S2 Episode 15: Gary McCoy as Candidate for Supervisor

Erica and Richie rant on the newly-announced candidacy of controversial activist Gary McCoy for San Francisco District 8 Supervisor/city council in 2026. McCoy has a checked past and legal actions which render him unqualified for public office. And several well-known politicians strangely are endorsing him. 

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Transcript

Really, San Francisco? Podcast

Season 2 Episode 15

Gary McCoy's Supervisor Race Entry

Richie and Erica discussed the surprising entry of Gary McCoy into the District 8 Supervisor race, expressing anger and disbelief at his candidacy. They explored McCoy's background, including his previous work for political figures like Nancy Pelosi and London Breed, and discussed the dynamics of endorsement in political races. The conversation touched on the importance of representation in the Castro district and the potential implications of McCoy's candidacy for the 2026 election.

Critical Review of McCoy's Past

Erica and Richie discussed Gary McCoy's background, including his criminal past and involvement with Health Right360 and the Linkage Center. They criticized both McCoy and the facilities he worked with, highlighting issues of mismanagement, ineffective programs, and waste. They also described the Linkage Center as a drug den and open sewer, despite its intended purpose of providing services to drug addicts and homeless people.

Whole Foods Closure Legal Battle

Erica and Richie discussed the public's anger over Whole Foods' closure and the subsequent escalation of crime and blight in the community. They highlighted the creation of a satirical wanted poster by an anonymous activist blaming Gary McCoy for 1,500 deaths, which Erica shared on Twitter. Despite the poster being clearly satirical, Erica received a lawsuit from McCoy for sharing the information, leading to a discussion about the right to free speech and expression.

McCoy's Lawsuit and Political Endorsements

Erica and Richie discussed a lawsuit filed by Gary McCoy, which was later dropped after Harmeet Dillon's office intervened. They expressed disbelief at McCoy's behavior and characterized him as petty and lacking character. The conversation then shifted to McCoy's recent political campaign, noting the surprising endorsements he received, including from Nancy Pelosi and Supervisor Matt Dorsey. They questioned the motivations behind these endorsements and expressed concern about the state of San Francisco politics.

Drug Policy Tensions in San Francisco

Erica and Richie discussed Gary McCoy's controversial views on drug addiction and recovery, including his support for safer supply programs, opposition to incarceration for drug dealers, and advocacy for drug consumption sites. They expressed concern that if McCoy were to become a supervisor, his policies could harm the community and undermine efforts to address the city's drug crisis. The conversation also touched on Mayor Lurie's recent opposition to harm reduction and housing first policies, suggesting potential tensions between different approaches to addressing drug addiction in San Francisco.

Critique of McCoy's Endorsement

Erica and Richie discussed the failure of harm reduction policies and the negative perception they have gained, expressing concern over Matt Dorsey's endorsement of Gary McCoy, a candidate they believe would reverse progress made in addressing drug-related issues in San Francisco. They criticized McCoy's past lies and questioned the judgment of those who endorsed him, including Pelosi. The conversation also touched on the personal impact of a lawsuit filed by McCoy against Erica, which she found hurtful and embarrassing.

District 8 Supervisor Election Analysis

Erica and Richie discussed the upcoming District 8 supervisor election, scheduled for next November. They compared the two prominent candidates, Manny and Gary McCoy, with Manny being seen as more credible and well-respected due to his facilitation of political debates and his cafe being a venue for politicians. Richie and Erica agreed to monitor the race closely, expecting more candidates to enter and potentially drop out, and encouraged McCoy to withdraw to avoid embarrassment. They emphasized the importance of informed voting and encouraged listeners to research candidates thoroughly.