A blue wave has washed over the U.S. despite aggressive intimidation tactics used to stifle voters, particularly people of color. Hundreds of supporters and a coalition led by Bay Resistance  and SEIU 1021  gathered in San Francisco’s Civic Center on Saturday, Nov. 7 to celebrate with song and dance. It was a time to rejoice but also remind incoming lawmakers that the work has just begun. They must deliver on their campaign promises and focus on priorities voters made clear, including protecting our immigrant communities from violent kidnappings.

“We must commit to hold our elected officials across the country accountable so that they deliver on the promises they have made to the American people,” said Theresa Rutherford, President of SEIU 1021. “Unfortunately, this election has also shown us the influence of corporate interests and billionaire backers who have defeated important propositions on this ballot, so we still have an uphill battle here at home.”

San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan said, “We have to hold the people that we elected, hold their feet to fire to make sure they deliver medicaid for all, we have to make sure they abolish ICE, and that people across the country have a living wage.”

While there are major wins across the U.S., here at home the midterm election has also revealed just how tight of a grip billionaires and corporate interests have over California and the Bay Area. That was made abundantly clear with the defeat of propositions that were intended to help strengthen housing, healthcare, and public services. So the fight is far from over in San Francisco. 

There was major local news coverage including an article by KQED that quoted Jennifer Esteen, vice president of organizing at SEIU 1021, calling out San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie, in particular — earning cheers from Saturday’s crowd saying: “Daniel, do right!” 

Here is more news coverage below: 

• KTVU
• KRON 
• KPIX
• Telemundo 
• KNTV