San Francisco's elected Public Defender, Manohar Raju, has no opponent on the Nov. 3 ballot. The Department of Elections lists him as the only candidate for the office. He filed on Jan. 16, 2026, and qualified on July 30.
What the office does
The Public Defender's office represents people charged with crimes who cannot afford a private lawyer. San Francisco is one of the few places in California where voters elect the public defender rather than having the county appoint one. The office also often speaks out on police conduct, including when it released body camera video of an SFPD arrest.
The money
San Francisco Ethics Commission data for the contest shows Raju's campaign has raised $25,742 and spent $16,722.20. Many of his top donors gave $500 each. The commission shows no third-party spending supporting or opposing him.
What it means for your ballot
With one qualified candidate, Raju is expected to win another four-year term. You may still mark him, write in someone else, or skip the race. The Assessor-Recorder race is also uncontested; see our explainer.
How to vote
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Polls and vote centers close at 8 p.m., and mailed ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and arrive within seven days. You can check your registration and ballot status at sos.ca.gov/elections. California lets you register and vote the same day at a vote center.