Dylan Hirsch-Shell was born in Los Angeles, California. Hirsch-Shell's career experience includes working as an engineer. He earned a bachelor's degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2003 and a Ph.D. from the University of California, Los Angeles in 2011.[1]
The ranked-choice voting election was won by Daniel Lurie in round 14 . The results of Round are displayed below. To see the results of other rounds, use the dropdown menu above to select a round and the table will update.
Dylan Hirsch-Shell completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Hirsch-Shell's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
I'm Dylan Hirsch-Shell, and I'm running for Mayor of San Francisco because I believe our city deserves a leader who will tackle our toughest challenges with bold solutions, not empty promises. I have two undergraduate degrees from MIT, a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from UCLA, and I spent over 12 years as a software engineer at Tesla, where I led global teams and managed multi-billion dollar projects. This experience has equipped me with the analytical skills and leadership experience needed to address the complex issues facing our city.
I have deep roots in San Francisco, with family history in the city dating back to 1870. I'm passionate about social justice, environmental sustainability, and creating a city where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. I believe in the power of innovation, collaboration, and a compassionate approach to governance.
I'm a problem solver, not a politician. I'll use my experience in science, technology, and business to find innovative solutions to San Francisco's challenges with homelessness, addiction, and crime.
I believe in a San Francisco that works for everyone. My policies, such as Universal Basic Income and Universal Social Housing, will create a more equitable and just city.
I'm committed to building a more sustainable future for San Francisco. I'll prioritize clean energy, efficient transportation, and responsible environmental stewardship.
I'm passionate about addressing the root causes of poverty and inequality, creating a more sustainable and resilient city, and empowering individuals and communities to thrive. This includes:
Economic Justice: Implementing a Universal Basic Income to ensure a basic standard of living for everyone
Affordable Housing: Building Universal Social Housing to provide truly affordable homes for all
Homelessness: Ending chronic homelessness through the systematic Built for Zero method
Drug Policy: Addressing the opioid crisis with Switzerland's Four Pillars strategy, balancing harm reduction, treatment, prevention, and law enforcement
Climate Action: Transitioning to 100% renewable energy and building a more sustainable city
I look up to individuals who have dedicated their lives to making the world a better place, often in the face of great adversity. People like Nelson Mandela, who fought for justice and equality in South Africa, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who championed civil rights in the United States, inspire me with their courage, their compassion, and their unwavering commitment to creating a more just and equitable world.
I would recommend the book "Utopia for Realists: How We Can Build the Ideal World" by Rutger Bregman. This book challenges conventional thinking about social and economic policy and makes a compelling case for progressive ideas like a Universal Basic Income, a shorter workweek, and open borders. Bregman argues that these seemingly radical ideas are not only feasible but also essential for creating a more just, equitable, and prosperous society. His book reflects my own belief in the power of bold ideas and my commitment to finding solutions that benefit everyone, not just the privileged few.
The most important characteristics for an elected official are integrity, competence, and a commitment to serving the public good. They should be honest, ethical, and transparent in their actions. They should possess the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to effectively address the challenges facing their constituents. And they should always prioritize the needs of the people they represent over personal gain or political ambition.
I believe my background as a scientist and engineer, combined with my passion for social justice and my deep commitment to San Francisco, makes me uniquely qualified to serve as Mayor. Here are some of the qualities I would bring to this role:
Analytical and Data-Driven Approach: My training in computational neuroscience and my years of experience at Tesla have instilled in me a rigorous, data-driven approach to problem-solving. I'm not afraid to dig into the details, identify root causes, and make decisions based on evidence, not ideology.
Collaborative Leadership Style: I believe in the power of bringing people together to find solutions. I'm a strong communicator and consensus-builder, and I'm committed to working collaboratively with the Board of Supervisors, community organizations, businesses, and residents to achieve our shared goals.
Focus on Innovation and Results: I'm constantly looking for ways to improve systems and achieve better outcomes. I'm not afraid to challenge the status quo, experiment with new ideas, and hold myself and others accountable for results.
Unwavering Integrity and Commitment to Public Service: I'm running for Mayor because I genuinely care about the future of San Francisco and the well-being of all its residents. I believe in ethical and transparent governance, and I will always put the needs of the people first.
I'm confident that these qualities, combined with my passion and determination, will enable me to be an effective and impactful leader for San Francisco.
The core responsibilities of the Mayor of San Francisco are to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents, to promote economic opportunity and prosperity, to create a more sustainable and resilient city, and to provide effective and accountable government. This includes addressing issues like homelessness, addiction, crime, housing affordability, climate change, and ensuring that city services are delivered efficiently and equitably.
I would like to be remembered as a Mayor who made a real difference in the lives of San Franciscans. I hope that my work will help to create a city that is more just, equitable, sustainable, and prosperous for everyone. I want to leave a legacy of compassion, innovation, and progress that will benefit generations to come.
The first historical event I remember is the Challenger space shuttle disaster in 1986. I was five years old at the time, and I vividly recall watching the launch on television with my kindergarten class. The explosion was a shocking and tragic event that left a lasting impression on me. It instilled in me a sense of awe for the fragility of human endeavors and the importance of pursuing progress with caution and care.
