San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee died unexpectedly early Tuesday, prompting a wave of condolences and tributes to pour in from former colleagues and politicians.
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Gov. Jerry Brown, Sen. Kamala Harris, Sen. Dianne Feinstein, Rep. Eric Swalwell, Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf and even New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio were just some of the political leaders who chimed in to remember the 43rd mayor of the city by the bay.
In expressing his "deepest condolences" to Lee and his family, Brown on Twitter wrote, "Ed was a true champion for working people and epitomized the California spirit."
Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, who preceded Lee as mayor of San Francisco, also took to Twitter and said the city "lost a selfless leader and dedicated public servant whose intellect, integrity, boundless optimism & contagious love elevated our City."
"I am deeply saddened by the passing of my friend, San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee," Harris wrote on Twitter. "He was a fierce advocate for civil rights and worked tirelessly for workers’ rights and his leadership will be missed. Keeping the mayor’s family in my prayers during this difficult time."
Feinstein, Harris' fellow California senator, issued a statement after learning about Lee's passing, stating, "It's a very sad day for San Francisco and all of us who knew Ed."
"Ed was an excellent mayor of a great but sometimes challenging city," part of Feinstein's statement read. "His equanimity and quiet management style was effective and allowed him to solve problems as they occurred."
Pelosi, who represents San Francisco in Congress, said she was "heartbroken" to learn the news. She called Lee a "dear friend" and "extraordinary leader," and she applauded him for being a leader who prioritized the public and helped the city prosper economically during his time at the helm.
"His passing is not only a tragic official loss for our city but also a profound personal loss for all who were fortunate enough to call him friend," Pelosi said in a statement.
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Schaaf on Twitter offered condolensces to Lee's wife and two daughters and celebrated Lee's legacy.
"Mayor Ed Lee served his community with passion and humility, broke historic barriers, led with a compassionate heart, and was a valued friend and colleague," Schaaf wrote. "He will be missed dearly."
[BAY MC] Life and Times of San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee
Fellow Bay Area Mayor Sam Liccardo, who represents San Jose, also called Lee a "dear friend."
"Ed was a good and incredibly gracious man, at a time when goodness, graciousness, and civility are not sufficiently valued in public life," Liccardo penned on Twitter.
Swalwell also took to Twitter, writing, "Wishing Ed’s family peace as they grieve. We will miss Ed dearly. He was a friend to all and the devoted servant #SanFrancisco needed during such a transformational time."
East Bay Rep. Barbara Lee, also saddened by the loss, said on Twitter that the San Francisco mayor was "an unshakable force for good in SF & the entire Bay Area."
Across the county, de Blasio noted that Lee was "a good friend and a tireless fighter for the people of San Francisco."
