CADC Statement on the Certification of the Petition to Recall Supervisor Joel Engardio
On May 29, 2025, the San Francisco Department of Elections officially certified that the petition to recall District 4 Supervisor Joel Engardio has met the necessary threshold of valid signatures. A total of 10,523 valid signers—exceeding the required 9,911—have made it clear: District 4 residents are ready for change.
As a result, a special municipal recall election will be held on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.
The Chinese American Democratic Club stands with the grassroots community members, families, and neighbors who worked tirelessly to make this possible. This movement was not led by paid operatives or outside interests, but by longtime residents who felt unheard, dismissed, and excluded by Supervisor Engardio’s actions and policies.
District 4 deserves leadership that listens, builds bridges, and serves all of its constituents—including immigrant families, Chinese American seniors, and working-class communities. The recall is a critical step toward restoring accountable, community-centered governance.
We encourage all District 4 voters to mark their calendars for September 16 and to make their voices heard in this pivotal election.
The future of our district is in our hands.
CADC Press Release: Overwhelming Validity Confirms Sunset District’s Recall of Joel Engardio Is a Movement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 23, 2025
Contact:
Selena Chu: 1st Vice President
Julia Quon: Communication Chair
[email protected]
Chinese American Democratic Club (CADC)
CADC Statement Regarding the Petition to Recall Supervisor Joel Engardio
The Chinese American Democratic Club (CADC) applauds the San Francisco Department of Elections' confirmation that the petition to recall Supervisor Joel Engardio has achieved a 99.3% validity rate in its 5% sample. This exceptionally high rate of accuracy reflects the diligence and grassroots strength of the campaign. Based on the sample, the Department estimates the campaign has reached approximately 106% of the required threshold for qualification.
While the automatic qualification threshold of 110% was narrowly missed due to a single duplicate signature in the sample, we are confident that the final manual count will confirm what we already know: the people of District 4 want their voices heard.
This recall effort is the result of thousands of conversations, community meetings, and neighbor-to-neighbor outreach. It is powered not by political consultants or corporate backers, but by working families, elders, and residents who feel unheard by their current representation.
Supervisor Engardio has consistently dismissed public input, made critical decisions behind closed doors, and accepted massive contributions from tech billionaires — all while ignoring the everyday needs of Sunset residents. We believe accountability matters. This validation result only strengthens our resolve.
We look forward to the Department’s final certification. In the meantime, we thank every volunteer and resident who made this moment possible.
Our voices matter. Our district matters. And we will continue to fight for leadership that respects and reflects our community.
— Chinese American Democratic Club (CADC)
Why do CADC and I support the Recall of Engardio?
This statement reflects CADC's position on the matter and outlines our commitment to transparency, accountability, and the values that have guided our club for decades.
As a third generation activist in this historic club, I deeply respect the commitment of our elders, who built the first and oldest Democratic club advocating for Chinese Americans and Chinese immigrants in this country. I’m proud of CADC’s legacy—not just in its history, but in how it’s stayed true to its values.
CADC has always stood for independence and accountability. We were the first Democratic club to support the school board recall, to oppose Prop K, and to hold elected officials accountable when they betray public trust. Our decision to join the recall of Supervisor Joel Engardio isn’t just about Prop K itself. It’s about something more serious: honesty and integrity.
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Serving as the first female president of the Chinese American Democratic Club in the 21st century, it’s my honor to speak to you today.
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At the December 8th Membership meeting, the attending members voted to renew expiring Board members (Michael Chan, Eddie Chin, Ron Lee, Jonathan Louie, Linda Quan, Victor Seeto, Sandy Su, Adlai Jew) to new three year terms as well as adding on two new Board members.
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