Who is Daniel Lurie? Levi Strauss heir enters SF Mayoral race after condemning 'violent' open-air drug trade
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA: Daniel Lurie, the heir to the Levi Strauss' denim fortune, has officially filed paperwork to run for the position of San Francisco mayor in the upcoming election, setting the stage for a potentially heated race against incumbent Mayor London Breed.
Lurie, a 45-year-old non-profit founder, submitted his candidacy papers to the city's Ethics Commission on Thursday, September 21.
While his formal announcement is expected to be given in an upcoming speech on Tuesday, sources indicate that the Levi Strauss scion has been quietly rallying his supporters and allies, requesting their presence.
(@DanielLurie/Twitter)
In an email sent to close associates and family members, Lurie expressed, "I’m excited to share a new journey I’m embracing that aligns with our shared passion and commitment to San Francisco. While I can’t reveal all the details just yet, I would be grateful if you, your family and friends can join me at this special announcement."
Daniel Lurie's strong critique of open-air drug dealings
One of Lurie's recent condemnation that has garnered significant attention is his critique of the "chaotic and violent" open-air drug markets operating in San Francisco.
His vocal stance on this issue has positioned him as a formidable contender in a city grappling with quality-of-life concerns and crime since the onset of the pandemic.
Notably, Lurie is the founder of the anti-poverty nonprofit 'Tipping Point', showcasing his dedication to making a difference in the lives of San Francisco residents.
His entry into the mayoral race sets the stage for a showdown with Mayor Breed, who has been in office since 2018, following a special election, to fill the position left vacant by the late Mayor Ed Lee.
Breed, a Democrat seeking another four-year term, faces internal party dissent from the ultra-progressive faction, which questions the extent of her reforms.
San Francisco's rising crime, homelessness, and economic challenges
Crime rates in the city have surged in recent months, with robberies increasing by 15.9 percent and carjackings spiking by 10.8 percent from January to September 2023, compared to the previous year, as reported by Daily Mail.
Additionally, San Francisco grapples with a homelessness crisis, with an estimated 40,000 individuals experiencing homelessness on any given night, as reported by a study conducted by Yahoo.
The pandemic, combined with safety concerns, has also taken a toll on San Francisco's economy, resulting in numerous store closures in the downtown area. The number of retailers in the city's Union Square district has plummeted from 203 to 107 since 2019, marking a staggering 47 percent decrease.
Office vacancies have also surged, surpassing pre-pandemic levels by more than five times, leading to a potential annual shortfall of up to $196 million in property taxes, according to CBRE, a commercial real estate services company.
Daniel Lurie's family background
Beyond his philanthropic endeavors, Lurie comes from a prominent San Francisco lineage. His father, Rabbi Brian Lurie, held the position of executive director at the Jewish Community Federation, while his step-father was none other than Peter Haas, the great-grandnephew of denim magnate Levi Strauss, who left his fortune to a select group of relatives upon his death in 1902.
Despite the prestige associated with his family's legacy, Lurie is not new to significant personal investments. In 2021, he acquired a sprawling 1.2-acre mansion in Malibu's coveted Point Dume neighborhood for a reported $15.5 million.