Jackie Fielder’s Return After a Three-Month Absence
Jackie Fielder, a San Francisco Board of Supervisors member and part of the Democratic Socialists of America, shared an emotional video on Instagram explaining her absence from work for the last three months.
Fielder, 31, mentioned she will be back at work on Monday. “I left the work I love, not by choice, but because my mental health required it,” she said, adding, “And I say that with no shame.”
Though, one might think a first-term lawmaker taking a three-month break might, well, raise some eyebrows.
In March, Fielder reportedly admitted herself to a hospital. Initially, she told Mission Local that she was considering resigning, but her aides later clarified that she needed time to recover and would be on medical leave.
There are two main interpretations of her absence:
- She faced a mental health crisis severe enough to keep her from working for months.
- Or, she may have simply taken a long vacation disguised as a medical leave.
Regardless, her time away has raised questions about her fitness for office. After all, being present is pretty much the least one expects.
It’s reminiscent of another DSA member, Kat Abughazaleh, who attributed her absence from a candidate forum to narcolepsy, saying she slept through alarms and even her campaign manager knocking on her door.
In the video, Fielder, appearing visibly emotional, reflected, “This leave—and my whole adult life—has been a journey focused on mental health.” She expressed gratitude for her supporters, wiping away tears as she spoke.
She also connected her experiences to broader issues: “At the end, I’m just a human being—a renter and a working-class candidate. I had been going nonstop since early 2023, campaigning, which, as a grassroots candidate, requires a lot of effort.”
If Fielder aimed to stand as a positive figure for the working class, it’s doubtful she succeeded. Many in physical labor, who face real medical challenges, would no doubt appreciate a paid leave, yet they often can’t take it.
Moreover, her claim of being part of the working class seems a bit tenuous, given her lack of work over these months.
A recall website reportedly emerged in mid-June, accusing Fielder of participation in a cryptocurrency scheme while asserting she abandoned her district during an investigation. It was claimed that her absence has cost taxpayers over $40,000.
Fielder concluded her video with a message of hope: “I hope this shows anyone thinking about seeking help or considering a medical leave that it’s possible to come back and heal.”
She’s certainly bold in trying to frame her three-month absence as a testament to advocating for mental health. It leaves one wondering, though, about the broader implications of her leave.
