Scott Wiener campaigns to replace Nancy Pelosi as San Francisco’s representative amid intense Democratic primary fight

An open seat draws a crowded field in one of the nation’s safest Democratic districts

California state Sen. Scott Wiener is running to succeed Rep. Nancy Pelosi in representing San Francisco in the U.S. House, positioning himself as an experienced legislator with a record on housing, climate policy and LGBTQ+ rights. Pelosi announced in November 2025 that she would not seek reelection in 2026, creating a rare open contest for the city’s congressional seat after decades of incumbency.

The contest is unfolding as Democrats in the district weigh competing claims of experience, ideology and coalition-building. Alongside Wiener, declared candidates include San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan and former tech executive Saikat Chakrabarti. Each has argued that the next representative must address the city’s high cost of living, while disagreeing on how to measure policy results and political independence.

Endorsement dynamics and the role of party infrastructure

Wiener has been moving toward securing the California Democratic Party’s endorsement, a development that can provide organizational support and signal viability to donors and voters even in a heavily Democratic electorate. Pelosi has not endorsed a successor in the race.

Wiener’s backers describe him as a methodical lawmaker willing to take on contentious issues; critics, including opponents in the primary, argue that his approach reflects establishment politics and that his legislative priorities have not sufficiently centered affordability.

A legislative record defined by high-profile fights and uneven outcomes

Wiener’s candidacy is closely tied to his policy portfolio in Sacramento. He has been a prominent advocate for expanding housing production, including measures intended to encourage apartment development near public transit. He has also pursued corporate climate disclosure requirements, pushing for reporting of direct and indirect greenhouse-gas emissions for large companies doing business in California.

Not all of his initiatives have advanced. Wiener has supported proposals to decriminalize certain psychedelic substances and to create new forms of liability related to climate damages, efforts that have faced significant political headwinds.

• Housing: initiatives aimed at increasing housing supply, including near transit corridors.
• Climate: legislation focused on corporate emissions disclosure and accountability frameworks.
• Civil rights and LGBTQ+ issues: policies that have made him a frequent target of conservative criticism.

Federal court ruling complicates a signature law-enforcement masking bill

A major recent test of Wiener’s approach came from litigation over California’s “No Secret Police Act” (SB 627), which sought to restrict face coverings for certain law-enforcement operations. In February 2026, a federal judge blocked enforcement of provisions aimed at federal agents, while allowing requirements related to visible identification to proceed. The court’s decision left Wiener and state officials weighing legislative revisions to address the ruling’s reasoning.

Foreign policy language becomes a flashpoint

The race has also highlighted intraparty fractures over the Israel-Gaza war. In January 2026, Wiener altered his public language, saying he agreed with describing Israel’s actions in Gaza as “genocide” after initially avoiding the term. The shift drew backlash from some Jewish and pro-Israel groups and underscored the political sensitivity of the issue in Democratic primaries, including in San Francisco.

The contest is shaping up as a test of whether San Francisco Democrats prioritize legislative track record, ideological alignment, or a blend of both in choosing Pelosi’s successor.

With months still to go before ballots are cast, the campaign is expected to center on affordability, governance and how candidates translate San Francisco’s political identity into influence in Washington.