Joel Engardio recall election results: Early results show San Francisco supervisor to be recalled

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — San Francisco Supervisor Joel Engardio appears to have been recalled by voters Tuesday night, which stems from his endorsement of Prop K. This controversial ballot measure closed a portion of the Great Highway and replaced it with what’s now called Sunset Dunes Park.

According to early election results published Tuesday night, 64.7% of District 4 voters voted yes to remove Engardio from office, while 35.4% voted against it.

Mayor Daniel Lurie will be appointing a replacement.

This is a breaking news update, the original story is below.

Polling sites in San Francisco’s Sunset District were open Tuesday as residents voted on whether or not to recall Supervisor Joel Engardio.

ABC7 caught up with voter Patrick Coghlan outside a polling location near Sunset Dunes Park.

RELATED: Voters to decide SF Supervisor Joel Engardio’s fate in Tuesday’s recall election

“I’m not a real big supporter of recall elections, but .. we were told .. our constituency that we have here in the Sunset was misrepresented,” Coghlan said. “There’s traffic.”

Those wanting the supervisor to be voted out of office made their last push Tuesday, holding signs as they stood outside businesses on Irving Street.

The recall campaign hinges on Supervisor Engardio’s endorsement of Prop K, the ballot measure that closed a portion of the Great Highway and replaced it with Sunset Dunes park.

Many are upset over the increased traffic it produced.

RELATED: San Francisco’s newest park, Sunset Dunes, attracts thousands on Day 1

“Everything from forcing 20,000 cars a day onto high-injury corridors to taking people long ways, circuitous routes to get about their daily life,” said Richard Corriea, lead organizer for the Recall Engardio campaign. He doesn’t live in District 4 but is a resident of the city and a retired SFPD commander.

According to the Rec and Parks Department, the new park has become one of the most popular since it opened in April.

ABC7 tried to catch up with Supervisor Engardio Tuesday morning, but were told he wasn’t available to media in the morning. ABC7 was told he was knocking on doors, something he’s been doing.

He had this message for voters over the weekend: “For people on the fence. I’m saying, you know, vote no for now because next year I’m up for election anyway. And you can judge me on all the issues against all the candidates.”

If Engardio is recalled, Mayor Daniel Lurie would appoint an interim supervisor until next year’s election.

Some feel he’d appoint somebody who shares his priorities, such as a controversial housing plan that adds housing density on the city’s west side.

Ballots were mailed to District 4 voters and voters can have their ballots postmarked by Tuesday or drop them off at City Hall or one of the 20 polling sites until 8 p.m.