Peskin's team takes over Engardio recall amid internal disputes

Vin Budhai, the public face of the campaign to recall Supervisor Joel Engardio, has abruptly resigned just days before the May 22nd signature deadline, citing internal disagreements over campaign tactics. Close allies of Aaron Peskin have reportedly taken over the campaign.

The Facts

Vin Budhai, a key organizer of the recall campaign against San Francisco Supervisor Joel Engardio, resigned just days before the May 22 deadline to submit the 10,000 signatures required to qualify for the ballot. Citing "creative and strategic differences" regarding the use of paid signature gatherers, Budhai handed over the reins to longtime Aaron Peskin ally and staffer Jamie Hughes. Other Peskin staffers, Otto Pippenger and Forrest Cameron, also have key roles in the recall.

The Context

The recall effort against Supervisor Joel Engardio stems from his support of Proposition K, which converted a 2-mile stretch of the Great Highway into Sunset Dunes Park. Proposition K passed citywide with over 54% support but faced local opposition in the Sunset and Richmond districts.

The park opened on April 12, 2025 and, despite worries about worsening traffic, an investigation by the Standard found that a typical commute actually happened a few minutes faster than normal, though some drivers measured an extra five to ten minutes.

The recall campaign has until May 22, 2025 to turn in at least 10,000 valid signatures to qualify for the ballot. After turning in the signatures, the Department of Elections will take a random sample of the signatures to verify that they are valid. If the sample indicates they have at least 110% of the required signatures, the recall will qualify for the ballot. If it's between 90% and 110%, the Department of Elections will check every signature. If it's below 90%, the recall will not qualify.

The GrowSF Take

The replacement of Budhai with Peskin's team indicates two things to us: 1) The recall is likely to qualify and 2) Peskin wants to take credit for it. Even out of office, Aaron Peskin is still a powerful force in San Francisco politics.