He overcame addiction and homelessness. Now he’ll confront the S.F. drug crisis from City Hall
Candidate Gary McCoy participates in a forum discussion for District 8 Supervisor candidates in Noe Valley, San Francisco, on Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026. Candidates Gary McCoy, Manny Yekutiel, Michael Nguyen, and Darshini Patel covered topics like housing and public safety.
TL;DR
- Gary McCoy won election to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in District 8.
- McCoy has a personal history of overcoming drug addiction and homelessness.
- His life experience is expected to influence his policies on public safety and the drug crisis.
- He has received endorsements from both moderate and progressive political groups.
- McCoy previously worked as a spokesperson for addiction treatment provider HealthRight 360.
- He supports a balance of abstinence-focused services and harm reduction policies.
- McCoy opposes arresting individuals solely for drug use if no other crime is committed.
- He supports supervised consumption sites in principle but believes San Francisco is not ready for them.
- McCoy supports a fully staffed police department but opposes the use of Flock cameras.
- His public safety platform promises an alliance with Mayor Lurie.