San Francisco Mayor Breed on Oahu after escaping Maui fires

San Francisco Mayor London Breed was transported from the Hawaiian island of Maui on Wednesday and taken to Honolulu, a person familiar confirmed to POLITICO.

The mayor was on the island as deadly wildfires prompted widespread evacuations and a rush for flights to neighboring islands.

Breed’s office did not immediately respond to questions about her whereabouts. The person familiar with her movements said she was on Maui and now is in Honolulu. They did not say how she got there.

The wind-whipped brushfires devastated the island, with before and after images of Lahaina ricocheting around the internet on Wednesday. At least six people were confirmed dead, according to the Associated Press, which reported that dozens were wounded and nearly 300 injured.

Breed is running for re-election and facing an onslaught of challenges in the city; from homelessness to a drug epiodemic that has intensified since the pandemic. Several challengers have emerged in the race, which will test whether the incumbent can overcome low popularity and growing frustration of her stewardship.