The president of San Francisco’s police union has urged Mayor Daniel Lurie to remove progressive City Hall aide Natalie Gee from the list of finalists being considered for the Sunset District supervisor seat. He says her past statements about policing and the union raise serious concerns.
Police Union Pushes Back on Candidate Natalie Gee
Natalie Gee, one of four finalists, previously said in a 2024 political questionnaire that she supported weakening or even dissolving the police union. That comment became the center of criticism in a letter sent Tuesday by Police Officers Association President Louis Wong.
Wong wrote that Gee’s position shows “a desire to silence the collective voice of the rank-and-file officers who keep this city safe.” He added that her stance “should be disqualifying.”
A Complicated Appointment Process for the Mayor
Mayor Daniel Lurie is already facing challenges in filling the role. His first appointee, Beya Alcaraz, resigned just one week after taking office following controversies tied to her former pet store business.
Now, the remaining finalists include:
- Albert Chow – Small business owner
- Ike Kwon – Former executive at the California Academy of Sciences
- Alan Wong – Member of the City College Board of Trustees
- Natalie Gee – Aide to Supervisor Shamann Walton
A fifth finalist, Tiffany Deng, was dropped after reports revealed she had voted only once since 2019 and was a registered Republican until 2022.
Why Wong Objects to Gee’s Past Statements
Wong based his criticism largely on Gee’s responses to a progressive political club’s candidate questionnaire. The survey asked dozens of yes-or-no questions on policing, public safety, immigration, and social issues.
In the survey, Gee supported:
- Police carrying tasers and non-lethal weapons instead of guns
- Ending qualified immunity for police officers
- Overdose prevention centers
- The dissolution of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
- Reparations policies
- Andrew Yang in the 2020 presidential primary
Gee Responds: “I Choose Unity”
In response to Wong’s letter, Gee did not directly discuss her past comments on the union but said she would welcome a meeting with him.
“I have always shown up in good faith with a willingness to collaborate, and I will continue choosing unity,” she said.
Mayor Lurie Emphasizes Public Safety
The mayor has repeatedly said that public safety is his top priority while choosing the next supervisor. At a recent community meeting in the Sunset District, Lurie said he wants more police officers patrolling neighborhood business corridors.
“Public safety is the No. 1 priority for me — and for this district,” Lurie said.
Gee Says Public Safety Would Also Be Her Focus
Despite her progressive positions in the survey, Gee has recently taken a stronger stance on policing. At a town hall on Monday, she said she would work to increase police staffing in the Sunset District.
She shared memories of officers walking neighborhood streets when she was growing up — stopping into shops and getting to know residents. She said restoring that level of community policing would be one of her goals.
“I miss that, and I know a lot of you miss that too,” she told the audience.
Her Work on Public Safety Policies
Gee also pointed to her efforts in Supervisor Walton’s office, including:
- Sending bilingual officers into Visitacion Valley
- Helping create a full “District 10 Public Safety Plan” with law enforcement partners
“I have always been a bridge builder,” she said.
Past Donations Fuel Further Debate
Wong also criticized Gee for donating to progressive law enforcement figures in the past. Records show she donated:
- $200 in 2022 to fight the recall of District Attorney Chesa Boudin
- $150 to John Hamasaki, a vocal police critic who ran to succeed Boudin
Both donations, Wong said, show “problematic views on safety and accountability.”
Gee Plans to Run Regardless of Appointment
Whether or not Mayor Lurie selects her as the interim supervisor, Gee has already announced she will run for the seat in the upcoming election.
Conclusion
The debate over Natalie Gee’s past comments and donations highlights the political divide surrounding policing in San Francisco. As Mayor Lurie prepares to choose the next Sunset District supervisor, public safety remains the main concern — both for city leaders and for residents. Whether or not Gee makes the final cut, the controversy underscores how policing policies continue to shape local politics.
