Michael Lai

Michael Lai is a candidate running for the San Francisco Board of Supervisors to represent District 11 in the upcoming general election on November 5, 2024.123 Lai is relatively new to the political scene and the neighborhood, having moved to the Excelsior district in February 2024.2 Despite his recent arrival, he has garnered significant support, partly due to his previous success in the Democratic County Central Committee (DCCC) elections, where he was part of the Democrats for Change slate backed by tech-funded PACs.2

Professionally, Lai is a childcare entrepreneur and the founder of Tinycare, a daycare network that has expanded across the San Francisco Bay Area and Arizona.34 He has a background in education and community organizing, having been involved in various initiatives such as organizing Lunar calendar events for Asian Americans and serving on the board of Wu Yee Children’s Services.4 His campaign focuses on issues such as improving education systems, enhancing public safety, supporting housing for all income levels, and revitalizing small businesses.3

Lai's campaign is supported by influential figures such as Nancy Tung, the new chair of the DCCC, and other local leaders, although some critics point to his short residency in the district as a potential disadvantage.23