2007 San Francisco mayoral election

Many ongoing and emerging issues might have influenced this election, including:

• Newsom's popularity – Newsom's approval rating has remained high throughout his first term.
• Same-sex marriage – Newsom's 2004 directive permitting the issuance of marriage licenses to same-sex couples played a key role in garnering wide approval from the largely liberal city.
• Potholes, infrastructure, deferred maintenance, and the mayor's plans to improve Muni.
• Keeping the San Francisco 49ers football team within city limits, as the team has threatened to move to a more spacious suburban stadium in Santa Clara County. The move would create a situation similar to that of the New York Jets and New York Giants, who both play at the MetLife Stadium.
• The city's high homicide rate might also hurt Newsom during the campaign. A national survey gives San Francisco low marks for public safety.[2] Indeed, San Francisco ranked well below both Los Angeles and New York City.
• Homelessness and transportation issues from previous years remain relevant. Public perception of the mayor's "Care, Not Cash" program (which reduces welfare payments in favor of long-term subsidized housing) will likely inform the debate.
• On February 1, 2007, Newsom admitted to having an affair with his campaign manager's wife, who was working in City Hall. Newsom later apologized about the scandal.[3]

Municipal elections in California are officially non-partisan, though most candidates in San Francisco do receive funding and support from various political parties.

• Act Locally SF; Official Campaign Website for Gavin Newsom
• Race for Mayor 2007
• Cast of characters livens up the field