Jose Morales was born in San Francisco, California. He earned a high school diploma from Archbishop Riordan High School and a bachelor's degree from Sonoma State University in 2018.
His career experience includes working in business.[1]
General election for San Francisco Board of Supervisors District 11
The ranked-choice voting election was won by Chyanne Chen in round 6 . The results of Round are displayed below. To see the results of other rounds, use the dropdown menu above to select a round and the table will update.
Jose Morales completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Morales' responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
I'm Jose Morales, and I was born and raised in the Excelsior district. Growing up here, I've seen firsthand the challenges our community faces, from crime and addiction to the struggles of middle-class families trying to make ends meet. I'm running for supervisor because I believe we deserve a safer neighborhood, more affordable housing, a thriving local economy, and a government that’s accountable and spends wisely. My campaign is all about advocating for practical solutions that prioritize the well-being of our residents and ensure our district remains a vibrant place for everyone.
Community Safety First: My top priority is ensuring the safety of our neighborhoods. This means taking real action against crime and addiction by supporting our law enforcement, investing in community-based solutions, and creating safer streets for everyone.
Affordable Housing and Economic Opportunity: I’m committed to making housing more affordable and supporting local businesses. By reducing red tape and unnecessary regulations, we can create a thriving economy that works for middle-class families, not just big corporations.
Accountability and Responsible Spending: I believe in a government that’s accountable to its people. I will work to reduce wasteful spending and ensure that our tax dollars are invested wisely in services that directly benefit our community, like better public transportation, education, and infrastructure.
I'm passionate about policies that directly impact the daily lives of our residents, particularly in the areas of public safety, housing, and economic development. I believe everyone deserves to feel safe in their homes and on their streets, which is why I'm focused on crime reduction and addiction prevention. Affordable housing is another major priority—it's essential that working families have access to housing that doesn't break the bank. Lastly, I'm dedicated to creating a thriving local economy that supports small businesses and provides opportunities for good-paying jobs. These are the pillars of a strong, vibrant community, and I’m committed to advocating for policies that make these a reality for all of us.
The office of supervisor plays a unique and vital role in bridging the gap between the community and broader city and state government. Supervisors are deeply connected to their districts, making them the most direct representatives of the people’s needs and concerns. This position is crucial for shaping local policies that address specific community issues, from public safety to housing and economic development. Supervisors also have the power to influence city budgets, legislation, and oversight of local services, ensuring that government actions reflect the priorities of the community. This close connection to constituents and hands-on approach to governance make the office essential for creating meaningful and immediate impacts on the lives of residents.
I look up to my parents and grandparents, who have always been my greatest examples of hard work, resilience, and dedication to family and community. They came from humble beginnings, but through sheer determination, they built a life for themselves and their children. They taught me the value of perseverance, the importance of helping others, and the need to stand up for what’s right, even when it’s difficult. Their commitment to providing for our family and their involvement in the community have been constant sources of inspiration for me. I strive to carry those same values in everything I do and to lead with the same integrity and compassion that they have always shown.
I would recommend reading “The Death and Life of Great American Cities” by Jane Jacobs. This book captures the essence of community-driven urban planning and highlights the importance of vibrant, safe, and inclusive neighborhoods—values that are central to my political philosophy. Jacobs emphasizes the power of local communities, the need for diverse and affordable housing, and the importance of keeping our streets safe and lively. Her focus on practical, people-centered solutions over bureaucratic red tape resonates deeply with my vision for our district and my commitment to improving the quality of life for all residents.
Integrity, accountability, and a genuine commitment to serving the community are the most important characteristics for an elected official. Integrity ensures that decisions are made with honesty and a sense of duty to the people rather than personal or political gain. Accountability means being transparent about actions and decisions, listening to constituents, and being willing to admit when mistakes are made. Finally, a true commitment to serving means putting the needs of the community first, being accessible to residents, and always striving to improve the quality of life for everyone in the district. Elected officials should be problem-solvers, collaborators, and advocates for the people they represe
I believe my deep connection to the community, strong work ethic, and commitment to accountability are key qualities that would make me a successful officeholder. Growing up in the Excelsior district, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges our community faces, and I’m dedicated to addressing them head-on. My work experiences have taught me the value of perseverance, teamwork, and creative problem-solving—skills that are crucial in public office. Additionally, I pride myself on being approachable and a good listener, always willing to hear from residents and incorporate their feedback into my decisions. I’m committed to being transparent and accountable, ensuring that my actions reflect the best interests of the people I serve. These qualities drive my passion for public service and my determination to make a positive impact.
The core responsibilities of a supervisor are to advocate for the needs of their district, ensure that city services are delivered effectively, and make informed decisions that reflect the best interests of the community. This includes working closely with residents, businesses, and local organizations to understand their concerns and priorities, and then translating those into actionable policies. It’s also about holding city agencies accountable, ensuring that taxpayer money is spent wisely, and addressing issues like public safety, housing, and economic development head-on. Ultimately, a supervisor should be a bridge between the community and city government, always pushing for solutions that improve the lives of the people they serve.
