City College Board Candidates Filed for Election

Seven candidates competed for seats on the City College of San Francisco board of trustees.

Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Elections

City College Board Candidates Filed for Election

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Should outside political groups spend money to influence your local school board elections?

In November 2026, seven candidates ran for seats on the City College of San Francisco board of trustees as competing political coalitions vied for influence. The race saw intense financial backing from both labor unions and billionaire-funded groups.

Why it matters

The election followed a period of intense instability for the institution, which nearly lost its accreditation in 2024. Candidates sought to navigate ongoing challenges regarding enrollment and the college's fiscal future.

Campaign finance reports show Elijah Ball raised $24,210, Erwin Tam $22,705, and Monroe Lace $16,381. These figures follow the Phoenix Project report of $78 million in network spending on local political efforts since 2020.

The players

Elijah Ball

He is a candidate for the City College board who received endorsements from GrowSF and Abundant SF.

AFT 2121

This is a labor union representing educators that provided endorsements for specific board candidates.

GrowSF

This is a political organization that provides financial and organizational support to local candidates.

Bunny McFadden

She is a candidate for the board of trustees supported by labor unions like SEIU 1021.

Phoenix Project

This organization tracks and reports on the political spending of various local interest networks.

The details

Candidates Bunny McFadden, Leah LaCroix, and Jeremy Lee received endorsements from labor groups including AFT 2121, while Elijah Ball, Erwin Tam, Monroe Lace, and Ruth Ferguson were backed by GrowSF and Abundant SF. The college has faced persistent financial pressure, underscored by the 2026 closure of its Downtown Center.

Political network spending by organizations began in 2020.
City College nearly lost its accreditation in 2024.
A $20 million budget surplus was reported for the 2024-25 school year.
The Downtown Center campus was closed in 2026.

Political Context

The election serves as a direct response to the 2024 City College of San Francisco accreditation crisis. Critics argue that the involvement of billionaire-funded groups creates an artificial political environment that complicates the path to sustainable governance.

The makeup of the board directly influences tuition policies, campus availability, and administrative spending priorities. Residents should expect these election outcomes to dictate whether the college expands its footprint or continues to consolidate facilities like the Downtown Center.

The takeaway

The race highlights a deepening divide over the future of public education in the city. Voters must weigh the influence of outside political money against the immediate need for fiscal stability at the college.