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Political Missteps & Overeach And Diminishing Trust Further Isolate San Bernardino’s Mayor Tran
By M.R. Wainwright
In the aftermath of the 2024 general election, Helen Tran, Mayor of San Bernardino, finds herself isolated, her influence diminished, and her support base fractured. Her weakened position has left many residents and donors questioning her ability to lead, and her dwindling backing reflects a loss of confidence in her vision for the city. Once hopeful that Tran would bring meaningful progress, San Bernardino residents and city leaders alike have watched her administration falter, marked by missed opportunities, ineffective governance, and a disconnect from the community’s needs.
The election results only underscored Tran’s decreasing relevance. Her isolation became starkly evident with the decisive win of incoming Councilwoman-Elect Treasure Ortiz over former City Attorney Jim Penman, shutting down any hopes Tran may have had for a unified council under her leadership. Ortiz’s victory, alongside Kim Knaus’s election to the council, signaled a desire for fresh perspectives and highlighted Tran’s growing disconnect from a city in need of stronger, more cohesive leadership.
Further compounding her struggles was Tran’s involvement in the failed campaign of Dara Smith for County Assessor, a race marked by the support of out-of-town donors who seemed indifferent to local concerns. Smith’s loss delivered a resounding message that San Bernardino residents prioritize local interests over outside influence. Tran’s endorsement only reinforced perceptions of her as a mayor out-of-touch with the community, aligning herself with donors who did not reflect the city’s values.
The cracks in Tran’s support base have widened, with even her closest advisors beginning to quietly distance themselves. The failed recall efforts against her, disorganized and poorly executed, did more harm than good, highlighting her struggles to gain meaningful support within the city. Despite attempts to rally allies, Tran’s leadership missteps have become common concerns among her peers. With new council members like Knaus and Ortiz set to take office, Tran faces an increasingly isolated role as the council pivots toward San Bernardino’s future without her influence.
City Manager Rochelle Clayton’s recent decision to reach out directly to Councilwoman-Elect Ortiz and incoming Councilmember Knaus for individual discussions on the city’s future only underscores Tran’s diminishing relevance. The initiative, reportedly taken without Tran’s involvement, signals a new direction for San Bernardino—one that prioritizes collaboration and effective governance, distancing itself from Tran’s isolated administration.
Meanwhile, Tran’s standing with residents and donors is rapidly deteriorating, and fundraising records reflect a sharp decline in major contributions. Many large donors, once hopeful about her potential, are now withholding maximum contributions, with only token support remaining. For Tran, this lack of financial commitment paints a troubling picture, as even her backers appear hesitant to invest in her leadership. The growing disillusionment among donors suggests that, in the next election, Tran may find herself squarely in the crosshairs, with residents and funders alike seeking leadership that places the city’s interests first.
Recognizing her inability to deliver, Tran’s close advisors are quietly exploring new paths, seeking opportunities in neighboring cities like Rialto, where effective governance and collaboration seem more promising. Developers and donors, initially optimistic about Tran’s administration, are redirecting their support to campaigns and projects in nearby jurisdictions, viewing San Bernardino’s future under her leadership as incompatible with their goals. For Tran, this shift marks a devastating blow, as those who once supported her look elsewhere for effective leadership.
Tran’s failed association with the chaotic recall attempt only further alienated her allies, driving a wedge between her and remaining supporters. Poorly executed and mismanaged, the recall effort raised questions about her judgment and further damaged her credibility among donors. The failure of the recall not only backfired but also highlighted the disarray within her leadership, casting doubt on her ability to unify her base or rally support for future initiatives.
As the dust settles, it’s evident that Tran’s future as mayor is bleak. Her repeated missteps and fading influence depict a leader rapidly losing her grip on authority. With new council members ready to assume office, Tran finds herself sidelined, facing a political landscape that no longer welcomes her. As San Bernardino moves toward a new chapter under leadership committed to making tangible improvements, Tran is relegated to the role of spectator, watching as others work to achieve the progress she once promised but failed to deliver.
In sum, Helen Tran’s tenure as Mayor of San Bernardino has been marked by missteps, isolation, and now a clear message from the electorate: the city is moving forward—without her. Her term may go down as one of San Bernardino’s most profound missteps—a cautionary tale that a well-intended community leader can also easily become self-centered, becoming the very enemy they once aimed to remove from office.