What Is 29th Mayor of San Francisco

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 29th Mayor of San Francisco was Dianne Feinstein, who served from 1978 to 1988 after assuming office following the assassination of Mayor George Moscone. She was the first woman to hold the position and later became a U.S. Senator.

Key Facts

Dianne Feinstein became the 29th mayor of San Francisco on November 27, 1978, after George Moscone's assassination.
She was the first woman to serve as mayor of San Francisco.
Feinstein served from 1978 to 1988, winning re-election in 1979 and 1983.
Her tenure included overseeing the expansion of San Francisco International Airport.
She was instrumental in blocking the construction of a nuclear power plant at Bodega Bay.

Overview

Dianne Feinstein made history as the 29th mayor of San Francisco, ascending to the role during one of the city’s most turbulent periods. Following the tragic assassinations of Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk on November 27, 1978, Feinstein, then President of the Board of Supervisors, became mayor by succession.

Her leadership marked a turning point in San Francisco’s political landscape, combining crisis management with progressive urban policy. As the first woman to lead the city, Feinstein broke gender barriers and laid the foundation for future female leaders in California politics.

Assumed office on November 27, 1978, immediately after the assassinations of Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk, creating a constitutional succession.
Served as the first female mayor of San Francisco, a milestone in the city’s political history and a symbol of progress for women in leadership.
Won a special election in 1979 to serve out the remainder of Moscone’s term, defeating then-Supervisor Quentin Kopp in a runoff.
Re-elected in 1983 with strong public support, reflecting her effective management of city services and fiscal policies.
Left office in January 1988 after choosing not to seek a third full term, paving the way for her successful U.S. Senate campaign later that year.

How It Works

The process by which Dianne Feinstein became mayor illustrates San Francisco’s municipal succession rules and electoral system, particularly during emergencies.

Term: The mayor serves a four-year term, but Feinstein initially assumed office mid-term due to Moscone’s death. She later won two full terms through citywide elections.
Succession protocol dictated that the President of the Board of Supervisors becomes acting mayor upon a vacancy, which allowed Feinstein to take office immediately.
Special election held in 1979 to fill the remainder of Moscone’s term, which Feinstein won with approximately 52% of the vote in a runoff.
First woman elected mayor in her own right after winning re-election in 1983, defeating moderate challenger Mike Nolan.
Implemented balanced budgets during her tenure, maintaining city services despite economic fluctuations in the early 1980s.
Expanded airport infrastructure at SFO, including terminal upgrades and noise abatement policies affecting flight patterns over residential areas.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing Feinstein’s mayoral tenure with other recent mayors highlights her unique role in shaping modern San Francisco.

Mayor	Term Start	Term End	Notable Firsts	Major Policy
Dianne Feinstein	1978	1988	First female mayor	Expanded SFO, opposed Bodega Bay nuclear plant
Art Agnos	1988	1992	First Armenian-American mayor	Led recovery efforts after 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake
Willie Brown	1996	2004	First African American mayor	Revitalized downtown and city finances
Gavin Newsom	2004	2011	First mayor to legalize same-sex marriage	Championed environmental sustainability
London Breed	2018	2024	First African American woman mayor	Addressed homelessness and housing crisis

This table shows how each mayor advanced representation while tackling distinct urban challenges. Feinstein’s era was defined by post-crisis stability and infrastructure development, setting a precedent for future administrations focused on equity and growth.

Why It Matters

Dianne Feinstein’s tenure as the 29th mayor had lasting implications for San Francisco and American politics. Her leadership during a traumatic period demonstrated resilience and helped restore public confidence in city government.

Set a precedent for women in executive office, proving that female leaders could manage large, complex cities effectively and compassionately.
Strengthened San Francisco’s international reputation through diplomatic outreach and urban modernization projects.
Opposed the Bodega Bay nuclear plant proposal, reinforcing the city’s commitment to environmental safety and clean energy.
Improved police-community relations after the Moscone-Milk tragedy by supporting transparency and reform initiatives.
Laid groundwork for future Senate career, using her mayoral profile to win a U.S. Senate seat in 1992, where she served until 2023.
Influenced LGBTQ+ rights advocacy by honoring Harvey Milk’s legacy and supporting inclusive policies in city governance.

Feinstein’s legacy as the 29th mayor continues to influence San Francisco’s political culture, emphasizing resilience, inclusivity, and progressive governance.