I would like to leave a legacy of positive change and community empowerment in the Excelsior district. My goal is to be remembered as a leader who truly listened to the people, took action on their concerns, and worked tirelessly to make our neighborhoods safer, more affordable, and vibrant for everyone. I want to leave behind a district where families feel secure, small businesses thrive, and every resident feels valued and heard. Ultimately, I hope my legacy will be one of integrity, accountability, and genuine service—a leader who made a real difference in the lives of those I was elected to represent.
One of the first historical events I remember is the September 11th attacks in 2001. I was very young at the time, around six or seven years old, but I vividly recall the shock and sadness that filled the air. I remember the images on TV and the conversations among adults about what had happened and how it changed everything. Even at that age, I could sense the weight of the moment and the impact it had on our country. It was a defining event that shaped the world we live in today and left a lasting impression on me about the importance of resilience and unity in the face of adversity.
My first job was at the age of 14, working for Stanlee R Gatti Design, an exclusive events company known for putting on elaborate parties, including Kanye West’s proposal to Kim Kardashian at the Giants stadium. I got the job through family connections, as several of my relatives worked there, and a few were managers who helped me get hired. I worked on and off for about a year, which was quite an experience, especially for a kid! Although it wasn’t the most typical job for someone my age, it gave me an early insight into hard work, creativity, and the importance of teamwork in pulling off large-scale events.
One of my favorite books is “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho. It’s a story about pursuing one’s dreams and the journey of self-discovery, which resonates deeply with me. The book’s message about following your passion, overcoming obstacles, and trusting the process, even when the path isn’t clear, mirrors many of my own experiences. It’s a reminder that life’s challenges are often opportunities in disguise, and that persistence, faith, and being true to oneself are key to achieving meaningful success. “The Alchemist” is a timeless tale that inspires me to stay committed to my goals and to always seek the greater purpose in the work I do.
If I could be any fictional character, I’d choose Spider-Man. Beyond the superpowers, what I admire most about Spider-Man is his sense of responsibility and his commitment to helping others, no matter how tough things get. He’s just a regular person trying to make a difference in his community while juggling the everyday challenges of life, which I find relatable. Spider-Man’s resilience, determination, and the way he never gives up on doing the right thing—even when it’s not easy—are qualities I strive to embody in my own life and work.
One of the struggles I’ve faced in my life is balancing my personal and professional responsibilities while staying connected to my community. Growing up in a hardworking family, I was taught the importance of dedication and perseverance, but I’ve also learned that it’s easy to become overwhelmed when juggling multiple commitments. Whether it’s work, family, or community service, finding the right balance has been an ongoing challenge. However, this struggle has also taught me resilience, the value of time management, and the importance of prioritizing what truly matters. It’s driven me to be more disciplined, and more empathetic, and has strengthened my resolve to make meaningful contributions without losing sight of the personal connections that ground me.
One of the lesser-known but significant powers of a supervisor is their ability to influence the city budget. Supervisors play a key role in determining how city funds are allocated, which directly affects the resources available for schools, public safety, parks, housing, and other critical services in the district. Additionally, supervisors have the authority to hold hearings and investigations into city agencies and programs, which can be instrumental in uncovering inefficiencies, waste, or misconduct. This oversight function is crucial for maintaining transparency and accountability within local government, and it's a powerful tool for advocating on behalf of residents to ensure their voices are heard and their needs are met.
While previous experience in government or politics can be helpful, I believe that a deep understanding of the community, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to public service are even more important. Experience can provide insight into the workings of government and the ability to navigate complex bureaucracies, but it’s not the only path to effective leadership. Fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and a genuine connection to the needs of residents are equally valuable. What matters most is having the drive to learn, the willingness to listen, and the courage to advocate for what’s right, regardless of prior political experience. Effective leadership is about putting people first, and that can come from any background.
The most helpful skills for a supervisor include strong communication, problem-solving, and collaboration abilities. Effective communication is crucial for connecting with constituents, listening to their concerns, and clearly conveying ideas and policies. Problem-solving skills are essential for addressing complex community issues, from public safety to housing, requiring practical and creative solutions. Collaboration is also key, as working with other city officials, community leaders, and stakeholders ensures that diverse perspectives are considered and that solutions are comprehensive and effective. Additionally, a solid understanding of budgeting and financial management helps ensure that resources are used wisely and that the community’s needs are met in a fiscally responsible manner.
I strongly believe that financial transparency and government accountability are essential to building trust between elected officials and the community. Taxpayers deserve to know how their money is being spent, and it’s our responsibility as leaders to ensure that every dollar is used effectively and efficiently. I advocate for clear and accessible financial reporting, regular audits, and strict oversight of government programs and spending. Accountability goes hand in hand with transparency—officials must be held responsible for their actions and decisions, and there should be consequences for misuse of public funds or breaches of trust. By prioritizing these principles, we can create a government that truly serves and respects the people.
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