully ask the press to give him the privacy and space he needs to heal, and not report unfounded rumors,” Fielder’s aides said in a statement. “We urge everyone to treat this situation with the same respect and sensitivity as if he were recovering from any other medical emergency.”