District 8 Candidates Formed Ranked-Choice Alliance
Gary McCoy and Darshini Patel have agreed to urge supporters to rank each other second on their ballots.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Elections
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San Francisco District 8 supervisor candidates Gary McCoy and Darshini Patel have announced a strategic alliance for the upcoming election. By encouraging their respective voters to rank the other candidate second, they aim to boost their chances of surpassing the 50 percent threshold required for victory.
Why it matters
The pact is designed to navigate San Francisco's ranked-choice voting system, where the redistribution of votes from eliminated candidates can determine the final outcome. This strategy represents a concerted effort to consolidate support against rival candidates in a crowded field.
To win, a candidate must secure 50 percent of the total vote share. The alliance relies on the mechanics of ranked-choice voting, where votes are redistributed to next-ranked candidates once lower-performing contenders are eliminated.
The players
Gary McCoy
He is a candidate for District 8 supervisor and a former aide to Nancy Pelosi.
Darshini Patel
She is a District 8 supervisor candidate who previously worked in the tech industry and on presidential campaigns.
Manny Yekutiel
He is a candidate for the District 8 supervisor seat and the owner of a local political cafe and event space.
Michael Nguyen
He is a candidate for the District 8 supervisor position.
The details
Gary McCoy, a former aide to Nancy Pelosi, and Darshini Patel, a former tech worker, have positioned themselves against competitors Manny Yekutiel and Michael Nguyen. The duo shares policy alignment against the use of Flock license plate reader cameras and in favor of upzoning for taller buildings, contrasting with Yekutiel's support for market-rate housing and police surveillance.
Timeline
Gary McCoy announced the alliance in a statement on Friday.
Political Context
This move highlights the limitations of traditional campaigning under San Francisco's ranked-choice voting system, which often encourages coalition-building. Opponents may argue that such alliances artificially consolidate power and limit the range of choices presented to voters.
Voters in District 8 will now see a coordinated effort to influence their ballot selections, potentially impacting the final supervisor who manages local policy. Residents should be aware that their second-choice rankings now carry added strategic weight in determining the district's representative.
The takeaway
Ranked-choice systems often reward candidates who can successfully build cross-support through tactical partnerships. Voters should carefully research the platforms of all candidates to ensure their ranked choices align with their personal policy priorities.
Further reading
For more on the local race, visit the Elections page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mission Local.
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Do you support candidates forming voting alliances to influence ranked-choice election outcomes in your area?
