Our Candidate Endorsement Process

Every election cycle, GrowSF conducts a structured candidate endorsement process to determine which candidates appear, and receive an endorsement, in our Voter Guide.

Our Process

Below is an overview of our endorsement process.

1. Candidate Questionnaire

Each election cycle, GrowSF develops a comprehensive questionnaire designed to understand:

• A candidate’s personal motivation for running for office
• Their relevant professional, civic, and lived experience
• Their policy positions on the most important issues facing San Francisco

The questionnaire includes both structured policy questions and open-ended prompts that allow candidates to explain their approach, and ensures voters get the information they need to make an informed vote.

Eligibility and distribution details include:

• We proactively distribute the questionnaire to all candidates who have completed their official filing paperwork, including filing with both the San Francisco Department of Elections and the Department of Ethics. All candidates who have completed their paperwork are eligible to seek a GrowSF endorsement.
• Questionnaire distribution timing varies by election cycle. Where possible, we publicly announce when questionnaires are being sent, so that candidates who have not yet filed, but wish to seek our endorsement, can do so.
• Candidates are typically given two weeks to complete the questionnaire. Extensions may be granted under extenuating circumstances.

2. Independent Research & Due Diligence

We also conduct independent research on candidates to better understand their public record, and ensure consistency between their stated positions and past actions. This may include:

• Review of public statements, social media activity, and interviews
• Examination of voting records, public meeting participation, or prior service
• Other publicly available information relevant to a candidate’s fitness for office

3. Interviews & Follow-Up

When appropriate, we conduct additional vetting through:

• In-person meetings
• Phone or video interviews
• Follow-up questions or clarifications

These conversations allow us to better understand candidates’ thinking, temperament, and readiness to serve.

What we’re looking for

We seek to endorse candidates who demonstrate the following:

• GrowSF policy alignment: candidates whose policy views align with GrowSF’s values, and who have shown a track record of consistency in those views
• Relevant experience: candidates who have professional and civic experience that is relevant to the position and prepares them to execute effectively in the position
• Integrity and ethics: candidates who hold high moral and ethical standards, and will steward the position with integrity
• Clarity and intellectual honesty: candidates who have the ability and desire to communicate their views clearly, directly, and with intellectual honesty, so voters know what to expect
• Public service motivation: candidates who demonstrate a genuine commitment to public service and are not running out of ego, desire for personal power, or self-interest

FAQs

Do you endorse candidates in every race on the ballot?

No. Endorsements are made only when a candidate meets our standards. We typically endorse in all local, and some select state races. We don’t typically endorse in federal races.

Do you ever endorse more than one candidate in a race?

Yes. In rare cases, we may issue multiple endorsements if we believe more than one candidate meets our criteria or would serve the public equally well.

Can incumbents seek a GrowSF endorsement?

Yes. Incumbents are eligible to seek GrowSF’s endorsement and are evaluated using the same process and criteria as challengers, with additional consideration for their track record while in office.

Is completing the questionnaire required to receive an endorsement?

Yes. Completion of the GrowSF questionnaire is required for endorsement consideration. The questionnaire is a critical part of how we evaluate candidates’ values, experience, and policy positions.

What if I miss the questionnaire deadline?

Candidates are typically given two weeks to complete the questionnaire. Extensions may be granted, but are not guaranteed. If you became a candidate after we made an endorsement, we encourage you to submit the questionnaire anyway. Hundreds of thousands of San Francisco voters use the GrowSF voter guide, and we want them to have access to information about all candidates in the race.

Does GrowSF share questionnaire responses publicly?

Yes. All questionnaires are available to the public, in full, on our Voter Guide.

Does seeking an endorsement guarantee one?

No. Seeking a GrowSF endorsement does not guarantee that an endorsement will be made.

How are final endorsement decisions made?

Endorsement decisions are made by GrowSF staff and advisors after thoroughly reviewing questionnaire responses, independent research, and, in some cases, interviews or follow-up conversations.

Questions?

If you have questions about GrowSF’s endorsement process, please reach out at contact@growsf.org.