At the age of 13, Bayview-Hunters Point native Theo Ellington lost his cousin to gun violence; from that point forward, he committed himself to uplifting his neighborhood. After deciding to work in San Francisco politics, Ellington served various commission posts under San Francisco Mayors Gavin Newsom, Ed Lee, and London Breed. As Community Investment and Infrastructure Commissioner, he helped to create over 1,000 new affordable homes and restore over $50 million in city investments for minority- and women-owned businesses. Later, as the Golden State Warriors' first Director of Public Affairs, he played an important role in bringing the team to the Chase Center. He is now the Executive Director of the Ruth Williams Opera House, as well as policy director at the law firm Brownstein. He lives with his wife and children in the Bayview — two blocks away from his childhood home.
In October 2025, Ellington announced his candidacy for District 10 Supervisor in the upcoming 2026 election — and since District 10 includes the Bayview, the seventh grade students of Willie Brown Middle School were eager to speak to him about his life, his mission, and his plans to make their neighborhood better for everyone. We hope you enjoy this interview with a local hero of Bayview-Hunters Point, Theo Ellington!