What Is 27th Mayor of San Francisco

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 27th mayor of San Francisco was Dianne Feinstein, who served from November 27, 1978, to January 8, 1988. She assumed office following the assassination of Mayor George Moscone and became the city's first female mayor.

Key Facts

Dianne Feinstein became mayor on November 27, 1978, after George Moscone's assassination
She was the first woman to serve as mayor of San Francisco
Feinstein served nearly 10 years, from 1978 to 1988
She won re-election in 1979 and 1983 with strong voter support
Feinstein later became a U.S. Senator, serving from 1992 until her death in 2023

Overview

The 27th mayor of San Francisco, Dianne Feinstein, assumed office during one of the city’s most turbulent periods. Her tenure began abruptly following the tragic assassinations of Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk on November 27, 1978, making her the first woman to lead the city.

Feinstein’s rise to the mayoralty marked a pivotal moment in San Francisco’s political history, combining crisis leadership with progressive governance. As acting mayor, she restored stability and confidence in city government while championing public safety, fiscal responsibility, and LGBTQ+ rights.

Dianne Feinstein became mayor on November 27, 1978, immediately after the assassinations of Moscone and Milk, serving as a stabilizing force during a citywide crisis
She was the first woman to hold the office of mayor in San Francisco’s history, breaking gender barriers in a male-dominated political landscape
Feinstein initially served as president of the Board of Supervisors before ascending to mayor, giving her immediate legitimacy under the city charter
Her leadership emphasized public safety and transparency, helping rebuild trust in government institutions after the traumatic events of 1978
She won a special election in 1979 and was re-elected in 1983, demonstrating strong and sustained public approval throughout her tenure

How It Works

The process by which Dianne Feinstein became mayor illustrates how succession works in San Francisco’s city government, particularly during emergencies. The city charter outlines a clear line of succession, ensuring continuity when the mayor is incapacitated or removed.

Term: Dianne Feinstein served as mayor from November 27, 1978, to January 8, 1988. Her nearly 10-year tenure included completing Moscone’s term and two full elected terms of her own.
Under the San Francisco City Charter, the president of the Board of Supervisors automatically becomes acting mayor if the office becomes vacant due to death or resignation
Feinstein was president of the Board at the time of Moscone’s death, making her the constitutional successor without need for immediate special elections
She won a special election in 1979 to serve the remainder of Moscone’s term, defeating several challengers with over 50% of the vote
In 1983, she won re-election with 80% of the vote, reflecting broad cross-constituency support from business leaders, moderates, and progressive voters
She chose not to run for re-election in 1987, instead launching a successful campaign for the U.S. Senate, where she served from 1992 onward
Her mayoral administration was marked by fiscal discipline, including balanced budgets during economic downturns and infrastructure investments

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares Feinstein’s mayoral tenure with those of her immediate predecessor and successor:

Mayor	Term Start	Term End	Length of Service	Notable Events
George Moscone	January 8, 1976	November 27, 1978	2 years, 10 months	Appointed Harvey Milk; assassinated in office
Dianne Feinstein	November 27, 1978	January 8, 1988	9 years, 1.5 months	First female mayor; oversaw economic recovery
Art Agnos	January 8, 1988	January 8, 1992	4 years	Led response to 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake
Frank Jordan	January 8, 1992	January 8, 1996	4 years	Implemented "Quality of Life" campaigns
Willie Brown	January 8, 1996	January 8, 2004	8 years	First African American mayor; revitalized downtown

This comparison highlights Feinstein’s unusually long tenure and the pivotal role she played in transitioning the city from crisis to stability. Her leadership set a precedent for strong executive governance and inclusive policymaking, influencing mayors who followed.

Why It Matters

Dianne Feinstein’s mayoralty had lasting implications for San Francisco and American politics. Her rise from tragedy to leadership demonstrated resilience and helped normalize women in executive roles at a time when few held such offices nationwide.

Feinstein’s election as mayor paved the way for greater female political participation in California and beyond, inspiring future generations of women leaders
She maintained strong police-community relations while supporting LGBTQ+ rights, balancing traditionally opposing constituencies
Her administration invested in urban renewal projects, including downtown revitalization and public transportation improvements
Feinstein opposed needle exchange programs early on but later evolved her stance, reflecting broader shifts in public health policy
She laid the groundwork for San Francisco’s emergence as a tech and financial hub by supporting business development and infrastructure
Her transition from mayor to U.S. Senator underscored the national significance of local leadership roles in shaping federal policy

Ultimately, Dianne Feinstein’s tenure as the 27th mayor of San Francisco was transformative, combining crisis management with long-term vision and setting a benchmark for effective urban governance.