Alan Wong sworn in as new San Francisco Sunset District Supervisor after recall, resignation turmoil

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — Alan Wong was sworn in Monday as the Sunset District’s newest supervisor, filling a seat left vacant after months of political upheaval.

Surrounded by swaths of community leaders, Mayor Daniel Lurie administered the oath of office outside Lincoln High School – Wong’s alma mater – as students watched from classroom windows upstairs.

The appointment comes after a year of political tumult for the Sunset. Its voters recalled former Supervisor Joel Engardio in September for his support of closing the Great Highway, despite residents’ large opposition.

San Francisco voters approved Proposition K in last year’s November election to shut down a stretch of the highway to make way for a new park.

After the recall, Lurie’s initial pick for the district’s next supervisor quickly backfired. Isabella “Beya Alcaraz” lasted in office just seven days before submitted resignation amid controversy.

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The mayor’s office was first met with skepticism about Alcaraz’s thin resume and qualifications, but questions about how she ran her previously-owned business quickly emerged in the subsequent days.

Alcaraz resigned hours after ABC7 Political Reporter Monica Madden pressed the supervisor about the allegations. Lurie acknowledged the criticism and said Monday hiis office took a “deeper, more deliberative process” this time, including community feedback.

Wong, a San Francisco native, noted to reporters that he personally voted against Prop. K, and pledged to lead by listening.

“I will always hear my constituents before moving forward with major policy decisions. I will meet with everybody, including those that support the closure and those that want to return to the compromise.

Wong is no stranger to city politics. He has been a member of the City College Board of Trustees after first being elected in 2020 and previously worked as a legislative aide for former Sunset Supervisor Gordon Mar. He’s also a longtime member of the California National Guard.

Community leaders at Monday’s ceremony expressed hope that Wong will bring stability.

But challenges await. Wong will face contentious issues from day one, including debates over the Great Highway and new housing proposals.

His first major test comes Tuesday, when the Board of Supervisors votes on the mayor’s zoning plan to make it easier for developers to build housing.

Wong told reporters he plans to vote yes – a stance likely to draw pushback from some Sunset residents.