SF supervisor Fielder to return to City Hall after mental health leave

June 24, 2026 - 00:22

San Francisco Supervisor Jackie Fielder is set to return to her duties at City Hall next week, following a three-month leave of absence taken to address her mental health. Fielder announced her departure from the board in late 2024, citing the need to focus on her well-being after a period of intense public service and personal challenges.

In a statement released ahead of her return, Fielder said, "I'm coming clear-eyed and grounded." She expressed gratitude for the support she received from colleagues, staff, and constituents during her time away. The supervisor emphasized that her leave was a necessary step to prioritize her health and that she feels ready to resume her work representing District 9, which includes the Mission District, Bernal Heights, and parts of Potrero Hill.

Fielder's absence was covered by temporary arrangements within the Board of Supervisors, with other members stepping in to handle her committee assignments and legislative duties. Her return is expected to bring renewed focus to key issues she has championed, including affordable housing, tenant protections, and public safety reforms. Colleagues have welcomed her back, noting the importance of destigmatizing mental health struggles among public officials. Fielder's leave was one of the more high-profile instances of an elected leader openly stepping away for mental health reasons, sparking broader conversations about burnout and self-care in politics. She is scheduled to resume her full schedule on Monday.