See how they run: There’s a high chance J.R. Eppler is coming to a doorstep near you

On a typical Sunday afternoon in Potrero Hill, the very picture of San Francisco’s unique blend of historic charm and modern vibrancy, supervisorial candidate J.R. Eppler canvasses his affluent neighborhood. A messenger bag loaded with flyers is slung over his shoulder, a familiar sight to residents. As he approaches a stately Victorian-style home, a resident calls out, mistaking him for a rival candidate, showcasing the intimate, yet sometimes confusing, familiarity of local politics. This direct engagement is a hallmark of Eppler's campaign, as the lawyer and community leader has personally knocked on over a thousand doors, with his campaign team reaching an additional two thousand, collectively contacting an estimated 10 percent of District 10's 30,751 households.

A Decade of Dedicated Service

J.R. Eppler, a polished and fit professional, embodies the spirit of dedicated community involvement that often underpins effective local leadership. His journey to San Francisco began at the tender age of 12, when a visit sparked a lifelong appreciation and love for the city. After pursuing higher education at Stanford University and then earning his law degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, Eppler made the definitive move to San Francisco in 2007. He initially settled in SoMa, taking a position at a law firm where he specialized in business and corporate law, a practice he maintains today.

His commitment to District 10 deepened significantly when he relocated to Potrero Hill in 2010. It was shortly after this move that a simple poster for the Potrero Hill Democratic Club, taped to a lamppost, caught his eye and ignited his passion for local civic engagement. This serendipitous encounter led him to become deeply involved with various community groups, laying the groundwork for over a decade of hands-on service. Friends and residents, witnessing his unwavering dedication, began to encourage him to run for supervisor, leading to serious campaign discussions by early 2025.

Eppler's extensive volunteer work includes leadership roles with the Potrero Boosters Neighborhood Association and the Potrero Dogpatch Merchants Association. His efforts have yielded tangible results, such as successfully negotiating with the University of California, San Francisco, to secure a substantial $5 million for the vital remodel of Esprit Park in Dogpatch. He also championed improvements like the critical stair connection linking the waterfront to the Potrero Hill Recreation Center along 22nd Street. Further demonstrating his long-term commitment, Eppler served as Secretary of the Friends of the Dogpatch Community Hub from 2017 to 2025 and is an active member of the Potrero Gateway Park Steering Committee.

The Shifting Landscape of District 10

District 10, a vibrant and diverse area encompassing neighborhoods from the historic Bayview-Hunters Point to the burgeoning Dogpatch and the established Potrero Hill, is undergoing significant demographic shifts. Since supervisorial district elections were reinstated in 2001, the district has consistently been represented by a Black supervisor. However, census redistricting data reveals a changing electorate: in 2000, Black residents constituted 28% of the district's voters, a figure that had decreased to 20% by 2020. Concurrently, Asian voters now represent 42%, Latino voters 15%, and White voters 21%.

This evolving demographic backdrop frames the current supervisorial race, where Eppler stands as the only white front-running candidate. He faces two formidable rivals: Theo Ellington, widely considered the frontrunner, a Bayview native and the Executive Director of the Ruth Williams Bayview Opera House; and DJ Brookter, a Bayview-based nonprofit director who has received the endorsement of termed-out Supervisor Shamann Walton. The race is essentially a three-way contest to determine who will succeed Supervisor Walton, highlighting the critical importance of local representation in shaping the future of San Francisco.

Campaign Finance and Strategy

The intensity of the District 10 race is further underscored by unprecedented campaign finance activity. Days before Eppler's door-knocking efforts in Potrero Hill, he and DJ Brookter announced a joint "anti-billionaire" ranked-choice strategy. This alliance was formed in direct response to a pro-Ellington Political Action Committee (PAC) receiving an astounding $500,000, followed by an additional $40,000, from cryptocurrency billionaire Chris Larsen. These contributions represent the largest donations ever made in a San Francisco supervisor race, raising questions about the influence of large external funding in local elections.

Despite the significant external funding impacting his rival, Eppler's campaign has demonstrated strong grassroots support. As of October 22, his campaign had raised $181,777 through a combination of public financing and direct contributions, with nearly $59,000 coming from individual donors. While the "anti-billionaire" strategy and the mega-donations were not explicitly discussed during Eppler's Sunday canvassing, he subtly referenced his commitment to community-driven service. He emphasized to voters that he is "a volunteer from the community, not paid to be there and not representing a large interest," reinforcing his image as an authentic local voice.

Connecting with the Community

Eppler's door-to-door approach is more than just a campaign tactic; it's a testament to his belief in direct engagement and personal connection. "People are happy when they see you showing up," he observes, a sentiment echoed by residents like the one who, despite confessing to being hungover, stayed to engage in a meaningful conversation, remarking, "It is nice to see a candidate." This personal touch is vital in a city as diverse as San Francisco, where understanding the unique needs of each neighborhood requires genuine, face-to-face interaction.

His dedication extends beyond the more affluent areas of Potrero Hill and Dogpatch, where income levels and voter turnout are typically highest. Eppler asserts he is no stranger to the district's lowest-income neighborhoods. During the city's contentious 2022 redistricting process, which saw District 10 lose some affluent Mission Bay residents, Eppler actively reached out to residents in Bayview and Visitacion Valley. He worked with a coalition of residents from these areas to advocate for maintaining the district's continuity, demonstrating his commitment to ensuring all voices within District 10 are heard and represented.

When asked by a resident why they should vote for him instead of Ellington, Eppler's response was grounded in his extensive track record: "I’ve been doing the work for the last decade. I can point to concrete things that we’ve done in the district, that I’ve worked on and gotten done." This focus on demonstrable results and long-term commitment resonates deeply within communities that value stability and genuine investment. His philosophy is clear: "It’s my form of service. It’s the work that I want to do. And I’ll do it in elected office, or I’ll do it as a volunteer. But I think I’d be a lot more effective in elected office." This reflects a profound sense of duty and a desire to serve his neighbors more broadly.

A Vision for a Connected Future

Eppler's vision for District 10 is one of greater connectivity and equitable access to resources across its diverse communities. His efforts to bridge the gap between different neighborhoods, from the bustling waterfront to the quiet hills, speak to a holistic approach to urban development and community building. This commitment to fostering strong, interconnected neighborhoods is a cornerstone of a thriving city, where families can flourish and individuals can find stability and opportunity. The importance of such foundational values, often rooted in strong marriages and intact families, cannot be overstated in building resilient communities.

As the election approaches, the choice before District 10 voters is clear: a leader deeply embedded in the community, with a proven track record of volunteerism and tangible achievements, or candidates representing different facets of the district's political landscape. Eppler's campaign emphasizes that effective leadership comes from genuine engagement and a steadfast commitment to the well-being of all residents. His dedication to ensuring that District 10 gets "the resources we need to be better connected to the rest of the city" is a promise to continue building a stronger, more unified San Francisco.

The outcome of this race will not only determine the next supervisor for District 10 but also reflect the evolving priorities and demographics of one of San Francisco's most dynamic areas. It underscores the enduring power of local elections to shape the daily lives of citizens and the future trajectory of our beloved city. For more information on local governance and how you can participate, visit San Francisco's official website or the Planning Department to learn about ongoing community projects and initiatives.