From SFgate.com…
After a bitter, monthslong campaign, District Attorney Chesa Boudin has been recalled by San Francisco voters. As of 11 p.m. Tuesday night, “yes” on the recall is leading “no” 60% to 40%
The results, though disappointing for supporters, were hardly a surprise to those who have been following the race carefully. In the months leading up to the election, polls consistently showed Boudin’s ouster was likely, and that generally, San Franciscans are concerned about crime and public safety.
The question of “what happens now” can be answered three different ways: procedurally (when will a new DA take office?), politically (what does the recall mean for the local and national political landscapes?) and practically (will removing Boudin actually improve San Francisco’s crime rates?).
The procedural answer is the most straightforward. Boudin must vacate the office no later than 10 days after the Board of Supervisors certifies the election results, likely sometime in late June or early July. At that point, a successor chosen by Mayor London Breed will assume office. There will be no special election for the office; San Francisco voters would next weigh in during the regularly scheduled election on Nov. 7, 2023.
Breed’s choice to replace Boudin is harder to predict, largely because of Proposition C, a ballot measure seeking to change the recall process itself. Prop. C. failed, with “no” leading “yes” 60% to 40% as of late Tuesday night. It’s a margin very similar to the Boudin recall.
One major provision of Prop. C would have prevented anyone appointed by the mayor to replace a recalled official from running for the position in the next election. The fate of the proposition has a significant effect on the mayor’s list of possible replacements, according to an official familiar with discussions but not authorized to speak publicly.
