Wiener, Chakrabarti and Chan Battle for Pelosi's 40-Year San Francisco House Seat
Updated
Updated · The American Prospect · May 11
Wiener, Chakrabarti and Chan Battle for Pelosi's 40-Year San Francisco House Seat
8 articles · Updated · The American Prospect · May 11
Three leading Democrats are framing Nancy Pelosi’s open California 11th District race as a fight over how San Francisco should remake the party after nearly 40 years of Pelosi representation.
Scott Wiener is running on a results-driven record of more than 100 state laws, pairing pro-housing politics with anti-Big Tech and consumer-protection measures while defending himself against attacks over billionaire-linked outside money.
Saikat Chakrabarti is pitching a bottom-up progressive overhaul, backed by a $5 million campaign that is about 93% self-funded and powered by a large volunteer operation focused on economic transformation, war powers and AI.
Connie Chan is betting labor support, Asian American voters and hyper-local credibility can overcome weaker fundraising; she points to a $400 million reserve fund and endorsements from major unions as proof she can advance to November.
With 11 candidates on the ballot and a top-two primary, the June vote is unlikely to settle the contest, leaving San Francisco as an early test of Democrats’ competing answers on money, delivery and working-class politics.
How will San Francisco’s next leader balance tech innovation with public accountability?
Can a self-funded tech millionaire successfully challenge the political establishment he critiques?
As AI reshapes the economy, how should its massive wealth be distributed to the public?
Who Will Succeed Nancy Pelosi? The Costly, Divisive, and Pivotal 2026 Race for California’s 11th District
Overview
As the June 2026 primary nears, the race for California’s 11th Congressional District is heating up following Nancy Pelosi’s retirement after nearly forty years. This has made the usually safe Democratic seat unusually competitive, with a crowded field of eight Democrats, two Republicans, and one independent. The top two candidates, regardless of party, will advance to November’s general election. Recent polling shows State Senator Scott Wiener with a narrow lead, but the outcome remains uncertain. The high stakes and diverse candidate pool are reshaping San Francisco politics, making this a pivotal and closely watched contest.