Gavin Newsom, Mayor, San Francisco

As Mayor, Newsom has focused on development projects in Hunters Point and Treasure Island. He signed the Health Choices Plan in 2007 to provide San Francisco residents with universal healthcare. Under Newsom, San Francisco joined the Kyoto Protocol. In 2004, Newsom gained national attention when he directed the San Francisco city-county clerk to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. In August 2004, the California Supreme Court annulled the marriages that Newsom had authorized, as they conflicted with state law at that time. Still, Newsom's unexpected move brought national attention to the issues of gay marriage and gay rights, solidifying political support for Newsom in San Francisco and in the gay community, and causing several other states to change their laws concerning marriage and gay rights.
 
Political History

• Re-elected as Mayor of the City and County of San Francisco with over 73% of the vote, Nov. 6, 2007
• Sworn in as the 42nd Mayor of the City and County of San Francisco, Jan. 8, 2004
• Elected Mayor of the City and County of San Francisco, Dec. 9, 2003.
• Member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, 1996-2004
• Elected three times to the Board of Supervisors, 1998, 2000, 2002
• Appointed to the Parking and Traffic Commission and elected President of the Commission, 1996

Links
Mayor's Office Public Safety Blog

Draft (Under Review)