Who was the influential African American politician elected mayor of San Francisco in the 1980s?

Willie Brown was a significant figure in California politics and served as the mayor of San Francisco from 1996 to 2004, though he was a prominent political figure in the 1980s as well. As an influential African American politician, Brown played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of San Francisco and the state of California during his time. He was known for his ability to build coalitions and advocate for issues important to diverse communities, significantly impacting various policies, including housing and economic development.

Kamala Harris has been prominent in politics but became mayor after Brown's tenure. Barack Obama and Harold Washington, while important figures in their own right, were not elected mayors of San Francisco, thus making Willie Brown the correct choice for this question. His election as mayor symbolized a significant achievement for African American representation in a major U.S. city.