My first job was as a tele-recruiter for the Red Cross when I was 16 years old. I spent my afternoons after school cold-calling people and trying to convince them to come back to donate blood again. It wasn't exactly glamorous, and to be honest, it was a tough job for a shy teenager. But it taught me the importance of perseverance, communication, and connecting with people on a personal level.
I worked at the Red Cross for about six months before landing a more enjoyable job at a local Baskin-Robbins ice cream shop. Looking back, I'm grateful for the lessons I learned at my first job. It instilled in me a strong work ethic, and it showed me the impact that even small acts of service can have on others.
Choosing a single favorite book is a challenge, especially when you love books as much as I do. But if I had to pick one, it would be 'East of Eden' by John Steinbeck. It's a book that has stayed with me for years, and its themes feel especially relevant today as we think about the future of San Francisco and California.
It's an epic story set in California's Salinas Valley, where the landscape itself plays a powerful role, shaping the lives of its characters. The book explores themes of good and evil, family, love, and the challenges of being human, all against the backdrop of California's history.
What really draws me to "East of Eden" is its portrayal of the California dream. Many of the characters are immigrants or migrants, searching for a new life and chasing opportunities. Their stories resonate deeply with me, especially with my own family's history in California. My ancestors arrived in San Francisco in the late 1800s, hoping for a fresh start and working hard to build a future for their families. Reading "East of Eden" reminds me of their courage and determination.
I'm also drawn to the character of Lee, the Chinese-American servant to the Trask family. Lee is a wise and philosophical figure who offers a unique perspective on the story. He challenges traditional ways of thinking and emphasizes the power of individual choice. His character reminds me how important it is to listen to diverse voices and appreciate the complexities of human experience.
Steinbeck's writing is just beautiful. The book has stuck with me long after I finished it, and its themes still resonate with me today. Even now, as we face issues like inequality, environmental challenges, and the search for meaning in our lives, "East of Eden" feels relevant and insightful. It's a powerful reminder that the choices we make shape the future of our communities and our state.
I've struggled with social anxiety and a fear of failure for much of my life. These challenges have sometimes made it difficult for me to put myself out there and pursue my goals. However, I've learned to embrace these struggles as opportunities for growth. By facing my fears and stepping outside of my comfort zone, I've been able to achieve things I never thought possible.
A mayor should be a visionary leader who inspires hope, builds consensus, and unites the community around a shared vision for the future. They should be a problem-solver who listens to the concerns of all residents, makes data-driven decisions, and is accountable for their actions. And they should be a champion for those who are most vulnerable, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive in our city.
In San Francisco, the Board of Supervisors acts as the city's legislative branch, similar to a city council. I believe the ideal relationship between the Mayor and the Board of Supervisors is one of mutual respect, collaboration, and a shared commitment to serving the best interests of all San Franciscans.
While the Mayor is responsible for the day-to-day administration of city government, the Board plays a crucial role in setting policy, approving budgets, and providing oversight. Effective governance requires open communication, a willingness to compromise, and a recognition that we are all working towards the same goal: a thriving and equitable San Francisco.
I am committed to building strong relationships with the Board of Supervisors, engaging in respectful dialogue, and finding common ground to address the challenges facing our city. I believe that by working together, we can achieve far more than we can by working in isolation.
I love San Francisco's history, its diversity, and its spirit of innovation and compassion. It's a city that has always been at the forefront of progress, and I believe it has the potential to be a model for a more just, sustainable, and equitable future.
San Francisco faces a number of serious challenges, including:
The Housing Affordability Crisis: The high cost of housing is driving out long-time residents and making it difficult for working families to make ends meet.
The Homelessness Crisis: The number of individuals experiencing homelessness continues to rise, straining our resources and creating a public health crisis.
The Opioid Crisis: The fentanyl epidemic is devastating our communities, leading to overdoses, crime, and a sense of despair.
Public Safety Concerns: Residents and businesses are increasingly concerned about crime and safety, particularly in certain neighborhoods.
Climate Change: The impacts of climate change, such as sea level rise, extreme weather events, and air pollution, are already being felt in San Francisco.
The ideal relationship between San Francisco and the state government is one of collaboration and partnership. We need to work together to address shared challenges, such as homelessness, affordable housing, and transportation. However, we must also stand up for San Francisco's interests and ensure that our unique needs are met.
The ideal relationship between San Francisco and the federal government is one of mutual respect and cooperation. We need to work together to secure funding for essential services and programs, such as infrastructure, housing, and public health. We should also advocate for federal policies that support our city's goals, such as climate action and immigration reform.
The ideal relationship between the mayor's office and law enforcement is one of trust, accountability, and mutual respect. The mayor should support the police department by providing them with the resources and training they need to do their jobs effectively. The mayor should also hold the police department accountable for its actions and ensure that it is operating in a way that is fair, just, and protects the rights of all residents.
Cornel West
SF Green Party (#2 ranked choice)
Gisèle Huff, President and Founder of the Gerald Huff Fund for Humanity
Home Sharers Democratic Club (#5 ranked choice)
Transparency and accountability are essential for building trust between government and the people. I believe in open and accessible government, where financial records, contracts, and decision-making processes are readily available to the public. I will also prioritize performance-based budgeting, using data to track outcomes and hold city departments accountable for results.
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