San Francisco, California — Daly City Mayor Juslyn Manalo, the first Filipina American elected in the city, announced her candidacy for San Mateo County supervisor during her commencement speech at the Filipino graduation ceremonies at San Francisco State University, her alma mater.
This marks a historic moment as no Filipino American has served on the Board of Supervisors. Mike Guingona, the first Fil-Am elected in Daly City, came close in 2016 but lost to David Canepa, who currently represents District 5, which includes Daly City, Colma, Brisbane, and parts of South San Francisco and San Bruno. Manalo’s candidacy suggests Canepa will seek another position after his term ends in four years.
Manalo has consistently topped the polls since her first victory in 2017 and is set for reelection in November. She emphasized the importance of representation in her speech, encouraging the Class of 2024 to pursue their dreams.
“It was in this very gym in 2014 that I shared my ambition to run for office,” Manalo reminisced. Two years later, she won a seat on the City Council and became vice mayor.
Public Health graduate Jade Murao, inspired by Manalo’s journey, shared her admiration, stating, “Manalo inspires our community to strive for greater representation and impact.”
Mayor Juslyn Manalo’s commitment to her community, deeply rooted in her family’s immigrant story and her work with the Bayanihan Equity Center, continues to inspire the Fil-Am community.
