London Breed concedes San Francisco mayoral race to Levi's heir Daniel Lurie

SAN FRANCISCO — San Francisco Mayor London Breed on Thursday conceded the race to Levi Strauss heir and nonprofit founder Daniel Lurie, who heavily outspent Breed and blamed her for the city's problems with homelessness and drug overdoses.

"Today, I called Daniel Lurie and congratulated him on his victory in this election," Breed said in a statement Thursday afternoon conceding the race. "I want to thank all of the city staff who have worked tirelessly to improve this city for the last six years."

Lurie, a first-time candidate and moderate Democrat, is far ahead of Mayor London Breed in the ranked-choice election and is also edging out rivals Mark Farrell, a former interim mayor, and Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin, the only progressive in the race.

With 143,000 votes left to count, Peskin said Thursday he wasn't ready to concede.

Breed tried to survive a crowded field of challengers by emphasizing her work to clean up homeless camps and spur the construction of new housing. But Lurie drowned her and Farrell in negative ads. He and his immediate relatives poured about $10 million into the race.

Lurie attacked Breed over the city's challenges, such as its epidemic of fentanyl addiction, widespread homelessness and brazen smash-and-grab thefts. He also touted his record as a nonprofit leader and City Hall outsider, arguing San Francisco needs a change agent to end a flurry of local corruption scandals.

"I'm deeply grateful to ... every San Franciscan who voted for accountability, service and change," Lurie said in a statement. The mayor-elect is scheduled to deliver a speech in downtown San Francisco tomorrow morning.